3 Homemade Natural Pill Pockets for Dogs

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Giving Fido tablet medications is made easy with the help of pill pockets for dogs. Find out what makes these treats super handy for pawrents with medicated dogs and learn how to make them at home.

Why Use Pill Pockets for Dogs?

Using pill pockets saves dog owners and their pets from the stress and mess that often comes with administering capsule medications.

Hiding pills in delicious treats can help mask any of the drug’s off-putting taste. Hence, pill pockets make taking medicine a positive experience for your pooch.

Now you do not need to worry about him repeatedly refusing to take important medications.

3 All-Natural Pill Pockets for Dogs

Instead of buying pill pockets for dogs, give yourself a bit of a challenge by making them at home. Here are 3 recipes you can choose from:

1. Soft Dumpling Pill Pockets for Dogs

Natural soft dog treats are the most ideal pill pockets for dogs. Their pliant texture makes hiding medications quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 5 cups room-temperature water
• 3 cups ice water
• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• ¾ cup distilled warm water
• ½ cup regular rice flour
• 2½ teaspoons beetroot powder
• 1 block of silken soft tofu

Instructions

1. Boil 5 cups of water over medium-high heat in a large pot while preparing the dough for the soft dumpling pill pockets for dogs.
2. In a large bowl, use a spatula to combine the rice flour and silken tofu.
3. Gradually add just enough warm water for the dough to form lumps when mixing.
4. Transfer the lumpy dough onto a flat surface and knead it with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic like a Play-Doh.
5. Add the beetroot powder to the dough. Knead it until the color is well-distributed.
6. Dust your hands with a small amount of rice flour, then roll teaspoon-sized balls out of the dough.
7. Carefully drop the balls into the pot of boiling water. Wait for them to cook for 3 to 5 minutes while gently stirring so they do not stick to the pot.
8. Once the soft dumping pill pockets for dogs rise to the top of the water, use a colander to scoop them out.
9. Place them in a bowl of ice water to completely cool down and stop cooking.
10. Since they are soft, you can easily insert a tablet inside these homemade pill pockets for dogs.

Notes

• The uncooked dough balls can be stacked in a single layer in an airtight container. Place in the freezer for up to a month. You can cook them directly without thawing.
• Store the soft dumpling pill pockets for dogs in a cool and dim area within 24 to 36 hours as refrigeration will make them too tough.

2. No-Bake Dough Pill Pockets for Dogs

Create homemade pill pockets your dog will love that do not involve time-consuming baking or cooking.

Ingredients

• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup oat flour
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup carob chips
• ¼ cup raw honey
• 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions

1. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Using a microwave, heat treat the almond flour and oat flour. Place both ingredients in a microwave-safe container and microwave on high for 30 seconds.
3. Take out and stir the flour, then microwave it again twice. Wait until it cools down to room temperature.
4. In a medium bowl, mix coconut oil and honey.
5. Add the almond-and-oat flour mixture and salt. Combine until a dough is formed.
6. Knead the dough for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes soft and shiny.
7. Fold the carob chips into the dough.
8. Form 1½-inch balls out of the large dough.
9. You can use these homemade pill pockets for dogs immediately or let them chill in the fridge for around 10 to 20 minutes.

Notes

• As much as possible, do not skip heat treating the flour. This process helps get rid of potentially harmful pathogens that may harm your dog’s health.
• The homemade dough pill pockets for dogs can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping them in the fridge will make them last for up to a week.
• Allow the pill pockets to thaw after taking them out of the fridge so it would be easier to stuff the medication inside.

3. Hypoallergenic Pockets for Dogs

If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, these easy-to-use medication pouches are the most suitable choice you can make for him.

Ingredients

• 1½ cup distilled water
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup sliced bananas
• 1 cup sliced peaches
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• ¼ cup unsweetened, sugar-free maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line two baking pans with parchment paper.
3. Soak the chia seeds in a cup of water for 10 to 25 minutes.
4. Once they have expanded, strain out the water.
5. Blend the raspberries, bananas, and peaches in a food processor or blender until smooth.
6. In a large saucepan, carefully pour the fruit puree and chia seeds, then add ½ cup of water.
7. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
8. Turn the heat to low and let the puree cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until the liquid evaporates and the mixture turns thick.
9. Add the maple syrup and stir until it is thoroughly combined with the fruit puree.
10. Pour the puree evenly onto each lined baking sheet to about a ⅛- to ¼-inch thickness.
11. Bake the hypoallergenic pill pockets for dogs for about 6 to 8 hours, leaving the oven door partway open.
12. Once their center is completely dry to the touch, take them out of the oven.
13. Tightly roll the hypoallergenic pill pockets for dogs without the parchment paper.
14. Use a knife to slice them into 1-inch wide and 1-inch length strips.
15. Place your dog’s medication on one end of the pill pocket. Then roll it until the fruit leather strip fully encases the pill.

Notes

• If you have a dehydrator, create these hypoallergenic pill pockets for dogs by dehydrating the fruit puree from 6 to 12 hours at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Only use parchment paper or silicone mats to line the baking tray. Avoid using foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper since the fruit leather will stick to them.
• Make sure to spread out the puree evenly on the baking tray to make sure all parts will be evenly dried out. It also prevents the hypoallergenic pill pockets for dogs from having lumps.
• Do not overdry the hypoallergenic pill pockets for dogs or else they will turn brittle and form cracks. Be sure to check for doneness after 3 hours.
• When storing the fruit leather strips in the fridge, line the inside of their container with a paper towel since it absorbs moisture. This method makes these natural dog treats last up to 3 to 4 weeks.

Some types of food can affect the potency of certain medications. We recommend running the ingredients list of your chosen recipe to the veterinarian to ensure none of them will interact with your dog’s medication.

FAQs About Pill Pockets for Dogs

1. Are Pill Pockets Okay for Dogs?

Pill pockets are okay for dogs, but always check the ingredients list before purchasing commercially made products.

Avoid ones that contain artificial additives and preservatives since they are unhealthy for your dog. On top of that, there is also the possibility of these ingredients causing drug interactions.

By making pill pockets for dogs at home, you have the flexibility of choosing safe and nutritious ingredients. Additionally, any food that may interact with your dog’s medicine can be easily replaced with a safer ingredient.

2. How Do Pill Pockets for Dogs Work?

Pill pockets for dogs work by inserting or rolling a capsule inside. Since they are made to be appealing to dogs, their smell and taste can help hide and reduce the strong scent or off-putting flavor of the drug.

Simply drop the pill pocket on the palm of your hand, extend it toward your dog, and wait for him to gobble it up.

3. What Can I Use Instead of Pill Pockets for Dogs?

You can use appetizing food like fruit jam, peanut butter, or cheese instead of pill pockets for dogs.

However, they are messy to deal with since they can get stuck on your clothes and your dog’s fur. We recommend using them as plan B if you ever run out of pill pockets for dogs.

4. Do Pill Pockets for Dogs Really Work?

Pill pockets for dogs are more likely to work with pets with big appetites. Thus, it is a recommended medicating treat hack if your pooch is highly food-motivated.

For dogs that refuse to take pill pockets, be prepared to administer the medication on its own. To do this, gently pry their mouth open then swiftly put the capsule at the back of their throat.

To safely administer a pill to a pet, use a pill launcher to avoid the risk of getting bitten by not having to reach into their mouth. Massaging the dog’s throat can help them swallow the tablet. However, it’s crucial to select an appropriate pill launcher to prevent the risk of the pill being aspirated into the lungs. Avoid pill launchers that require water as they also pose a risk of aspiration.

Summary

Pill pockets turn pill time for dogs into a less messy and more enjoyable experience. These treats are made to conveniently hide certain medications like tablets and capsules.

When making pill pockets for dogs at home, check the ingredients with the veterinarian’s help as some food can cause drug interactions.

We have more handy dog treat recipes in store for you in our Diet & Recipes section.