Getting your dog to swallow a pill can be more than challenging – it can be impossible! Finding treats to hide pills in effectively is also difficult. We’ve tried pill guns, cheese, liverwurst, peanut butter, and even cream cheese. Dogs are incredibly sneaky when it comes to taking meds. Our dogs have eaten every piece of kibble in their bowls, except the doctored pill. They have also held medication in their mouths, then spit it out. We have seen it all!  

 There are store-bought options specifically for wrapping pills, but they’re pretty expensive. If you have a pup that needs daily medications, buying pre-made pill pockets can really add up. Fortunately, making homemade treats you can hide pills in are super easy and inexpensive. These two recipes are non-cook and include just a few ingredients. 

 Here’s the deal breaker, first make two balls. The first ball has the hidden pill. The second ball is empty. Have one ball in your left hand and the second in your right hand. Show both balls to the dog at the same time. Now, give her the pill ball first while you’re showing her the second ball. The dog typically gobbles down the first ball wanting the second ball right away (they’re that good). From experience, these have worked on our very picky medication-hating dogs. 

Peanut Butter Pockets 

Ingredients 

1/2 cup of milk or water 

1/2 cup of peanut butter (no xylitol) 

1 cup of flour (any kind) 

Instructions 

Combine the ingredients. 

Tear off a small chunk and form around your pet’s medication. 

This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for a week or kept in the freezer for a longer amount of time. 

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Balls 

Ingredients 

1/2 cup of peanut butter (no xylitol) 

1 cup of pumpkin puree (not pie filling) 

3 tablespoons of honey 

2 1/2 cups of rolled oats 

Instructions 

Place parchment paper over a baking sheet. 

In a bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin, honey and rolled oats. 

Tear off chunks and roll into little balls placing on the baking sheet. 

Refrigerate until balls have hardened enough to hold their shape. Can be stored up to 3 weeks in an airtight container and the refrigerator, 3 months if stored in the freezer. 

If you’re still are having problems, ask your vet about liquid flavored compound meds in place of pills.