How to Use Xanthan Gum in Dog Biscuits

Dogs with a sensitivity to wheat should avoid it in all its forms, including wheat flours. When a dog with an intolerance to wheat eats something containing it, his entire body may itch or he may experience diarrhea. The problem with a lot of commercial dog treats is that they contain wheat flours. If you want to avoid the side effects that wheat-based treats can cause an intolerant dog, you can make your own wheat-free dog biscuits at home. Wheat-free flours, however, need a thickening agent. One of the easiest to use is xanthan gum.

Things You'll Need

  • Buckwheat flour
  • Chickpea flour
  • Xanthan gum
  • Sifter
  • Bowls
  • Natural peanut butter
  • Egg
  • Mixer
  • Water
  • Rolling pin
  • Cookie cutters
  • Cookie sheet
  • Oven mitt
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Storage container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position your oven racks so that one is in the center, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Sift, using a hand sifter, 2/3 cup buckwheat flour, 2/3 cup chickpea flour and 1 1/3 teaspoon of xanthan gum powder into a medium-sized bowl. Set the bowl aside. The xanthan gum will act as a thickener for the wheat-free flours. You can purchase it and the flours at a health food store or online.

    • 3

      Place 1/4 cup natural peanut butter and 1 whole egg in a medium mixing bowl. (If you wish for your biscuits to be gluten free as well as wheat free, be certain to choose a natural peanut butter that contains no corn, vegetable or soy oils.) Use a hand mixer on medium speed to mix the peanut butter and egg together until they are completely combined.

    • 4

      Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in thirds. Pour one third of the flour at a time, mixing on medium speed until the addition is thoroughly incorporated before adding the next third.

    • 5

      Add 1 tablespoon of tap water at a time to your dough, mixing between additions. You can use up to 1/4 cup of water, but only use as much as you need to make it a good texture for rolling out.

    • 6

      Sprinkle buckwheat flour on your work surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the dough the same thickness throughout for even cooking.

    • 7

      Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from your dough. You can use any shape you desire. Press straight down, and then turn the cutter slightly to release the shape from the dough.

    • 8

      Place your cutouts on an ungreased cookie sheet. Make sure there is at least 1/4 inch between them since they will expand slightly while cooking.

    • 9

      Place your cookie sheet in the preheated oven and allow to bake for 20 minutes. Use an oven mitt to remove the cookie sheet. Turn the biscuits over with a spatula. Place the cookie sheet back in the oven, reduce the heat to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 40 more minutes.

    • 10

      Remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Allow the biscuits to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. Store your dog biscuits in an airtight container.