Lots of pet owners want to give their dogs treats that are both tasty and healthy. Homemade dog treats let you control what goes into each snack, so you know they’re safe and nutritious.
You can make them with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Making dog treats at home is actually pretty easy and affordable. You can customize recipes to fit your dog’s tastes or dietary needs, which is a nice bonus.
It’s also a great way to bond with your dog by sharing something you made yourself.
1) Peanut butter and pumpkin biscuits
Peanut butter and pumpkin biscuits are simple and tasty. You only need a handful of ingredients that are safe for most dogs.
Pumpkin gives some extra fiber for digestion, and peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats. Pure pumpkin puree and natural peanut butter (without xylitol) work best.
Add rolled oats or flour for texture and to help everything stick together. Baking these biscuits can be a fun activity with your dog hanging out nearby.
Most dogs love the smell and taste, so they’re great as a reward or just a special snack. They’re crunchy but not too hard for most dogs to chew.
If you want more details, check out this 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Oat and Peanut Butter Dog Treats recipe.
2) Chicken and oat savoury bites
Chicken and oat savoury bites are easy to make and gentle on most dogs’ stomachs. They use everyday ingredients like cooked chicken and oats, so you don’t need anything fancy.
Just mix finely chopped or shredded chicken with oats and a splash of water or broth to bind it. Shape the mixture into little bites and bake until they’re firm.
They’re easy to store and make handy rewards during training. Oats add fiber, which supports digestion.
Homemade treats like these let you know exactly what’s inside. For a step-by-step guide, check out this recipe for chicken and oat biscuits.
3) Frozen yoghurt treats with blueberries
Frozen yoghurt treats with blueberries are a cool, simple snack for warm days. You only need plain Greek yoghurt and some fresh or frozen blueberries.
Just blend the yoghurt and blueberries, pour into little moulds or ice cube trays, and freeze. Once frozen, they’re ready to go.
These treats help keep dogs cool and hydrated. Blueberries have antioxidants, and yoghurt brings probiotics for digestion.
If you want to try this, there’s an easy recipe for frozen yoghurt dog treats with blueberries at Pawsome Recipes.
4) Sweet potato chews
Sweet potato chews are healthy and surprisingly easy. You just need sweet potatoes—nothing else.
Slice and bake or dehydrate them, and you’ve got chewy snacks with no added chemicals. Dogs who love to chew seem to really enjoy these.
They can even help keep teeth clean and provide a tasty distraction. Homemade chews like these are usually gentler than many store-bought options.
All you do is peel, slice, and bake or dehydrate the sweet potato until you get the texture you want. Thicker slices stay chewy, while thinner ones turn crispier.
You don’t need special equipment—an oven, air fryer, or dehydrator all work. So you can squeeze treat-making into your routine pretty easily.
Sweet potato chews offer nutritional benefits too, with fiber and vitamins but no extra fats or sugars. For a full guide, check out easy DIY sweet potato dog chews.
5) Sardine and carrot bites
Sardine and carrot bites are simple and full of flavor. Sardines bring a rich taste, while carrots add a little sweetness.
Mash sardines and mix with grated carrot. Add a bit of oat flour or another binder to help the mixture stick together, then bake until firm.
These treats are easy to store and make nice rewards or snacks. Sardines give omega-3 fats, and carrots add fiber.
If your dog has food sensitivities, this mix is usually gentle. It’s wholesome and lets you feel good about what you’re giving your pet.
For more ideas, check out this homemade sardine dog treats with pumpkin page.
6) Banana and peanut butter mash
This treat couldn’t be much easier or quicker. Just mash up a ripe banana and mix in some natural peanut butter—make sure it’s xylitol-free.
Scoop the mash into small portions and serve right away. The soft texture works well for dogs who prefer gentle snacks or have dental issues.
Some folks add a dash of cinnamon or a touch of honey if their dog likes it. But really, the basic two-ingredient combo is usually a hit.
This mash uses natural ingredients and feels like a sweet way to show your dog some love. You can find more ideas in recipes for banana and peanut butter dog treats.
7) Apple and cinnamon biscuits
Apple and cinnamon biscuits are a cozy treat made with healthy ingredients. They usually need just a few things—fresh apple, cinnamon, oats, and flour.
Apples bring natural sweetness that most dogs like. Cinnamon adds a hint of flavor without being too much.
Most recipes take about 30 minutes from start to finish. Once baked, the biscuits turn crunchy, perfect for dogs who love to chew.
For easy versions, look for recipes with four or five ingredients and straightforward steps. Honestly, once you try making them, you might wonder why you ever bought treats at the store.
You can find a good recipe at this apple cinnamon dog treats recipe.
Cheese and parsley cookies are quick and flavorful. Cheese gives richness, and parsley adds a fresh touch.
Parsley isn’t just for taste—it can help freshen your dog’s breath. These cookies are a nice regular treat without worrying about stinky dog breath.
Bake the biscuits until the edges look lightly golden. The crunchy texture is usually a hit.
Since they use common ingredients, you probably don’t need a special shopping trip. If you want a clear recipe, Hearts Of Pets has a straightforward guide for baking cheese and parsley treats at home.
9) Turkey and vegetable mini muffins
Turkey and vegetable mini muffins are a simple, healthy treat most dogs will love. They blend lean turkey with veggies like zucchini for extra fibre and nutrients, but without piling on calories.
This mix makes a wholesome snack for pups who want a little variety. The muffins come together at home with just a handful of ingredients.
Fresh turkey gives them protein, while the veggies keep things moist and add natural goodness. It’s a nice way to use up extra turkey and make something special for your furry buddy.
You definitely don’t need to be a chef for this one. The recipe’s quick and pretty forgiving, so beginners can manage just fine.
Making your own treats means you control what goes in—no weird fillers or additives. If you want more info, check out turkey and zucchini mini muffins as a nutritious snack for your dog.
Carrot and oat cookies are a simple, healthy treat lots of dogs enjoy. Carrots bring a bit of sweetness, and oats add gentle fibre for that satisfying crunch.
This mix makes a snack that feels like a reward, but there’s nothing artificial in sight. The cookies are easy to make at home and only need a few ingredients.
Carrots give vitamins and minerals, while oats help with energy and digestion. Many pet owners like this recipe because it’s wholesome and homemade.
Just remember to give these treats in small amounts, especially for puppies. Their tummies are tiny, so breaking the cookies into little pieces works best.
That way, everyone can enjoy safely and happily. If you’re curious, there’s more about these treats at Carrot and Oat Cookies for Dogs: A Healthy Treat.
Understanding Canine Nutrition
Dogs need certain nutrients to stay healthy and happy. When you make treats at home, pick ingredients that offer good protein, healthy fat, and essential vitamins—without loading on calories.
Some common foods can trigger allergies, so it’s smart to avoid those to keep your pup safe.
Essential Ingredients for Healthy Dog Treats
Healthy dog treats should use lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish. These give important amino acids for muscle repair and energy.
Add veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes for fibre and vitamins, but without extra fat. A touch of healthy fats, like fish oil or olive oil, helps with skin and coat health.
Calcium matters for strong teeth and bones, too. Dairy like plain yoghurt or cheese can be used if your dog isn’t lactose intolerant.
Skip sugar or artificial flavours—those can upset your dog’s stomach or cause other issues.
Common Food Allergens to Avoid
Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to certain foods. Wheat, corn, and soy show up a lot as allergens, and they can cause itching, tummy troubles, or skin problems.
Dairy sometimes causes problems for dogs that can’t handle lactose. And some foods are just plain toxic—chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, and xylitol should never go near your dog’s bowl.
Try new treats slowly and watch for signs of a reaction like scratching, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Sticking with simple, natural ingredients lowers the risk of problems and keeps things safer for your pet.
For more ideas on healthy ingredients and allergens, check out homemade dog treat recipes focused on natural, vet-approved ingredients from the American Kennel Club.
Safe Preparation and Storage Tips
Making dog treats at home can be a fun way to show you care, but safety and freshness really matter. Using clean tools and good habits helps you avoid any nasty surprises.
Storing treats the right way keeps them tasty and ready for your pup.
Hygiene and Food Safety at Home
Keeping things clean in the kitchen is a must. Wash your hands well before handling ingredients to keep germs away.
Clean tools, bowls, and surfaces with hot soapy water before and after use. Choose only safe ingredients—skip anything toxic like onions or chocolate.
Using fresh ingredients helps keep treats healthy. Dogs can have allergies or sensitivities too, so watch what you include.
When baking, cook treats fully to kill bacteria. Let them cool completely on a wire rack so moisture doesn’t build up—nobody wants mouldy treats.
Maintaining Freshness of Homemade Treats
Once you’ve made treats, storing them right keeps the texture and flavour good. Airtight containers or freezer bags work best to keep out moisture and air.
If you’re using the fridge, keep treats between 32°F and 39°F (0-4°C) to slow bacteria. Want treats to last longer? Freeze them flat on trays first, then move to sealed bags or boxes.
If treats stick together, put parchment paper between layers to stop clumping. Check treats regularly for mould or weird smells before giving them to your dog.
More tips on storing homemade dog treats can be found at Pets4Homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making dog treats at home can be simple and pretty fun. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and a lot of recipes are quick to put together.
Whether you’re baking biscuits, whipping up no-bake snacks, or looking for allergy-friendly ideas, there are easy choices for every pup.
What are some simple recipes for healthy homemade dog biscuits?
Try peanut butter and pumpkin mixed with whole wheat or oat flour. Chicken and oat savoury bites are another good one, using cooked chicken and oats for a protein-rich snack.
These treats usually bake until crunchy and keep in the fridge for up to a week.
How can you make no-bake treats that are safe for dogs?
No-bake treats often use simple combos like yoghurt and fruit. Frozen yoghurt treats with blueberries are a hit—just mix plain yoghurt with fresh blueberries and freeze in small molds.
They’re great for hot days and gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Lots of tasty recipes use just three ingredients—think peanut butter, oats, and banana. Sweet potato chews made from mashed sweet potato, oat flour, and water are easy too.
These save time and money, and still taste great.
Are there any quick homemade dog treat recipes that vets recommend?
Vets usually suggest treats with simple, natural ingredients like pumpkin and peanut butter. They’re easy to digest and packed with nutrients.
Chicken and oat bites get a thumbs-up too for balanced protein and fibre. Most of these take less than 30 minutes to make.
What’s a good homemade dog treat recipe for dogs with allergies?
If your dog has allergies, try grain-free ingredients like sweet potato or almond flour. Sardine and carrot bites work too—just mix canned sardines, grated carrot, and an egg to bind.
Always check with your vet before trying new ingredients, just to be safe.
How do you prepare homemade dog treats using peanut butter?
Peanut butter treats usually start with the spread, pumpkin puree, and either whole wheat or oat flour. Mix these together until you get a dough.
Roll the dough out. Cut it into fun shapes, then bake.
Always pick peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol—it’s really dangerous for dogs. Most pups seem to love these chewy treats.
Want more ideas or recipes? Check out DIY Dog Treats: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Snacks for Your Pup.
If you like to keep things simple, try these easy options with just three ingredients: 9 Simple Dog Treats That Only Need 3 Ingredients.
