How to Make Homemade Dog Treats | Vet-Approved Recipes & Tips
Homemade dog treats are a fantastic way to show your furry friend some love while ensuring they eat wholesome, chemical-free snacks. Whether your pup has allergies, picky tastes, or you just want to avoid store-bought preservatives, this guide covers everything you need to know to create safe, nutritious, and tail-waggingly delicious treats at home.
Why Homemade Dog Treats?
- Control Over Ingredients: Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Allergy-Friendly: Customize recipes for dogs with sensitivities (e.g., grain-free, chicken-free).
- Budget-Friendly: Save money compared to premium store-bought treats.
- Bonding Activity: Baking for your pup strengthens your connection.
Essential Safety Tips
Before you start, keep these rules in mind:
- Avoid Toxic Ingredients: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts are dangerous.
- Portion Control: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Consult Your Vet: Especially if your dog has health conditions or dietary restrictions.
Also read : Pawsitive Vibes Only: How to Introduce a New Pet to Your Furry Family Without the Drama
5 Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Bites 
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 cups whole wheat or oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ingredients into a dough, roll out, and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Best For: Dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Also read : How to Stop your Dog from Barking at Strangers | Effective Training Tips for a Calmer Pup
2. Chicken & Apple Jerky 
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 apple (cored, thinly sliced)
Instructions:
- Dehydrate in a food dehydrator at 165°F for 6-8 hours.
- Store in an airtight container.
Best For: High-protein training treats.
3. Sweet Potato Chews 
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
Instructions:
- Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
- Bake at 250°F for 2-3 hours until chewy.
Best For: Long-lasting chewing satisfaction.
4. Blueberry & Oat Cookies 
Ingredients:
- 1 mashed banana
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Best For: Antioxidant-rich snacks.
5. Salmon & Coconut Balls 
Ingredients:
- 1 can salmon (drained)
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix, form into balls, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Best For: Omega-3 boost for skin and coat.
Storing Homemade Dog Treats
- Refrigerate: Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (thaw before serving).
- Dehydrate: Jerky lasts 2-3 weeks in a cool, dry place.
Final Tips
- Experiment: Adjust recipes based on your dog’s preferences.
- Label Treats: Note ingredients and dates for safety.
- Share the Love: Bake extras for furry friends!
Making homemade dog treats is healthier, cheaper, and fun! Whether you bake or dehydrate, focus on simple, nutrient-packed ingredients. Store treats properly, and always avoid harmful foods. Your pup will thank you with wagging tails and slobbery kisses!
By following these tips, you’ll create healthy, happy memories with your pup—one treat at a time!
FAQs On Homemade Dog Treats
Q.1 Is it better to bake or dehydrate dog treats?
Baking:
Pros: Quick (20-30 minutes), ideal for biscuits, cookies, or soft treats.
Cons: Higher heat may reduce some nutrients.
Dehydrating:
Pros: Preserves nutrients, creates chewy jerky-style treats, no added oil.
Cons: Time-consuming (6-8 hours).
Verdict: Choose baking for crispy treats and dehydrating for meat-based snacks like jerky.
Q.2 How to make your own dog treats at home?
Simple Recipe: Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies
Mix: 1 mashed banana + ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free) + 1.5 cups oat flour.
Roll: Shape into small balls or cut into shapes.
Bake: 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Cool: Let treats harden before serving.
Tip: Customize with pumpkin, blueberries, or shredded chicken!
Q.3 What are the healthiest ingredients for dog treats?
Proteins: Cooked chicken, turkey, salmon (no bones).
Veggies: Pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots (steamed or pureed).
Fruits: Apples (no seeds), blueberries, bananas.
Grains: Oats, brown rice, quinoa (great for digestion).
Supplements: Coconut oil (skin health), flaxseed (omega-3s), turmeric (anti-inflammatory).
Avoid: Chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol, and excess salt.
Q.4 Is it cheaper to make your own dog treats?
Yes! Homemade treats often cost 50-70% less than premium store-bought options.
Example: A batch of peanut butter cookies (~30 treats) costs ~3
v
s
.3vs.10+ for store-bought.
Savings Tips: Buy ingredients in bulk, use leftovers (e.g., chicken scraps), and freeze extras.
Q.5 How long will dehydrated dog treats last?
Room Temperature: 2-3 weeks in an airtight container.
Refrigerated: 1-2 months.
Frozen: Up to 6 months (thaw before serving).
Pro Tip: Check for mold or odd smells before feeding.