If you have ever read the back of a store-bought treat bag, you know the feeling. The list is long, full of fillers, preservatives and ingredients you cannot pronounce. Making dog treats at home is a simple way to know exactly what your dog is eating. It usually costs less too.
You do not need to be a baker. Most of these homemade dog treat recipes use two to five pantry staples and take less than an hour from start to finish. Below you will find five easy, healthy options, a guide to which ingredients are safe, and tips on storage and portion size.
Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Homemade treats give you control. You choose the ingredients, so it is easy to avoid artificial colors, added sugar and excess salt. This matters most for dogs with food sensitivities, because a short ingredient list makes it easier to spot what causes a reaction.
Cost is another advantage. A bag of oats, a can of pumpkin and a jar of peanut butter can make several batches of treats, usually for less than a bag of premium commercial biscuits.
Baking for your dog can also be a nice bonding activity. Dogs love the smell of a warm kitchen, and you get to see their excitement when a fresh batch comes out of the oven.
Safe Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
Before you start baking, it helps to know which everyday ingredients work well in dog-friendly recipes. These are widely used and generally safe for most dogs when given in moderation:
- Pumpkin (plain, canned): rich in fiber and gentle on digestion. Make sure it is pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Peanut butter: a favorite flavor for most dogs. Always check the label and choose a brand with no xylitol.
- Oats and oat flour: a good base for dough and easy to digest for most dogs.
- Sweet potato: high in fiber and vitamins, and naturally sweet.
- Carrots and apples: crunchy, low in calories and good for training rewards. Remove apple seeds and the core.
- Plain cooked chicken: a protein-rich flavor boost with no seasoning.
- Banana: soft, naturally sweet and good for binding dough.
- Plain yogurt: use plain, unsweetened yogurt with no artificial sweeteners, and only if your dog tolerates dairy.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
Some foods that are safe for people are dangerous for dogs. Keep these out of your dog’s treats entirely:
- Xylitol: an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, baked goods and sugar-free products. It is highly toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate and cocoa: contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process well.
- Grapes and raisins: can cause serious kidney problems.
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks: can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
- Macadamia nuts: can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors.
- Excess salt, sugar and fat: these add calories and may upset your dog’s stomach.
If you are unsure about an ingredient, check with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog has allergies, diabetes or a sensitive stomach.
5 Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Each recipe below is simple, uses common ingredients and works for most healthy adult dogs. Bake times can vary by oven, so keep an eye on the first batch.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits
This is a classic combination that most dogs go wild for. The banana adds natural sweetness, so you do not need any sugar.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1½ cups oat flour (or blend rolled oats into a fine flour)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the banana and peanut butter until smooth, then stir in the egg.
- Add the oat flour gradually until a firm dough forms.
- Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut into small shapes.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden and firm.
- Let the biscuits cool completely before serving.
2. Pumpkin Oat Treats
Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in dog treats because it is rich in fiber and easy to work with. These treats come out soft and slightly chewy.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain canned pumpkin
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the pumpkin, egg and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Slowly add the oat flour and mix until the dough holds together. Add a splash of water if it feels too dry.
- Roll out the dough, cut into bite-sized pieces and place on a lined tray.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Cool fully before storing.
3. Sweet Potato Chews
These chewy treats need only one ingredient. They are a good option for dogs that prefer a texture they can chew slowly.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes and slice them lengthwise into strips about ¼ inch thick.
- Place the slices on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 2½ to 3 hours, flipping once halfway, until chewy and dried.
- Cool completely before giving one to your dog.
Because they are chewy, break the strips into smaller pieces for small dogs and supervise while your dog eats them.
4. Carrot and Apple Bites
These crunchy bites are light, low in calories and a good choice for dogs that need to watch their weight.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrot
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the carrot, applesauce and egg in a large bowl.
- Stir in the oat flour until a thick, scoopable dough forms.
- Drop small spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until firm.
- Let them cool before serving.
5. Chicken and Oat Training Treats
Training treats should be small, soft and very tasty. Plain chicken gives these a strong smell that keeps dogs focused during practice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain cooked chicken, finely shredded or chopped
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the chicken, egg and water, then add the oat flour.
- Mix until it forms a sticky dough.
- Press the dough into a thin layer on a lined baking sheet and score it into tiny squares with a knife.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cool, then break along the lines into pea-sized pieces.
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade treats do not contain the preservatives found in commercial products, so they spoil faster. Let every batch cool completely before storing it, because trapped steam can cause mold.
- Crunchy, fully baked biscuits: keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Soft or moist treats: store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Long-term storage: freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Thaw only what you need.
If a treat smells off or shows any sign of mold, throw it away.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
Treats should be a small part of your dog’s daily diet. A common guideline is that treats make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories, with the rest coming from complete and balanced dog food.
Cut treats into small pieces, especially for small breeds and puppies. Introduce any new food slowly, one at a time, so you can see how your dog reacts. If you notice vomiting, or itching, stop feeding the treat and speak with your vet.
Rewarding calm, good behavior with small treats is one of the easiest ways to build trust with your dog, whatever the breed. Owners of larger or more dominant breeds may also want to read about the most aggressive dog breeds and how training shapes their behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat homemade treats every day?
Yes, in small amounts. Homemade treats are fine as a daily reward as long as they stay within your dog’s treat allowance and do not replace balanced meals.
What flour is best for homemade dog treats?
Oat flour is a popular choice because it is simple to make at home and easy for most dogs to digest. Whole wheat flour also works for dogs without grain sensitivities. Avoid flours or mixes that contain added sugar or other ingredients.
Are homemade dog treats healthier than store-bought ones?
They can be, because you know every ingredient and can avoid fillers and artificial additives. They still need to be made with dog-safe ingredients and fed in moderation.
Can puppies have these treats?
Most of these recipes can be given to puppies in tiny pieces, but puppies have sensitive stomachs. Check with your vet before introducing new foods.
