DIY Dog Treats: 10 Healthy Homemade Recipes Your Pup Will Love

Store-bought dog treats can be convenient, but many contain artificial preservatives, fillers, and mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce. Making homemade dog treats lets you control exactly what goes into your pup’s snacks — using wholesome, nutritious ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Plus, baking for your dog is fun, affordable, and makes your house smell amazing. Here are 10 healthy, vet-approved recipes your furry friend will devour.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Before we dive into the recipes, here’s why DIY treats are worth the effort:

• Know exactly what’s in them — No hidden ingredients or confusing labels
• Customize for dietary needs — Easy to avoid allergens or specific ingredients
• Save money — Homemade treats cost a fraction of premium store-bought options
• Control portion sizes — Make them as big or small as you need
• Show love through baking — There’s something special about homemade goodies

Important Notes Before You Start

Ingredients to AVOID (toxic to dogs):

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) — Even small amounts can be deadly
• Chocolate
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Caffeine

Always check ingredients in products like peanut butter, which sometimes contain xylitol.

Moderation matters — Even healthy treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

[AFFILIATE: dog treat baking supplies]

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1. Classic Peanut Butter Biscuits

The timeless favorite that dogs go absolutely crazy for.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free)
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms
3. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface
4. Cut with cookie cutters
5. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
6. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown
7. Let cool completely before serving

Storage: Airtight container for 2 weeks, or freeze for 3 months.

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2. Frozen Banana Bites

Perfect for hot summer days — these take just minutes to prepare!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (no artificial sweeteners)
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth
2. Pour into silicone mold or ice cube tray
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours
4. Pop out and serve frozen

Storage: Keep frozen for up to 2 months.

[AFFILIATE: silicone treat molds]

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3. Sweet Potato Chews

A chewy, naturally sweet treat that’s packed with vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C)
2. Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly (leave skin on)
3. Slice into 1/4 inch rounds or lengthwise strips
4. Place on wire rack over baking sheet
5. Bake 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway, until dried but still pliable
6. For crispier treats, bake longer until completely dry

Storage: Airtight container for 2-3 weeks in fridge.

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4. Chicken and Parsley Training Treats

Tiny, tasty bites perfect for training sessions.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (great for doggy breath!)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Blend chicken, parsley, and egg in food processor until smooth
3. Add oat flour and pulse until combined
4. Drop tiny spoonfuls (about 1/2 teaspoon each) onto parchment-lined baking sheet
5. Bake 12-15 minutes until firm
6. Cool completely

Storage: Refrigerate for 1 week, freeze for 2 months.

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5. Apple Carrot Pupcakes

Celebrate your dog’s birthday or gotcha day with these adorable mini cakes!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup water

For the “frosting”:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl
3. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl
4. Combine wet and dry, add carrots
5. Pour into greased mini muffin tin
6. Bake 20-25 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
7. Cool completely, then top with yogurt-peanut butter mixture

Storage: Refrigerate unfrosted cupcakes for 1 week, frost just before serving.

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6. Salmon Crunchies

Omega-3 rich treats for a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) salmon, drained (or 2 cups cooked salmon)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mash salmon with a fork, including soft bones (great calcium source!)
3. Mix in egg, then flour until dough forms
4. Roll out and cut into small pieces
5. Bake 20-25 minutes until crispy
6. Cool completely

Storage: Refrigerate for 2 weeks, freeze for 3 months.

[AFFILIATE: dog treat storage containers]

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7. Pumpkin Oat Cookies

Pumpkin is great for digestion — these are perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour (blend oats in food processor)
• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Mix all ingredients until smooth dough forms
3. Roll into balls and flatten slightly
4. Bake 12-15 minutes
5. Cool on wire rack

Storage: Airtight container for 2 weeks, freeze for 3 months.

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8. Beef and Cheese Bites

Irresistible savory treats for the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup beef broth (low sodium, no onion/garlic)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Crumble cooked beef finely
3. Mix all ingredients until combined
4. Roll into small balls (about 1 inch)
5. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
6. Bake 15-18 minutes until firm
7. Cool completely

Storage: Refrigerate for 1 week, freeze for 2 months.

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9. Blueberry Coconut Bites

Antioxidant-packed bites that are grain-free!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
2. Mix eggs, coconut oil, and honey
3. Add coconut flour and stir until combined (dough will be thick)
4. Gently fold in blueberries
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheet
6. Flatten slightly with back of spoon
7. Bake 18-22 minutes until edges are golden
8. Cool completely

Storage: Refrigerate for 1 week, freeze for 2 months.

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10. Watermelon Frozen Pops

Hydrating and refreshing — a summer must-have!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup coconut water (or plain water)

Instructions:

1. Blend watermelon and coconut water until smooth
2. Pour into popsicle molds, ice cube trays, or a Kong toy
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours
4. Serve frozen on a hot day

Storage: Keep frozen for up to 1 month.

[AFFILIATE: Kong toys]

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Tips for Perfect Homemade Dog Treats

Get the texture right:

• Crunchier treats: Bake longer at lower temperature
• Chewier treats: Bake less time, store in fridge

Make them training-friendly:

• Cut treats small (pea-sized for training)
• Soft treats are easier to eat quickly during sessions

Adjust for your dog:

• Large dogs can have bigger treats
• Small dogs and puppies need tiny portions
• Senior dogs may prefer softer textures

Flour substitutions:

• Whole wheat flour: Most common, avoid if grain-sensitive
• Oat flour: Gentler on digestion, easy to make at home
• Coconut flour: Grain-free, very absorbent (use less)
• Brown rice flour: Grain-free alternative

Involve the kids:

• These recipes are safe and fun for children to help with
• Use fun cookie cutter shapes

FAQs

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Without preservatives, homemade treats don’t last as long as store-bought. Generally: room temperature 3-5 days, refrigerated 1-3 weeks, frozen 2-3 months. When in doubt, refrigerate or freeze.

Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, all-purpose flour works fine. Whole wheat is slightly more nutritious, but regular flour is safe. For grain-free options, use oat, coconut, or brown rice flour.

My dog has allergies. Which recipes are best?

The sweet potato chews (single ingredient), watermelon pops, and blueberry coconut bites (grain-free) are good starting points. Always introduce new ingredients one at a time to monitor for reactions.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For a 30-pound dog eating about 800 calories per day, that’s roughly 80 calories in treats. Adjust portions accordingly, especially with calorie-dense ingredients like peanut butter.

Can I use these recipes for puppies?

Yes, with caution. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so introduce new foods gradually. Make treats very small for tiny mouths, and check with your vet about appropriate ingredients for your puppy’s age.

Conclusion

Making homemade dog treats is easier than you might think, and the tail wags you’ll get in return make it absolutely worth it. Start with one or two recipes, see what your pup loves most, and build from there.

Remember, the best treat is one made with love (and safe ingredients). Your dog doesn’t care if your cookie cutters are fancy or your presentation is perfect — they just care that you made something delicious, just for them.

Happy baking!