Easy Homemade Dog Treats: 10 Simple Recipes Any Dog Will Love

Last Updated on March 6, 2025 by Dogs Vets

As my golden retriever Max sits patiently at my feet, eyes locked on the mixing bowl in my hands, I’m reminded why I started making homemade dog treats in the first place. That expectant gaze, the gentle tail wag—there’s something deeply satisfying about creating wholesome snacks for our four-legged family members.

If you’ve ever flipped over a store-bought dog treat package and squinted at the ingredients list, you’re not alone. Many commercial options contain preservatives, artificial colors, and fillers that leave pet parents wondering if there’s a better way. The good news? There absolutely is, and it’s probably easier than you think.

Homemade dog treats allow you to control exactly what goes into your pup’s snacks while providing a fun activity that often costs less than premium store options. Whether you’re dealing with a dog who has food sensitivities or simply want to spoil your furry friend with something special, these ten simple recipes will have tails wagging across your household.

Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about why homemade treats are worth the (minimal) effort:

Health Benefits: You control the ingredients, avoiding artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors that might upset sensitive stomachs.

Cost-Effective: Especially if you have a larger dog or multiple pets, homemade treats can significantly reduce your pet care budget.

Freshness Factor: Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked treats—dogs can tell the difference!

Customizable: Have a dog with allergies or dietary restrictions? Easily modify recipes to suit their specific needs.

Bonding Activity: Baking for your dog becomes a labor of love that strengthens your connection.

Now, let’s get to those recipes your dog is waiting for!

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need fancy equipment, but these basics will make treat-making easier:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutters (bone-shaped ones are fun but any shape works!)
• Storage containers

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pleasers

These treats combine two flavors dogs absolutely adore—peanut butter and pumpkin—into a wholesome, fiber-rich snack.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, adding water as needed to help make the dough workable (usually about ½ cup).
3. Roll the dough to approximately ½-inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 40 minutes or until hard.
7. Cool completely before serving.

These treats will keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container, or can be frozen for longer storage.

Recipe 2: Two-Ingredient Banana Bites

When you’re short on time but want to delight your dog, these simple treats require just two ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 cups oats (quick or old-fashioned)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas and oats thoroughly in a bowl.
3. Drop small spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cool completely before serving.

These soft treats are perfect for senior dogs or those with dental issues.

Recipe 3: Sweet Potato Chews

Single-ingredient treats don’t get any easier than this, and they’re packed with vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash and dry sweet potatoes.
3. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds or strips.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
6. Cool completely—they should be chewy, not crunchy.

These natural chews help clean teeth while providing a nutritional boost.

Recipe 4: Cheesy Apple Crunchies

Combining the sweetness of apples with savory cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile most dogs can’t resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 apple, cored and grated (remove all seeds)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Turn off oven and leave treats inside for 1-2 hours to crisp up.

The apple provides natural sweetness while the cheese adds protein and irresistible flavor.

Recipe 5: Frozen Yogurt Pops

Perfect for hot summer days, these frozen treats help cool down your pup while providing probiotics.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain yogurt (no artificial sweeteners)
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, or dog-safe fruits)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve as a refreshing treat on hot days.

These cool treats are especially appreciated after vigorous play sessions.

Recipe 6: Breath-Freshening Mint Treats

Help combat doggy breath with these minty biscuits that contain breath-freshening herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
3. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until completely hard.
7. Cool before serving.

While no treat replaces proper dental care, these can help with mild breath issues between cleanings.

Recipe 7: Salmon Crunchies

These protein-packed treats use canned salmon for a boost of omega-3 fatty acids that support healthy skin and coat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (6 oz) salmon, drained (or tuna)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ⅓ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, combine salmon and egg.
3. Transfer to a bowl and add flour.
4. Add water as needed to form a workable dough.
5. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
6. Cut into small squares or shapes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp.

The fishy smell might not appeal to humans, but most dogs go crazy for these treats.

Recipe 8: Chicken & Rice Bites

These bland yet tasty treats are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from illness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Drop by teaspoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Flatten slightly with a fork.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Store these in the refrigerator and use within 5 days.

Recipe 9: Grain-Free Turkey & Vegetable Treats

For dogs with grain sensitivities, these treats provide a nutritious alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut flour
• ½ cup ground turkey, cooked
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ cup peas, lightly steamed and mashed
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Form into small balls and flatten onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are brown.
5. Cool completely before serving.

Coconut flour is highly absorbent—if the mixture seems too dry, add a little water.

Recipe 10: Pumpkin & Bacon Biscuits

For special occasions, these bacon-infused treats will have your dog performing tricks voluntarily!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
3. Roll out to ¼-inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 30 minutes until hard.
7. Cool completely before serving.

Use bacon sparingly as a special treat ingredient due to its high fat content.

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats

While getting creative with homemade treats, remember some human foods are toxic to dogs:

• Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize.
• Xylitol: This sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
• Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and garlic: Toxic to dogs in significant amounts.
• Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness, hyperthermia, and vomiting.
• Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous.
• Coffee and caffeine: Can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, and seizures.

Always check that all ingredients are dog-safe before experimenting with new recipes.

Storing Your Homemade Dog Treats

To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage:

Room Temperature Storage: Treats with no perishable ingredients can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.

Refrigerator Storage: Treats with meat, dairy, or other perishable ingredients should be refrigerated and used within 5-7 days.

Freezer Storage: Most treats freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw as needed for a fresh-tasting treat anytime.

Dehydration: For longer room-temperature storage, consider investing in a food dehydrator to remove more moisture from treats.

Customizing Treats for Special Dietary Needs

One of the greatest advantages of homemade treats is the ability to accommodate your dog’s specific dietary requirements:

For Weight Management: Reduce fat content, use lean meats, and make smaller-sized treats.

For Dogs with Allergies: Eliminate common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, or dairy depending on your dog’s specific sensitivities.

For Senior Dogs: Create softer treats by reducing baking time or adding more moisture to recipes.

For Puppies: Ensure treats are small, soft, and easy to chew for developing teeth.

Remember to introduce any new treat gradually and watch for adverse reactions, especially if your dog has known food sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many homemade treats can I give my dog per day?

A: Treats of any kind, homemade or commercial, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For an average medium-sized dog, this typically means 2-3 small treats per day. Adjust based on your dog’s size, activity level, and weight management needs.

Q: Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

A: Absolutely! Most flour can be substituted with alternatives like oat flour, brown rice flour, or coconut flour (though you may need to adjust quantities). Proteins can be swapped between chicken, turkey, or beef as long as your dog doesn’t have specific allergies.

Q: How do I know if my homemade treats are baked properly?

A: Crunchy treats should be completely hard when cooled. Soft treats should spring back slightly when touched. Both should be golden brown around the edges. When in doubt, it’s better to over-bake slightly than under-bake to prevent spoilage.

Q: Do I need to consult my veterinarian before making homemade treats?

A: While these recipes use dog-safe ingredients, consulting your vet is recommended if your dog has specific health conditions, is on a prescribed diet, or has multiple food sensitivities.

Q: Can I sell my homemade dog treats?

A: Selling homemade dog treats typically requires following local regulations, which may include obtaining proper licenses, following commercial kitchen requirements, and having your recipes and processes approved by relevant authorities. Check your local laws before starting a dog treat business.

Conclusion

Making homemade dog treats isn’t just economical and healthier—it’s an act of love your furry friend will appreciate. As you watch your dog’s excitement when the mixing bowl comes out or the oven timer dings, you’ll know these simple recipes are worth the effort.

Start with whichever recipe appeals to you and your pup, then expand your repertoire as you get more comfortable. Before long, you’ll likely be improvising your own creations based on what your dog loves best.

Remember, the joy of homemade treats lies not just in the eating, but in the making—creating something special for the companion who offers us unconditional love every day.

References

1. Aldrich, G. (2023). “Homemade Dog Foods and Treats: Nutritional Considerations.” Journal of Animal Science, 101(3), 1-10. This comprehensive review examines the nutritional adequacy of homemade pet foods and treats compared to commercial options.
2. Thompson, A. (2022). “Food Allergies in Canines: Prevalence and Management Through Diet.” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 52(4), 935-950. This clinical resource provides guidance on identifying and managing food allergies in dogs through dietary modifications.
3. Martinez, L., & Johnson, R. (2023). “Safety Assessment of Human Food Items for Canine Consumption.” Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 210, 105-113. This peer-reviewed study evaluates commonly used human food ingredients for safety in canine treats and identifies potential hazards.