Homemade Dog Treats: Easy & Healthy Recipes

All dogs deserve a tasty treat. Many store-bought options have artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fillers. Many believe that DIY dog treats are the best way to ensure your furry friend enjoys healthy and tasty treats without additives. Homemade treats can be tailored to your dog’s diet, tastes and allergies.

In this guide, we will share simple yet healthy dog snacks that can easily be prepared using wholesome ingredients. Do you need them to be grain-free, protein-packed, or low-fa? These homemade pet food recipes (like these homemade treats) are sure to keep those tails wags!

Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?

1. Healthier Ingredients

When you make treats at home, you control the quality of ingredients. Unlike some commercial treats that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial colours, homemade versions can include:

• Fresh proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish which help support muscle growth and overall health.
• Nutritious vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes which provide essential vitamins and fibre.
• Healthy fats like coconut oil or flaxseed which contribute to a shiny coat and brain health.
• Natural sweeteners such as apples or bananas instead of processed sugars reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes.

Homemade treats give your dog top-notch nutrients. They also avoid the harmful additives found in some store-bought options.

2. Customisable to Your Dog’s Needs

Some dogs have food sensitivities or specific dietary needs. With DIY dog treats, you can tailor recipes to:

• Avoid allergens (e.g., grain-free options for dogs with wheat allergies).
• Provide extra nutrients (e.g., adding turmeric for joint health or pumpkin for digestion).
• Control portion sizes to prevent overfeeding and manage weight effectively.

Older dogs, for instance, may benefit from soft treats that are easy to chew, while highly active dogs may need extra protein-packed snacks. Customising treats allows you to meet your dog’s individual health requirements.

3. Cost-Effective & Fun

Making homemade pet food can be more budget-friendly than buying premium treats. Plus, it’s a fun activity that allows you to bond with your dog while ensuring they get the best nutrition. It also reduces packaging waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Baking with your dog can be fun and rewarding. Pet owners love trying new ingredients. This way, they can create tasty flavours for their furry friends.

Easy & Healthy DIY Dog Treat Recipes

1. Peanut Butter & Oat Biscuits

A simple, protein-rich snack that dogs love!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or coconut flour for grain-free)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool completely before serving.

2. Pumpkin & Carrot Bites

Great for digestion and packed with vitamins!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups oat flour
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Shape into small balls and place on a lined baking tray.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
5. Let it cool before offering it to your pup.

3. Frozen Yogurt & Blueberry Treats

A refreshing summer treat packed with antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for 3-4 hours until solid.
4. Pop out and serve as a cool treat.

4. Sweet Potato Chews

Perfect for a chewy, nutrient-packed snack that supports dental health.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 120°C (250°F).
2. Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
3. Arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until chewy.
5. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

5. Apple & Oat Crunchies

A fibre-rich, crunchy treat that dogs love!

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, finely grated
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool before serving.

Tips for Storing Homemade Dog Treats

• Baked treats: Store in an airtight container for up to a week or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
• Frozen treats: Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Soft treats: Store in the fridge and use within a week.
• Dehydrated treats: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a month.

Always check for signs of spoilage before giving homemade treats to your pet.

Additional Nutritional Considerations

Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats

While making healthy dog snacks, it’s crucial to avoid ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Some common toxic foods include:

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure.
• Onions & Garlic – Harmful to red blood cells and can cause anaemia.
• Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) – Found in some peanut butter and baked goods, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
• Excess Salt & Sugar – Can lead to dehydration, weight gain, and diabetes.

Balancing Treats with a Healthy Diet

Even though DIY dog treats are nutritious, they should only make up 10% or less of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Make sure your pet mainly eats balanced homemade pet food or high-quality dog food. This will meet their nutritional needs.

A balanced diet includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to keep your dog in optimal health.

Homemade Treats for Your Dog

Making DIY dog treats at home is an easy and rewarding way to ensure your pet enjoys healthy dog snacks made with love. With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create delicious homemade pet food. These support your dog’s well-being without harmful additives in store-bought options.

Choose natural, vet-approved ingredients. Tailor recipes to your dog’s needs. This helps boost their health and deepens their bond. Try these recipes and let us know your dog’s favourite!

Have you made homemade treats before? Share your recipes in the comments!