If you’ve ever looked at the ingredient list on store-bought DIY Dog Treats, you might be surprised at how many artificial additives, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers they contain. Making dry dog treats gives you full control over what goes into your pup’s diet, ensuring they get only the healthiest ingredients. Plus, it’s cost-effective and a fun way to bond with your furry friend!
DIY Dog Treats also allow you to cater to specific dietary needs, whether your pup requires grain-free, low-fat, or hypoallergenic options. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create treats that are as nutritious as they are delicious!
Essential Ingredients for DIY Dog Treats
Before diving into recipes, let’s cover some safe and healthy ingredients you can use:
Dog-Friendly Ingredients:
- Peanut Butter (Unsalted, Xylitol-free): A great source of protein and healthy fats
- Pumpkin Puree (Unsweetened): Supports digestion and is packed with fiber
- Oats are Gentle on digestion and provide slow-releasing energy
- Sweet potatoes: rich in vitamins and minerals, great for gut health
- Carrots & Apples (No Seeds): Natural sources of vitamins and antioxidants
- Coconut Oil: Supports a shiny coat and healthy skin
- Eggs: Provide protein and help bind ingredients together
- Greek Yogurt (Plain, Unsweetened): A good probiotic source
- Chicken or Beef Broth (Low Sodium, No Onions or Garlic)—Adds flavor and nutrients
Ingredients to Avoid:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (Found in some peanut butter and sugar-free products)
- Onions & Garlic
- Grapes & Raisins
- Artificial Sweeteners & Preservatives
Tips for Making Safe and Healthy DIY Dog Treats
- Steer clear of hazardous elements in some foods. Steer clear of foods including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol—an artificial sweetener. If you’re not sure about an ingredient, always ask your veterinarian.
- Dogs don’t require fancy snacks; keep it simple. The best are simple dishes using natural, healthy foods.
- Homemade snacks typically lack preservatives; hence, they must be stored carefully. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate or freeze them in an airtight container.
- Portion Control: Even items deemed healthy should be consumed in moderation. Treats should accentuate a good diet rather than replace meals.
Easy and Delicious DIY Dog Treats Recipes
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Biscuits
Most dogs like the sweet mix of banana and peanut butter. These sweets abound in potassium, protein, and good fats.
Foods: Ingredients
- One ripe banana
- One half cup peanut butter (unsweetened; not xylitol)
- Two cups of whole wheat flour—or rice flour for gluten-free—or another grain.
- One egg here.
Orders:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the banana in a bowl, then gently stir in the egg and peanut butter till creamy.
- Add the flour incrementally, stirring to create a dough.
- On a floured board, roll out the dough; form the goodies with cookie cutters.
- Arrange the delights on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Before serving, let them cool totally.
2. Oatmeal and pumpkin dog treats
Excellent for digestion, pumpkin is high in minerals and fiber. These goodies are a good filling and snack when mixed with oats.
Items:
- half cup unsweetened canned pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats.
- One-fourth cup of either whole wheat or coconut flour.
- 1 egg
Orders:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss the egg, oats, and pumpkin. Thoroughly mix.
- Add flour, little by bit, until a dough results. Add a small bit more flour if the dough is very sticky.
- Roll the dough, then cut it with a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the goodies on a baking sheet and bake until golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Before offering your dog the goodies, let them cool.
3: Sweet Potato and Carrot Dog Chews
This easy dish calls for two dog-friendly foods that are not only tasty but also quite healthy. Sweet potatoes and carrots are heavy in antioxidants and vitamins.
Ingredients include:
- 1/2 cup ground sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup ground carrot
- One cup whole wheat flour, alternatively gluten-free flour
- One egg,
Commands:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, toss the egg, chopped carrot, and mashed sweet potato.
- Add the flour gradually, stirring until a dough results.
- For chewy sweets, form the dough into sticks or little balls.
- Arrange the goodies on a baking sheet and bake till brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Freeze and present.
4. Rice and Chicken Dog Treats
Rich in lean protein and carbohydrates, this dish is ideal for dogs recovering from an illness or needing a bit more energy.
Products:
- One cup of cooked chicken, shredded
- half cup boiled rice
- ONE egg
- One-fourth cup chicken broth (low-sodium).
Instructions:
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend the chicken, rice, egg, and chicken broth in a food processor till smooth.
- Spoon drops of the mixture onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake till brown and firm, 20 minutes.
- Before feeding your dog the goodies, let them cool totally.
1. Peanut Butter & Oat Dog Biscuits
These crunchy treats are perfect for rewarding your pup and keeping their teeth clean.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup water
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour and oats.
- Stir in peanut butter, water, and egg until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into desired shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
2. No-Bake Pumpkin & Coconut Treats
Perfect for hot days, these no-bake treats require zero oven time!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, yogurt, and coconut oil.
- Stir in oats until well mixed.
- Roll into small, bite-sized balls.
- Place on a tray and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
3. Sweet Potato Chewy Treats
A simple, one-ingredient treat that dogs love!
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Wash and slice the sweet potato into thin rounds.
- Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they become chewy.
- Let it cool before serving.
4. Frozen Banana & Yogurt Bites
A refreshing summer treat that provides probiotics for gut health.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
Instructions:
- Blend bananas, yogurt, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.
- Serve as a cool treat on warm days.
5. Chicken & Rice Training Treats
Soft and bite-sized, these are great for training sessions!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- ½ cup cooked rice
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Blend chicken, rice, and egg in a food processor.
- Stir in oat flour until dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool before using it or during training sessions.
Storing Your Homemade Dog Treats
Since homemade dog treats lack preservatives, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh.
- Baked treats: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for two weeks.
- No-bake and frozen treats: Keep these refrigerated for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
Always check for spoilage before feeding any treat to your pup.
Final Thoughts on DIY Dog Treats
Making DIY dog treats is an easy and rewarding way to ensure your furry friend enjoys safe, nutritious, and delicious snacks. Whether your pup loves crunchy biscuits, chewy sweet potato slices, or refreshing frozen bites, these homemade recipes will keep tails wagging. Plus, they make for a fun weekend project and a fantastic way to show love for your four-legged companion!
