10 Best Homemade Dog Treats
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love to spoil their dog with a treat or two?
Whether it’s for training, celebrating a special occasion, or just because they gave you those soulful puppy eyes, homemade dog treats are a fantastic way to show your furry friend some love.
And the best part? You know exactly what goes into them—no mysterious ingredients or questionable additives.
Here are ten homemade dog treats that are sure to make your pup’s tail wag with delight.
1. Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Ah, the classic peanut butter dog biscuit—a fan favorite among pooches everywhere.
Mix together peanut butter, whole wheat flour, and a touch of water to form a dough. Roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake until golden. Your dog will love the rich, nutty flavor.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potato chews are a simple and nutritious treat. Slice a sweet potato into thin rounds, bake them at a low temperature, and let them cool.
These chews are full of vitamins and fiber and make for a chewy, satisfying snack. Just make sure they’re fully dried out to avoid any choking hazards.
3. Chicken and Carrot Nuggets
For a protein-packed treat, try chicken and carrot nuggets. Blend together cooked chicken, carrots, and a bit of oat flour.
Form into small nuggets and bake until firm. These little bites are not only tasty but also great for your dog’s coat and digestion.
4. Apple and Oatmeal Cookies
Apple and oatmeal cookies are a fruity, wholesome option. Combine apple sauce, oatmeal, and a touch of cinnamon to create a dough.
Spoon onto a baking sheet and bake until set. These cookies are a hit with many dogs, providing a sweet taste without the added sugars.
5. Pumpkin Paws
Pumpkin paws are another great treat for dogs, especially in the fall. Mix together pure pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and an egg.
Roll out the dough, cut into fun shapes, and bake. Pumpkin is excellent for your dog’s digestive system and adds a tasty twist.
6. Frozen Yogurt Bites
On a hot day, frozen yogurt bites can be incredibly refreshing. Combine plain yogurt with a bit of mashed fruit like bananas or berries.
Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. These treats are cooling and hydrating, perfect for those sweltering summer days.
7. Tuna Treats
Tuna treats are packed with protein and are surprisingly easy to make. Mix together canned tuna (in water, not oil), whole wheat flour, and an egg.
Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake. These treats are a great way to give your dog some omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Banana and Peanut Butter Bites
For a sweet and savory treat, combine mashed banana with peanut butter and oat flour.
Form into small balls or shape as you like, then freeze. These bites are perfect for a quick, nutritious snack that will keep your dog coming back for more.
9. Liver Training Treats
Liver training treats are incredibly motivating for dogs due to their strong aroma. Blend together liver (beef or chicken), whole wheat flour, and an egg.
Bake until firm and cut into small pieces. These treats are great for training sessions and can really get your dog’s attention.
10. Carrot and Apple Crunchies
Mix grated carrots and apple with some whole wheat flour and an egg to make carrot and apple crunchies.
Shape into small nuggets and bake. These treats are both crunchy and nutritious, giving your dog a delightful snack full of vitamins.
FAQ
Q: How long can I store homemade dog treats?
A: Homemade dog treats can usually be stored for about 1-2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Q: Can I use regular flour for these treats?
A: Whole wheat flour is generally better for dogs because it’s less processed and contains more nutrients. However, if you don’t have it on hand, you can use regular flour as a substitute.
Q: Are there any ingredients I should avoid in homemade dog treats?
A: Yes, avoid using ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and onions. These can be harmful or toxic to dogs.
Q: Can I make these treats with my child?
A: Absolutely! Making homemade dog treats can be a fun and educational activity for kids. Just make sure to supervise and keep dog-friendly ingredients out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Homemade dog treats are a great way to provide your furry friend with tasty, healthy snacks. From peanut butter biscuits to sweet potato chews, there’s a treat recipe out there for every dog.
Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find what your pup loves most. And remember, always keep an eye on portion sizes to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet.
Happy baking, and here’s to many wagging tails and happy faces!
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
