6 DIY Dog Chew Treats Your Pup Will Drool Over
Hey there, fellow dog lover! You know what’s great? Spoiling your furry best friend with treats that are healthy, natural, and (drum roll, please) actually pretty easy to make.
If you’re tired of buying overpriced dog chews that look like they’ve seen better days, I got you covered.
Here are six easy-peasy DIY dog chew treats that will have your doggo begging for more—and guess what? Most of these are things you already have lying around in your kitchen.
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bliss Sticks

Yep, peanut butter and banana—the Elvis Presley of dog treats. Who doesn’t love a good peanut butter combo, right? Dogs are obsessed with this stuff. You only need three ingredients for these: bananas, peanut butter (the kind without added sugar or xylitol, please—we don’t want any trips to the vet), and rolled oats.
How to Make It
- Mash up a couple of bananas.
- Mix in some peanut butter (make sure there’s no added sugar or xylitol!).
- Add enough rolled oats until it becomes a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into stick shapes.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
- Let them cool before serving to your pup.
Benefits
Bananas are packed with potassium, and peanut butter has protein. Win-win. Plus, watching your dog do that little happy dance before they get their treat? Priceless.
🐶 Unlock Your Dog’s Hidden Genius! 🧠
Did you know? With the right brain games, your dog can become smarter, more obedient, and way less stubborn. Say goodbye to bad behavior and hello to an impressive, well-trained pup! 🐕
Transform your dog into the smartest, most well-behaved version of themselves. 🦴 Join thousands of dog parents who have already seen incredible results!
Start Training Today! 🐾2. Sweet Potato Chewies

Okay, let me be real for a second: sweet potatoes are basically magic. Seriously, they are like nature’s candy—but healthy. Sweet potato chews are perfect if your pup likes something a little chewy and a little sweet.
How to Make It
- Slice a sweet potato lengthwise into “chips” that are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake them in the oven at 250°F for about 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Let them cool before offering one to your dog.
The slow bake gives them that perfect chewy texture.
Benefits
Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients that keep your dog’s coat shiny and digestive system in check. Plus, your house will smell like roasted sweet potatoes, which is honestly a bonus for everyone.
3. Frozen Yogurt & Berry Bites

Oh, you thought dog chews had to be baked? Pfft, not always. Summer heat calls for something cool, even for your pooch.
How to Make It
- Mix a cup of plain Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh berries (like blueberries or strawberries—no grapes! Grapes are doggy kryptonite).
- Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for a couple of hours until solid.
- Hand one over to your pup and watch them enjoy!
Benefits
Greek yogurt is probiotic heaven, great for your dog’s digestion, while the berries bring antioxidants to the table. Plus, frozen treats are perfect for those hot days when everyone is melting—dog tongue included.
4. Apple & Carrot Crunchies

If you’re looking for a chew treat that packs a serious crunch, this one’s a keeper. It’s like a dog version of a potato chip—minus all the questionable stuff.
How to Make It
- Grate a large carrot.
- Dice an apple (make sure to remove the seeds—those are a no-go for dogs).
- Mix the grated carrot and diced apple in a bowl.
- Add enough whole wheat flour and water until it forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces.
- Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Let them cool before serving.
Benefits
Carrots are fantastic for your dog’s dental health and apples give a fiber boost. Plus, crunchy treats are awesome for pups who love making a mess all over your nice, clean floor—just saying.
5. Cheesy Pumpkin Biscuits

You knew we were gonna include pumpkin, didn’t you? Because pumpkin is basically the MVP of dog treats. Add a little cheese, and you’ve got a flavor combo that will blow your pup’s mind (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get it).
How to Make It
- Mix half a can of plain pumpkin puree (not the pie filling—that’s loaded with sugar) with some shredded cheddar cheese and an egg.
- Gradually add oat flour until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before giving them to your dog.
Benefits
Pumpkin is great for digestion, while cheese adds protein and calcium. Just be careful not to go overboard with the cheese—we don’t want your pup turning into a lactose-intolerant cheese lover overnight.
6. Chicken Jerky Strips

This one is all about simplicity and protein. You can find commercial chicken jerky for dogs at the pet store, but it’s usually pricey and sometimes loaded with preservatives. Enter: DIY chicken jerky.
How to Make It
- Thinly slice a boneless, skinless chicken breast into long strips.
- Lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 200°F for about 2 hours or until the jerky is completely dried out.
- Let them cool before giving them to your dog.
Benefits
It’s pure protein, which is perfect for keeping your dog strong and energized. Also, you can eat this too, if you’re feeling peckish—just sayin’.
Benefits of Homemade Dog Chews
- Control Over Ingredients: No preservatives, artificial flavors, or mystery additives. You know exactly what’s in these treats.
- Healthier Teeth & Gums: Chewing is great for dental health, and homemade treats are a way to make sure your dog’s teeth stay clean without all the weird chemicals.
- Bonding Time: Making treats for your dog is basically a love language. Plus, it’s fun! Even if you’re not the best chef, trust me, your dog won’t judge.
- Cost-Effective: If you’ve ever walked down the pet treat aisle and thought, “Why is this tiny bag of chews $15?!” then making them yourself just makes sense.
So there you have it, folks—six DIY dog chew treats that are guaranteed to make your pup think you’re the best thing since, well, peanut butter. Try one, try them all, and let your furry friend decide which one takes the crown. Happy treating! 🐾
FAQ: Chew Treats Edition
1. How often should I give my dog these chews?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. So, as much as your dog would love to make a meal out of these, moderation is key.
2. Can I store these treats, or do I have to use them right away?
Most of these treats can be stored in an airtight container for about a week. For the frozen ones, just keep them in the freezer until ready to serve.
3. My dog is picky. Any suggestions?
Honestly, the chicken jerky is usually a winner with even the pickiest pups. If your dog isn’t into one, try another—sometimes it’s just about finding the right flavor.
4. What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
Start with the frozen yogurt and berry bites or the pumpkin biscuits. Both are gentle on the stomach, and the probiotics can even help with digestion.
5. Are these safe for puppies?
Most are safe, but for young pups, stick with softer treats like the peanut butter and banana bliss sticks. And, as always, check with your vet if you’re unsure.
6. Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If your dog has a dairy intolerance, use coconut milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. No oat flour? Try rice flour. Just make sure substitutions are dog-safe.
7. What’s the best part of making these?
Aside from the fact that you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s treats? It’s watching them lose their mind over something you made with your own two hands. That, and the bragging rights that you are officially a dog chef.

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 😉