8 Healthy Dog Treats You Can Make Under 20 Minutes

Let’s face it: your dog is basically a furry little food critic. They’ll sniff out the good stuff, turn their nose up at the bad, and give you *that look* when you try to pass off a stale biscuit as a gourmet snack.

But here’s the thing—healthy dog treats don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, you can whip up some pawsome snacks in under 20 minutes. Yes, you read that right!

So, grab your apron (or don’t—we’re keeping it simple), and let’s dive into 8 healthy dog treats that’ll make your dog’s tail wag faster than you can say “treat time.”

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1. Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Peanut butter and bananas? A match made in doggy heaven. These bites are soft, chewy, and packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even your cat could do it (but let’s not give them any ideas).

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
  • 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Add the peanut butter and oats, then mix until combined.
  3. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
  4. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up. Serve and watch your dog go bananas!

Pro Tip: If your dog is extra fancy, drizzle a little peanut butter on top for a gourmet touch. 🐾

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2. Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potatoes are like the Beyoncé of dog treats—versatile, nutritious, and always a hit. These chews are perfect for pups who love to gnaw on something tasty.

Ingredients

  • 1 large sweet potato

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Slice the sweet potato into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
  3. Place the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 2-3 hours. Wait, what? That’s not under 20 minutes! Okay, fine. For a quicker version, microwave the slices for 5-7 minutes until soft. Not as chewy, but still delicious.

FYI: These chews are great for teething puppies. Just keep an eye on them to avoid choking hazards.

3. Frozen Yogurt Drops

Perfect for hot days, these frozen yogurt drops are like mini pup-sicles. They’re refreshing, healthy, and ridiculously easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
  • 1/4 cup blueberries or strawberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the yogurt and fruit (if using) in a bowl.
  2. Spoon small drops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Freeze for 15 minutes or until solid. Serve cold and watch your dog’s brain freeze in action.

Fun Fact: Yogurt is great for your dog’s gut health. Just make sure it’s plain and free of artificial sweeteners.

4. Apple Cinnamon Cookies

Who says dogs can’t enjoy a little spice in their life? These apple cinnamon cookies are a fall favorite, but your pup will love them year-round.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated apple
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll into small balls and flatten into cookie shapes.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Heads Up: Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts, but don’t go overboard. A little goes a long way!

5. Carrot Crunchers

Carrots are low-calorie, high-fiber, and perfect for dogs who love to crunch. These treats are basically the veggie version of a dog biscuit.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut into small shapes.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and serve.

Bonus: Carrots are great for your dog’s teeth. It’s like a toothbrush they can eat!

6. Chicken Jerky

Store-bought jerky can be pricey and full of additives. Why not make your own? It’s cheaper, healthier, and your dog will love you forever.

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
  2. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips.
  3. Place the strips on a baking sheet and bake for 1.5-2 hours. For a quicker version, microwave the strips for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

Pro Tip: Store the jerky in an airtight container for up to a week. Or, let’s be real, your dog will probably finish it in a day.

7. Pumpkin Pupcakes

These mini pupcakes are perfect for birthdays, training rewards, or just because. Plus, pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion. Talk about a win-win!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling!)
  • 1/4 cup oat flour
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Fun Fact: Pumpkin is a natural remedy for both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. Who knew?

8. Tuna Fudge

Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t dessert for humans. It’s a protein-packed treat that’ll have your dog begging for more.

Ingredients

  • 1 can tuna in water (drained)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Press the dough into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Let cool, then cut into small squares. Serve and watch your dog’s tail go wild.

Heads Up: Tuna is high in mercury, so limit this treat to once a week. Moderation is key!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat or whole wheat flour?

Yes, but whole wheat and oat flour are healthier options. Regular flour is fine in moderation, though.

2. Are these treats safe for puppies?

Most of these treats are safe for puppies, but always check with your vet first. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs.

3. How long do homemade dog treats last?

Most homemade treats last about a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! Just make sure the substitutes are dog-safe. For example, swap peanut butter for almond butter (no xylitol!) or use zucchini instead of carrots.

5. My dog has allergies. What should I avoid?

Common allergens include wheat, dairy, and certain proteins. Stick to hypoallergenic ingredients like oats, sweet potatoes, and limited-ingredient proteins.

Final Thoughts

Making healthy dog treats at home doesn’t have to be a chore. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up snacks that are not only good for your pup but also fun to make.

Plus, you’ll save money and avoid all the questionable additives in store-bought treats. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and let the tail-wagging begin!

10 easy fall-inspired dog treats

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10 easy fall-inspired dog treats

Get Our 10 Printable Fall-Inspired Dog Treat Recipes For FREE!

We guarantee that these recipes will make your dog happy 🙂

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