Homemade Long-Lasting Dog Treats You Can Keep for Weeks
So your dog eats faster than the speed of light. You hand them a treat, blink, and—poof—it’s gone. Was it even real? Are we in a simulation?
If that feels a little too relatable, you’re probably hunting for something that your pup can actually chew on for a while. Bonus points if it’s healthy, easy to make, and doesn’t smell like something that crawled out of a swamp.
Well, welcome to the holy grail of dog snack hacks: homemade, long-lasting dog treats. They’re affordable, customizable, and actually made of stuff you can pronounce (unlike “dehydrated trachea nugget,” or whatever the pet store’s peddling this week 🙃).
Let’s get cookin’.
1. Baked Sweet Potato Chews
Aka: “Nature’s rawhide—but not disgusting”
These are a personal fave because they’re basically indestructible (well, almost) and super cheap. All you need is a sweet potato and an oven. Yep. That’s it.
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Start Training Today! 🐾Ingredients:
- 2–3 large sweet potatoes
- Zero nonsense additives
Instructions:
- Wash the sweet potatoes. Leave the skin—it’s fiber, not dirt.
- Slice lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slabs. Thicker = chewier = better.
- Place on a baking sheet. No oil needed.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2.5–3 hours, flipping halfway.
Let them cool, toss one to your dog, and watch the magic. These get chewier as they dry, and they store for weeks in an airtight container. (Unless your dog learns how to open it. Then… R.I.P.)
2. Peanut Butter Banana Biscuits
If your dog could talk, they’d ask for these by name.
Banana + peanut butter = chef’s kiss. These crunchy little biscuits come out hard, which is great for aggressive chewers and excellent for keeping them busy. Plus, they smell so good you might catch your roommate eyeing them. (Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you try one.)
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- Optional: 1 egg to make them a little richer
Instructions:
- Mash the banana. Mix in peanut butter and egg (if using).
- Stir in oats and flour until a dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into chunky shapes.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and rock-like.
Cool completely before serving. These get extra hard as they cool, which is exactly what we want.
Pro tip: Store in a paper bag to help them stay dry and crunchy.
3. Dehydrated Chicken Jerky Strips
“Oh, you wanted your dog to listen? Hand them one of these.”
These treats are basically dog crack. They’re chewy, savory, and surprisingly long-lasting if you slice them thick and dry them right. Also, zero fillers. Just chicken and patience.
Ingredients:
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- Slice the chicken into ¼-inch thick strips, with the grain (that’s what makes them chewy).
- Lay on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2–3 hours. You can also use a dehydrator if you’re fancy.
- Flip halfway and keep drying until completely firm and rubbery.
Once dried and cooled, store in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 weeks—longer if you freeze ’em.
FYI:
Your kitchen will smell like a rotisserie for a few hours. Totally worth it.
4. Pumpkin Molasses Hard Biscuits
“Fall vibes, but make it dog-friendly.”
Pumpkin isn’t just a basic autumn flavor. It’s also amazing for dog digestion (💩 game: strong). Add in some molasses and you get these rich, crunchy treats that feel kind of gourmet, TBH.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- 2½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but bougie)
Instructions:
- Mix everything into a stiff dough.
- Roll out and cut into thick bones or little logs.
- Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 35–40 minutes.
- Leave them in the oven (turned off) to cool overnight = extra hardness.
These are perfect for keeping in your pantry for weeks. Dogs love ’em. Humans are mildly curious about them.
5. Frozen Yogurt & Blueberry Chew Bites
“Wait… frozen treats can last long?”
Yup. If you use the right molds and layer up the ingredients, these frozen goodies become mini chew challenges. Especially for teething puppies or dogs who like to take their time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup blueberries
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for texture)
Instructions:
- Blend yogurt and blueberries together.
- Pour into silicone molds or muffin tins.
- Sprinkle in some chia seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
- Freeze overnight.
These are obviously a hit in warmer weather, but also great for dogs who need a cool challenge and don’t wolf everything down instantly.
🐾 FAQ: Because You’re Probably Wondering
How do I store these treats so they last?
- Baked treats: Airtight container at room temp for 1–2 weeks. Fridge = longer.
- Jerky: Airtight + fridge = 2–3 weeks. Freeze for long-term.
- Frozen treats: Keep in freezer. Obviously. 😅
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
Totally. Just make sure your pup isn’t sensitive. You can also sub in oat or rice flour if you want to go gluten-free.
How long do these treats actually last with my dog?
Let’s be real: If your dog is a shark in disguise, nothing lasts forever. But compared to the average biscuit? These go the distance. Especially the sweet potato and jerky options.
🦴 Final Thoughts (aka The Tail Wag Wrap-Up)
If your dog’s chewing habits are… a little intense, you don’t need to spend a fortune on store-bought bricks. These homemade long-lasting treats are:
- Easy to make
- Way cheaper than pet store options
- Actually delicious (yes, I tried a few, don’t judge)
They’ll save you from the treat graveyard and make you look like a total pro to your pup. Which is all we really want, right?
So, which one are you making first? Or better yet—make a batch of all five. You’ll have your dog’s undivided attention for the next month. Or at least until you run out of peanut butter again. 😅
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 😉
