Savory Oat and Chicken Dog Treats - Simple, Wholesome Bites Your Pup Will Love

These homemade dog treats bring together lean chicken, hearty oats, and a few pantry staples for a snack you’ll feel good about sharing. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and you can tailor them to your dog’s size. If your pup has a sensitive stomach or you prefer simple ingredients, this recipe is a great fit.

The texture is crisp at the edges and tender in the center, making them easy to chew. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a cozy roast chicken—always a bonus.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Short, clean ingredient list: No mystery additives—just chicken, oats, and simple binders you recognize.
High in protein and fiber: Chicken supports muscle health, while oats add gentle fiber that’s easy on most tummies.
Easy to batch and freeze: Make a tray, stash extras, and you’re set for weeks.
Customizable texture: Bake longer for crunch, shorter for a softer, training-friendly treat.
Great for picky eaters: Savory chicken aroma gets attention fast.

What You’ll Need

1 cup cooked, finely shredded chicken breast (unseasoned)
1 1/2 cups oat flour (blend rolled oats until fine if you don’t have oat flour)
1/2 cup rolled oats (for texture)
1 large egg
1/3–1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (unsalted if possible)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for moisture)
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional; use sparingly and skip if your dog is sensitive to dairy)

Tools: Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl, spatula, rolling pin, knife or small cookie cutters.

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How to Make It

Prep your oven and pan: Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make oat flour if needed: Pulse rolled oats in a blender until they become a fine flour.
Measure out 1 1/2 cups.
Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, mix oat flour, rolled oats, and parsley. If using Parmesan, stir it in now.
Add the chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken so it’s evenly distributed. Break up any clumps.
Bind with egg and broth: Crack in the egg and add 1/3 cup broth plus olive oil.
Stir until a dough forms. If it’s crumbly, add more broth 1 tablespoon at a time. You’re aiming for a soft, slightly tacky dough.
Roll it out: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment and roll to about 1/4 inch thick for a crunchy bite, or 3/8 inch for a softer treat.
Cut shapes: Use a knife to cut small squares or a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
Keep pieces small for training treats or larger for snack-sized biscuits.
Bake: Arrange on the lined sheet with a little space between. Bake 18–22 minutes for softer treats, or up to 28–30 minutes for a crisper texture. Rotate the pan halfway for even baking.
Cool completely: Let the treats cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.
They firm up as they cool.
Optional extra crunch: For very crisp treats, turn off the oven and let the pan sit inside for another 10–15 minutes with the door slightly open.

Keeping It Fresh

Because these contain meat and minimal preservatives, storage matters. Keep completely cooled treats in an airtight container.

Room temperature: Up to 3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
Refrigerator: 1 week.
Freezer: Up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer first, then move to a freezer bag.
Thaw a few at a time in the fridge.

If treats ever smell sour or feel tacky or moist after storage, discard them. When in doubt, refrigerate or freeze.

Why This is Good for You

Making your own dog treats gives you control. You choose the ingredients, the salt level, and the size that fits your dog.

That can ease worries about fillers, hidden sugars, and preservatives.

Chicken provides lean protein to support strong muscles. Oats bring fiber that helps digestion and can be gentler than wheat for some dogs. Parsley adds a little freshness, and a tiny amount of olive oil supports a shiny coat. Most importantly, you can adapt this base to your dog’s needs without buying several different store-bought bags.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Too much salt: Use low-sodium or unsalted broth and avoid seasoned chicken. Added salt isn’t good for dogs.
Sticky or crumbly dough: If it’s too wet, add a spoonful of oat flour.
If it’s too dry, add broth a teaspoon at a time.
Overbaking: Dry, rock-hard treats can be tough on teeth, especially for seniors. Aim for light golden edges.
Large pieces: Scale size to your dog. Small dogs and training sessions need tiny bites.
Dairy sensitivity: If using Parmesan, keep it minimal or skip for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Unsafe add-ins: Avoid onion, garlic, chives, excessive cheese, and sweeteners like xylitol.
Stick to dog-safe ingredients.

Recipe Variations

Chicken and Pumpkin: Replace 1/4 cup broth with 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree for extra fiber and moisture.
Turkey Switch: Use cooked, shredded turkey breast instead of chicken. Great for post-holiday leftovers.
Gluten-Friendly Note: Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be cross-contaminated. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Training Nibbles: Roll thinner and cut very small.
Bake slightly less for a soft, high-value reward.
Crunch Lovers: Roll thinner and bake longer, then let them dry in the warm oven for extra snap.
Herb Boost: Add a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme. Keep it minimal and avoid any spice blends with onion or garlic.

FAQ

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, as long as it’s packed in water and low in sodium. Drain well and pat dry.

Freshly cooked, unseasoned chicken has the best flavor and the least salt.

Can I replace the egg?

You can try a flax “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water, rested 5–10 minutes). The texture may be slightly more tender, but it works as a binder.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should look set and lightly golden, and the center should feel firm to the touch. For softer treats, pull them earlier; for crunchy ones, bake a few minutes longer and let them cool in the oven.

Are these okay for puppies?

For most puppies over 8–10 weeks, small, soft pieces are fine.

Keep ingredients plain, avoid added cheese if sensitive, and introduce new treats gradually. When in doubt, ask your vet.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Finely grate a small amount of carrot or zucchini, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

Reduce broth slightly so the dough doesn’t get too wet.

My dog has allergies. Can I swap the protein?

Absolutely. Try shredded turkey or cooked, flaked white fish.

Keep seasonings plain and maintain the same total volume of protein.

How many treats can I give per day?

Treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For small dogs, that might be just a couple of small pieces. Adjust based on size, activity level, and your vet’s advice.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

If you’ll finish the batch within three days, counter storage is fine in a cool, dry spot.

For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze to prevent spoilage.

Final Thoughts

These Savory Oat and Chicken Dog Treats are simple, reliable, and easy to customize. With a few basic ingredients and about half an hour of baking, you’ll have a stash of wholesome bites your dog will get excited about. Keep them small, keep them fresh, and enjoy the wagging tails that follow.

Homemade doesn’t need to be complicated to be good—just thoughtful and tasty.

David

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 😉