DIY Natural Dog Treats: Healthy Snacks for Your Pet
Homemade dog treats can be simple, nutritious, and budget-friendly. With a few whole-food ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can bake or freeze snacks your dog will love—without fillers, excess salt, or mystery additives.
Why Make Natural Dog Treats at Home?
- Control the ingredients: avoid artificial colors, excessive sodium, and added sugars.
- Tailor to your dog: choose flavors and textures that fit their preferences and sensitivities.
- Freshness and quality: use whole ingredients and keep batches small.
- Cost-effective and fun: save money while involving the family in a pet-friendly activity.
Safety First: Ingredients to Use and Avoid
Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts. If your dog has a medical condition (e.g., pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes) or known allergies, talk to your veterinarian before changing their diet.
Dog-Friendly Ingredients
- Fruits: blueberries, apple (no seeds or core), banana, seedless watermelon, strawberries.
- Vegetables: pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling), sweet potato, carrots, green beans.
- Proteins: eggs, plain cooked chicken or turkey (no skin/bones), canned salmon in water (bones blended), sardines in water (rinsed), lean beef.
- Grains and starches: rolled oats/oat flour, brown rice flour, whole wheat flour (if tolerated), potato.
- Dairy substitutes: plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt or kefir (use modestly, some dogs are lactose sensitive).
- Fats and extras: a little coconut oil or olive oil, natural peanut butter without xylitol or added sweeteners, turmeric, cinnamon (pinch), dill, parsley (small amounts), spearmint (small amounts).
- Liquids: water, low-sodium broth without onion or garlic.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Xylitol and other sugar alcohols (often found in peanut butter, gums, and sugar-free products).
- Chocolate, cocoa, and caffeine (coffee, tea).
- Grapes, raisins, currants.
- Onion, garlic, leek, chives (all alliums).
- Macadamia nuts; avoid most nuts due to fat/salt and potential toxins (especially black walnuts).
- Nutmeg, excessive salt, alcohol, raw yeast dough.
- High-fat, seasoned, or processed meats; smoked or heavily salted fish.
- Avocado pit/skin; the flesh is high-fat and best avoided for most dogs.
- Pennyroyal and essential oils; strong herbs in medicinal amounts.
Note: Parsley and mint can freshen breath in small amounts; avoid large quantities for dogs with kidney issues, and never use pennyroyal. Always check peanut butter labels for xylitol.
Basic Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls, spatula, measuring cups/spoons.
- Baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Rolling pin and cookie cutters (or simply shape by hand).
- Oven or dehydrator; freezer for cold treats.
- Knife and cutting board; food processor or blender for quick doughs.
Treat Guidelines: Portions, Storage, and Safety
- Portion control: treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories (about 5% if weight loss is a goal).
- Size: choose treat sizes appropriate for your dog’s mouth to reduce choking risk.
- Cooking safety: cook poultry and fish to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) before dehydrating or serving.
- Storage: most baked treats last 3–7 days in an airtight container at room temp, 1–2 weeks in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Label your batches with the date and ingredients, especially if you rotate recipes.
Simple, Healthy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
1) 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits
Crunchy, fragrant biscuits with fiber and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup (128 g) natural peanut butter (xylitol-free, unsalted)
- 2 large eggs
- 2.5–3 cups (300–360 g) whole wheat flour or oat flour, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth. Add flour gradually to form a firm, non-sticky dough.
- Roll to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut shapes or slice into squares.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until set and lightly golden. For extra crunch, turn off oven and let treats dry inside for 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
Storage: up to 1 week at room temp, 2 weeks refrigerated, 3 months frozen. Approx. calories per small (1.5 in/4 cm) biscuit: 30–45, depending on thickness.
2) Banana-Oat Puppy Bites
Soft, simple morsels ideal for puppies and seniors who prefer a tender texture.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2–2.5 cups (180–225 g) rolled oats, pulsed into coarse flour
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- Optional mix-ins: 1/4 cup blueberries or 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease or line a mini muffin pan or tray.
- Combine mashed banana, oat flour, and egg/oil if using. Fold in optional mix-ins.
- Scoop small spoonfuls or press into mini muffin wells.
- Bake 18–22 minutes for soft bites; add 5–8 minutes for a firmer texture.
- Cool on a rack. Keep portions small—bananas add natural sugars.
Storage: 4–5 days refrigerated, 2–3 months frozen. Approx. 20–35 calories per mini bite.
3) Chicken and Sweet Potato Jerky
Chewy, high-protein strips without preservatives. Follow safe handling guidelines.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch (6 mm) rounds or strips
- Optional: splash of low-sodium broth (no onion or garlic)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Place a wire rack over a lined baking sheet.
- Briefly pre-cook chicken strips until they reach 165°F (74°C) internal (you can poach or bake). Pat dry.
- Arrange chicken and sweet potato slices on the rack for airflow.
- Dry in the oven 2–4 hours, turning halfway, until fully dehydrated but still slightly pliable.
- Cool completely. For maximum safety and shelf life, refrigerate.
Storage: 1–2 weeks refrigerated, 2–3 months frozen. Always supervise while chewing.
4) Frozen Yogurt Berry Pupsicles
Cooling summer treats with probiotics. Use dairy alternatives if needed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt or lactose-free yogurt
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped strawberries or seedless watermelon
- Water as needed to thin
Instructions
- Blend yogurt with a splash of water to a pourable consistency.
- Stir in fruit pieces. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze until solid, 3–4 hours. Pop out and store in a freezer bag.
Tip: If your dog is sensitive to dairy, use unsweetened coconut yogurt or a pumpkin-and-water base. Offer small portions to avoid tummy upset.
5) Mint and Parsley Fresh-Breath Treats
Herb-infused biscuits that can help freshen breath. Use herbs modestly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup finely chopped curly parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh spearmint
- 2–3 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Mix flour, herbs, egg, and oil; add water to form a dough.
- Roll to 1/4 inch (6 mm), cut small shapes, and bake 15–18 minutes until set.
- Cool completely before serving.
Note: Avoid pennyroyal. For dogs with kidney issues, skip or greatly reduce parsley and consult your vet.
6) Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Bites
Simple grain-free option using coconut flour. Expect a denser texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (60 g) coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2–4 tablespoons water, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Whisk pumpkin and eggs; stir in coconut flour and oil. Rest 5 minutes to let flour hydrate.
- Add water if needed for a scoopable dough. Form small patties or balls.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until firm. Cool before serving.
Storage: 5–7 days refrigerated, up to 3 months frozen.
7) Soft Salmon Training Treats
Tiny, high-value training cubes that freeze well.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz/340 g) salmon in water, drained (unsalted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) oat flour
- Optional: 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8–9 in (20–23 cm) square pan with parchment.
- Blend salmon (bones are fine), eggs, and dill into a smooth paste; mix in oat flour.
- Spread in the pan. Bake 25–30 minutes until set.
- Cool, then cut into pea-sized cubes. For drier treats, return cubes to a 250°F (120°C) oven for 20–30 minutes.
Storage: 5 days refrigerated; freeze in small training portions up to 3 months.
Make It Your Own: Flavor Ideas and Swaps
- Swap peanut butter with unsalted sunflower seed butter if nut sensitivities are a concern.
- Use brown rice flour or oat flour for wheat-sensitive dogs.
- Add finely grated veggies (carrot, zucchini) for moisture and fiber.
- Enhance aroma with a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon (never nutmeg).
- For extra crunch, reduce oven temp by 25°F (10–15°C) and bake longer to dry treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking labels: many “natural” nut butters contain xylitol or added sugar.
- Using onion/garlic broth: always choose no-onion, no-garlic, low-sodium broth.
- Oversizing treats: large, hard biscuits can be a choking hazard for small dogs.
- Skipping refrigeration: high-moisture treats spoil quickly at room temperature.
- Ignoring calories: even natural treats add up—measure portions for weight management.
How to Introduce New Treats
- Start with a single piece and monitor for 24 hours for stomach upset or itching.
- Offer water and avoid adding multiple new ingredients at once.
- For sensitive stomachs, favor bland recipes (pumpkin, oats, lean proteins).
Quick FAQ
How many treats can my dog have?
Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories (about 5% for weight control). Adjust meal portions if training with lots of treats.
Can I use almond flour?
Yes, in small amounts, but it’s calorie-dense. Oat or rice flour is generally easier on digestion.
Is yogurt safe?
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt is fine in small amounts for most dogs. If lactose-sensitive, choose lactose-free yogurt or kefir, or skip dairy.
Can I substitute pumpkin with sweet potato?
Usually yes. Cook and mash sweet potato to the same volume as pumpkin puree.
Do I need special storage?
Yes—label and date. Refrigerate moist treats and freeze extras to prevent mold and spoilage.
Happy Baking!
With a short ingredient list and a little time, you can craft wholesome, tasty snacks tailored to your dog. Keep safety in mind, bake small batches, and have fun experimenting with flavors your pup loves. If you’re unsure about an ingredient or your dog has a medical condition, check with your veterinarian first.
