Homemade Dog Treats: How to Make Dog Treats

Homemade dog treats (or dog cookies or dog biscuits) are baked or dried snacks for dogs. They often feature dogs’ favorite ingredients, like cheese, meat, peanut butter, or sweet potato. Many dog guardians choose to make these treats at home because of their canine’s special dietary requirements, such as food allergies or gastrointestinal issues requiring a bland diet. Making the treats from scratch allows you to choose every recipe component: You can incorporate organic or specialty ingredients. Furthermore, it can also be a more affordable option. There’s no need to abide explicitly by any dog treat recipes because you know what your dog enjoys and what they shouldn’t have.

Your furry friend is bound to love their homemade, healthy treat, and you’ll feel more secure feeding it to them because you selected all of the components. Always consult your veterinarian or pet nutritionist to get informed about protein requirements, potential supplements, and other aspects of your dog’s health. If you enjoy making dog treats, you may want to try making homemade dog food.

Depending on your dog’s tastes, needs, and preferences, you can also customize ingredients to include high-fiber options, grain-free choices, dairy-free treats, and more.

1. 1. Fruit: Many dogs enjoy fruits like apples, bananas (high in potassium), strawberries (a good source of vitamin C), and blueberries. Unsweetened applesauce and mashed bananas are easy dog-treat add-ins. Avoid fruits like grapes, raisins, and avocados, which may be toxic to dogs.
2. 2. Grains: Bulk up dog treats with whole grains like cooked brown rice or dry rolled oats. Millet, quinoa, and barley are also good options. If using leftover cooked grains, make sure they are free of any flavorings that may be toxic to dogs, like garlic.
3. 3. Peanut butter: While some dog owners swear by peanut butter dog treats, some prefer a nut-free diet. Use unsweetened natural peanut butter or even homemade peanut butter to reduce the number of additives, oils, fillers, and preservatives. (Learn how to make peanut butter from scratch.) Keep in mind that some nuts, like macadamia nuts and walnuts, can be dangerous for dogs. Always check your nut butter label to ensure it does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
4. 4. Protein: There are many ways to include protein in dog treats: You can incorporate cooked chicken, pork, beef, turkey, canned fish, eggs, or cooked beans. Dog treats are also a great way to use organ meat (like turkey giblets). Make sure the meat you use is free of cooked bones, which can pose a choking hazard.
5. 5. Vegetables: Many dogs love the sweet taste of sweet potato or pumpkin purée. These ingredients are nutritious and can help bind the other dog-treat ingredients together. Steer clear of alliums like onions, garlic, chives, and leeks, which can be toxic to dogs.

Making dog treats at home couldn't be simpler, but it’s essential to include the right ingredients for your pet. Here are some ideas for making sure that your dog goes wild over their new DIY dog treats:

1. 1. Make a protein and grain base. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine your protein base (such as ground or shredded poultry, ground pork or beef, black beans, or canned tuna) with grains or seeds and stir well. If you’re not using grains or seeds, stir in all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, or a gluten-free option such as oat flour. Stir until the mixture clumps together.
2. 2. Add vegetables or fruits. Add pumpkin, sweet potato, unsweetened applesauce, or another cooked vegetable or fruit with a smooth, soft consistency and combine well until the mixture is homogeneous. If you’re not adding a vegetable, you could also add dairy milk or an alternative milk, such as coconut.
3. 3. Shape the treats. With an ice cream scoop, transfer small balls of the mixture to an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet, flattening them a bit. Alternatively, use a doggie treat mold or a cookie cutter to make little dog bone–shaped treats. Simply roll out the mixture on a floured surface using a rolling pin, and then use the cookie cutter to carefully cut out individual treats.
4. 4. Bake the treats. Bake the treats until they’re golden brown and fragrant, about fifteen to twenty minutes. (Bake the treats longer for a more crunchy texture.) Let the treats cool fully before giving them to your dog.

Fully cooled homemade dog biscuits or treats will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Avoid any room-temperature storage, which can encourage bacteria formation. You could also freeze the treats for a few months before defrosting. Defrost frozen treats in the refrigerator before feeding them to your dogs.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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