Homemade Dog Treats: 5 Easy & Healthy Recipes to Try Today

By DogFoodCheck Team •

Introduction

As a loving dog owner, you're always looking for ways to show your furry friend some extra love. What better way to do that than with a batch of delicious, homemade dog treats? Making treats at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid artificial preservatives, fillers, and potential allergens found in some store-bought products. Plus, it's a fun and rewarding activity that your dog will absolutely love!

Here are five easy and healthy recipes to get you started. Each recipe uses simple, common ingredients and can be made in a flash.

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Treats

These treats are a classic for a reason. They're simple to make and use two dog-friendly superfoods: pumpkin, which is great for digestion, and peanut butter, a favorite source of protein and healthy fats.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
    • 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 1 egg
    • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg until well combined.
    3. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
    4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
    5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
    6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and golden brown.
    7. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

2. Frozen Yogurt & Blueberry Bites

Perfect for a hot day, these frozen treats are a cool and refreshing snack. They're also packed with probiotics from the yogurt and antioxidants from the blueberries.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek yogurt is a great option)
    • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • Instructions:
    1. In a small bowl, lightly mash the blueberries.
    2. Mix the mashed blueberries with the yogurt.
    3. Spoon the mixture into a silicone mold or an ice cube tray.
    4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until solid.
    5. Pop them out of the molds and serve as a quick, icy treat.

3. Crunchy Apple & Carrot Chews

These dehydrated chews are a low-calorie, high-fiber alternative to store-bought chews. The crunchy texture is also great for your dog's teeth!

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 apple
    • 1 large carrot
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting (around 150-175°F or 65-80°C).
    2. Wash and slice the apple and carrot into thin, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch thick). You can use a mandoline slicer for best results.
    3. Lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    4. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. The treats are ready when they are firm, dry, and slightly pliable.
    5. Allow them to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.

4. Cheesy Bacon Paws

A savory treat that's sure to get a tail wag. These simple, baked treats use two ingredients that dogs can't resist: cheese and bacon.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
    • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. In a bowl, mix the grated cheese and crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
    3. Place small, rounded spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them as they will spread.
    4. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the treats are a golden color.
    5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.

5. Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins and dietary fiber. Dehydrating them turns them into a chewy, satisfying treat that's great for your dog's digestion.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 large sweet potato
  • Instructions:
    1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
    2. Wash the sweet potato thoroughly. You can peel it or leave the skin on for extra fiber.
    3. Slice the sweet potato into 1/4-inch thick discs or strips.
    4. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    5. Bake for 3-4 hours, or until they are firm and chewy.
    6. Let the chews cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

A Final Note

These homemade treats are a wonderful way to provide your dog with healthy, all-natural snacks. Remember to always serve treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If your dog has any known allergies or a sensitive stomach, introduce new ingredients one at a time and consult with your veterinarian before trying new recipes.