Dogs are more than just pets; they’re family. As loving dog owners, we want the best for our furry companions, including their diet.
While store-bought treats are often packed with preservatives, fats, and artificial ingredients, homemade dog treats offer a healthier, more controlled option.
If your dog is on a low-fat diet or you simply want to offer them a healthier snack, these six homemade low-fat dog treats are a great way to indulge them without compromising their well-being.
Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Low Fat Dog Treats
Before we jump into the recipes, it’s worth highlighting why low-fat dog treats can be so beneficial. Many dogs, especially those with weight issues or certain medical conditions, require a diet that is low in fat.
- Obesity is a common concern for pets, and feeding your dog high-fat treats can contribute to weight gain and related health issues like diabetes, joint problems, or heart disease.
- Low-fat treats provide your dog with essential nutrients while minimizing the risk of weight gain.
- Homemade low-fat treats also give you full control over the ingredients, ensuring that they’re made with healthy, dog-friendly items.
They are the perfect option for dogs of all sizes, whether they’re older, younger, or have specific dietary needs.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted)
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup water (you may need more or less depending on the dough consistency)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Slowly add in the flour, one-quarter cup at a time, stirring to incorporate it into the mixture. Continue until a dough begins to form.
- Add water gradually, just a little at a time, until the dough reaches a firm but workable consistency.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into bite-sized shapes. You can also roll the dough into small balls if you prefer.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size
These treats are small, so you can adjust the portion depending on your dog’s size. For small dogs, 1-2 treats per day is ideal, while larger dogs can enjoy 3-4 treats daily.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 treat (average) | 30 | 1.2 | 3.5 | 1.2 |
Recipe 2: Apple and Carrot Crunchies
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 apple (peeled and finely grated)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the apple and shred the carrots. Make sure the apple is finely grated to avoid large chunks that may not bake properly.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated apple, shredded carrots, and egg. Stir to combine.
- Add the coconut oil and mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, one spoonful at a time, stirring until the mixture forms a dough.
- Add a little water if the dough is too dry; it should be firm and slightly sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness, then use a cookie cutter or knife to shape the treats.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Let them cool before serving.
Feeding Size
For small dogs, give 1-2 treats daily. For larger dogs, 2-3 treats per day should be sufficient.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These treats can also be frozen for long-term storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 treat (average) | 28 | 1.1 | 4.3 | 1.4 |
Recipe 3: Sweet Potato Chews
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (for baking)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 large sweet potato
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potato. Slice it into 1/4 inch thick rounds or long strips, depending on your dog’s preference.
- Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 2 hours, flipping the slices halfway through the baking time. The treats should be firm and slightly crispy once done.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
Feeding Size
These chews can be a little tougher, so offer them to your dog in moderation. For small dogs, one chew a day is sufficient, while larger dogs can enjoy up to two chews per day.
Storage Tips
These chews can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 chew (average) | 40 | 0.1 | 9.5 | 1.0 |
Recipe 4: Banana Oatmeal Bites
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the rolled oats, yogurt, and whole wheat flour to the mashed banana. Stir well to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Feeding Size
One treat a day is perfect for small dogs, while larger dogs can enjoy 2-3 treats daily.
Storage Tips
These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 treat (average) | 35 | 0.9 | 6.2 | 1.1 |
Recipe 5: Chicken and Rice Training Treats
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded)
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shred the cooked chicken breast and mix it with the cooked brown rice in a bowl.
- Add the egg and oat flour to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
Feeding Size
These small, protein-packed treats are perfect for training. Offer 1-2 treats at a time.
Storage Tips
Store these treats in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 treat (average) | 25 | 0.8 | 2.5 | 4.0 |
Recipe 6: Carrot and Parsley Biscotti
Prep time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients Needed
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the grated carrot, chopped parsley, egg, and olive oil.
- Add the oat flour and whole wheat flour gradually, stirring until you form a dough.
- Shape the dough into a log about 6 inches long and place it on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until firm.
- Remove the log from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, slice it into biscotti-like pieces.
- Place the pieces back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp.
Feeding Size
These biscotti-style treats are crunchy and great for small to medium-sized dogs. Serve 1-2 pieces per day.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Nutrition Values Calculated
| Ingredient | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
| 1 treat (average) | 30 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 1.5 |
Final Thoughts
Homemade low-fat dog treats are a wonderful way to keep your dog healthy and happy. Making these treats at home, you can ensure that you’re giving your pet only the best ingredients, while also controlling the fat content.
Whether you’re making peanut butter bites, sweet potato chews, or chicken and rice training treats, these recipes are sure to become favorites in your household.
So why not give them a try? Your dog will thank you!
