9 Healthy Dog Treats Homemade: A Complete Guide to Wholesome Recipes

Throughout life as a dog parent, I’ve whipped up countless homemade treats for my pups. Some were total flops that had my dogs turning up their noses, while others became their favorites.

If you’re tired of shelling out big bucks for store-bought treats filled with mystery ingredients, you’re in the right place.

Keep reading because i will show you 9 easy, vet-approved recipes for healthy homemade dog treats that’ll have your furry friend begging for more. Plus, I’ll share my top tips for making and storing treats that are both delicious and nutritious for any breed.

Why You Should choose homemade over store-bought treats?

Let’s face it – the pet treat aisle can be overwhelming. While there are some great commercial options out there, homemade treats offer some distinct advantages:

• No artificial preservatives or additives
• You can cater to your dog’s specific tastes and dietary needs
• Often more cost-effective, especially for larger dogs
• You know exactly how fresh they are
• It’s a fun activity that dogs love to “help” with (clean-up crew, anyone?)

Top 9 Easy Recipes for Healthy Dog Treats

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Banana Biscuits

Who doesn’t love the classic combo of peanut butter and banana? These simple biscuits are sure to be a hit with your furry friend.

What ingredients do you need?

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, peanut butter, and egg until well combined.
3. Gradually stir in the flour to form a dough.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
6. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before serving.

Breeds that will love this treat

While all dogs go nuts for peanut butter, these biscuits are especially great for:

• Beagles
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Pugs
• Chihuahuas

Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews

Looking for a simple, single-ingredient treat? Sweet potato chews are chewy, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for treats?

1. Wash and dry a large sweet potato.
2. Slice it lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices.
3. Optional: For smaller dogs, cut the slices in half width-wise.

Baking instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer.
4. Bake for about 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
5. They’re done when they’re dry and chewy, but still slightly pliable.

Breeds that will love this treat

Sweet potato chews are great for dogs who love to chew, including:

• Bulldogs
• Dachshunds
• Jack Russell Terriers
• Pit Bulls
• Boxers

Recipe 3: Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Bites

These tasty little morsels combine the goodness of pumpkin with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter.

What makes pumpkin a great ingredient?

Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs! It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and can help with digestive issues. Plus, most dogs love the taste.

What you’ll need:

• Pumpkin puree
• Peanut butter
• Wheat flour

Mixing and baking tips

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour.
3. Roll into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Breeds that will love this treat

These bites are perfect for:

• Labradors
• Poodles
• German Shepherds
• Siberian Huskies
• Corgis

Recipe 4: Oatmeal and Apple Treats

Oats and apples make for a wholesome, crunchy treat that’s easy on sensitive tummies.

How do oats benefit dogs?

Oats are a great source of fiber and can help regulate blood sugar. They’re also gentle on digestive systems, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

What you’ll need:

• Wheat flour
• Rolled oats
• Grated Apple
• Chicken Broth

Preparation process

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 grated apple (no seeds!), and 1/4 cup chicken broth.
3. Form the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Flatten each ball slightly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Allow to cool completely.

Breeds that will love this treat

These crunchy treats are great for:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Shih Tzus
• Bichon Frises
• Maltese
• Pomeranians

Recipe 5: Carob and Coconut Oil Cookies

Want to give your pup a “chocolate” treat without the danger? Carob is your answer!

Why is carob a safe chocolate alternative?

Carob looks and tastes similar to chocolate but doesn’t contain theobromine, the compound that makes chocolate toxic to dogs. It’s a safe way to give your pup a chocolatey treat.

What you’ll need:

• Coconut oil
• Carob Powder
• Egg
• Wheat flour

Detailed baking guide

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Melt 1/4 cup coconut oil and mix with 1/4 cup carob powder.
3. Add 1 egg and 1 cup whole wheat flour. Mix well.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
5. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Breeds that will love this treat

These “chocolate” cookies are perfect for:

• Boxers
• Rottweilers
• Doberman Pinschers
• Great Danes
• Saint Bernards

Recipe 6: Chicken and Rice Treats

For pups who prefer savory over sweet, these chicken and rice treats are sure to please.

What are the nutritional benefits of chicken?

Chicken is a lean protein that’s easy to digest. It provides essential amino acids and can be great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

What you’ll need

• Rice
• diced chicken breast
• eggs
• Chicken broth

Cooking and shaping instructions

1. Cook 1 cup of rice and 1 cup of diced chicken breast.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a food processor, blend the cooked chicken and rice with 1 egg and 1/4 cup chicken broth.
4. Spread the mixture on a lined baking sheet about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm.
6. Let cool, then cut into small squares.

Breeds that will love this treat

These savory bites are perfect for:

• German Shepherds
• Border Collies
• Australian Cattle Dogs
• Vizslas
• Weimaraners

Recipe 7: Blueberry and Yogurt Drops

Cool, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants, these frozen treats are perfect for hot days.

How do blueberries benefit your dog’s health?

Blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They can help boost your dog’s immune system and may even help with cognitive function in older dogs.

What You’ll Need

• Blueberries
• Greek Yogurt

Freezing method for treats

1. Mash 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
2. Mix with 1 cup of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt.
3. Spoon small drops onto a lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
5. Transfer to a freezer-safe container for storage.

Breeds that will love this treat

These cool treats are great for:

• French Bulldogs
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Recipe 8: Zucchini and Cheese Biscuits

Sneaking in some veggies has never been easier with these cheesy, savory biscuits.

Why is zucchini a great low-calorie option?

Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber and moisture. It’s a great way to add bulk to treats without adding many calories, making it perfect for pups watching their waistlines.

What you will need to make this treats:

• Grated Zucchini
• Grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• whole wheat flour

Mixing and baking tips

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grate 1 medium zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
3. Mix with 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 egg, and 1 cup whole wheat flour.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
5. Bake on a lined sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Breeds that will love this treat

These cheesy biscuits are great for:

• Australian Shepherds
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Shetland Sheepdogs

Recipe 9: Beef Liver Training Treats

For high-value rewards during training sessions, nothing beats these liver treats.

You will need Just a pack of Beef meat to make this treat.

What makes liver a high-value treat for training?

Liver is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Its strong smell and taste make it irresistible to most dogs, making it perfect for keeping their attention during training.

You will need only Beef meat for this treat.

Preparation and drying process

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
2. Cut beef liver into small, uniform pieces.
3. Arrange on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until completely dry.
5. Let cool completely before using.

Breeds that will love this treat

These high-value treats are perfect for:

• Doberman Pinschers
• Siberian Huskies
• Belgian Malinois
• German Shepherds
• Border Collies and many more.

How to Store Homemade Dog Treats for Maximum Freshness

You’ve put in the effort to make healthy treats – now let’s make sure they stay fresh!

What are the best storage practices?

1. Cool completely: Always let treats cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Airtight containers: Use glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
3. Refrigerate or freeze: Most homemade treats last longer when chilled.
4. Label and date: Keep track of when you made each batch.
5. Separate batches: Don’t mix old and new treats in the same container.

How long do homemade treats last?

• Room temperature: 3-5 days
• Refrigerated: 1-2 weeks
• Frozen: Up to 3 months

Treats without preservatives won’t last as long as store-bought ones. When in doubt, throw it out!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dog Treats

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make some missteps when whipping up homemade dog treats. Here’s what to watch out for:

What ingredients should you never use?

1. Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs.
2. Chocolate: Even small amounts can be dangerous.
3. Grapes or raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs.
4. Onions or garlic: These can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
5. Macadamia nuts: These can cause weakness and depression in dogs.

Tips for ensuring treats are safe and healthy

1. Stick to dog-safe ingredients: If you’re not sure, check with your vet.
2. Watch portion sizes: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
3. Adjust for allergies: If your dog has food sensitivities, modify recipes accordingly.
4. Avoid added sugar and salt: Dogs don’t need these in their diets.
5. Use lean meats: Trim excess fat to keep treats healthy.

Ingredients for healthy homemade dog treats

Now here a some staple ingredients you’ll want to keep on hand for making homemade dog treats:

• Dog-safe fruits and veggies (carrots, blueberries, apples without seeds)
• Whole wheat flour or oat flour (for gluten-sensitive pups)
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• Pumpkin puree
• Sweet potatoes
• Bananas
• Eggs
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Lean meats like chicken or beef

The End…

Whipping up homemade treats for your furry friend is more than just a fun activity – it’s a way to show your love and care through nutrition. By controlling the ingredients and tailoring recipes to your dog’s tastes and needs, you’re providing them with wholesome, delicious snacks that support their health.

Don’t be afraid to experiment (safely) and find what your pup loves best. Those tails get excited when they smell something cooking just for them make it all worthwhile.