9 Homemade Dog Treats Recipes Vet Approved

Store-bought treats often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients that may not be the healthiest choice. That’s where homemade dog treats come in.

These vet-approved recipes will let you control what goes into your dog’s snacks, ensuring they’re both delicious and nutritious.

Want to know the secret to being your dog’s favorite human? Keep reading and see how easy it is to make tasty, healthy treats that your pup will love!

Recipe 1: Apple Pretzels: My Dogs Favorite

Let’s kick things off with a fun and healthy treat that’ll have your dog begging for more.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups almond flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Beat the egg in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, mix the applesauce and almond flour.
5. Add most of the beaten egg to the mixture, saving about a tablespoon.
6. Stir until you form a dough.
7. Shape the dough into pretzels and place them on the baking tray.
8. Brush the pretzels with the remaining egg.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

These pretzels are perfect for medium to large dogs. For smaller pups, you can make mini pretzels by using less dough per pretzel. Remember, moderation is key. Stick to giving your dog up to two pretzels per day, depending on their size.

Recipe 2: Blackberry Biscuit Dog Treats

Next up, we have a fruity treat that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups almond flour
• ¾ cup flax meal
• ½ cup blackberries
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Add water as needed to form a dough.
4. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
5. Cut out biscuit shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes until browned and firm.

These biscuits are packed with antioxidants from the blackberries and healthy fats from the flax meal. They’re perfect for dogs of all sizes. Small dogs can enjoy one biscuit per day, while larger breeds can have two.

Recipe 3: Mini Omelets: With Protein-Packed

Who says dogs can’t enjoy breakfast food? This mini omelets is a protein powerhouse.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs (cooked)
• ½ cup cooked, thinly-sliced salmon or pulled grilled chicken (skinless, boneless)
• ½ green bell pepper, diced

Directions:

1. Lightly grease a frying pan with olive oil and heat to medium-high.
2. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour into the pan.
3. When the eggs are halfway firm, add the green pepper and protein.
4. Fold the omelets and cook until firm.
5. Let it cool before serving.

This treat is rich in protein and vegetables. It’s a great way to add variety to your dog’s diet. Serve one omelets slice per day, cut into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.

Recipe 4: Frozen Meat Treats: A Cool Surprise

Perfect for hot summer days, these frozen treats will keep your dog cool and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grilled chicken (skinless, boneless)
• ¾ cup plain yogurt (no xylitol)
• 1 carrot
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays.
3. Freeze until solid.

These frozen cubes are great for keeping your dog hydrated and cool. Limit to one cube per day, and always supervise your dog when giving frozen treats.

Recipe 5: Red, White, and Blue Yogurt Popsicles

Celebrate summer with these colorful, dog-friendly popsicles.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup chopped strawberries
• 1 cup plain yogurt (no xylitol)

Directions:

1. Gently mix the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour into popsicle molds.
3. Freeze for at least four hours.

These popsicles are a great source of probiotics from the yogurt and antioxidants from the berries. Limit to one popsicle per day, and always supervise your dog while they enjoy this frozen treat.

Recipe 6: Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Biscuits

An Irresistible Combo Combine with two dog favorites in one irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (made from rolled oats)
• ¼ cup peanut butter (no artificial sweeteners)
• ¼ cup crumbled bacon (trimmed)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Blend all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough to about ⅓ inch thick.
4. Cut into shapes and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

These biscuits are high in protein and healthy fats. The bacon adds an irresistible flavor, but remember to use it sparingly. One biscuit per day is plenty for most dogs.

Recipe 7: Chicken and Biscuits Homemade Dog Treats

This recipe combines the classic flavors of chicken and biscuits in a dog-friendly package.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped, no bones)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• One container (5.3 ounces) non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup water
• One beaten egg

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients until you have a thick dough.
3. Spoon the mixture onto baking sheets.
4. Flatten each spoonful slightly.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes until light golden brown.
6. Cool completely before serving.

These treats are high in protein and probiotics. They’re perfect for dogs of all sizes, but stick to one treat per day.

Recipe 8: Homemade Carrot Banana Doggie Cake

Make your dog’s special day even more special with this doggie-friendly cake.

Ingredients for Cake:

• 1 cup white or whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 egg

Ingredients for Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• One container baby food bananas
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the flour and baking soda in a bowl.
3. Add the wet ingredients and mix well.
4. Pour into a round cake pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. For the frosting, mix cream cheese, banana baby food, and cinnamon until smooth.
7. Once the cake is cool, frost and serve.

This cake is a special treat, perfect for birthdays or other celebrations. Limit your dog to one slice per day, and remember it’s not for everyday consumption.

Recipe 9: Cornmeal and Bacon Dog Biscuit

For dogs who love a good crunch, try these cornmeal and bacon biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• ½ cup bacon grease (liquefied)
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• Up to 1 cup water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Mix the flour and cornmeal in a bowl.
3. Add the liquefied bacon grease and olive oil.
4. Gradually add water until you form a dough.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 25-35 minutes until crispy.
7. Cool completely before serving.

These biscuits are high in fiber from the cornmeal and have a irresistible bacon flavor. Limit to two biscuits per day for larger dogs, one for smaller breeds.

The Scoop on Homemade Dog Treat Ingredients

Now let’s talk about what makes these treats special. The ingredients we use are not only safe for dogs but also pack a nutritional punch.

Common ingredients you’ll find in our recipes include:

• Almond flour
• Eggs
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Flax meal
• Berries
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lean meats (chicken, salmon)
• Plain yogurt
• Vegetables (carrots, bell peppers)
• Oat flour
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

But we don’t stop there! Some unique ingredients that’ll make your dog’s taste buds dance include:

• Blackberries (a antioxidant powerhouse)
• Bacon (in moderation, for irresistible flavor)
• Bananas (great for potassium)
• Cornmeal (adds texture and fiber)

These ingredients offer various benefits:

• Vegetables: Offer vitamins and fiber
• Almond flour: Rich in protein and healthy fats
• Flax meal: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids
• Berries: Loaded with antioxidants
• Lean meats: Excellent protein sources
• Yogurt: Provides probiotics for gut health

Customizing Recipes for Dietary Needs

Every dog is unique, and some may have dietary restrictions. Here’s how you can adjust these recipes:

• For gluten-sensitive dogs: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or more almond flour.
• For dogs with dairy sensitivities: Use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
• For dogs watching their weight: Reduce the amount of honey or oil in recipes.
• For diabetic dogs: Reduce or eliminate fruits high in sugar, like bananas.

Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

Mix It Up: Flavor Variations

Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors your dog loves. Here are some ideas:

• Swap chicken for turkey or lean beef in meat-based recipes.
• Try different fruits like blueberries or apples instead of blackberries.
• Use sweet potato instead of carrots for a different veggie boost.
• Experiment with herbs like parsley or mint for fresh breath treats.

The End..

Making your own dog treats isn’t just about spoiling your furry friend (although that’s a big part of it!). It’s about knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s body, controlling portion sizes, and tailoring treats to your dog’s specific needs and preferences.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always introduce new foods slowly, and keep an eye out for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.