18 Homemade Dog Treats: A Wonderful Guide to Delicious DIY Snacks

As a loving dog parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. That’s where homemade dog treats come in!

By making treats at home, you have complete control over what goes into your dog’s snacks, avoiding preservatives and artificial additives often found in store-bought options.

Plus, the joy of seeing your pup’s excitement as they taste your homemade creations is truly priceless.

Read on to discover 18 mouthwatering homemade dog treat recipes that are sure to make your furry friend’s day!

1. Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, with these peanut butter treats, you might just find your pup learning faster than ever! These classic snacks are a surefire hit with dogs of all ages and sizes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before serving to your eager pup!

These treats are not only delicious but also packed with protein from the peanut butter and eggs, making them a nutritious snack option for your furry friend.

2. Frosty Pumpkin Dog Treats

On a hot summer day, nothing beats a cool, refreshing treat. These frosty pumpkin delights are perfect for helping your dog beat the heat while providing some health benefits too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain kefir
• 1 tablespoon salmon oil
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Pop out and serve to your pup as a cool, refreshing treat!

These treats are not only hydrating but also great for your dog’s skin and coat, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids in the salmon oil and the probiotics in the kefir.

3. Watermelon Pupsicles

Speaking of summer treats, these watermelon pupsicles are a hit with dogs and humans alike! They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for those scorching days when your pup needs a cool-down.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the watermelon in a food processor until smooth.
2. Mix in the yogurt and honey (if using).
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
5. Serve to your pup on a hot day for a refreshing treat!

Watermelon is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, making these pupsicles a healthy and hydrating snack option.

4. Peanut Butter and Bacon Glazed Dog Treats

If your dog goes crazy for bacon (and let’s face it, most do), these treats will quickly become their new favorite! The combination of peanut butter and bacon creates an irresistible flavor that’ll have your pup begging for more.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix peanut butter, bacon, and pumpkin puree in a bowl.
3. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving to your eager pup!

These treats combine the protein from peanut butter and bacon with the fiber-rich pumpkin, creating a balanced and tasty snack.

5. No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

Short on time but still want to spoil your furry friend? These no-bake pumpkin treats are the answer! With just three ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
4. Pop out and serve to your pup as a cool, digestive-friendly treat!

The combination of pumpkin and ginger makes these treats excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

6. Banana Zucchini Bread Homemade Dog Treats

Got some overripe bananas? Don’t let them go to waste! Turn them into these nutritious banana zucchini bread treats that your dog will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas, grated zucchini, and eggs in a bowl.
3. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

These treats are packed with vitamins and fiber from the bananas and zucchini, making them a healthy snack option for your pup.

7. Sweet Potato Pretzel Dog Treats

Who doesn’t love a good pretzel? Your dog certainly will when you make these sweet potato pretzel treats!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix sweet potato, flour, and egg until a dough forms.
3. Roll small pieces of dough into thin ropes.
4. Shape the ropes into pretzels.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp.
6. Let cool before giving to your pup.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, making these treats both fun and nutritious for your dog.

8. Frozen Apple Dog Treat

Here’s another cool treat for those hot summer days! These frozen apple treats are simple to make and provide a refreshing snack for your pup.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Blend the apple slices in a food processor until smooth.
2. Mix the apple puree with yogurt.
3. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
5. Serve to your dog as a cool, hydrating treat!

Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, while yogurt provides probiotics for gut health.

9. DIY Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

These treats are so good, you might be tempted to try them yourself! (And you can – they’re safe for human consumption too!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.
5. Let cool before serving to your pup (or yourself!).

These treats are packed with fiber from the oats and pumpkin, making them great for digestive health.

10. Homemade Carrot Oat Applesauce Treats

Looking for a way to sneak some extra veggies into your dog’s diet? These carrot oat applesauce treats are the perfect solution!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls.
4. Place on a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

These treats are packed with fiber and vitamins from the carrots and apples, making them a nutritious snack option.

11. No-Bake Dog Treats

Sometimes, you just don’t want to turn on the oven. These no-bake treats are perfect for those days when you want to whip up something quick and easy for your pup.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup mashed banana or applesauce

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
5. Serve to your pup as a cool, no-bake treat!

These treats are not only easy to make but also provide a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

12. 3-Ingredient Dog Treats

Sometimes, simple is best. These 3-ingredient treats prove that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious for your dog.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pumpkin puree and peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving to your pup.

These treats combine the fiber-rich pumpkin with protein-packed peanut butter for a nutritious snack.

What are some unique ingredients to use in homemade dog treats?

When you are Making homemade dog treats you don’t need to be afraid to get creative! Here are some unique ingredients you can use to spice up your recipes:

• Sweet potatoes: Rich in vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes make a great base for dog treats.
• Beets: These vibrant vegetables are packed with nutrients and can add a beautiful color to your treats.
• Coconut oil: Known for its health benefits, coconut oil can be a great addition to no-bake treats.
• Quinoa flour: A gluten-free alternative that’s high in protein and fiber.
• Oat flour: Another great gluten-free option that’s easy to make at home.
• Carob: A dog-safe alternative to chocolate that can add sweetness to treats.

Remember to introduce new ingredients gradually and in small amounts to ensure your dog doesn’t have any adverse reactions.

13. Chicken and Beetroot Dog Treats

For a protein-packed treat with a pop of color, try these chicken and beetroot treats!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 1/2 cup beetroot puree
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix chicken and beetroot puree in a bowl.
3. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into desired shapes.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp.
6. Let cool before serving to your pup.

These treats combine lean protein from the chicken with the vitamins and antioxidants found in beets.

14. Banana Peanut Butter Oat Cookies

Got some overripe bananas? Put them to good use with these easy-to-make cookies that your dog will love!

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed bananas and peanut butter in a bowl.
3. Stir in oats until well combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before serving.

These cookies are a great way to use up old bananas and provide a tasty, nutritious treat for your pup.

Are there any homemade dog treats that help with skin issues?

Yes! Some homemade treats can be beneficial for dogs with skin issues. The Frosty Pumpkin Dog Treats mentioned earlier are a great example. The salmon oil in these treats is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve skin and coat health. Additionally, ingredients like coconut oil, plain yogurt, and pumpkin can also be beneficial for skin health when used in moderation.

Here’s a quick recipe for a skin-friendly treat:

Coconut Oil and Turmeric Bites

• Mix 1/2 cup melted coconut oil with 1 teaspoon turmeric powder.
• Pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
• Freeze until solid.
• Give to your dog as an occasional treat.

Remember, while these treats can be helpful, they should not replace proper veterinary care for serious skin issues.

15. Frozen Pumpkin and Yogurt Dog Treats

These frozen treats are perfect for hot summer days and can help soothe upset stomachs too!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin puree and yogurt in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Pop out and serve to your pup as a cool, probiotic-rich treat!

The combination of pumpkin and yogurt makes these treats great for digestive health.

Can I use human food ingredients for homemade dog treats?

Absolutely! Many human foods are safe and healthy for dogs when used in moderation. Here are some common human food ingredients that work well in homemade dog treats:

• Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• Pumpkin puree
• Sweet potatoes
• Bananas
• Apples (without seeds)
• Carrots
• Oats
• Eggs
• Plain yogurt

Always research any new ingredient before using it in dog treats, as some human foods can be harmful to dogs. Avoid ingredients like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

16. Homemade Flea Prevention Dog Treats

While not a replacement for veterinary-approved flea treatments, these treats contain ingredients that may help repel fleas naturally.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast
• 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut oil and brewer’s yeast in a bowl.
2. Stir in oats until well combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze for at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Pop out and serve to your pup as a natural flea-repelling treat!

These treats combine the potential flea-repelling properties of coconut oil and brewer’s yeast with the nutritional benefits of oats. While they may help deter fleas, they should not replace veterinary-approved flea treatments.

17. Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Pretzel Dog Treats

These pretzel-shaped treats are not only fun to make but also packed with nutrients your dog will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potato, flour, and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll small pieces of dough into thin ropes, about 6 inches long.
4. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape.
5. Place pretzels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
7. Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

These treats are rich in vitamins A and C from the sweet potato, making them a nutritious snack option for your dog.

18. Carrot and Apple Chewies

Looking for a chewy treat that’s good for your dog’s teeth? These carrot and apple chewies fit the bill perfectly!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix grated carrots, applesauce, and oats in a bowl until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
5. Let cool completely, then break into small, chewy pieces.
6. Store in an airtight container and give to your dog as a dental-friendly treat!

These chewies are packed with fiber from the carrots and apples, which can help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew.

What are some no-bake dog treat recipes?

No-bake treats are perfect for hot summer days or when you’re short on time. Here’s a quick recap of some no-bake options we’ve covered:

1. Frosty Pumpkin Dog Treats: A cool, hydrating treat made with kefir, salmon oil, and pumpkin puree.
2. Watermelon Pupsicles: A refreshing frozen treat made from watermelon and yogurt.
3. No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats: Quick and easy treats made with coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and ginger.
4. Frozen Apple Dog Treat: A simple, cooling treat made from apples and yogurt.
5. No-Bake Dog Treats: Easy-to-make treats using peanut butter, oats, and soft fruits or vegetables.

These no-bake options are not only quick to prepare but also provide a cool, refreshing snack for your pup on hot days. They’re perfect for when you want to treat your dog without turning on the oven!

Ending……

If you haven’t started making homemade dog treats yet, you’re missing out on a world of tail-wagging excitement! These 18 recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the delicious, healthy snacks you can create for your furry friend.

Imagine the joy on your pup’s face as they taste a homemade peanut butter treat or cool off with a watermelon pupsicle on a hot day. You’ll be amazed at how easy most of these recipes are to make, often requiring just a few simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.

Moreover, making your own dog treats allows you to cater to your pet’s specific needs or preferences. Whether your dog has dietary restrictions, skin issues, or just a picky palate, there’s a homemade treat recipe that’s perfect for them.