14 Low Calorie Dog Treats Homemade: Healthy and Tasty.

Making low-calorie dog treats at home is a great way to ensure your furry friend enjoys tasty snacks without the guilt.

These homemade goodies can help maintain your dog’s health, keep their weight in check, and avoid any unwanted additives found in store-bought options.

Let me show you some healthy ingredients and easy recipes that your dog will love!

14 Low Calorie Dog Treats Homemade You Should Be Making

1. Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (natural, no xylitol)
• 1 cup oats

Instructions

• Start by taking your ripe banana and placing it in a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the banana until it becomes smooth and creamy. This process should take about a minute. Next, add the 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter to the bowl.
• Make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, as this sweetener is harmful to dogs. Mix the peanut butter and banana together until they form a thick paste.
• Once that’s done, add in the 1 cup of oats. Stir everything together until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture holds together well.
• You can use your hands to help form small bites. Grab a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to create a bite-sized treat. Place each bite on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• After you have formed all the bites, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator. Let them chill for about an hour or until they are firm. These treats are easy to make and a perfect way to reward your furry friend!

Storage

Store these bites in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

2. Cheesy Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (low-fat)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is key to making chewy treats. While the oven heats up, take your large sweet potato and carefully wash it to remove any dirt. Next, slice the sweet potato into thin strips. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly. The thinner the strips, the chewier the treats will become.

Once sliced, lay the sweet potato strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of low-fat grated cheese evenly over the sweet potato slices. This will add a cheesy flavor that dogs adore.

Now, place the baking sheet in the oven and let the sweet potatoes bake for about 3 hours. Keep an eye on them as they bake. You want them to become chewy, not burnt, so adjust the baking time if needed. When they’re ready, take them out and let them cool completely before serving.

Storage

Store these chews in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. An airtight container will help keep them fresh.

3. Carrot Crunchies

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup parsley
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take your cup of carrots and grate them finely. This can be done using a box grater or a food processor for convenience. Next, combine the grated carrots in a large mixing bowl with the 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Stir the mixture until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a small amount of water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together well. Once your dough is ready, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes.

Place the cut shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the treats in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown. The baking time may vary, so check them occasionally to prevent overbaking.

Storage

Let the treats cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 1 week.

4. Fluffernutter Kisses

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup powdered freeze-dried strawberries
• 1/2 cup powdered peanut butter
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of powdered freeze-dried strawberries, 1/2 cup of powdered peanut butter, and 1 cup of oat flour. Mix them until they are well combined. Then, add the 2 egg whites and 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin to the dry ingredients.

Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of water to help it come together. Once it’s ready, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them out to allow for spreading as they bake.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake; you want them to be set but still soft in the middle. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage

These treats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container.

5. Almond Butter Banana Treats

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/4 cup almond butter (natural)
• 1 cup gluten-free flour

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s smooth. This will help your treats be extra soft and tasty. Next, add the 1/4 cup of natural almond butter to the bowl. Mix these two ingredients until they are well combined.

Now, gradually stir in the 1 cup of gluten-free flour. Keep mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Once the dough is ready, take small amounts and roll them into balls about the size of a tablespoon. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Let the treats cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage

These treats can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

6. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 cups oats
• Optional: cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of canned pumpkin and the 2 cups of oats. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined. If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.

Once everything is mixed, use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each spoonful slightly with the back of the spoon. This will help them bake evenly.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch but still soft in the middle. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage

Store these cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. An airtight container will help keep them fresh.

7. Blueberry Yogurt Drops

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (low-fat)
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

Start by blending the 1 cup of plain low-fat yogurt and 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries together in a blender until the mixture is smooth. This step is important because you want the blueberries fully incorporated into the yogurt for flavor and color.

Next, take a parchment-lined baking sheet and drop spoonfuls of the yogurt-blueberry mixture onto it. You can make them as big or small as you like, but remember they will freeze solid. Once you’ve spooned out all the mixture, place the baking sheet in the freezer.

Freeze the drops until they are completely solid. This usually takes a few hours. Once frozen, you can transfer the drops to an airtight container for easier storage.

Storage

Keep these drops frozen and serve them as needed. They are a refreshing treat, especially on hot days!

8. Chicken and Spinach Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/2 cup spinach (cooked and chopped)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking dog treats. While the oven heats up, take your cooked chicken and shred it into small pieces. You can use a fork or your hands to break it down; just make sure it’s bite-sized for your pup. Next, if you haven’t already cooked your spinach, steam or boil it until it’s soft, then chop it finely. This helps the spinach blend well with the chicken.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, and 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour. Stir everything together until it forms a dough. If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Once your dough is ready, sprinkle some flour on your countertop to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.

Place the cut shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden. After baking, let them cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Storage

Store these treats in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

9. Zucchini Cheddar Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess water)
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take your zucchini and grate it using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, make sure to squeeze out any excess water. This step is important because too much moisture can make your dough too wet.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with 1/2 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese. Add in 2 cups of whole wheat flour and mix everything together. Use your hands or a spoon to knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.

After your dough is ready, place it on a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes of your choice. Arrange the cut biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Storage

Let the biscuits cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

10. Sweet Potato & Apple Bites

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked & mashed
• 1 apple, grated (remove seeds)
• Whole wheat flour as needed for consistency

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take your large sweet potato and cook it until it’s tender. You can bake, boil, or microwave it. Once cooked, mash it in a bowl until smooth.

Next, take your apple and grate it using a box grater, making sure to remove the seeds beforehand. Add the grated apple to the mashed sweet potato. Now, mix these two ingredients together until well combined. At this point, you will need to add whole wheat flour to create a dough. Start with a small amount and mix it in, adding more until the mixture holds together well without being too sticky.

Once your dough is ready, shape it into small bite-sized pieces. Place these bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until they are firm and slightly golden.

Storage

Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

11. Coconut Flour Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 2 cups coconut flour
• Water as needed to form dough
• Optional: chicken or beef broth for flavoring

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of coconut flour. If you want to enhance the flavor of your treats, you can replace the water with chicken or beef broth. This will make the treats even more appealing to your dog!

Gradually add the broth or water to the coconut flour, mixing until a dough forms. The amount of liquid you need may vary, so add it slowly until the dough holds together but is not too sticky. Once your dough is ready, place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

Transfer the cut-out shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the treats for about 15 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Storage

After baking, let the treats cool completely before storing them. You can keep these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

12. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Biscotti

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• Eggs as needed

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree with 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Stir these ingredients together until they are smooth. Next, start adding the 2 cups of whole wheat flour gradually. You want to mix it until it forms a stiff dough. If it feels too dry, you can add one or two eggs to help bring it together.

Once your dough is ready, shape it into logs about 1-2 inches wide. Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are set and firm to the touch.

After the first bake, remove the logs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice the logs into biscotti pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. Lay the pieces back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven for another 15 minutes. This second baking will give them a nice crisp texture.

Storage

Once the biscotti have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Your dog will love this crunchy treat!

13. Salmon & Sweet Potato Treats

Ingredients

• 1 can salmon in water, drained
• 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• Whole wheat flour as needed

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drain the can of salmon, making sure to remove all the excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained salmon with 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potato. Mix these two ingredients together until they are well blended.

Next, you’ll want to add whole wheat flour to form a dough. Start by adding a little at a time until the mixture holds together and is not too sticky. Once your dough is ready, roll it out onto a floured surface and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.

Transfer the cut shapes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the treats are firm and slightly golden.

Storage

Let the treats cool completely before storing them. These can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.

14. Minty Fresh Breath Treats

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup fresh mint
• 2 cups oat flour
• Water as needed

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a blender or food processor, combine the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of fresh mint. Add a little water to help them blend smoothly. Once blended, transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl.

Next, add the 2 cups of oat flour to the bowl and mix everything together until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add a little more water until it holds together. Once the dough is ready, roll it out onto a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.

Arrange the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Storage

Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Healthy Ingredients for Low-Calorie Dog Treats

1. Oats

Oats are a fantastic base for dog treats. They have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar slowly into the bloodstream. This helps prevent spikes in energy levels. Additionally, oats provide fiber that can aid digestion and keep your dog feeling full.

2. Eggs

Eggs are packed with protein, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s treats. They are low in fat and carbohydrates, which makes them an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, dogs usually find the taste of eggs delicious!

3. Freeze-dried fruits

Freeze-dried fruits are a wonderful way to add flavor to your dog’s treats without extra moisture or calories. They retain most of their nutrients and are easy to mix into recipes. Common options like strawberries and blueberries are not only tasty but also rich in vitamins.

4. Peanut butter powder

Peanut butter powder is a great alternative to regular peanut butter because it is lower in calories and fat. It still delivers the delicious flavor that dogs love. Just make sure to choose a powder that doesn’t have added sugars or artificial ingredients.

5. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is high in fiber, which helps regulate calorie absorption in your dog’s body. It’s also a good source of vitamins A and C. Dogs often enjoy the taste of pumpkin, making it an easy ingredient to incorporate into treats.

6. Lean proteins

Using lean proteins like chicken breast, salmon, or tuna can make your dog’s treats both tasty and healthy. These proteins provide essential nutrients while keeping the calorie count low. Be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to your recipes.

7. Herbs and spices

Adding herbs and spices can enhance the flavor of your dog treats without piling on the calories. Ingredients like parsley and cinnamon are safe for dogs and can help freshen their breath, making them a great choice for flavoring.

Tips for Creating Low-Calorie Dog Treats

1. Choosing low-calorie flours

When baking, opt for flours that are lower in calories, such as oat flour or whole wheat flour. These options are nutritious and will help keep your treats light.

2. Substituting ingredients

• Applesauce for oil: Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories and add moisture.
• Cottage cheese for cream cheese: Cottage cheese is lower in fat and adds protein, making it a smart swap.
• Nutritional yeast for cheese flavor: If your recipe calls for cheese, nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy taste with fewer calories.

3. Portion control

• Break up large treats into smaller pieces: This can help manage your dog’s calorie intake while still giving them the joy of treats.
• Adjust serving sizes based on dog’s size and calorie needs: Smaller dogs will require fewer calories than larger breeds, so tailor your treat sizes accordingly.
• How many low-calorie treats can I give my dog per day?
  Generally, treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Consult your vet to determine the right amount based on your dog’s specific needs.
• Are all homemade treats safe for dogs?
  Not all ingredients are safe. Always research or consult your vet about specific foods before including them in your dog’s treats.
• How long do homemade low-calorie treats last?
  Homemade treats can last about a week in the refrigerator. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months.
• What are the best low-calorie ingredients for dog treats?
  The best ingredients include oats, eggs, freeze-dried fruits, peanut butter powder, pumpkin, lean proteins, and herbs.
• How do I make homemade dog treats that are both healthy and tasty?
  Use healthy ingredients and keep the recipes simple. Combine these ingredients in a way that your dog enjoys. Baking them at the right temperature will ensure they are tasty and safe.
• What are some easy and quick low-calorie dog treat recipes?
  Some quick recipes include pumpkin oat biscuits, apple cinnamon bites, and peanut butter powder balls.
• How can I ensure my homemade dog treats are safe for my pet?
  Research the ingredients you use. Avoid harmful foods like chocolate, onions, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
• How long do homemade low-calorie dog treats last, and how should they be stored?
  Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

The End……

Making low-calorie dog treats at home can be both fun and rewarding. You get to control the ingredients, ensuring your furry friend enjoys healthy snacks that are safe and delicious.

With a variety of ingredients to choose from, you can customize treats that cater to your dog’s tastes.

Plus, knowing exactly what goes into their treats makes for a happy and healthy pup. So roll up your sleeves and start baking those treats—your dog will thank you!