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What to Know About Homemade Dog Treats (With Recipes)

What to Know About Homemade Dog Treats (With Recipes)

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Enrichment

What to Know About Homemade Dog Treats (With Recipes) thumbnail

Pet parents across the internet—and in person—love to share their favorite homemade dog treat recipes. Cooking for our pups is more common than ever! If you're excited about the idea of putting on your chef's hat to craft something special for your furry friend, we've got you covered.

Here's everything to know about homemade dog treats, including:

Why it's a good idea to change up your dog's food

Benefits of making dog treats yourself

Costs and risks of homemade dog treats

Popular dog-safe ingredients

Toxic ingredients to avoid

Popular varieties of homemade dog treats

A few go-to homemade dog treat recipes

How to feed your homemade dog treats

After all, our canine companions are full members of the family. Why not cook for them now and then?

Why change up your dog's treats?

Dogs are natural scavengers

Canines—including our domestic dogs—are scavengers and predators. This means they're not suited to eating the exact same meal day after day!

Homemade dog treats can be a budget-friendly, healthy way to satisfy your dog's instinct to try something new.

Different treats can improve training motivation

Variety is the spice of life!

Your dog can get especially sick of the same old, same old when it comes to training sessions. If you're working on building any new skills with your pup, it's a smart idea to switch your rewards from time to time to keep your four-legged student on their toes. Adding new treat options can boost motivation!

Pros of homemade dog treats

Some dog parents prefer making their own healthy treats at home because:

You know every ingredient

You can feel confident about what your pup is eating and how every treat was prepared! When you prepare treats yourself, you have complete control over the quality and source of ingredients. This makes it easier to ensure your dog receives wholesome, nutritious treats.

It might be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs

You can tailor homemade dog treats to your dog's specific dietary needs or restrictions if they have any allergies or other sensitivities.

You can avoid preservatives

Homemade treats often lack the artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers commonly found in commercial dog treats, promoting better overall health for your pet.

You might save money in the long run

Making your own treats can be more cost-effective than store-bought treats in the long run, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk or use leftovers from your own meals.

Cons and potential risks of homemade dog treats

While we're big fans of homemade dog treats, you should still consider some possible drawbacks before racing to your kitchen.

Introducing lots of new ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs

Just like humans, dogs can have allergies and sensitivities to certain foods. Some pups need especially gradual transitions for any diet change. We might be super excited to share our new recipe finds with our four-legged friends—but sometimes it is best to stick to the status quo.

One way around this? Introduce brand-new foods one by one so you can isolate any problems they cause!

Sometimes it's hard to estimate caloric content

Homemade treats can contribute to your dog's overall caloric intake, which might lead to weight gain. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that more than half of North American dogs are overweight, leading to a range of problems like increased joint pain. When you buy treats at the store, you usually know exactly how many calories are in each bite.

Cooking anything—for dogs or people—carries a risk of foodborne illness and contamination

Improper handling or storage of ingredients can lead to contamination, which may cause foodborne illnesses in your pup or you. Always follow proper food safety guidelines.

Preparing homemade dog treats takes time

While it's often cheaper in the long run from a financial standpoint, you should consider the value of your time as well. Some pet parents are too busy—or simply don't enjoy—making treats themselves. That's okay! You don't have to cook to still be a fabulous dog parent.

Common dog-safe ingredients for homemade dog treats

Here are some go-to ingredients you'll find in many homemade dog treat recipes.

Proteins: Cooked and lean meats (like chicken, turkey, beef), cooked eggs, fish, natural peanut butter (without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)

Grains: Oats, brown rice

Flours: All-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour, rice flour, coconut flour

Fruits: Apples, strawberries, blueberries, ripe bananas

Vegetables: Pumpkin (especially plain pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling), sweet potatoes

Dairy: Plain yogurt, small amounts of cheese

Experiment with what your individual dog loves

Note that this is not an exhaustive list! If your dog has a favorite snack not listed here—and you've checked that it's safe for them to eat—feel free to include it in your homemade dog treat recipes. Mix and match to find what your own companion loves best.

Just be sure to slowly introduce new treats and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Unhealthy or toxic ingredients to avoid in your treats

Do not use the following dangerous ingredients in your homemade dog treats:

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be toxic to dogs. Unsweetened baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures and even death.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including some peanut butter brands. Xylitol can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Even small amounts can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia, weakness, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues.

Even small amounts of alcohol can cause toxicity in dogs, leading to symptoms such as vomiting and loss of coordination.

Many nuts are unsafe for dogs to eat. Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.

Sugar isn't healthy for canines, especially in large amounts. Some pure maple syrup or honey are usually fine in moderation.

Always check with your veterinarian if you're unsure about the safety of a particular ingredient for your dog. This is extra important if they have any specific dietary restrictions or health conditions!

A dog lies next to an empty bowl asking to be fed

Popular kinds of homemade dog treats

Most homemade dog treats are baked. Some pet parents love to dehydrate leftover meats, too—or even freeze soft foods into bite-sized chunks.

Here are some common varieties of homemade treats!

Small training treats

These treats are small and usually low in calories, making them perfect for training sessions.

Dehydrated meat broken into tiny pieces works especially well. So do soft biscuits baked then chopped.

Frozen dog treats

From full-scale frozen Kong and Toppl creations to small bites of pumpkin simply frozen in an ice cube tray, these homemade dog treats are sure to keep your pup cool on warm days. (Frozen options usually aren't the best solution for fast-paced training sessions, though, since they'll melt in your hands or treat pouch.)

Larger treats, like cakes, for special occasions

Some dog parents bake special pet-safe birthday cakes or holiday treats. These tend to be larger snacks given only once in a while—as opposed to the way training treats might be a regular part of your pup's daily diet.

Homemade healthy treat recipes

The options are endless! Here are a few favorite homemade dog treat recipes to start with.

1) Simple recipe for dehydrated meat treats

Dehydrating meat at home to make dog treats is a straightforward process. Here's a basic guide!

Ingredients and supplies

Lean meat (chicken, turkey, beef, or venison are common choices)

Sharp knife

Cutting board

Dehydrator

Paper towels (optional)

Steps

Choose lean meat: Select lean cuts of meat to minimize fat content. Excess fat can lead to spoilage during the dehydration process.

Prep your meat: Slice the meat into thin, uniform strips or small cubes. The thickness should be consistent to ensure even dehydration.

Arrange on dehydrator trays: Place the meat slices or cubes on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow proper air circulation.

Set temperature: Set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature, typically between 145 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures can help kill bacteria and ensure the meat is safe for your dog!

Dehydrate: Dehydrate the meat for several hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the type of meat. The process can take as little as four hours or as long as a full day. Most small training treats will be ready on the shorter end of that window.

Check for dryness: Periodically check the meat for dryness. It should be firm and dry to the touch, with no moisture remaining.

Cool before storing: Allow the dehydrated meat to cool completely before storing or serving. This helps prevent condensation and mold growth.

Store properly: Store the dehydrated meat treats in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness. Keep them in a cool, dry place. Enjoy giving them to your dog!

2) Simple recipe for frozen pumpkin yogurt treats

These get a little messy at room temperature, so they aren't ideal for training sessions away from home. They can be a great addition to meals or enrichment toys, though!

Plus they take barely five minutes to put together. Talk about a good way to spend a commercial break.

Ingredients and supplies

Plain pumpkin (puree, not pie filling that has added sugar and spices)

Plain greek yogurt

Silicone molds, small ice cube tray, or baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Steps

Mix: Mix the pumpkin and yogurt together.

Dish mixture into tray: Spoon the pumpkin-yogurt mixture into a silicone mold or small ice cube tray. If you don't have either of those, you can make small dollops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Freeze until solid: This usually takes a few hours.

Store in the freezer: Once the treats are set, you can take them out of their mold or off the baking sheet and store them in an airtight container in your freezer.

3) Baked pumpkin peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients and supplies

1 cup canned pumpkin (make sure it's pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup natural or organic peanut butter (unsalted, with no added sugar or xylitol)—if your dog really loves it, you can add some extra peanut butter without affecting the treat texture too much

1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (you can also use oat flour, coconut flour, or rice flour for a gluten-free option)

1 egg

Oven

Baking sheet

Rolling pin

Cookie cutters

Food processor (optional depending on your flour choice)

Steps

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat flour (or oat flour, coconut flour, rice flour, whatever option you chose) to the wet ingredients. If you're using oat flour, you can make it by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor until you achieve a flour-like consistency.

Knead the dough: Once the ingredients are well combined, knead the dough on a floured surface until it comes together.

Roll out the dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut shapes: Use fun cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. If you don't have these, you can also simply use a knife or pizza cutter to cut freehand squares or circles.

Place on prepared baking sheet: Place the cut-out shapes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. They shouldn't expand much, but leave at least a little space between each treat.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the treats are golden brown.

Cool: Allow the treats to cool on a wire rack.

Store: Once completely cooled, store these homemade peanut butter dog treats in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer shelf life.

How to feed your homemade dog treats

You're limited only by your imagination (and your dog's dietary restrictions). Homemade dog treats can be great for:

Giving as reinforcement during training sessions

Rewarding your dog for behavior they offer throughout the day

Spicing up their regular kibble as a meal topper

Including in enrichment toys and puzzles

Building a positive association with a crate

And more!

A young husky snuggles with their owner on the floor

Haley Young

June 29, 2024

Dog Enrichment

Haley Young

About the author

Haley is a self-proclaimed dog nerd and full-time freelance writer. She's passionate about connecting with fellow pet lovers through training and lifestyle content — learning from professional trainers, animal cognition researchers, and other experts along the way. Haley travels the country full time with her rescue dog, a shy blue heeler, and loves conquering new situation as a team. Dog-friendly national parks, hiking trails, and Sniffspots have become favorite places across the country! When she isn't writing or playing an intense game of tug with her cattle dog, you can find her reading books (her favorite author is late ethologist Frans de Waal), listening to a range of animal-related podcasts, and having conversations about (you guessed it) the many ways other creatures impact our lives.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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What to Know About Homemade Dog Treats (With Recipes)

Why change up your dog's treats?

Dogs are natural scavengers

Different treats can improve training motivation

Pros of homemade dog treats

You know every ingredient

It might be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs

You can avoid preservatives

You might save money in the long run

Cons and potential risks of homemade dog treats

Introducing lots of new ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs

Sometimes it's hard to estimate caloric content

Cooking anything—for dogs or people—carries a risk of foodborne illness and contamination

Preparing homemade dog treats takes time

Common dog-safe ingredients for homemade dog treats

Experiment with what your individual dog loves

Unhealthy or toxic ingredients to avoid in your treats

Popular kinds of homemade dog treats

Small training treats

Frozen dog treats

Larger treats, like cakes, for special occasions

Homemade healthy treat recipes

1) Simple recipe for dehydrated meat treats

Ingredients and supplies

Steps

2) Simple recipe for frozen pumpkin yogurt treats

Ingredients and supplies

Steps

3) Baked pumpkin peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients and supplies

Steps

How to feed your homemade dog treats

Haley Young

About Sniffspot

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