Delicious Homemade Dog Treats Recipes Your Pup Will Love

Dogs bring joy and companionship to our lives, and treating them to something special feels rewarding. Instead of buying store-bought treats filled with unknown ingredients, making homemade dog treats is a fun, healthy, and cost-effective way to spoil your furry friend. This post shares easy recipes, tips, and ideas to create delicious treats that your pup will eagerly enjoy.

Fresh homemade dog biscuits

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Many commercial dog treats contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers that may not be ideal for your pet’s health. Making treats at home lets you control the ingredients, ensuring they are fresh, nutritious, and safe. You can also customize recipes to suit your dog’s dietary needs or preferences.

Homemade treats can:

• Use wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes

• Avoid common allergens or additives

• Provide variety and excitement in your dog’s diet

• Strengthen your bond through the shared experience of making treats

  
  

Essential Ingredients for Dog Treats

Before diving into recipes, knowing which ingredients are safe and beneficial for dogs is important. Here are some common staples:

• Whole wheat flour or oat flour: Good base for texture and fiber

• Peanut butter: Choose unsweetened, unsalted varieties without xylitol (toxic to dogs)

• Pumpkin puree: Supports digestion and adds moisture

• Sweet potatoes: Rich in vitamins and fiber

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add protein

• Carrots and apples: Natural sweetness and crunch

• Chicken or beef broth: Adds flavor without salt or onion

  
  

Avoid ingredients like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners.

Simple Peanut Butter Dog Treats

This classic recipe is a favorite for many dogs. It uses just a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour)

• ½ cup natural peanut butter

  ⚠️ Must be xylitol-free

• ¼ cup water (add gradually)

• Optional:

  
  

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp curd/yogurt (plain, unsweetened)

  
  

Instructions

Make the Dough

• In a bowl, mix peanut butter + water

• Add flour slowly

• Knead into a firm, non-sticky dough

• Rest for 10 minutes

Shape the Biscuits

• Roll dough to about ½ cm thickness

• Cut into small shapes or squares

  (Smaller is safer for puppies)

Cook on Pan (No Oil)

• Heat a heavy pan / tawa on LOW

• Place biscuits on the pan

• Cover with a lid

• Cook 5–6 minutes each side

• Flip carefully until both sides are dry and lightly browned

• 
  

💡 Low heat is important so they cook through without burning.

Cool & Harden

• Let biscuits cool completely

• They will firm up more as they cool

• For extra crunch:

  
  

  • Leave them uncovered for 4–6 hours

  • Or sun-dry for a day

🫙 Storage

• Airtight container: 5–7 days

• Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks

  
  

🐾 Feeding Guide

• Small dogs / puppies: 1–2 small biscuits/day

• Medium dogs: 2–3/day

• Treats only — not meal replacement

Pumpkin and Oat Dog Biscuits

Pumpkin adds moisture and nutrients, while oats provide fiber and texture. This recipe is gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

• 2 1/2 cups oat flour

• 1 egg

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

  
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine pumpkin puree, egg, and cinnamon in a bowl.

3. Gradually add oat flour until dough is firm but pliable.

4. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.

5. Place on baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.

6. Cool completely before offering to your dog.

   
   

These treats are soft and chewy, perfect for older dogs or those with dental issues.

Tips for Making Dog Treats at Home

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor and nutrition.

• Avoid salt and sugar as dogs do not need them.

• Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for allergies or digestive upset.

• Store treats properly in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

• Customize recipes by adding dog-safe herbs like parsley or turmeric for extra benefits.

• Keep portion sizes small to avoid overfeeding.

  
  

How to Make Treat Time Special

Treats are not just snacks; they are a way to reward good behavior and strengthen your relationship. Try these ideas:

• Use treats during training sessions to motivate and reinforce commands.

• Hide treats in puzzle toys to stimulate your dog’s mind.

• Share treat-making time with family members or kids to involve everyone.

• Package homemade treats in cute jars or bags as gifts for fellow dog lovers.

  
  

When to Avoid Homemade Treats

While homemade treats are generally safe, some dogs have specific health conditions requiring dietary restrictions. Consult your veterinarian if your dog:

• Has food allergies or intolerances

• Needs a special diet for kidney, liver, or heart conditions

• Is overweight or diabetic

  
  

Your nutritionist can help you adjust recipes or suggest appropriate alternatives.

If you’re ever unsure about a food, it’s okay to pause, learn, and adjust.

That’s responsible dog parenting.

Written for dog parents who want clarity, not fear.– canine.kushini