easy diy dog training treats

How to Make Irresistible Dog Training Treats 10 Recipes by Trainers

Personally, Im a lazy chef. I barely cook for myself. But I have some tricks up my sleeve from years of training dogs on what kinds of treats work best for different training methods.

If youre tired of spending money buying fancy dog treats and youre wondering how to make dog training treats, Ive got you covered.

Making dog treats at home is easy. To help you out, I asked my creative dog trainer friends who pitched in on this article and gave me their favorite recipes.

How do you make good dog training treats?

The best dog training treat for YOUR dog is a treat that:

• Your dog loves
• Is bite-sized or easy to break into little pieces
• Is not too messy

Small or breakable treats are usually the best fit for training treats because you dont want to wait around while your dog chews a gigantic remote control sized biscuit. Sometimes you want something that is already in tiny units and other times you may prefer a larger treat that is easy to break up.

In my opinion, how messy a dog treat is negotiable. Personally, I dont like my dog treats to ooze all over my hands. Or end up slobbered all over my pant leg. And if a treat is going in my pocket, it better be bone dry!

But the most important thing about a training treat is that your dog thinks it is absolutely delicious.

What do professional dog trainers use for treats?

As youll see by the range of different treats below, the exact treats that professional trainers use vary widely. It all depends on the preferences of the trainer and their dog(s).

Many trainers have a favorite brand of dog treats or use high-value food items such as hotdogs, cheese sticks, chicken, or even cheese balls. As long as the treat is something the dog thinks is a worthy reward, is safe for dogs to eat, and is easy to give, youre good to go!

My current dogs are pretty easy to please and will work for almost anything, but go absolutely crazy for meats. Chicken and beef are go-tos for shows, and sometimes some cooked liver.

What treats to use when training dogs?

The most important thing is finding a treat your dog LOVES. After all, you want it to be a reward to motivate him to learn something new!

Depending on what kind of dog training method youre teaching, a different treat might be a better fit.

In the moment treats

For treats that I keep on hand to reward in the moment, not during a planned training session, I like something dry that can stay in my pocket for a while. Then when my dog obeys my leave it cue as he starts to sniff a dead squirrel on our walk, I can reward him for a great choice!

I often have some of those mini Milkbones in my pocket, and also like the Zukes training treats (soft but dry) and Orijen freeze-dried treats (these can sometimes be crumbly though).

Clicker training treats

For clicker training, where I need to give rewards quickly, I like something that is already in tiny pieces or that I can quickly break up ahead of time. That minimizes the delay between each click and my dog getting his reward.

Zukes training treats, or the tuna training treats in the recipes listed below are perfect for clicker training.

Agility training treats

For other things, like heeling or agility training, I like having a single large treat that I can break pieces off of as I go. The big chunk fits easily in my hand and I dont have to worry about dropping tiny treats.

Cooked meats, such as beef or chicken, or cheese sticks are my favorites for agility training. Also, a slice of Natural Balance dog food rolls which are are soft and easy to break but not too mushy work very well.

10 homemade dog training treat recipes

Here are some tasty treats that you can try with your dog! Many of these sound good enough to be people snacks too!

1. Lexies Biscuits

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup milk

Instructions

• Mix ingredients together
• Roll out to desired thickness and use a cookie cutter for cutouts
• Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes (small cutouts) or 15 minutes (large cutouts)

2. Tuna Treats by McCannDogs

This one has several nominations and sounds pretty tasty! You will need a silicone baking sheet that has little pyramid divots in the bottom (or a silicone baking mold of your choice) for perfectly sized little training treats, or can just cook the whole mixture flat in a pan and then cut to the desired size.

Ingredients

1 can tuna with water

1 egg

1 cup flour

Optional: cup grated cheese

Instructions

• Mix well by hand or in a food processor
• Flip a silicone baking sheet upside down and spread the tuna mixture with a spatula
• Bake at 350 degrees for 15min
• Flip, gather, and enjoy!

3. River, Surfer Dude, Lucy, and Twizys Favorite Beef Treats

Ingredients

Top or bottom round roast

Optional: garlic powder or parsley flakes for seasoning

Instructions

• Cut into 1 thick slabs
• Season with garlic powder and/or parsley flakes if desired
• Roast in oven
• Air dry slabs in fridge
• Cut into cubes or thin strips
• Freeze in snack bags to store

4. Debs Stew Meat

Is stew meat on sale at your grocery store? Time for some really delicious training treats.

Ingredients

Stew meat

Instructions

• Cut into chunks or strips
• Boil thoroughly
• Dry on paper towels
• Store wrapped in paper towels (will stay good up to 2 weeks if stored this way)

5. Tuna/Salmon Brownies

These are recommended for beginner nose work and scent work dogs who havent started working with actual odors yet, but can be used for anything!

Ingredients

2 cans tuna or salmon in water

2 eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 and 1/2 cup unbleached flour, can add more if needed to make a stiff batter

Instructions

• Mix ingredients together well
• Press onto cookie sheet to about 1/4 thickness
• Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes to golden brown
• Cool and cut into treats sized for your dog.

6. Meat Brownies

Freeze extra and thaw as needed over a couple of months!

Ingredients

3 to 3 and 1/2 pounds liver, beef, or chicken

1 cup whole wheat flour

4.25 ounces minced garlic

2 cups white flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 medium shaker can of grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Cover cookie sheet with foil, coat with cooking spray, and sprinkle with cornmeal, then set aside
• Process meat and garlic in a food processor or blender until it looks like milk chocolate
• Pour into a large mixing bowl and blend in the rest of the ingredients
• Spread evenly onto a cookie sheet (the mixture will be thick) and sprinkle with cornmeal
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min or until pink is gone
• Turn off oven and let cool inside
• Cut into treats sized for your dog

7. Sardine Brownies

Ingredients

3 eggs

1 can sardines packed in olive oil

1 sleeve graham crackers

Instructions

• Mix ingredients in a blender until liquid
• Pour onto cookie sheet
• Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20 min or until it looks rubbery and is brown on top
• Let cool and cut into treats sized for your dog

8. Wileys Roadrunner Bites

These dehydrated chicken hearts are sure to melt your dogs heart! As a plus, they are non-greasy and can go in your pockets.

Ingredients

Chicken hearts

A small amount of garlic

Instructions

• Simmer hearts with garlic
• Cut hearts into halves or quarters, depending on size
• Dry in the microwave until firm but not crunchy hard

9. The CoKo Tervs Freeze-Dried Liver

Ingredients

Beef or chicken liver

Instructions

• Boil 30 minutes or so
• Drain (can save cooking water to put over dogs food)
• Cut up in small pieces
• Place on cookie sheets with parchment paper and freeze for a minimum of two weeks UNCOVERED
• Take one out after that time and let defrost on the counter if no moisture, you are good to go!

10. Dehydrated Goodies

If you have a dehydrator at home, you are only limited by your imagination. Just slice thin and let the dehydrator work its magic!

Here are some things you can dehydrate for your dog:

• Chicken
• Beef
• Liver
• Liverwurst
• Sweet potatoes

No time to cook?

Need some training treats NOW but dont have time to cook your own? Here are a couple of go-tos that might fit the bill (and some are even healthy):

• Sliced up hotdogs (can microwave the slices to dry them out)
• Baby carrots
• Cheese sticks
• Deli meat (not ideal in large quantities due to how salty these meats can be)
• Frozen mini meatballs
• Snap peas

Get cooking!

As you can see, it can be really easy to make your own homemade dog training treats! You can choose ingredients that your dog likes and have a little fun making them too.

Got a recipe you think other dog owners would enjoy? Feel free to share it with us!

Happy training!

25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes Made With 5 Ingredients or Less

25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes Made With 5 Ingredients or Less

Last updated on March 11, 2024 By Puppy Leaks 212 Comments

Im not gonna lie when it comes to making dinner Im a terrible cook. But there is one kind of cooking that always goes over well in my home making homemade dog treats.

Every month I pick out a new dog treat recipe to try, and my dog loves the process from start to finish. My cooking might freak out my friends, but to my dog Im the worlds greatest chef.

And since Ive made so many different dog treat recipes over the years I decided to put together a list of my favorites. Heres 25 simple dog treat recipes, all made with 5 ingredients or less.

25 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Made With 5 Ingredients or Less

If youve never made your own dog treats before I suggest starting with one of the dog treat recipes from the list below. In fact Id recommend these recipes to anyone, regardless of baking skill. No need to get extra complicated, your dog will love any of these simple recipes.

What I really love about making my own dog treats is that I control not only what goes in them, but the portion size. And often times making your own treats is a lot less expensive than buying them from the store especially with these simple recipes because so many of them are made with things many of us already have at home.

With five ingredients or less these simple dog treat recipes are easy to make, even for novice cooks like myself. And if your treats dont turn out as pretty as they do in their photos dont worry to your dog theyll still be the worlds best dog treats.

Heres 25 simple dog treat recipes, all made with 5 ingredients or less. From grain free dog treats to frozen options, theres a dog treat recipe thats right for everyone.

Please share with your friends

1. Quick & Easy Peanut Butter Treats / Puppy Leaks

Does your dog love peanut butter as much as mine does? If so you cant go wrong with this simple dog treat recipe its a staple in my house. Youll need 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup peanut butter and 2 eggs. Mix the ingredients together until combined, and then add water until it becomes wet enough to roll out as dough. This is my go to recipe; my dog goes absolutely nuts for them.

3 ingredients + water, 20 minute cook time

2. Chicken Dog Treats / Kols Notes

Laika loves chicken, and these homemade dog treats make her go insane just a fair warning. Youll need a cup of diced chicken, half cup of cooked rice, 3 tablespoons of rice flour, tablespoon of parsley, and one egg. If you dont have chicken on hand you can dice up your pups favorite meat for this simple recipe as a substitute.

Five ingredients, 20-30 minute cook time.

3. Easy Two-Ingredient Dog Treats / Dog-Milk

This homemade dog treat recipe is perfect for novice cooks (myself included). If youre interested in making some super simple dog treats Id recommend starting out with this easy recipe. The only ingredients you need are 2 cups of organic whole wheat flour and 2 jars of pureed baby food. For the baby food Ive found Laika loves blueberry, beef and sweet potato.

Two ingredient dog treats: 20-25 minute cook time.

These homemade dog biscuits made with five ingredients are one of my favorites. Youll need whole wheat flour, oats, flaxseed, beef broth, and peanut butter. If you dont have any fun cookie cutters you can use my living like a bachelor method; use the tops of your shot glasses.

Five ingredients dog treats, 20 minute cook time.

We all need our veggies, and luckily sweet potato seems to be quite popular with our canine friends. For this homemade dog treat recipe youll need a sweet potato, coconut oil, cinnamon, and turmeric. These are a great way for both you and your pup to get in some of your daily vegetable servings theyre delicious.

Four ingredients, 30 minute cook time.

This dog treat recipe is so simple it doesnt even involve any cooking. If youve got two apples, a cup of nonfat plain yogurt, and some ice cube trays youve got yourself a yummy treat your dog will love. My dog Laika absolutely loves these treats.

Two ingredients (plus water), freeze for a couple hours.

These homemade dog treats will make your kitchen smell awesome; good lucking keeping your dog out of the kitchen while making these. Youll need four cups of flour, two cups of shredded cheese, some oil, and water just that simple.

Four ingredients, 3 hour cook time.

If you want to impress your dog try out this simple dog treat treat recipe. Its another one that smells awesome so expect some excitement in the kitchen while youre cooking these. Youll need one cup of dry quick cook oatmeal, half cup of apple sauce, and one egg.

Three ingredients, 22 minute cook time.

Looking for a vegan dog treat recipe? This recipe uses 4 ingredients and is super easy to make.

Four ingredient dog treats: vegan, 30 minute cook time.

10. Ginger Apple Dog Treats / Lola The Pitty

This homemade dog treat recipe is another great option for our canine companions that have grain allergies. Youll need one cup of brown rice flour, one cup of diced apple, two thirds cup plain yogurt, half teaspoon ginger, and one tablespoon of coconut oil. These ones are not only simply but theyre quick cooking time is only 25 minutes.

Five ingredients, 25 minute cook time.

Laika loves carrots and apples, so these simple dog treats are one of her favorites. As soon as I grab a few carrots she starts licking her lips. For this recipe youll need a cup of whole wheat flour, one cup of grated carrots, one egg, and a half cup of apple sauce.

Four ingredients, 30-40 minute bake time.

12. Diabetic Dog Treats Recipe / All Recipes

When youve got a diabetic dog it can be hard to find suitable dog treat recipes. This one is super easy to prepare takes only 15 minutes to cook. Youll need a half cup of whole wheat flour (watch for gluten levels), two eggs, and one a half pounds of beef liver cut into small pieces.

Three ingredients, 15 minute bake time.

This dog biscuit recipe with peanut butter gets Laika drooling. Anything with peanut butter is pretty much guaranteed to be a big hit around here. Youll need two cups of flour, one cup of rolled oats, a tablespoon of parsley, half cup of dry milk, and a half teaspoon of salt.

Five ingredients, 40-60 minute bake time.

14. Easy DIY Dog Treats / She Knows

This homemade dog treat recipe is extremely simple. If your dog does fine with wheat and milk Id recommend trying this out if its your first time baking dog treats. For this simple recipe youll need two cups of whole wheat flour, one cup of peanut butter, one cup of skim milk, and a tablespoon of baking powder.

Four ingredients, 15-20 minute bake time.

15. Banana Almond Puppy Treats Recipe / Pretty Fluffy

This a great soft dog treat recipe for puppies and grown dogs alike. And just so you know the smells in your kitchen will be amazing when making these. Youll need one egg, three fourths cup unsalted almond butter, one third of a banana, and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Four ingredients, 10 minute bake time.

This simple dog treat recipe is one of my favorites it yields a bunch of great smelling, bite sized treats that are perfect for training rewards. For this simple recipe youll need three fourths cup canned pumpkin, one egg, one fourth cup shredded carrots, and a cup of whole wheat flour.

Four ingredients, 30-35 minute bake time.

17. Simple Pumpkin Cookies / My GBGV Life

If youve never made pumpkin dogs treats before this is a great recipe to start with. These treats are delicious and easy to prepare. Youll need one egg, 2/3 cup pure canned pumpkin, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1 & 1/2 cups of flour.

Four ingredients, 4o minute bake time.

18. Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Treats / Kols Notes

These homemade dog treats are perfect for training because theyre soft, making them easy to break into small bite sized pieces. Theyre also great for older dogs who dont love super crunchy treats. Youll need one can of salmon, one medium sweet potato, two eggs, one third cup coconut flour, and coconut oil for greasing the pan.

Five ingredients, 60-70 minute bake time.

This easy dog treat recipe is perfect for anyone it only uses three ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make and clean up (not including freeze time). Youre going to need one can of 100% pumpkin puree, one cup plain yogurt, an a half cup peanut butter.

Three ingredients, freeze time 12 hours.

20. Easy Dog Cookie Recipe / M. K. Clinton

This dog treat recipe is delicious and simple. If you want to make some good looking dog cookies the icing (yogurt) will give them a nice personalized touch. For this easy recipe youll need a half cup cornmeal, six tablespoons of oil, two cups whole wheat flour, four ounces plain yogurt, and and two thirds cut water or broth.

Five ingredients, 35-40 minutes bake time.

21. Heart Shaped Cranberry Cookies / The Lazy Pitbull

These dog cookies are super cute (especially with heart shaped cookie cutters) and theyre easy to make. For this recipe youll need 2 eggs, 1.5 cups wheat flour, 1 tbsp. coconut oil, 3 tbsp. coconut flour and a 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.

Five ingredients, 15-20 minute bake time.

22. Fruity Frosty Hearts / Talent Hounds

If your dog loves fruit this dog treat recipe is perfect, and theyre great for novices since theres no cooking involved. The ingredients you need are watermelon, raspberries & yogurt. You mix those three ingredients together and place them in an ice tray and just wait for them to freeze.

Three ingredients, ready when theyre frozen.

This easy dog treat recipe is the perfect summer treat for your pooch. and theyre super cute. Oh yeah, and the best part is theres no baking involved they just need a couple of hours to freeze. Youll need 1 can of pumpkin, 1 strip of bacon, 1 cup water, blueberries, and a package of rawhide sticks (for the handle).

Four ingredients + water, ready when frozen in a couple hours.

This dog treat recipe is perfect if youve got some fun cookie cutters on hand. And since its peanut butter based its pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with your dog. I have yet to meet a dog who doesnt go bonkers for PB. For this recipe youll need 2 cups of whole wheat flout, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 cup unsalted natural peanut butter and 1 cup skim milk.

Four ingredients, 20 minute bake time at 375 F.

25. Peanut Butter Holiday Dog Treats / Dogvills

This simple dog treat recipe only uses 3 ingredients, making it a great one for beginners to try out. For this recipe youll need 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup whole wheat flour, and a 1/2 cup of peanut butter.

Three ingredients, 10 minute bake time at 350 F.

The Benefits of Making Homemade Dog Treats

When it comes to making dog treats at home you might be asking yourself if its worth the effort. I love making treats, but the benefits go beyond just making my dog happy.

When it comes to dog treats I prefer making my own rather than buying them. Its nice knowing exactly whats going into your dogs treats, and I love being able to control the portion size. Some of the other benefits of making homemade dog treats include:

• You know all the ingredients included in your dogs treats
• You can easily adjust the portion size
• Theyll make your kitchen smell awesome
• Theyre a great way to practice your baking skills
• Your dog will getting an extra special treat made by you
• Youll have a nice supply of training treats on hand
• Baking can be relaxing (well it is to weirdos like me at least)
• Making dog treats (and baking in general) fosters creative expression

And if youre interested in more dog treat recipes be sure to check out our list of 39 Healthy Snacks You Can Stuff in a Kong & 20 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes.

Anyone Can Make Homemade Dog Treats

So there they are my friends 25 of my favorite homemade dog treat recipes, each using five ingredients or less. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference your dog will be quite grateful.

Even if youve never baked a thing in your life you can make these simple dog treat recipes. Its hard to go wrong with five ingredients or less, and theres comfort to be found in knowing exactly whats going into your dogs food. I make homemade dog treats when were working on any new training behaviors the extra focus they bring is priceless.

Give your dog a little extra gift this weekend by making him some homemade dog treats. I guarantee hell be impressed by your cooking skills; even if your human friends arent. To my friends my cooking is a nightmare, but to my dog Im the worlds best chef.

Please share with your friends

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