how to make healthy dog treats
10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (Vet-Approved)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Learn moreWant to learn how to make homemade dog treats from the comfort of your home? Youll be able to choose each ingredient, save money, and cook specifically for your pups preferences. The best news is that dog treat recipes are typically simple and easy to follow.
Keep reading to find 10 amazing dog treat recipes for dogs of all ages. Spoil your dog with healthy and delicious homemade dog treats! Whether you want to make a healthy dog treat, replace your pups favorite brand of dog biscuits, or cook up a soft dog treat, weve got you covered.
Keeping your dog healthy is important, so youll want to choose a healthy dog treat recipe. That means avoiding ingredients that arent good for dogs! Scroll down to find our favorite healthy treat recipes:
The Top 10 Homemade Dog Treat Recipes:
Healthy Dog Treat Recipes
1. Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treat Recipe
What could be cuter than a doggie pretzel? This easy recipe just needs four ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, applesauce, and an egg. So healthy and simple, you might want to try one!
2. Cranberry & Oat Treats
Whether or not its a special Day, your pup will appreciate these delicious and healthy cranberry dog treats. Made with gluten-free oats, flaxseed, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, these dog-friendly cookies come together in minutes.
3. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Help your pup celebrate fall with these tasty treats! While you sip on a PSL, your dog can enjoy treats made with pumpkin and peanut butter. The best news? These treats are a lot like cookies, so youll have no trouble throwing them together quickly.
4. Breath-Freshening Dog Treats
Does your dog have bad breath? This recipe from Health Starts in the Kitchen has some unusual ingredients (like parsley and activated charcoal), but it will approximate Greenies and save you quite a bit of money!
Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipes:
If youre looking for traditional dog biscuitrecipes, youre in the right place! These easy recipes will help you make crunchy biscuits with all kinds of shapes and flavors!
5. Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe
With the help of a fun cookie cutter, you can whip up peanut butter biscuits pretty enough to give as a gift! Throw these simple biscuits in the oven and youll have crispy treats in about 20 minutes.
6. Bacon Glazed Biscuits
These biscuits are pretty, full of great ingredients, and easy to make. But what puts them over the top is the glaze, a mixture of peanut butter and bacon fat. What dog could resist that?
7. Spinach, Carrot, & Zucchini Dog Biscuits
If youre looking for something a little more veggie-heavy, you might want to try this recipe. It incorporates carrots, spinach, and zucchini, plus pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, into a classic-looking dog biscuit!
Soft Dog Treat Recipes:
Does your dog prefer soft treats? Here are some of the best soft dog treat recipes, including donuts and cupcakes!
8. No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Looking for a soft dog treat recipe thats quick and easy? Try this one from Live Laugh Rowe, which uses coconut oil and peanut butter. Your dog will thank you!
9. Carrot Peanut Butter Pupcakes
If you and your dog are celebrating, why not roll out the pupcakes? These soft, dog-friendly cupcakes have a tasty peanut butter yogurt frosting and you can top them with homemade dog biscuits for extra flair!
10. Peanut Butter Bacon Donuts
These doggie donuts look sweet and good enough to eat but dont be fooled! Theyre savory treats made with oats, peanut butter, and a sprinkling of bacon bits. Guaranteed to be a hit!
Homemade Dog Treats: Conclusion
Now you know how to make homemade dog treats with these 10 delicious recipes! Whether youre looking for soft dog treats or homemade dog biscuits, these recipes will turn you into a doggie chef before you know it. What you feed your dog is important, and this way you can control every ingredient. Just remember these are still treats and as such, they should only be fed in moderation since they are not a complete and balanced diet and they do add up the calories. Gone are the days of having to buy expensive dog treats!
Prefer to skip the cooking? Choose from our favorite dog treat brands!
Featured Image Credit: The team at Hepper
The seven best healthy dog treats, according to a vet
Does your dog need treats?
Fortunately, many dog treats are nutritious, so dog treats can be part of a balanced diet for your pup. Dog treats are especially helpful when you are training your dog or rewarding them for good behavior. If your dog has food allergies, youll need to pay close attention to treat ingredients, and dogs that are overweight or with certain medical conditions should only follow a veterinarian-recommended diet and may not be allowed to have treats.
Choosing healthy treats for your doggie
When your best friend learns a new trick or behaves really well at the dog park, its tempting to reach for the first treats you can find to praise them. But not all treats are a good reward for good behavior. Unfortunately, some treats may have questionable ingredients or high-calorie counts that can be detrimental to your pups health. To keep your pup healthy and following good nutrition, opt for healthy treats instead.
What to look for in healthy dog treats
If youre ready to start shopping for healthy dog treats for your best friend, there are several things to keep in mind. Take a close look at labels to evaluate the ingredients and calories, but also keep things like size and texture in mind.
Ingredients. One of the most important things to look for in healthy treats is the ingredients list. Stick to treats with an ingredients list of whole, natural foods. Many treats include healthy ingredients like meat, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Our vets also recommend treats with fish or salmon, because omega-3 fatty acids can help with brain and eye development in puppies or boost cognitive function in older dogs.
Brand. Some brands offer higher quality dog treats than others. Our veterinary team trusts brands like Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet/Hills, and Royal Canin. They all avoid cross-contamination between foods and treats during manufacturing.
Calories. Generally, treats should be just that treats! Treats should make up less than 10% of your dogs daily calories, so read the label for the calorie amount per treat and stick to the correct portion sizes.
Texture. You want to choose treats that arent too hard, otherwise, they can pose a choking hazard. Hard treats are difficult for a dog to bite into, so they might only be able to bite them into large pieces, which are hard to swallow. Too-hard treats can also fracture your dogs teeth.
Size. Treats can be a choking hazard if they are too large or too small for your dog. Opt for small treats for puppies or small dogs. Large dogs may enjoy large treats, but also make sure to keep an eye out. Even large dogs can choke on treats that are too big.
Labels. Treats labeled as all-natural can be misleading, as the treats may still be highly processed.
If your dog is overweight or has dietary restrictions, youll need to scrutinize the treat labels very carefully.
Types of dog treats to avoid
There are many popular treats out there that arent good for any dogs. Here are some common treats to stay away from.
Rawhides. Rawhides are inexpensive treats with little nutritional value. Some rawhides are treated with toxins like formaldehyde and bleach. They also pose a huge choking risk as they break down into pieces over time. However, some rawhide-like products, such as Purina Pro Plan Dental Chewz, are VOHC-approved and safe for consumption.
Animal bones. Sure, bones are all-natural but they can be covered in pathogens, such as E. Coli and salmonella. Some people may suggest boiling the bones to sanitize them, but this process actually makes the bones brittle and more likely to splinter. This is a choking hazard for dogs, and splinters and sharp pieces can puncture the intestines.
Jerky-type treats. Since 2007, the FDA has received reports of sick pets after consuming jerky pet treats. Learn more about their ongoing investigationTrusted SourceU.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Government agency.Go to source and how theyre testing treats to determine why some jerky treats are making pets sick. While these cases are rare, we recommend avoiding jerky-type treats especially with so many other great options on the market.
Treats with additives. We like treats that dont contain lots of additives or artificial colors. Some additives, such as Red#3, used for coloring or preservatives have been linked to cancer in animalsTrusted SourcePubMed CentralArchive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.Go to source.
Toxic human food. While dogs may love chicken and sweet potatoes as we do, there are many foods that humans eat that are not suitable for dogs. While you treat yourself with chocolate, you cant do the same for your pup, because the chemicals in chocolate can cause seizures and increased heart rates in dogs. Instead, you can give your dog human food treats like some fresh fruits and vegetables (avoid grapes and items with seeds or pits), like watermelon, broccoli, green beans, bananas, or carrots.
Can you make DIY treats at home?
Its easy to make DIY dog treats at home, and you might be surprised to find your mouth watering as the smell of our favorite peanut butter and oatmeal cookies (yes, these really are for your pup!) fills your kitchen. Making treats at home means you can customize the ingredients based on your dogs dietary needs and flavor preferences. Try one of our tried-and-true all-natural pet treat recipes for your best friend.
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 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.
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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.
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