How to Make Homemade Dog Treats (5 Easy Recipes)

Flip over any bag of commercial dog treats and read the ingredient list. If you can't pronounce half of what's in there, you're not alone. Between artificial preservatives, unnamed "meat by-products," and fillers, store-bought treats leave a lot to be desired. They also leave a dent in your wallet — a decent bag runs $8-12 and lasts maybe two weeks.

The good news is that making dog treats at home is far simpler than it sounds. Most recipes use three to five pantry staples, take under 30 minutes of active prep, and cost a fraction of store prices. Here are five recipes ranging from crunchy biscuits to frozen summer snacks. None require special skills, though a silicone dog treat mold and dog treat cookie cutters make the process faster.

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Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Cost. A batch of homemade treats costs roughly $2-3 in ingredients and yields 40-60 treats. That same quantity from a store runs $10-15. If you go through treats regularly, the savings add up to over $100 per year — money better spent on vet checkups or a good dental care routine.

Ingredient control. You know exactly what's in every treat. No artificial colors, no preservatives, no ambiguous "animal digest." Just real food.

Freshness. Commercial treats sit on shelves for months. Yours go from oven to dog bowl the same day.

Allergy-friendly. If your dog has food sensitivities, homemade treats let you eliminate specific allergens entirely. No more squinting at labels.

This is one of the easiest ways to save money on pet care without any sacrifice in quality.

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Ingredients to Never Use

Before you start experimenting, there are certain foods that are toxic to dogs. This list is not optional — these ingredients can cause serious illness or death.

• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, gum, and sugar-free products) — causes rapid insulin release and liver failure
• Chocolate (all types, but especially dark and baking chocolate) — contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize
• Grapes and raisins — can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts
• Onions and garlic — damage red blood cells and cause anemia
• Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia

When buying peanut butter for dog treats, always check the label. Many brands now use xylitol as a sweetener. Look for natural peanut butter for dogs where the only ingredients are peanuts and possibly salt. If you've already taken steps to pet-proof your home, keep these foods stored well out of your dog's reach too.

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Recipe 1: Classic Peanut Butter Biscuits

This is the recipe to start with. Three ingredients, almost impossible to mess up, and dogs go wild for them.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs)
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the flour and peanut butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly.
3. Add the water and stir until a stiff dough forms. Adjust with more water or flour as needed.
4. Roll out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
6. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 15-18 minutes until golden and firm.
7. Let cool completely before serving.

Makes: 40-50 small biscuits. Keeps two weeks at room temperature in an airtight treat container, or three months in the freezer.

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Recipe 2: Pumpkin and Oat Bites

Pumpkin is packed with fiber and is excellent for digestive health — vets actually recommend canned pumpkin for dogs with upset stomachs. These soft bites are perfect for older dogs or puppies who can't handle hard biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling, which contains spices and sugar)
• 2 cups rolled oats (blended into coarse flour in a blender)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined. The dough will be sticky — that's normal.
3. Drop rounded teaspoons onto a parchment-lined sheet, spacing an inch apart.
4. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm and slightly dry on top.
6. Let cool completely.

Makes: 30-35 bites. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for two months.

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Recipe 3: Frozen Banana and Yogurt Pops

When summer hits and your dog is panting through the afternoon, these frozen treats are a lifesaver. Five minutes of prep, no baking required.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners)
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash the bananas until smooth.
2. Stir in the yogurt and peanut butter until blended.
3. Pour into silicone molds, an ice cube tray, or small paper cups.
4. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Pop out and serve.

Makes: 12-16 pops. Keeps in the freezer for two months.

Most dogs tolerate plain yogurt fine — it's actually a decent source of probiotics. If your dog is lactose intolerant, substitute coconut yogurt or just blend bananas with water. Serve these outside or on a towel; they get messy as they melt.

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Recipe 4: Sweet Potato Chews

These are the closest thing to a store-bought dehydrated chew you can make at home, and they cost almost nothing. Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A, C, and B6, plus fiber. The chewy texture keeps dogs busy and helps clean their teeth naturally.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (that's it — one ingredient)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skin on.
3. Slice lengthwise into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Keep them uniform so they dry evenly.
4. Lay in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping once halfway through. Done when leathery but slightly flexible.
6. Let cool completely — they firm up more as they cool.

Makes: 15-20 chews. The long bake time is hands-off. Refrigerate for two weeks or freeze for three months.

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Recipe 5: Apple and Carrot Training Treats

Training treats need to be tiny, low-calorie, and quick to eat so your dog stays focused on you rather than chewing. These check all the boxes and are perfect for dogs watching their weight.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or rice flour for grain-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all ingredients until a thick dough forms.
3. Spread evenly onto a parchment-lined sheet, pressing to about 1/4-inch thickness.
4. Score into tiny squares with a knife or pizza cutter — aim for half-inch pieces.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and lightly browned.
6. Let cool, then snap apart along the scored lines.

Makes: 100-120 tiny treats. Store at room temperature for one week or refrigerate for two weeks.

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Storage Tips

Homemade treats lack preservatives, so proper storage matters.

Room temperature: Dry, crunchy treats like the peanut butter biscuits last 1-2 weeks in a sealed container away from moisture.

Refrigerator: Soft treats, anything with egg, and the pumpkin bites last 1-2 weeks refrigerated.

Freezer: Nearly every homemade treat freezes well for 2-3 months. Freeze in single layers first, then transfer to bags. Most thaw in 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

When in doubt, use the sniff test. Treats that smell off, develop mold, or feel slimy should be tossed. A good airtight treat container with a solid seal makes a real difference for shelf life.

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Adjusting for Dogs With Allergies

Food allergies are increasingly common in dogs. The most frequent culprits are chicken, beef, wheat, dairy, eggs, and soy. Here's how to adapt these recipes:

Wheat allergy: Swap whole wheat flour for oat flour (pulse rolled oats in a blender), rice flour, or coconut flour. Coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so add 2-3 extra tablespoons of water per cup.

Egg allergy: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Expect slightly crumblier results.

Dairy allergy: Use coconut yogurt in the frozen pops, or just blend bananas with water or bone broth.

Grain-free: Use coconut flour and tapioca starch, or a pre-made grain-free baking mix. The sweet potato chews are naturally grain-free with no changes needed.

If you're unsure what your dog reacts to, start with a single-ingredient treat like the sweet potato chews and introduce new ingredients one at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade dog treats last compared to store-bought?

Store-bought treats last months because of preservatives. Homemade treats have a shorter shelf life, but that's a sign they're made from real food. Dry baked treats last 1-2 weeks at room temperature and 2-3 months in the freezer. Make smaller batches more frequently rather than one massive batch that goes stale.

Can I make homemade treats for puppies?

Yes, but use softer recipes like the pumpkin bites or frozen banana pops rather than hard biscuits. Cut treats into very small pieces for your puppy's size, introduce new ingredients gradually, and consult your vet for puppies younger than 12 weeks.

Is peanut butter actually safe for dogs?

Natural peanut butter is perfectly safe and a great source of protein and healthy fats. The critical thing is that it does not contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Read the label every time you buy a new jar — brands sometimes change formulations. The ingredients should be just peanuts, or peanuts and salt.

My dog has a sensitive stomach. Which recipe is best to start with?

Start with the sweet potato chews — single ingredient, easy to digest, and rich in fiber. Pumpkin is another excellent option that vets frequently recommend for mild digestive issues. Once your dog tolerates those, try other recipes one at a time. For chronic digestive problems, talk to your vet before introducing new foods.

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Start With One Batch This Weekend

Pick the recipe that uses ingredients you already have — for most people, that's the peanut butter biscuits — and make one batch this weekend. The whole process takes about 30 minutes from mixing bowl to cooling rack.

Once you see how enthusiastically your dog reacts to fresh treats versus the processed ones from a bag, you'll find yourself rotating through these recipes regularly. It's a small effort that makes a real difference in your dog's diet and your pet care budget.

For more ways to take great care of your dog at home, check out our guides on how to wash your dog at home and pet-proof your home for a safer, happier household.