Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: Recipes and Tips

Caring for your dog goes beyond regular walks and vet visits. Healthy nutrition plays a crucial role in your pup’s well-being. A fun and rewarding way to support your dog’s health is by making your own treats. Here are some recipes and tips for preparing healthy homemade dog snacks.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Homemade dog treats offer several benefits. You have full control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid unwanted additives. Plus, you can customize the treats to your dog’s specific needs and preferences. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making them yourself:

• Healthier: No artificial colors or flavors.
• Fresh: No preservatives.
• Safe: You control the ingredients.
• Fun: Enjoy making them—and your dog will love them!

Recipes

Here are 3 easy and fun recipes I’ve had great success with!

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits
2. Easy Homemade Dog Donuts
3. Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Treats

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits

These biscuits are not only tasty but rich in fiber and protein.

Ingredients:

• 240g pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3 tbsp peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol) – about 48g
• 2 eggs
• 300g whole wheat flour, plus more if needed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Make the dough: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer and large bowl, beat the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high until smooth. Gradually mix in the flour on low speed until just combined. Add more flour if needed until the dough is no longer sticky and has the texture of cookie dough.
3. Shape: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into shapes and place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake until edges are golden and the biscuits are firm (about 20–30 minutes depending on size). Cool completely—they’ll crisp up as they cool.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days, in the fridge for 1–2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tips:

• Adjust quantities: If your dog loves peanut butter, increase the peanut butter and reduce the pumpkin slightly. Just add enough flour to keep the dough workable.
• Thickness: Roll thinner for crunchier treats and adjust bake time accordingly.

Easy Homemade Dog Donuts

No dog can resist these donuts with yogurt glaze and bacon bits!

Ingredients:

• 120g flour
• 120g oats
• 80ml coconut oil
• 120ml peanut butter
• 2 eggs

For the topping:

• Greek yogurt
• Bacon bits

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a donut pan and set aside.
2. Make the dough: Combine all ingredients (except yogurt and bacon) in a large bowl. Mix by hand or spoon until a dough forms.
3. Shape: Press the dough firmly into the donut molds. Fill each one well (they won’t rise much).
4. Bake: Bake for about 14 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cool and decorate: Cool the donuts, then dip in Greek yogurt and sprinkle with bacon bits. Freeze for a few minutes to set.

My dogs love them straight from the freezer! You can also store them in the fridge, but note that yogurt may become sticky.

Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Treats

These are creamy and irresistible in our house. My dogs said, “Woof, more please!”

Ingredients:

• 240ml (1 cup) natural peanut butter
• 5ml (1 tsp) unrefined coconut oil
• 5ml (1 tsp) cinnamon
• Silicone molds

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil if needed in a small saucepan.
2. Mix: Stir in the peanut butter and cinnamon until smooth and pourable.
3. Fill molds and freeze until solid.
4. Store: Pop them out and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

These treats are designed for dogs weighing 5–7 kg. Adjust coconut oil accordingly (1 tsp per 4.5 kg body weight).

Tips for Safety and Health

• Introduce slowly: Watch for allergies or sensitivities.
• Portion control: Avoid overfeeding.
• Hydration: Always have fresh water nearby.
• Storage: Store in airtight containers for freshness.

Making your own dog treats is a great way to ensure your pup gets tasty and healthy rewards. With these recipes and tips, you’ll be baking wag-worthy snacks in no time. Try them out and see which one your dog loves most!

Products Used in These Recipes

Here are some recommended tools you can find on Amazon:

• Silicone Baking Mat
• Silicone Molds
• Donut Molds
• Bone-Shaped Cookie Cutters