Healthy Treats Dogs Love Made at Home

Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Bites

All you need are three ingredients – peanut butter, banana, and oats. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, but make sure it’s free from xylitol, a sweetener toxic to dogs. Bananas have potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium which are all healthy nutrients for dogs.

Oats are very healthy for our pooches as they are high in fiber, contain vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acid among other good nutrients. The simple combination creates treats that cost pennies compared to store-bought options. Dogs absolutely love the sweet banana flavor mixed with creamy peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
• 3 cups oats

Instructions:

Grind oats in a food processor until they reach a fine powder, add bananas and peanut butter, and blend until a sticky dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pinched. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Use a rolling pin to roll out on a lightly floured surface using whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another dog-safe flour. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or simply slice into squares with a knife. Bake at 300°F for 20-25 minutes until firm.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them which makes them firmer and keeps them fresh a long time. My Labrador goes crazy when she sees me pull these from the freezer.

Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Treats

This homemade dog treat recipe costs approximately $0.83 CAD for 40-50 small dog bone treats compared to buying store-bought treats for at least $10 a bag. The cost savings add up quickly when you bake weekly. These healthy treats dogs actually beg for contain only wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 2.5 cups oat flour

Instructions:

Peel and boil cubed sweet potato then mash as you would for mashed potatoes, or bake whole sweet potatoes at 425°F for 40-55 minutes until soft. Let cool completely before mixing with peanut butter. Add ground oat flour into the combined sweet potato and peanut butter, stirring with a spoon or hands as the dough is sticky.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper. Roll out dough and cut into fun shapes. Bake at 400°F on parchment paper for 20-25 minutes.

I freeze leftover mashed sweet potato in silicone muffin liners for easy portions. When I need to make a fresh batch, I simply pop out one frozen sweet potato portion and defrost it in the microwave.

Nutritional Benefits Chart

Ingredient	Key Benefits	Cost per Cup	Dogs’ Preference Rating
Peanut Butter	Protein, healthy fats, vitamins B & E	$0.75	10/10
Bananas	Potassium, vitamin C, fiber	$0.50	9/10
Sweet Potato	Vitamin A, B6, fiber	$0.60	8/10
Oats	Fiber, omega-6, vitamin B	$0.40	7/10
Pumpkin	Digestive support, vitamin A	$0.80	8/10
Apples	Vitamins A, C, K	$0.55	7/10
Blueberries	Antioxidants	$2.00	9/10

Pumpkin and Almond Flour Soft Treats

This easy healthy DIY dog treats recipe uses just six ingredients: peanut butter, pumpkin, almond flour, egg, cinnamon, and turmeric. My dog loves their peanut butter flavor and softer texture; perfect for older dogs who don’t like super-crunchy dog treats. The turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits for aging joints.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 2 eggs
• 2.5 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions:

Combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree, egg, cinnamon, and turmeric in a bowl and mix well. Stir in almond flour gradually until you get a thick dough. The dough should be moldable but not sticky.

Shape the dog treats into small rounds and create a criss-cross pattern on top with a fork, then bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and set through. Preheat oven to 350°F before baking.

Store treats in an airtight container for up to three days on the counter, one week in the fridge, and three months in the freezer. The soft texture makes these perfect for senior dogs with dental issues.

Healthy Flaxseed and Applesauce Recipe

These healthy dog treats are easy to make and full of ingredients that are good for your dog, helping freshen breath, improve skin and coat health, and are packed with fiber and nutrients dogs need. Dogs go crazy for them even though these treats are packed full of healthy ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

Ground flaxseed is good for skin and coat health, immune system support, and healthy digestion. Unsweetened applesauce is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and phosphorus. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.

Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Let cool on the baking sheet and sit out in the open overnight to dry even more and become more crunchy, then store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them. The parsley naturally freshens dog breath.

No-Bake Frozen Yogurt Pops

This easy, homemade, no bake dog treat recipe is a healthy and economical choice, and the treats set in the freezer making it a great refreshment for all the hot summer months. Use all natural peanut butter with no additives including salt or sugar as it’s the healthiest option for dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Pour mixture into silicone molds in bone or paw shapes. Freeze for 3-4 hours until solid.

If you have leftover batter after filling your molds, you can simply place dollops in a Tupperware container forming cookies. Pop treats out of molds and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

My German Shepherd loves these on hot summer days. The frozen texture soothes her gums while providing probiotics from the yogurt. I make a double batch every two weeks.

Pros and Cons of Homemade Dog Treats

Pros:

• Complete ingredient control
• No preservatives or chemicals
• 60-85% cheaper than store-bought
• Customize for allergies
• Fresh maximum nutrition
• Fun activity for families
• know exactly what dog eats
• Can make large batches

Cons:

• Requires prep time
• Shorter shelf life
• Need storage space
• Learning curve initially
• Must research safe ingredients
• Weekly time commitment
• Cleanup after baking

Safe vs. Toxic Ingredients Guide

Always Safe

Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, pumpkin aids digestion with rich fiber, carrots are low in calories and high in vitamins making them excellent for dental health, and oats and whole wheat flour provide fiber and nutrients serving as good bases for biscuits. Lean cooked chicken or turkey without seasoning offers protein essential for muscle maintenance.

Never Feed

Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues, while grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure even in small amounts. Xylitol sweetener found in some peanut butters causes liver failure and death. Onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts damage red blood cells.

Portion Control Guidelines

The Clinical Nutrition Service at Tufts University suggests treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. This prevents weight gain while allowing rewards and snacks. Monitor your dog’s weight weekly.

Daily Treat Limits:

• 10-pound dog: 50-80 calories (3-4 small treats)
• 25-pound dog: 125-200 calories (6-8 small treats)
• 50-pound dog: 250-400 calories (10-15 small treats)
• 75-pound dog: 375-600 calories (15-20 small treats)

Adjust portions based on activity level. My active Border Collie gets more treats than my lazy Bulldog of the same weight. Watch body condition and reduce if your dog gains weight.

Pumpkin Pupcakes for Special Occasions

Treat your pooch to these adorable Pumpkin Pupcakes by combining canned pumpkin, whole wheat flour, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bake the batter into mini cupcakes, and for a doggie-approved frosting, decorate with a dollop of plain yogurt. Perfect for dog birthdays or gotcha day celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Plain yogurt for frosting

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease the muffin cups. Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl.

Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let pupcakes cool completely before adding yogurt frosting. The yogurt provides probiotics for gut health. Store frosted pupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cost Comparison Analysis

Recipe Type	Ingredient Cost	Yield	Cost per Treat	Store Equivalent Price
3-Ingredient	$2.50	40 treats	$0.06	$0.40
Sweet Potato	$3.00	45 treats	$0.07	$0.35
Pumpkin Almond	$4.50	30 treats	$0.15	$0.50
Frozen Pops	$3.25	24 treats	$0.14	$1.50
Flaxseed	$3.75	35 treats	$0.11	$0.45
Pupcakes	$4.00	12 cupcakes	$0.33	$2.00

Making homemade dog treats saves 60-85% compared to commercial options. The initial ingredient purchase seems expensive but makes multiple batches over months.

Real Success Stories

One rescue Chihuahua owner made these treats using a pizza cutter to make little squares, so it made a LOT, and the dog was kind enough to share them with canine cousins who also loved them. One couple bonded by making treats for their two dogs, and the dogs go crazy over these peanut butter treats and cannot control themselves.

The It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken blog features multiple homemade treat for dogs recipes. Dog treat recipes posted over the years have gone viral and become some of the most popular recipes on the blog. Thousands of pet owners report their picky eaters devour these homemade options.

Apple Cinnamon Chips

Light and crunchy, these treats smell as good as they taste by coating apple slices with cinnamon and baking at 225°F for 90 minutes. Keep seeds and cores out as they can be harmful to dogs. The low temperature dehydrates the apples creating crispy chips.

Ingredients:

• 2 large apples (seeds removed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Wash apples thoroughly and slice into 1/8 inch rounds. Remove all seeds and core pieces. Arrange apple slices on parchment-lined baking sheets without overlapping.

Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Bake at 225°F for 90 minutes, flipping halfway through. The apples should be completely dehydrated and crispy.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. These crunchy treats clean teeth naturally while satisfying dogs who love to chew. My Beagle prefers these over any rawhide.

Salmon and Parsley Breath Fresheners

This savory treat delivers omega-3s and fresher breath by mixing everything together, filling mini muffin tins, and baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Fish-based treats are a welcome addition to any list of homemade dog treats recipes vet approved by pet professionals.

Ingredients:

• 1 can salmon (with bones)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions:

Drain salmon and mash with a fork, keeping the small bones for calcium. Beat eggs in a bowl and mix with mashed salmon. Finely chop fresh parsley.

Stir in coconut flour and melted coconut oil until combined. Spoon mixture into greased mini muffin tins. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until set.

These smell intensely fishy during baking so open windows. Dogs absolutely love the strong seafood scent. Store in the refrigerator and use within 10 days for maximum freshness.

Storage Solutions

Room Temperature:

• Dry, crunchy treats only
• Airtight container required
• Use within 5-7 days
• Cool, dark location

Refrigerator:

• Soft or moist treats
• Glass containers preferred
• Lasts 1-2 weeks
• Label with date made

Freezer:

• All treat types
• Portion before freezing
• Lasts 2-3 months
• Thaw in fridge overnight

I prep a month’s worth of dog treat recipes every fourth Sunday. The process takes about 2 hours including cleanup. Freezing in daily portions prevents waste and keeps treats fresh.

Liver Training Bites

Liver is rich in nutrients but should be given in moderation, so blend ingredients, spread on a tray, bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then cool and cut into squares. These work perfectly as high-value training rewards. Dogs find the liver smell absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef or chicken liver
• 1/4 cup bone broth
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Chop liver into chunks and blend with bone broth until smooth. Pour into a bowl and stir in flour until combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky.

Spread evenly onto a greased baking sheet about 1/4 inch thick. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until set. Let cool completely before cutting into small training-sized squares.

Limit liver treats to 2-3 per day maximum. Too much liver causes digestive upset or vitamin A toxicity. These freeze well in small portions.

Turmeric Joint Support Treats

This anti-inflammatory recipe is ideal for older dogs by combining ingredients into dough, shaping into balls, and baking at 325°F for 15-18 minutes. Turmeric is often recommended by vets for dogs with joint issues. The golden spice reduces inflammation naturally.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until dough forms. Roll into marble-sized balls for small dogs or golf ball size for large breeds. Press slightly flat.

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes until firm. These stay chewy making them easier for senior dogs to eat.

I make these weekly for my 13-year-old Golden Retriever with arthritis. Her mobility improved noticeably after two months of daily turmeric treats. The vet confirmed the anti-inflammatory benefits help manage her condition.

Sweet Potato Chews

Simple and satisfying, these chews require just one ingredient by slicing sweet potatoes thinly and baking at low temperature. The dehydration process creates naturally sweet, chewy treats dogs love. Perfect for dogs who enjoy longer-lasting chews.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large sweet potatoes

Instructions:

Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly but don’t peel. Slice into 1/4 inch rounds or strips lengthwise. Arrange on baking sheets without overlapping.

Bake at 250°F for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through. The low temperature dehydrates rather than cooks. Treats should be leathery and bendable, not crispy.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. My Pit Bull chews one for 20 minutes keeping him occupied. These cost $2 for a large batch versus $8-12 for store-bought.

Blueberry Antioxidant Bites

These antioxidant-packed snacks are great for maintaining a healthy coat by combining ingredients into dough, scooping onto baking sheet, and baking at 350°F for 15-18 minutes. Blueberries provide powerful antioxidants that support immune health.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

Instructions:

Mash blueberries with a fork leaving some whole for texture. Mix with peanut butter and eggs until smooth. Stir in oat flour and flaxseed until dough forms.

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes.

The blueberries stain everything purple so use dark baking sheets. These healthy treats dogs love provide skin and coat benefits visible within 3-4 weeks of regular feeding.

Beginner Tips for Success

Start Simple: Stick with three-ingredient recipes first. Build confidence before trying complex formulas. The banana, peanut butter, oat recipe never fails.

Check Ingredients: Always check labels if using peanut butter to ensure it’s free of xylitol, and gradually introduce new treats to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. Read every label carefully.

Proper Cooling: Never give warm treats to dogs. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Hot treats burn mouths and can cause stomach upset.

Test Small Amounts: Dogs can have allergies just like people, so while these ingredients are all safe for dogs in general, make sure you know what your furry friend can and cannot eat by giving them a small bite first.