Delicious & Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: Easy DIY Recipes for Your Furry Friend

A boy and his dog

Every pet parent knows the joy of seeing their dog’s tail wag with excitement, especially when a treat is involved. While store-bought options are convenient, there’s something incredibly rewarding about making homemade dog treats. Not only do you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring your beloved companion gets only the best, but it’s also a wonderful way to show them extra love. Today, instead of detailing my breakfast of eggs and toast, I’m excited to share a couple of tried-and-true recipes for homemade dog treats that our furry friend, Lou, absolutely adores. He’s certainly earned them with his good behavior and endless companionship!

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Diving into the world of DIY dog treats offers numerous benefits for both you and your canine companion:

Ingredient Control: This is arguably the biggest advantage. You can avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as well as common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat if your dog has sensitivities. You know exactly what’s going into their body.
Tailored to Dietary Needs: If your dog has specific health conditions, allergies, or is on a special diet, you can customize treats to meet those requirements. For instance, you can easily make grain-free or low-fat options.
Cost-Effective: Buying premium dog treats can be expensive. Making them at home often uses common pantry staples and can be significantly cheaper in the long run, especially if your dog goes through treats quickly.
Freshness and Quality: Homemade treats are made fresh, without the need for extended shelf life chemicals. This often means better taste and higher nutritional value.
Strengthens Your Bond: The act of preparing something special for your dog is a unique bonding experience. Plus, they’ll undoubtedly appreciate the effort!
Peace of Mind: With recalls and concerns about ingredient sourcing in commercial pet foods, making your own treats gives you peace of mind about what your dog is consuming.

Our Favorite Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Peanut Butter Biscotti with Milk & Honey

This recipe creates a crunchy, satisfying treat that’s packed with flavor and beneficial nutrients. Peanuts and peanut butter are not only delicious but also a good source of protein, fiber, and biotin – essential for nutrient metabolism and maintaining healthy skin, fur, and nails. Just be sure to use all-natural peanut butter that contains no xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
½ cup wheat germ or oat bran
1 tsp. baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 large egg
2 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. dry milk powder
¾ cup water
¾ cup all-natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
½ cup chopped unsalted peanuts or carob chips (optional, ensure carob is dog-safe, not chocolate)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, wheat germ (or oat bran), baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, canola oil, honey, dry milk powder, and water until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, along with the all-natural peanut butter. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and a firm dough forms. If adding, fold in the chopped peanuts or carob chips at this stage.
On an ungreased baking sheet, shape the dough into a log approximately 14 inches (35 cm) long. Gently flatten the log until it is about 6 inches (15 cm) wide. For a glossy finish, you may brush the top with a little beaten egg (optional).
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the log is firm to the touch and lightly golden.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the log cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C).
Once cooled enough to handle, use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the log on a slight diagonal into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices.
Place the biscotti slices upright on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about ½ inch apart.
Return them to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. This second bake helps to dry them out.
If you prefer very hard, crunchy biscotti (excellent for dental health), turn the oven off after the second bake and leave the biscotti inside for several hours or overnight to harden further as the oven cools.

Tips and Variations:

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Biscotti: Replace the wheat germ with an equal amount of rolled oats for a different texture. You can also roll the dough logs in a little dry oatmeal before the first bake for an added rustic touch.
Storage: Store these homemade biscotti in a tightly covered, airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to two months.
Serving: Break larger biscotti into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or as training treats.

Triple Cheese Bliss

For the cheese-loving canine, these cheesy delights are an absolute dream! Cheese offers calcium and protein, and a variety of cheeses provides a complex flavor profile your dog will adore. Remember to offer cheese in moderation, especially if your dog is sensitive to dairy.

Ingredients:

½ cup cottage cheese
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. canola oil
2 tbsp. water
1 large egg (shell can be included if finely crushed for extra calcium, but ensure no sharp pieces)
2 cups whole wheat flour
Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, canola oil, water, and egg. Process until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the food processor. Pulse a few times until the dough comes together. The dough may appear crumbly, but it should be sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed.
Remove the dough from the food processor. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls.
Place the balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly, creating a crisscross pattern similar to a peanut butter cookie.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
Let them cool completely on the cookie sheet. For extra crispness and hardness, turn the oven off after baking and leave the cookies inside for several hours (or overnight) to dry out as the oven cools.

Tips and Variations:

Storage: These cheese treats will stay fresh in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer preservation, they freeze exceptionally well for up to three months.
Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with other dog-safe cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese, ensuring they are low in sodium.
Garlic Note: The original content mentioned garlic as optional. However, garlic, along with onions and chives, belongs to the Allium family and can be toxic to dogs, causing damage to red blood cells. While some argue tiny amounts might be negligible for large dogs, it’s generally best to avoid it entirely to ensure your pet’s safety. Therefore, we’ve removed it from this recipe.

General Tips for Making Dog Treats

To ensure your homemade treats are always a success and safe for your dog, keep these general tips in mind:

Always Check Ingredients: Before using any ingredient, double-check that it is safe for canine consumption. Common toxic ingredients include chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, and garlic.
Moderation is Key: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation. Treats should constitute no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain and ensure they still eat their balanced main meals.
Introduce New Treats Slowly: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce new homemade treats gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Proper Storage: Always store homemade treats in airtight containers. Depending on the ingredients, some may require refrigeration. If in doubt, freeze them for longer shelf life.
Consult Your Vet: If your dog has specific dietary restrictions, health conditions, or allergies, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods or treats.
Size Matters: Adjust the size of the treats according to your dog’s breed and size. Smaller dogs need smaller treats to prevent choking hazards.

Making your own dog treats is a rewarding experience that allows you to provide nutritious, delicious, and safe snacks for your beloved pet. These recipes are simple to follow and are sure to get those tails wagging. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to whip up some delightful homemade goodies for your best friend!