Dogs deserve snacks that are as wholesome and thoughtful as the meals we enjoy. Store-bought options are convenient, but they often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary fillers. By making healthy homemade dog treats for snack-loving pups, you can ensure your furry friend gets the optimal nutrition they need with every bite while making snack time extra special. These treats are tasty and give you control over the quality of the ingredients.

Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?

When it comes to your dog’s health, homemade treats provide the peace of mind that store-bought options can’t. By preparing treats at home, you can have more control over what your pup consumes. For example, processed treats may contain hidden sugars, salt, preservatives, or harmful additives that are unhealthy. But healthy homemade treats can cater to your pup’s specific dietary needs, food allergies, and sensitivities.

Simple Recipes Your Pup Will Love

Making healthy homemade dog treats doesn’t require fancy tools or baking skills. You can whip up delicious snacks with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a bowl, mix ½ cup of pumpkin puree with ¼ cup of peanut butter until smooth, then gradually add 2 cups of whole wheat flour, mixing until a dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut it into shapes with cookie cutters, and place the biscuits on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

6-ingredient Peanut Butter Donuts

Mix 1.5 cups of your choice of flour or flour substitute, 1.5 cups of oats, 3/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1 mashed banana, and 2 eggs together in a bowl. Pack the mix into your donut mold tightly to ensure they don’t easily crumble when removed. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-14 minutes. When fully baked, let cool before doing any decorating with yogurt drops and other dog topping favorites.

Banana and Oatmeal Dog Treats

Mash 1 ripe banana in a bowl and stir in 1 ½ cups of rolled oats and ½ cup of whole wheat flour until well blended. Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, flatten them into rounds, and bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden.

Egg Bites

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, in a bowl, mix 6 eggs, steamed spinach, and a scoop of greek yogurt. Add mixture to a baking mold - I chose decorative egg molds for Easter - and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool and then serve. If you’re dog prefers small bite, break the egg apart or choose a small mold.

3 Layer Fruity Popsicle

Keep your pup cool and hydrated during the hot months with this tasty DIY popsicle. Blend 1/2 banana, scoop of greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of bone broth and water, and 2 handlfuls of frozen strawberries. Pour mixture into popsicle mold, filling only a 1/3 of the mold. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes before adding additional layers.

When the first layer is frozen, pour kefir on top for the second layer and freeze for 30 minutes.

While you’re waiting for that layer to freeze, create your final layer by blending 1/2 banana, scoop of greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of bone broth and water, and 2 handlfuls of frozen blueberries.

Pour this mixture into popsicle mold, filling almost to the top but allowing for the popsicle stick to insert. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips

Let the treats cool before serving your pup, and store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Feel free to add more ingredients that increase the health benefits, like flaxseed and cinnamon to the biscuits or blueberries and chia seeds to the treats.
If your pup has wheat allergies, switch out the whole wheat flour for gluten-free options.
If your dog is allergic to chicken eggs, try quail eggs.
Always ensure the ingredients are dog-safe. Avoid using chocolate, raisins, grapes, or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.

Snack Time Meets Dental Health

A dog’s dental health is very important to their overall well-being, and snack time can help. Chewy and crunchy treats clean teeth, reduce plaque, and support healthy gums. Plus, ingredients like mint or parsley can freshen breath.

For a no-bake dental snack, try mixing 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of finely chopped mint or parsley, and 1/4 cup of coconut flour. Then, fold in 1/4 cup of grated carrot for added crunch and spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays, pressing it down gently, and freezing until solid.

Invest in Your Pup’s Health

The food your dog eats has a huge impact on their overall health, and snack time is a great opportunity to give them something wholesome and nutritious. Making healthy homemade dog treats for snack-loving pups means you’re skipping the artificial additives and fillers and giving them the best ingredients. These treats keep your dog in good shape, and they show just how much you care. Every homemade snack is a little act of love, investing in their happiness and well-being.