If you’ve ever flipped a store-bought dog treat bag and struggled to pronounce half the ingredients, you’re not alone. Most pet parents start looking into homemade dog treat recipes for one simple reason: we want to know exactly what we’re feeding our dogs.
Making dog treats at home isn’t about being fancy or perfect. It’s about:
Better ingredients
Fewer fillers
More control over allergies and calories
And honestly… dogs just love them more
This guide is written one pet parent to another. No complicated baking skills. No obscure ingredients. Just safe, vet-approved homemade dog treats that work for puppies, adults, seniors, and dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Often the Healthier Choice
Homemade treats allow you to:
Avoid artificial preservatives
Control portion size
Adjust recipes for allergies
Reduce unnecessary calories
They’re especially helpful if your dog struggles with:
Food sensitivities
Itchy skin
Digestive upset
Weight gain
Also read Best Foods for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs.
Safety Rules Before You Start (Very Important)
Before we jump into recipes, here are non‑negotiable safety guidelines.
Ingredients Dogs Should NEVER Have
Chocolate
Xylitol (common in peanut butter)
Grapes or raisins
Onions or garlic
Excess salt or sugar
Also read Human Foods Toxic for Dogs.
Treat Portion Rule
Treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Homemade doesn’t mean unlimited.
Homemade Dog Treat Recipes by Purpose
Not all treats serve the same job. Below, each recipe is paired with why it works, who it’s best for, and how often to give it.
1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Soft Bites
Why this works:
Pumpkin supports digestion
Peanut butter adds flavor and healthy fats
Ingredients:
1 cup pure pumpkin purée
½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
1½ cups oat flour
Best for:
Puppies
Senior dogs
Dogs with sensitive stomachs
How often: 2–3 small pieces per day
2. Frozen Banana & Yogurt Bites
Why this works:
Cooling and soothing
Probiotics support gut health
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
Freeze in silicone molds.
Best for:
Teething puppies
Hot weather treats
Also read How to Keep Dogs Cool in Hot Weather
3. Chicken & Rice Training Treats
Why this works:
Highly motivating
Gentle on digestion
Ingredients:
Cooked chicken breast
Cooked white rice
Blend, bake low and slow, cut into tiny cubes.
Best for:
Training sessions
Dogs with stomach upset
Also read How to Teach “Come” Command.
4. Apple & Oat Crunchies
Why this works:
Fiber for digestion
Crunch helps clean teeth
Ingredients:
Apples (peeled, cored)
Rolled oats
Bake until crisp.
Best for:
Adult dogs
Moderate chewers
5. Sweet Potato Chews
Why this works:
Natural chew satisfaction
Rich in vitamins A & C
Slice thin and bake at low heat.
Best for:
Dogs who love chewing
Weight-conscious treat option
Also read Dog Weight Management Tips.
6. Salmon Skin Crisps (High-Value Treat)
Why this works:
Omega‑3s for skin and coat
Highly palatable
Bake salmon skin until crispy.
Best for:
Dogs with dry skin
Allergy-prone dogs
Also read Omega‑3 Benefits for Dogs.
7. Carrot & Peanut Butter Pup Cookies
Why this works:
Crunchy and filling
Low calorie
Grated carrots + oat flour + peanut butter.
Best for:
Overweight dogs
Treat lovers
8. No‑Bake Liver Training Treats
Why this works:
Extremely motivating
Tiny portions go far
Dehydrate thin slices slowly.
Best for:
Recall training
Distraction-heavy environments
9. Blueberry Antioxidant Bites
Why this works:
Brain and immune support
Great for seniors
Blueberries + oat flour.
10. DIY Frozen Bone Broth Cubes
Why this works:
Hydration support
Joint health
Freeze unsalted bone broth.
Also read Joint Supplements for Dogs.
Treats by Dog Life Stage
Puppies
Soft bites
Frozen yogurt treats
Adult Dogs
Crunchy biscuits
Training treats
Senior Dogs
Soft, easy-to-chew options
Also read Senior Dog Nutrition Guide.
Storage & Shelf Life Tips
Refrigerate soft treats (3–5 days)
Freeze for longer storage
Crunchy baked treats last up to 2 weeks
Common Homemade Dog Treat Mistakes
Avoid:
Overfeeding
Using unsafe peanut butter
Skipping portion control
FAQs About Homemade Dog Treats
Can dogs eat homemade treats daily?
Yes, in moderation.
Are baked treats better than raw?
Baked treats last longer and are safer.
Can I use these for training?
Absolutely — just size them small.
Final Thoughts: Love You Can Bake
Homemade dog treats aren’t about perfection. They’re about intention.
When you know what’s inside your dog’s treats, you’re feeding more than snacks — you’re feeding trust, health, and happiness.
Related Posts:
DIY Dog Toys.
Best Foods for Dogs With Sensitive Stomachs.
How to Teach “Come” Command.