Homemade Dog Treat Recipes: Simple & Safe

Making homemade treats for your dog is a great way to ensure you know exactly what ingredients they’re consuming, avoiding harmful additives and preservatives. The following recipes are easy to prepare, use common safe ingredients, and are suitable for most dogs (adjust portions based on your dog’s size and consult your vet if your dog has special dietary needs).

Recipe 1: Oatmeal & Banana Bites (Crunchy)

These treats are rich in fiber and natural sweetness, perfect for training or occasional rewards. No added sugar needed!

Ingredients (Makes about 20-25 small bites):

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (ground into oat flour, or use pre-made oat flour)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (lactose-free, no sugar or flavorings)
• 1 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free! Critical to check the label)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the peanut butter and mix well.
3. Stir in the oat flour and plain yogurt, mixing until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more yogurt; if too wet, add a pinch more oat flour.
4. Scoop small portions of dough (about 1 tsp each) and roll into balls with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, then flatten slightly with a fork (this helps them cook evenly).
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are golden and crunchy. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving—they’ll harden more as they cool.
6. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe 2: Steamed Chicken & Carrot Strips (Soft, For Senior Dogs or Puppies)

Soft, easy to chew, and high in protein and vitamins—ideal for dogs with dental issues, puppies, or senior dogs. No baking required!

Ingredients (Makes about 15-20 strips):

• 150g boneless, skinless chicken breast (trimmed of all fat)
• 1 medium carrot (peeled and cut into thin strips)

Instructions:

1. Cut the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips (about 5cm long and 1cm wide) to make it easy for your dog to chew.
2. Place the chicken strips and carrot strips in a steamer basket. Steam for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside) and the carrots are tender but still firm.
3. Remove from the steamer and let the treats cool completely to room temperature. For senior dogs with severe dental problems, you can mash the chicken and carrots together into a soft paste.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag—this prevents them from sticking together. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Recipe 3: Pumpkin & Apple Crunchers

These treats are gentle on the digestive system and have a sweet, natural flavor that most dogs love. Pumpkin aids in digestion, making them great for dogs with mild stomach upset.

Ingredients (Makes about 18-22 treats):

• 1/2 cup plain cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling—no spices or sugar)
• 1/4 cup grated apple (core and seeds removed first)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour like rice flour for dogs with allergies)
• 1 egg (fully beaten, provides binding and protein)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pumpkin, grated apple, and beaten egg until well combined.
3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, stirring until a stiff dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for 1-2 minutes to make it smooth.
4. Roll out the dough to about 0.5cm thickness. Use a small cookie cutter (any shape you like) to cut out treats, or cut the dough into small squares with a knife.
5. Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly golden around the edges.
6. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Key Tips for Homemade Dog Treats

1. Always Use Safe Ingredients: Avoid all toxic foods (chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, etc.) as outlined earlier. Stick to the ingredients listed—no random additions!
2. Control Portions: Homemade treats are still treats—they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Adjust the size of the treats based on your dog’s weight (smaller treats for small dogs).
3. Keep It Plain: Never add salt, sugar, spices, oil, or butter to homemade dog treats. Dogs don’t need these, and they can cause digestive upset or health issues.
4. Check for Allergies: When introducing a new homemade treat, feed your dog 1-2 small pieces and monitor for 24-48 hours. Signs of allergies include itching, redness, vomiting, or diarrhea—stop feeding immediately if these occur.
5. Proper Storage: Homemade treats don’t have preservatives, so they spoil faster than commercial ones. Follow the storage instructions for each recipe, and discard any treats that smell bad, look moldy, or are sticky (when they shouldn’t be).