Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs
  3. Evergreens

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

6 easy DIY dog treats anyone could make

Making treats at home can help keep your pup healthy

By
Add as a preferred source on Google
Giving a dog a heart-shaped treat
Maya Shustov / Shutterstock

When it comes to your fur baby, only the best passes the test. You want to make sure you’re feeding your pet the safest, most trustworthy ingredients, and is there anyone you trust more than yourself?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make dog treats, a simple recipe is a great place to start. These DIY dog treats are made from ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, so all you’ll need is some dedicated time. Don’t forget to call your four-legged sous-chef for taste testing! She’ll be happy to oblige, we’re sure. Here are six easy DIY dog treats anyone can make.

Recommended Videos

What are the most high-value treats for dogs?

A yorkie eats a treat from his human
Valerie Nik / Shutterstock
According to our pets, not all treats are created equally. Dogs will almost certainly gravitate toward certain varieties of snacks. Just as in humans, some of this varies from animal to animal. Your pup pup will have his own tastes and likely a favorite food, and it can take a minute to discover what that special treat will be.
There are a few go-to things you can try, though, that are sure to make any canine salivate. Think about moist or freeze-dried tidbits that preserve flavor, more and crucially, smell. Fido will almost certainly enjoy peanut butter, chicken, unseasoned dried meat, and eggs. In addition, keep these luxuries high-value ones by only doling them out occasionally. If you find a homemade treat that your buddy loves, make it for him only every couple months and change up the recipes to keep it interesting.

Frozen bone broth

Dog looks up excitedly for a treat from her bed
Jamie Street / Unsplash

This one is perfect for pet parents who are short on time and ingredients. All it requires is broth, whether you purchase or prepare it yourself, and a spare ice cube tray. As the name of this simple treat implies, simply fill the tray with broth and freeze it overnight.

Frozen yogurt or peanut butter (free of xylitol!) can be used for a sweeter treat. Unlike some treats, which will vanish down your dog’s throat in seconds, these lickable morsels will keep your pup occupied for a few minutes. Perfect for those hot summer months!

Pyramid pan bacon treats

A dog eats a treat from her human's hand
Omerlavon / Pixabay

These four-ingredient treats are made even simpler with the help of one kitchen must-have: the pyramid pan. This baking essential helps treats pop up when they’re done, so you’ll be able to make plenty with no fuss.

This recipe is shared by the American Kennel Club (AKC) — so you know you’re hearing from the best! Simply blend the bacon (or your choice of meat) with eggs in a food processor, mix in flour and water, and bake! With this and any recipe, you can substitute wheat flour with brown rice or oats for a gluten-free option.

Two-ingredient baby food/puree bites

A dog raises his paw to receive a treat
Melounix / Shutterstock

Make use of any extra baby food you have in the house with this easy recipe, courtesy of Kiki’s Canine Kitchen via Rover. Just mix any dog-safe baby food or produce puree (here’s a full list of fruits and veggies that dogs can have) with your favorite flour and spoon the batter into treats to be baked.

For this recipe, aim for about 1 cup of flour to 1 jar/4 ounces of baby food or puree, and bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can select portion sizes for your pup either by scooping batter onto a tray before baking or by cutting up your dog treat cake after baking.

Dehydrated sweet potato dog treats

Jack Russell terrier tongue out for a treat
Eva / Adobe Stock

It doesn’t get much easier than this! The only (yep — only!) ingredient you’ll need is a canine favorite: sweet potato. To dehydrate these treats properly, and for a chewy yet flavorful finish, be prepared to cook them at a low temperature for quite a long time. About 6 to 8 hours in the oven at 200 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit should do the trick.

An estimated 10 hours at the same temperature in an air fryer should have the same effect. Make sure not to peel your potatoes, as the skin contains even more nutrients than the rest of the plant. Thin slices will also help them dry faster, since you’re looking for absolutely zero moisture in your finished treats.

Fish fillets for dogs

A yellow Lab puppy wearing a blue collar looks up
Taylor Kopel / Unsplash

Another easy treat for your furry friend might make your mouth water, too. Dogs can eat, and usually enjoy, many types of fish, including salmon, herring, char, and even tuna (you can find a fuller list from AKC). To prepare fish for dogs, cook it without using any oils or seasonings since those can upset your dog’s stomach. Make sure anything you feed her is free of bones, fins, and rough scales. Raw fish is also a no-go for dogs.

Pumpkin peanut butter dog treats

Maltese dog watches-owner spoon peanut butter
Josfor / Shutterstock

If you love baking, you’ll have a blast putting these together for your pup. Using four ingredients, which is slightly more than other recipes on this list call for, you’ll mix and roll out a delicious dough, which you can cut into your favorite shapes. Thanks to the ASPCA’s recipe, you can customize ingredients and portion sizes to fit your dog — and your kitchen. These biscuits will keep fresh for about a week when sealed tightly, so don’t make too many.

Hungry yet? Your dog sure is. They’re bound to love her homemade treats, but you can always play around with pet-safe ingredients until you find a concoction your canine goes crazy for. Whether you use these treats during training or just as a special snack, preparing them at home will give you even more ways to bond with your pet. Let’s put it this way: You’ll always have someone to lick the spoon.

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Former Author
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

Can dogs eat cheese? Here’s what you should know
Is cheese bad for dogs? Here's what to know before treating your dog to cheese

Maybe this is a hot take, but cheese could truly be its own food group. It can be enjoyed any time of day — in breakfast omelets, sandwiches, and salads, and there’s nothing like a heaping plate of Mac ’n cheese on a cold winter’s day. It can be an appetizer, snack, or the entire meal. In some cultures, it’s common to have cheese as a dessert!
It’s fun to include our dogs in our meals, but not all our favorite foods are healthy for our pets. For example, another popular dessert food, chocolate, is a no-no for dogs. Other people foods, such as apples and some berries, are fine — and even healthy for dogs — in moderation. But can dogs eat cheese?
The short answer is yes. However, there is some essential information to keep in mind. Here’s the 4-1-1 on two of life’s greatest pleasures: dogs and cheese.

Is cheese bad for dogs?

Read more
How often do dogs really need vaccines?
What is the dog vaccine schedule? The answer can vary
A dog getting vaccine vet holding syringe

As a pet parent, you want what's best for your dog. Ensuring your pet stays up to date on vaccinations is essential. With human health, the recommendations are usually more straightforward — professionals recommend that people in certain age groups or with specific conditions receive vaccines at certain times. Some, like the flu shot, require regular boosters. Others provide long-term — and even lifelong — immunity.

What about pets, though? How often do dogs need vaccines? The answers aren't always so straightforward, so working with your veterinarian to determine the best course for your dog is vital. This guide to dog vaccinations will provide a blueprint and hopefully spark a helpful conversation about your pet's health with their veterinarian.
How often do dogs need vaccines?

Read more
Why do dogs stretch when they see you? There’s more than one reason
Here are the 3 main types of stretches and what they mean
Brown dog stretching on door mat with tongue out

Coming home to a happy dog might be one of the best feelings in the world. When you walk in the door, your pup may jump up and down or give a little yip of excitement. But why do dogs stretch when they see you? Once you take a moment to think about it, a stretch seems like a weird way to say hello. To get to the bottom of this unusual canine activity, we have to define what type of stretch we're talking about. We'll walk you through three different kinds.
Why do dogs stretch when they see you? A play bow

There's an easy way to distinguish this from other stretching: Look at the elbows. If a dog is extending themselves and their elbows are bent, meaning the forearms rest on or near the floor, this is a play bow. Interestingly, wolves and even lions have been observed using the play bow as a signal that it's time for the games to begin. That tells us that this innate move has meaning across species. You probably instantly know when your pup pup wants to play and will also have a lot of context around this behavior. For example, if you already have their favorite squeaky toy in hand, a play bow makes a lot of sense.

Read more