6 Easy Homemade Dog Treats (Vet-Approved)

1. Peanut Butter & Oat Balls

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These no-bake treats are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

They’re perfect as training rewards or on-the-go snacks.

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
1 ripe banana, mashed.

Instructions:

Mix mashed bananas, oats, and peanut butter in a large bowl.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

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Did You Know? Bananas are rich in potassium, which supports your dog’s muscle function and heart health.

Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed for an omega-3 boost that promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin.

2. Frozen Yogurt & Blueberry Bites

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These frozen treats are cool, refreshing, and full of antioxidants. They’re perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

Mix the yogurt and blueberries in a bowl.
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.

Did You Know? Blueberries are a superfood for dogs.

They are full of antioxidants.

They support brain function and reduce inflammation.

Pro Tip: For variety, replace blueberries with diced strawberries or apples (remove the core and seeds).

3. Sweet Potato Chews

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These chewy snacks are a healthy, natural alternative to rawhide.

They have no added preservatives or chemicals.

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Wash and slice the sweet potato into ¼-inch-thick strips.
Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 2 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.
Let them cool completely before serving.

Did You Know? Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene.

It helps your dog’s vision and immunity.

Pro Tip: For a crunchier texture, leave the chews in the oven longer.

Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

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4. Pumpkin & Parsley Biscuits

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These crunchy biscuits aid digestion and freshen breath, thanks to parsley.

Ingredients:

1 cup pure pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 egg

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix pumpkin, parsley, and egg. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Did You Know? Parsley has chlorophyll. It freshens breath and supports kidney health.

Pro Tip: Use fun cookie-cutter shapes like bones or paws to make these biscuits extra special.

5. Apple & Carrot Bites

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These crunchy, low-calorie treats are packed with vitamins.

They’re perfect for dogs of all sizes.

Ingredients:

1 apple (cored and grated)
1 carrot (grated)
1 cup oat flour
1 egg

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix grated apple, carrot, oat flour, and egg in a bowl.
Roll the mixture into small balls or flatten it into patties.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until firm.

Did You Know? Apples are rich in antioxidants.

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which supports vision and immune health.

Pro Tip: Always remove apple seeds, as they contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

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6. Cheesy Spinach Puffs

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These tasty puffs are full of calcium and vitamins. They’re a nutrient-packed snack.

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded low-fat cheese
1 cup chopped spinach (steamed)
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup water

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine cheese, spinach, and flour in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a dough.
Roll into small balls or flatten into shapes.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm and golden.

Did You Know? Spinach is high in iron and antioxidants.

They support healthy blood and reduce inflammation.

Pro Tip: Use low-fat cheese to keep these treats healthy and reduce calories.

How to Choose the Best Ingredients for Your Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade treats can greatly affect your dog’s health and happiness.

It all depends on the ingredients you choose.

Here’s what to keep in mind to ensure every bite is packed with nutrition:

Choose Whole, Unprocessed Foods: Stick to fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid anything processed or artificially flavored. They can upset your dog’s stomach or cause allergies.
Focus on Nutrient-Packed Ingredients: Choose foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example:
- Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber and beta-carotene, they are perfect for digestive health.
- Blueberries: A superfood loaded with antioxidants that support brain health.
- Pumpkin: Great for digestion and a natural source of fiber.
Check for Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to common ingredients, like wheat, dairy, or chicken. If your dog has allergies, try oat or coconut flour. Or, use plant-based protein sources.
Avoid Toxic Foods: Some foods are toxic to dogs. They include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (a sugar substitute). Always double-check that your chosen ingredients are safe.
Read Labels Carefully: If you use store-bought items, like peanut butter or canned pumpkin, check the label. Ensure there are no added sugars, salts, or harmful preservatives.

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Pro Tip: If unsure about an ingredient, check with your vet or research its safety before using it in your recipe.

Choose the right ingredients.

Your homemade treats will be delicious and healthy for your pup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Dog Treats

Making dog treats at home is simple and rewarding.

But, there are some common mistakes to avoid. They can harm your pet’s health and safety.

Using Unsafe Ingredients: It’s easy to accidentally include foods that are toxic to dogs. Never use dog treats with chocolate, xylitol (in some peanut butters), grapes, raisins, or onions. Always double-check ingredient labels and stick to dog-safe alternatives.
Overfeeding Treats: Homemade doesn’t mean calorie-free! Treats, even healthy ones, should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Portion treats appropriately for your dog’s size and activity level.
Skipping Storage Best Practices: Homemade snacks lack preservatives, unlike commercial treats. So, they have a shorter shelf life. Not storing them in airtight containers or freezing them can spoil them. This could harm your dog.
Ignoring Nutritional Balance: While treats are fun, they should never replace a balanced diet. Use nutrient-rich ingredients, like lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, in your recipes. If you’re unsure, consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist.

Pro Tip: When introducing new treats, start with small portions.

This ensures your dog tolerates the ingredients.

Watch for any signs of allergies, like itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.

By avoiding these mistakes, your treats will be safe and healthy for your pup.

They’ll be delicious, too.

Bonus Tips for Treat-Making Success

Storage: Store homemade treats in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for a week or freeze them for three months.
Portion Control: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Ingredient Swaps: If your dog has allergies, use oat or rice flour instead of whole wheat flour. Also, choose fruits or vegetables they tolerate.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Worth It

Store-bought treats often have preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers. They aren’t good for your dog’s health. By making treats at home, you:

Control the Ingredients: Avoid harmful additives. Give your dog natural snacks.
Save Money: Most recipes use simple, affordable pantry staples.
Customize for Your Dog: Tailor treats to your dog’s tastes and needs.
Strengthen Your Bond: Your dog will love the time and effort you put into making something just for them.

Conclusion

Your furry friend deserves the best.

These six, vet-approved recipes make it easy to spoil them.

They are healthy, cheap, and delicious.

These recipes will bring wagging tails and happy faces.

They’re for a chewy sweet potato snack and frozen yogurt bites.

Ready to get started? Pick a recipe, grab your ingredients, and watch your dog’s excitement grow.

It’s time to show your furry friend how much you care!

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid