Best Homemade Dog Treat Recipes (That Are Actually Healthy)

Let’s be honest, dogs deserve treats. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, celebrating a milestone, or just want to spoil them a little, giving your dog a treat is one of the best parts of being a pet parent. But not all dog treats are created equal. Many store-bought options are packed with fillers, artificial ingredients, or unnecessary calories. That’s where homemade dog treats come in. Making your own at home is easier than you might think, and it gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can cater to your dog’s dietary needs, avoid allergens, and skip the mystery preservatives.

Below are some easy, vet-approved treat recipes your dog will love, and you’ll feel good about giving them.

Pumpkin Oat Dog Treats!

Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

This one’s a classic. It’s simple, healthy, and most dogs go wild for it.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)

• 1 cup oat flour or rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana and mix with peanut butter until smooth.

2. Stir in oat flour until a dough forms.

3. Roll into small balls or press into silicone molds.

4. Refrigerate or freeze until firm.

Bonus: These treats are great for hot days straight out of the freezer.

Sweet Potato Chews

If your dog loves to chew but you’d rather avoid rawhide, these are a fantastic alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F.

2. Slice sweet potatoes lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips.

3. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway, until they’re dried and chewy.

These store well in the fridge and are great for senior dogs too.

Chicken & Carrot Cookies

High in protein and packed with vitamin A, these crunchy cookies make a perfect savory snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken

• ½ cup grated carrot

• 1 egg

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 2 tbsp water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine all ingredients into a dough.

3. Roll out and cut into shapes, or drop by the spoonful onto a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.

Pumpkin & Oat Bites

Great for digestion and gentle on sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)

• 2½ cups rolled oats

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix everything together in a bowl.

3. Roll into small balls or press into mini muffin tins.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes.

5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bites

Perfect for summer, or any day you want to offer your pup something cooling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (no added sugar or sweeteners)

• ¼ cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Blend the yogurt and berries until smooth.

2. Spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays.

3. Freeze until solid and pop out as needed.

These are also great for teething puppies!

A Few Tips Before You Create:

• Check your ingredients. Never use peanut butter that contains xylitol—it’s toxic to dogs.

• Start small. Introduce new treats slowly to make sure your dog tolerates them well.

• Watch portions. Even healthy treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

• Store properly. Since these don’t have preservatives, keep them in the fridge or freezer if you don’t plan to use them quickly.

Making your own dog treats adds a little something extra to your relationship with your pup. You’re not just feeding them, you’re showing love in one of the best ways possible. Whether your dog is picky, has allergies, or you simply like knowing exactly what’s in their food, these recipes offer something for every pup. Plus, baking for your dog can be just plain fun.

So roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and get ready for some serious tail wags.