10 Quick Homemade Dog Treat Recipes for a Healthier Pet | Homemade Dog Food Recipe PDF (Click Here)
As pet owners, we love spoiling our dogs with tasty treats, but recent concerns about commercial pet foods have raised red flags.
Harmful additives, low-quality ingredients, and potential links to serious health issues like cancer and reduced lifespan have many of us rethinking what we feed our furry friends.
The solution? Homemade dog treat recipes! These allow you to control ingredients, avoid toxins, and create nutritious snacks your dog will love.
In this article, we share 10 quick and healthy homemade dog treat recipes, plus tips to get started.
We’ll also introduce the NaturallyReady Real Food for Dogs Cookbook Recipe eBook, a fantastic resource for pet health.
Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet to ensure these treats meet their needs.
Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?
Commercial pet foods, including kibble and some raw options, often contain questionable ingredients like artificial preservatives, low-quality fillers, or even contaminants that may harm your dog’s health.
Studies have linked these to serious conditions, including cancer and shorter lifespans, making pet owners wary.
Homemade dog treat recipes offer a safer, healthier alternative.
Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
• Full Control Over Ingredients: Use fresh, human-grade ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, free from harmful additives like xylitol.
• Customizable for Allergies: Tailor recipes to avoid allergens, using substitutes like coconut oil for butter or oats for wheat.
• Nutrient-Rich and Safe: Focus on dog-safe foods that boost health, energy, and longevity.
• Bonding and Fun: Making treats strengthens your bond with your dog, whether for training, distraction, or celebration.
By switching to homemade treats, you can ensure your dog enjoys snacks that are both delicious and beneficial, addressing the pitfalls of commercial options.
Safety & Ingredient Guidelines
Before diving into homemade dog treat recipes, prioritize safety.
Not all foods are safe for dogs, and dietary changes should be vet-approved.
Here are key guidelines:
• Dog-Safe Ingredients: Stick to fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, mango, and cranberries; vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and beetroot; and proteins like chicken, beef, turkey, or chickpeas.
• Foods to Avoid: Steer clear of toxic ingredients like xylitol (a sweetener deadly to dogs), chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
• Allergy Alternatives: Use coconut oil instead of butter, plant-based milk or yogurt instead of dairy, and oats or quinoa for wheat-free options.
• Veterinary Guidance: Consult your vet to ensure treats align with your dog’s nutritional needs, especially for dogs with health conditions.
These guidelines ensure your homemade dog treat recipes are safe and tailored to your dog’s well-being.
Here are 10 quick and healthy homemade dog treat recipes that are easy to make and packed with nutrition.
Each uses dog-safe ingredients and requires minimal prep, perfect for busy pet owners. Storage tips are included for convenience.
Recipe 1: No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
Overview: This recipe was one of the first dog treat recipes I ever developed.
It’s so simple and easy, it’s a great one to do with kids and get them in on the fun.
You can literally have these babies ready to go into the fridge within 5 minutes.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup plain organic yogurt
• 1 cup organic peanut butter
• 2½ cups rolled oats
Preparation:
1. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Mix the yogurt and peanut butter until it forms a paste.
3. Add the oats ½ cup at a time, ensuring they are fully coated and no dry spots form. You will be left with a heavy mixture.
4. Scoop out bite-sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls.
5. Place on the lined tray, refrigerate for 1 hour, and serve.
HANDY HINT: Use a gentle pressure when rolling the balls. The mixture can be sticky and heavy handedness can cause it to crumble.
BENEFITS: A tasty source of protein used to build and repair muscle tissue, peanut butter is filled with good fats that support a healthy cardiovascular system.
Recipe 2: Cranberry Energy Bites
Overview:
Cranberry Energy Bites are a quick, no-bake treat packed with antioxidants from cranberries and protein from peanut butter.
Perfect for active dogs, these bites are easy to roll and ready in minutes.
Store in the fridge for a healthy, energy-boosting snack!
Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup organic peanut butter
Preparation:
1. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Add all ingredients to food processor and mix until smooth.
3. Scoop out bite-sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls.
4. Place on the lined tray, refrigerate for 30 minutes, and serve.
BENEFITS: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help support a healthy immune system in dogs.
Always feed in moderation as too many can cause an upset stomach.
Recipe 3: Brownie Pops
Overview:
Brownie Pops are a fun, no-bake treat using dog-safe carob, peanut butter, and popcorn.
Easy to shape into pops, they’re perfect for special occasions.
Ready in minutes, these treats are a hit with dogs and owners alike.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups plain air-popped popcorn 1 tablespoon carob powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon water
• ¼ cup organic peanut butter
Preparation:
1. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Place popcorn into paper bag and crush with rolling pin.
Ensure all kernels are popped fully and any uncooked kernels are removed.
3. Combine carob powder, honey, water, and peanut butter in bowl. Add crushed popcorn and mix until well combined.
4. Scoop out bite-sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls. Place on the lined tray. Refrigerate for one hour to chill, then serve.
HANDY HINT: To air pop your popcorn, simply pour plain kernels into a brown paper lunch bag, fold over the top of the bag twice to seal it closed, and microwave for 1½ minutes, or until the popping slows.
BENEFITS: Carob is a dog-safe chocolate alternative, offering a sweet treat for special occasions without the risks of cocoa.
Recipe 4: Banana & Beet Bites
Overview: Perfectly pink and chock-full of flavor, these are some of the quickest, healthiest dog bliss balls you can make.
I usually prefer to serve them “naked” but if your dog goes coconuts for coconuts, the optional coating will go down a treat.
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup grated beetroot
• 1 small banana (peeled and roughly chopped) 1 cup almond flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
Preparation:
1. Add all ingredients to food processor and mix until smooth.
2. Scoop out bite sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls.
3. Optional: Toss each ball gently in finely shredded coconut until well coated.
4. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper, refrigerate for 30 minutes, and serve.
BENEFITS: Bananas provide potassium, beetroot adds vitamins, and coconut supports skin and coat health in this colorful, no-bake treat.
Recipe 5: Edible Kong
Overview: Now, even though this technically could be called “instructions” more than a recipe, it’s too ingenious not to include.
With just two ingredients and two steps, it’s possibly the easiest dog treat recipe known to man.
Oh—and it will keep your dog entertained for ages.
Ingredients:
• 1 small organic Granny Smith apple.
• Organic peanut butter for the filling.
Preparation:
1. Wash, core, and remove any stickers from your apple.
It’s important to ensure the apple is fully cored as apple seeds contain cyanide and should not be consumed by dogs.
2. Stuff the core with your desired filling and serve.
HANDY HINT: You can choose any type of apple for your Edible Kong; however, Granny Smith varieties have the lowest amount of natural sugar.
BENEFITS: Keeps dogs engaged while providing protein and fiber. Great for mental stimulation and distraction.
Recipe 6: Carrot Cake Treat Bars
Overview: When coming up with this recipe, I originally intended to make carrot cake balls.
But the more I tested, I knew bars were the real winner.
The added bonus is that you can slice the bars as small as you want and turn them into excellent training treats.
Ingredients:
• 7 Medjool dates (pitted)
• 4 medium carrots
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 cups rolled oats
Preparation:
1. Lightly grease an 8 x 8″ pan.
2. Place dates in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to soften, then drain.
3. While the dates are soaking, finely grate your carrots (either in a food processor or by hand).
4. Add all ingredients to food processor and process until well combined.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the greased pan—it should be approximately ¾-inch thickness.
6. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to set.
7. Slice into bars and serve.
HANDY HINT: If you want a crispier version of the bars, use fewer carrots as they have a high water content.
BENEFITS: Carrots offer vitamins, oats provide fiber, and dates add natural sweetness, making these a wholesome, no-bake snack.
Recipe 7: Coconut Bombs
Overview: These treats are so yummy that they often go missing from the fridge in our house—the fresh flavor combination is a crowd favorite!
Like most of our no-bake treats, these Coconut Bombs take mere minutes to make and only 30 more to set.
Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup coconut oil.
• 2–3 tablespoons organic peanut butter 2 cups rolled oats.
• 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut.
Preparation:
1. Add coconut oil, peanut butter, and rolled oats to food processor and mix until well combined.
2. Scoop out bite-sized pieces with a spoon and roll into little balls.
3. Toss each ball gently in the finely shredded coconut until well coated.
4. Place on a flat tray lined with baking paper, refrigerate for 30 minutes, and serve.
HANDY HINT: If the mixture is too dry or wet, simply add extra oats or coconut oil to correct.
BENEFITS: The good fats in coconuts mimic the properties of antioxidants and boost vitamin E, promoting tissue health and shiny coats.
Recipe 8: Perfect Peanut Butter Filling
Overview: This peanut butter filling really is too perfect. Its thick consistency makes it much easier for filling and it’s a great alternative to expensive store-bought fillings.
The added bonus is you know exactly what’s in it! Simply mix up and pop into your dog’s favorite Kong or raw bone.
Remember, never feed your dogs cooked bones and always supervise them when feeding any bones.
Ingredients:
• 3 parts organic peanut butter or almond butter.
• 1 part coconut flour
(Measure ingredients to fit your Kong or bone size)
Preparation:
1. Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir together until you don’t see the flour. If you feel it is still too runny, add a little more coconut flour.
2. Take a spoon or icing knife and smooth it into your Kong or dog bone until it is tightly compact.
3. Serve immediately at room temperature or freeze until solid.
HANDY HINT: Be sure not to use too much flour in your mixture as this could cause it to lose its smooth consistency and become crumbly.
BENEFITS: A creamy, protein-rich filling that keeps dogs engaged, ideal for training or quiet time.
Recipe 9: Pup Friendly coconut beacon
Overview: Coconut Bacon for humans almost has a cult following now, with it’s crunchy bacon-like texture and taste—without the actual bacon!
This dog-safe version works perfectly in a treat ball, but also makes a great addition sprinkled through frozen Kong fillers, doggy ice cream, or on top of your pup’s dinner as a garnish.
It’s an easy, handy, and versatile little snack.
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup 1½.
teaspoons turmeric.
• 2 cups raw coconut flakes.
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 150°C / 300°F. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Whisk apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and turmeric in a small bowl.
3. Place raw coconut flakes in a bowl and pour the liquid mixture over the flakes. Gently stir through the mixture thoroughly until fully coated.
4. Spread your mixture thinly across your lined baking tray.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning the mixture around every 4 minutes to avoid burning. The coconut will turn golden when ready.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool. The Coconut Bacon will harden and go crisp when fully cooled.
HANDY HINT: Avoid feeding human recipes for Coconut Bacon to dogs. They contain a number of ingredients that are not safe for your pupper.
BENEFITS: Turmeric A powerful anti-inflammatory, turmeric helps promote general wellbeing and joint wellness.
For dogs with ongoing disease or health issues, turmeric may not be advisable—always check with your vet before feeding.
Recipe 10: Chickpea Crunch
Overview: While this recipe may seem plain to the naked eye, there’s something about the pack of protein in a satisfying crunch that makes dogs go gaga.
Pop them into your dog’s treat ball and watch them work for their snack. And, you may be sneaking some for yourself!
Ingredients:
• 1 can chickpeas.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted 2.
• Teaspoons fresh thyme.
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 135°C / 275°F. Line a flat baking tray with baking paper.
2. Drain and empty chickpeas into a large bowl, and add melted coconut oil and thyme.
3. Massage the mixture thoroughly until chickpeas are fully coated.
4. Spread your mixture thinly across your lined baking tray.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until crunchy. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Serve.
HANDY HINT: A rich source of protein and fiber, chickpeas also are packed with potassium, magnesium, and folate—all essentials for optimum pupper health.
While plain chickpeas make a great doggie snack, hummus spreads or chickpea blends with onion and garlic are toxic to dogs and should be avoided.
BENEFITS: Thyme Packed with vitamins C, A, and K, iron, manganese, calcium, and antioxidants, this little herb is a great immune system booster.
Thyme has antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-bacterial properties, making it great for your dog’s skin, brain function, and gastrointestinal health.
Discover the Naturallyready Real Food for Dogs Cookbook
For pet owners looking to go beyond treats and provide complete, nutritious meals, the NaturallyReady Real Food for Dogs Cookbook Recipe eBook is a must-have.
This comprehensive guide, crafted with a chef, offers a wide range of recipes for homemade dog meals and treats using human-grade ingredients.
It addresses concerns about commercial pet foods by avoiding harmful additives, low-quality fillers, and contaminants linked to health issues like cancer.
The eBook promotes rotation feeding to ensure balanced nutrition, supporting your dog’s energy, coat health, and longevity.
Priced at $37, it includes three bonus books and a 60-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free investment in your dog’s well-being.
Visit the official site to learn more and start cooking healthier meals for your pup!
Conclusion
Homemade dog treat recipes offer a safe, nutritious, and fun way to pamper your pet while avoiding the risks of commercial pet foods.
From No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls to refreshing Pup-Sicles, these 10 quick recipes use dog-safe ingredients to boost health and happiness.
By making your own treats, you control quality, cater to allergies, and strengthen your bond with your dog.
For even more inspiration, explore the NaturallyReady Real Food for Dogs Cookbook Recipe eBook to create wholesome meals and treats.
Always consult your vet before trying new recipes, and enjoy the joy of treating your dog to homemade goodness!
Doggydan
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most homemade dog treat recipes are safe if made with dog-friendly ingredients like those listed.
However, consult your veterinarian to ensure they suit your dog’s specific dietary needs, especially if they have allergies or health conditions.
A: Avoid toxic ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. Always check that peanut butter is xylitol-free, and stick to dog-safe foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
A: No-bake treats like Peanut Butter Balls can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Frozen treats like Pup-Sicles can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
A: Yes! Use allergy-friendly substitutes like coconut oil for butter, oats or quinoa for wheat, and plant-based milk or yogurt for dairy. Always confirm with your vet.
A: The NaturallyReady Real Food for Dogs Cookbook Recipe eBook offers over 70 recipes for treats and meals. Visit https://x.ai/grok for details.
