When the cheese comes out, most dogs magically appear with ears perked, eyes wide, and tails wagging. If that sounds like your pup, these homemade cheese dog treats are about to become their new favorite snack! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients and packed with cheesy goodness, these baked treats are easy to make and totally irresistible.
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Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Cheese lovers, rejoice! These treats are a dog-approved dream come true! Whether you’re rewarding good behavior or just feel like spoiling your pup a little, these cheesy bites are perfect for the job.
They’re made with real cheese. Cheddar and Parmesan come together for the ultimate savory combo dogs go crazy for.
They’re easy to make at home. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients here. Just mix, roll, cut, and bake!
They’re customizable. You can use different flours for what you may have on hand.
They’re human-friendly too. If you like cheesy biscuits, you just might find yourself sneaking a nibble!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up these cheesy dog treats. Here’s what goes into the mix:
- Cheddar Cheese – A tasty, dog-safe cheese that adds melty flavor and a bit of chewiness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Hard, aged, and packed with umami flavor.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds a protein boost.
- Coconut Oil – Adds healthy fats and helps the dough come together.
- Oat Flour – A flour that’s gentle on digestion and perfect for dog treats.
- Water – Just enough to bring the dough together.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible! Here are some tips and alternatives if you need to make a few swaps:
Olive oil can be used instead of coconut oil if that’s what you have on hand.
To make your own oat flour, blend uncooked old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until it has a flour-like texture. One cup of oats will yield about ¾ cup of flour.
Want to use a different flour? You can substitute oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Just note that the dough texture will change, so you might need to adjust the amount of water.
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make the treats. You can use any cookie cutter, but cookie cutters for dog treats shaped like dog bones or paws give these treats cute shapes.
Oh, and you can use a pyramid pan or wire rack on a baking sheet if you want the fat from the cheese to drain away as the treats are baking.
How to Make Cheese Dog Treats
These treats come together in a few easy steps. It’s a fun baking project and your dog will love being the taste tester! Here’s what to do:
- Place cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, melted coconut oil, and egg, in a small bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients together.
- Place the flour in a large bowl and add the cheese mixture.
- Combine flour and cheese until it is uniformly incorporated.
- Add enough water to form a dough.
- Place the dough on a floured surface.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/3 inch thickness.
- Cut the treats and place them on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a silicone mat, or a pyramid pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Serving Size
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories to help keep their diet balanced and healthy. Not sure how many to give? A quick chat with your vet can help determine what’s right for your pup.
If your dog hasn’t tried any of these ingredients before, especially cheese or coconut oil, start with a small amount to make sure they don’t have any sensitivities.
Special Note
Cheese contains lactose, so these treats should be avoided if your dog is lactose intolerant. But the good news? Hard, aged cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan contain very little lactose and are generally easier for dogs to digest in moderation.
These treats are also somewhat high in fat, so they’re not a good option for dogs with pancreatitis or those on a low-fat diet. Always check with your vet if you’re unsure whether cheesy treats are right for your pup.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store your homemade cheese dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Want to keep them even longer? Freeze them! Place the treats in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to 4 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Can people eat these cheese treats?
Yes, they’re safe for humans! If you love cheesy crackers or savory biscuits, give one a try. Just keep in mind they’re made with minimal seasoning, so they may taste a little plain to you, but your pup will think they’re perfect.
Popular Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more treats for your dog? Here are some tasty dog treats to make:
- Bacon Dog Treats
- Beef Dog Treats
- Bone Broth for Dogs
- Cheesecake for Dogs
- Chicken Pizza for Dogs
- Goat Milk Dog Treats
- Gravy for Dogs
- Liver Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats
Find more easy dog treat recipes here on Spoiled Hounds!
Cheese Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- ½ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
- 1½ cups Oat Flour or Brown Rice Flour
- ¼ cup Water plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine cheeses, egg, and coconut oil.
- Place the flour in a large bowl.
- Add the cheese mixture to the flour, stir until the cheese is evenly distributed in the flour.
- Add ¼ cup of water to the mixture and combine. If the dough is crumbly, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together in a ball and can be rolled.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out until 1/3 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll the leftover dough and cut shapes until there is none left.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack and cool them to room temperature.
Dogs shouldn’t have dairy.
The small amount of cheese in these treats is fine for an occasional treat that has some dairy in it.
I can not wait to try this.