Making homemade dog treats is a fun way to spoil your pup with wholesome ingredients and tasty flavors dogs love. Whether you want quick everyday treats, frozen snacks for warm weather, or special cakes and pies for birthdays and celebrations, there are lots of easy recipes you can make at home with simple pantry ingredients.
This collection of recipes includes crunchy biscuits, soft and chewy treats, frozen snacks, no-bake goodies, cakes, and pies for dogs. You’ll find a wide variety of dog treats for everyday rewards, along with special ones perfect for birthdays, gotcha day celebrations, holidays, and spoiling your hound.
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Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
Homemade dog treats make it easy to give your dog tasty snacks made with ingredients you can feel good about. They are simple to customize based on your dog’s preferences and are often more affordable than specialty store-bought treats. Reasons to make homemade dog treats:
- Control the ingredients
- Avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives
- Customize for your dog’s preferences
- Fit with special diets like grain-free, dairy-free, and low-fat
- Budget-friendly compared to specialty dog treats
- Fun way to spoil your dog
- Great for special occasions and everyday rewards
Easy Recipes for Dog Treats
These easy homemade dog treat recipes are made with simple ingredients and come in all kinds of textures and flavors. From crunchy biscuits to soft treats and frozen goodies, there’s something here for every pup.
Crunchy Dog Treats
Soft and Chewy Dog Treats
No Bake Dog Treats
Frozen Dog Treats
Cakes for Dogs
Homemade dog cakes are perfect for birthdays, gotcha day celebrations, holidays, and special occasions. They also a fun and tasty way to spoil your dog.
Pies for Dogs
Find even more easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Important Ingredient Notes
Always check ingredient labels carefully when making homemade dog treats. Some ingredients commonly used in human foods can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Ingredients dogs should avoid:
- Xylitol – one of the artificial sweeteners most harmful to dogs
- Chocolate
- Macadamia Nuts
- Grapes and Raisins
- Excessive salt
Helpful Supplies for Making Dog Treats
You can make homemade dog treats with basic kitchen supplies you probably already have at home. But cookie cutters and silicone molds in dog paw and bone shapes make the treats extra cute and fun. You can get these on Amazon:
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
The best way to store homemade dog treats depends on the ingredients and texture of the treats. Crunchy baked treats often last longer at room temperature, while softer treats with fruit, meat, or dairy usually need refrigeration. The most common storage options are:
- Countertop – crunchy treats and treats without ingredients that spoil quickly
- Refrigerator – treats with fruit, meat, yogurt, cream cheese, or other dairy ingredients
- Freezer – frozen treats or extended storage for baked treats
Store homemade dog treats in airtight containers and always check freshness before serving them to your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade dog treats better for dogs?
Homemade dog treats allow you to control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives often found in some store-bought treats.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
Storage time depends on the ingredients and storage method. Crunchy baked treats may last up to 1 week at room temperature, while softer treats often need refrigeration and last 4-5 days. Frozen treats generally last 3-4 months.
Can homemade dog treats be frozen?
Yes. Many homemade dog treats freeze very well, including baked treats, frozen treats, and no-bake treats.
What flour is best for homemade dog treats?
Popular choices include oat flour, brown rice flour, coconut flour, and whole wheat flour depending on your dog’s dietary needs.
Can I make dog treats without peanut butter?
Absolutely. Many homemade dog treats use ingredients like pumpkin, applesauce, banana, sweet potato, blueberries, salmon, and coconut instead of peanut butter.
What ingredients should dogs avoid?
Dogs should avoid ingredients like xylitol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, excessive salt, and artificial sweeteners.
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These are really great recipes! I can’t wait to try all of them and see which one my furbabies love the most!
these dog treats sound amazing would love to know how to make them, I have four fur babes and think they would make a wonderful christmas pressy for them
amanda
Hey Amanda. Just click on the links to get to the recipes. Thanks!