Over the years, many pet owners have begun making homemade dog treats as a way to give their dogs healthier and more personalized options for rewarding and showing their love. Making your own dog treats not only allows you to have control over the ingredients but also makes sure that your pet enjoys fresh, wholesome, and safe snacks.
However, despite the pros, pet owners need to be aware of safe vs. unsafe ingredients and possible allergic reactions to keep your dog healthy.
Read on for homemade dog treats that are vet approved and how to make them!
What Are Homemade Dog Treats?
Homemade dog treats use human-grade ingredients that are safe, delicious, and beneficial for dogs. Unlike commercially made dog treats, which may contain preservatives, artificial colors and flavors, or other questionable ingredients, homemade versions offer full knowledge and control over what your dog ingests.
These treats can range from simple baked items to more elaborate snacks that incorporate dehydrated meat, vegetables, and grains.
Safe vs. Unsafe Ingredients
When preparing homemade dog treats, it’s important to use ingredients that are safe and avoid those that can be harmful:
Safe Ingredients:
- Peanut Butter: A favorite among dogs, peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats. Make sure it’s free from xylitol, a sweetener toxic to dogs.
- Pumpkin: Rich in fiber, pumpkin aids digestion. Use plain canned pumpkin or fresh, cooked pumpkin without added spices or sugars.
- Carrots: Low in calories and high in vitamins, carrots are excellent for dental health and make crunchy treats.
- Oats and Whole Wheat Flour: These provide fiber and nutrients, serving as good bases for biscuits.
- Lean Meats: Cooked chicken or turkey without seasoning offers protein essential for muscle maintenance.
Unsafe Ingredients:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.
- Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: These can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many human foods, xylitol can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia and potential liver failure in dogs.
Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Biscuits
These crunchy treats are packed with fiber and protein, making them a nutritious snack for your pup!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (pure, unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs in a bowl.
- Slowly add flour, stirring until a firm dough forms.
- Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
2. Banana and Oat Treats
These soft, chewy treats are great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and provide natural energy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oats (old-fashioned or instant)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend oats in a food processor until they resemble coarse flour.
- Mash bananas and mix with peanut butter.
- Combine with oat flour to form a dough.
- Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool before serving.
3. Chicken and Rice Meatballs
A protein-packed snack that’s perfect for dogs who love meaty treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Form into small meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Allow to cool before serving.
4. Apple and Carrot Bites
These treats provide a crunchy texture and are rich in fiber and vitamins!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix applesauce, egg, and grated carrots.
- Slowly add oat flour until a dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until firm.
- Cool before serving.
5. Sweet Potato Chews
A simple, single-ingredient treat that’s naturally sweet and packed with vitamins!
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Wash and slice the sweet potato into thin rounds.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway through, until chewy.
- Let cool before serving.
Bone Appétit! Happy Baking!
Making homemade dog treats is an amazing way to make sure your doggy gets fresh, nutritious, and delicious snacks without ingredients that are found in some commercial treats.
Whether you’re baking delectable biscuits or dehydrating sweet potatoes, these creations offer a safe, healthy, and often, less-expensive way to treat your dog like family.
At Westmonte Animal Clinic we always support our pets’ moms and dads in their healthy choices for their animals. If you have questions about ingredients or safe homemade treat options, don’t hesitate to reach out or book an appointment. We are here for you.
