Healthy Dog Treat Recipes: the Perfect Alternative to Store-Bought Options

Updated on March 28, 2024

Making homemade dog treats is a great way to show your furry friend how much you care. Not only are homemade dog treats a healthy alternative to store-bought options, but they're also a fun and easy way to show your dog some love.

There are plenty of easy recipes for dog treats available online, so you're sure to find one that your pup will love. And if you're feeling extra generous, you can even make a batch of homemade dog food to go along with the treats. Your dog is sure to appreciate the effort!

How to Make Healthy Dog Treats: a Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the steps below to learn how to make homemade and healthy dog treats that your pup is sure to love. These are our favorites dog recipes!

1. Sweet Potato Dog Treat Recipe

We love this sweet potato dog treat recipe because you just need 4 ingredients, you sure have at home. The result is so flavorful that you will want to taste these dog cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup peanut butter without xylitol
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

How to Prepare Sweet Potato Dog Treat Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
4. Cut out desired shapes with a cookie cutter.
5. Place the sweet potato dog treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before serving to your pup. Enjoy!

2. Peanut Butter Dog Treat

These adorable peanut butter dog treats only require five ingredients to make. Sweet and crunchy, these are a great way to show your pup some love!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, without xylitol
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

How to Bake Peanut Butter Dog Treats Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the ingredients until you get a firm dough.
3. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut your cookies.
4. Bake the treats for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, in your baking sheet.
5. Take a pic of your pup while tasting them!

Check out: Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

3. Bacon Treat

Who doesn't love bacon? I know I do and my pup too! Of course, bacon isn't the healthiest of ingredients, so you need to give just one treat to your dog each time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

How to Prepare Bacon Treat Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the whole wheat flour with the baking powder.
3. In another bowl, mix the egg with the honey and add the bacon.
4. Now incorporate the dry ingredients to the bacon and honey mixture.
5. Roll the dough and cut your bacon treats.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Chicken and Beet Dog Treats

The chicken and beet dog treats taste amazing and also look great. The beet color stains the cookies and gives them a hilarious look. They are perfect to serve at a dog birthday.

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed beet
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

How to Bake Chicken and Beet Dog Treats Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the egg with the honey and the mashed beet.
3. Add the baking powder to the flour.
4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ones and finally add the chicken until getting a good-looking dough.
5. Roll out the dough to a centimeter high and cut out the dog biscuits.
6. Cook for 20 minutes, or until golden brown, in a baking sheet. 

5. Blueberries, Oats and Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Don't hesitate to incorporate fruits into your healthy dog ​​treat recipes. You can use whatever fruit you have around the house, even if it doesn't look as good anymore but is still in good shape. In this case, we have opted for blueberries, but you can use strawberries, apples or bananas, among other options.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed blueberries
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup whole wheat flour

How to Bake Blueberry, Oats and Peanut Butter Dog Treats at Home

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour with the baking powder.
3. In another bowl, incorporate the oats, the egg, the peanut butter and the mashed blueberries.
4. Mix everything together until getting a dough.
5. Roll it and cut the blueberry, oats and peanut butter treats.
6. Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before serving.

Discover: Best Frozen Dog Treat Recipes Step By Step

Discover the Benefits Behind Every Bite

Our healthy dog treat recipes not only promises a delicious treat your dog will adore, but is also crafted with their health and happiness in mind. Let’s delve into the benefits of each handpicked ingredient:

🍠 Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are brimming with dietary fiber, supporting healthy digestion, and packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, along with minerals like manganese. These nutrients are vital for your dog’s skin, coat, nerve, and muscle health, offering a well-rounded boost with every treat.

🥜 Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)

Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free) enriches these treats with healthy fats and protein, essential for a shiny coat and robust muscle function.

🫓 Whole Wheat Flour 

Whole Wheat Flour introduces additional fiber into your dog’s diet. This not only aids in digestion but also provides sustained energy, perfect for keeping your playful companion energized.

🍯 Honey

This natural sweetener is not just for taste; honey offers small amounts of vitamins and minerals and can be soothing for dogs with allergies, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It's also an energy booster, perfect for active dogs.

🥚 Egg

A superb source of protein, eggs are rich in essential amino acids that help build muscle, repair tissue, and maintain hair strength. They're also a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, making them beneficial for your dog’s overall health.

🥓 Bacon

While bacon should be offered in moderation due to its fat content, it's a source of protein and B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism in dogs. Its irresistible flavor makes it an excellent high-value treat for training sessions, ensuring it's given sparingly.

🍗 Chicken

An excellent source of lean protein, chicken supports muscle growth and energy levels in dogs.

It's also rich in Omega-6 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Chicken is easily digestible, making it a great ingredient for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

🍲 Beet

Beets are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, which supports healthy nerve and muscle function, and manganese, important for bone health and metabolism.

The vibrant color of beets can make any treat visually appealing to pet owners, though dogs are more interested in the taste and texture.

🫐 Blueberries

These small berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Antioxidants help combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting a healthy immune system.

Blueberries are also low in calories, making them a healthy, tasty treat for dogs.

🥣 Oats

A great source of soluble fiber, oats are gentle on your dog’s digestive system and can be particularly beneficial for older dogs with irregular bowel movements.

They also contain vitamins and minerals that support heart health and skin condition, making them a nutritious addition to dog treats.

🥧 Baking Powder

Baking Powder acts as a leavening agent, giving the treats a desirable texture that’s easy for dogs to chew and digest. This ensures that every dog, no matter their size or age, can enjoy these homemade delights without difficulty.

Incorporating these ingredients into your homemade dog treats not only diversifies your dog’s diet but also enriches it with essential nutrients, supporting overall health and vitality.

Making homemade dog treats is a great way to show your furry friend how much you care. Plus, homemade dog treats are a healthy alternative to store-bought options. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start whipping up some healthy dog treats today! Your pup is sure to thank you for it.

FAQ 

What Are Some Good Ingredients to Use for Homemade and Healthy Dog Treats?

There are a variety of ingredients that can be used for homemade and healthy dog treats. Some good options include cooked, mashed sweet potato, peanut butter (without xylitol), whole wheat flour, fruits, and baking powder.

Are Homemade Dog Treats Healthy?

Yes, homemade dog treats can be just as healthy as store-bought options. In fact, they may even be healthier since you have control over the ingredients that are used. When making homemade dog treats, be sure to use healthy ingredients such as whole wheat flour and cooked, mashed vegetables.

How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last?

Homemade dog treats will last for several days when stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How Do I Know if my Dog Will Like Homemade Dog Treats?

The best way to know if your dog will like homemade dog treats is to try out a few recipes and see how they respond. Every dog is different, so you may need to experiment with a few different recipes before you find one that your pup loves.