holding up a treat to a dog

Five Easy, Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love!

By Dog Child

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At Dog Child, we believe in feeding our dogs the way we feed ourselves—with love and fresh whole food ingredients. Home cooking treats for your dog is not just about the fun of baking; it’s a way to ensure your pup enjoys healthy treats and often it is cheaper to make them. These homemade dog treat recipes are simple, nutritious, and use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, when you make your own dog treats, you can avoid preservatives, artificial chemicals, and other unnecessary additives.


Let’s dive into these vet-approved treat recipes and explore how they can benefit your dog!

Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade treats aren’t just a fun DIY activity; they also offer peace of mind. By controlling what goes into your dog’s diet, you can:


- Avoid harmful ingredients: Many store-bought treats include artificial ingredients, excessive salt or sugar, or unhealthy fillers.

- Support your dog’s health: Ingredients like oat flour, pumpkin puree, and natural peanut butter provide essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.

- Tailor treats to your dog’s needs: Whether your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, you can create recipes that work for them.

- Easy on the Wallet: homemade treats are often cheaper than store bought pre packaged ingredients so you can save money too. Now, let’s jump into the recipes!

Dog Child Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Our vet advisor handpicked his favorite treats from our recipes, highlighting the ones that are not only delicious but also packed with healthy, dog-approved ingredients. These are sure to keep tails wagging and paws reaching for more

1. Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats

These peanut butter dog treats are a classic favorite for pups. Made with simple ingredients like oat flour and natural peanut butter, they’re chewy, delicious, and rich in protein and healthy fats. Perfect for training sessions or an afternoon snack, your dog will love every bite.


For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to shape these treats into dog bones or paws! This recipe is also featured in our Dog Child Organic Oats & Berries Meal Mix—a versatile addition to your dog’s diet.

2. Trail Mix for Dogs

A healthy, crunchy option, this trail mix features dehydrated apples, sweet potato, popcorn, and liver jerky. Packed with natural flavors and a variety of textures, it’s a great snack for on-the-go adventures or as training treats.


The combination of sweet potato and liver jerky provides fiber, protein, and iron to keep your dog energized throughout the day. Plus, the popcorn adds a light and airy crunch your dog will adore.

3. No Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

These no-bake pumpkin treats are perfect for busy dog parents who want to whip up something quick yet nutritious. With ingredients like pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and chia seeds, this recipe provides a boost of fiber, omega-3s, and antioxidants.


Ideal for cooler months, these pumpkin treats are soft, chewy, and easy to digest—making them great for dogs of all sizes and ages. Keep them refrigerated for a fresh snack all week long!

4. 4-Ingredient Dog Cookies

Treat your dog to these simple yet nutritious homemade cookies! Made with just four ingredients—oats, bananas, peanut butter, and chia seeds—this recipe is a great way to whip up a healthy snack in minutes. The combination of oats and chia seeds supports digestion, while bananas and peanut butter add a natural sweetness dogs adore. These cookies are perfect for training or as an occasional treat to show your pup some love.

5. Homemade Salmon Jerky

These 3-ingredient dog treats are vet-approved for their simplicity and nutritional value. Packed with antioxidant-rich blueberries, naturally sweet banana, and wholesome oat flour, they’re a safe and delicious option for your pup. 

How Much to Feed Your Dog

When feeding treats, moderation is key. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. These recipes are nutrient-dense but should be considered an occasional reward, not a meal replacement. Always introduce new treats slowly to ensure they agree with your dog’s digestion. 

How to Serve Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade treats can be served fresh, refrigerated, or frozen for a cool snack. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and ensure any leftover portions are discarded after their recommended storage time.

Make Home Cooking Simple and Nutritious

Ready to take the guesswork out of cooking for your dog? Our Home Cooking 101 Bundle has everything you need to create balanced, wholesome meals with ease. Featuring our Meal Mixes and Essential Nutrient Mix, this bundle ensures your pup gets all the nutrients they need while enjoying the fresh, homemade meals they deserve.

FAQ

Can I use regular flour in place of oat flour?

While whole wheat flour can be used, oat flour is often gentler on a dog’s stomach and a gluten-free option.

How should I store homemade dog treats?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Yes, as long as it’s natural peanut butter with no added sugar, salt, or xylitol (which is toxic to dogs)

Are these recipes suitable for puppies?

Most are safe for puppies, but adjust serving sizes to their smaller caloric needs.

Conclusion

Home cooking for dogs is more than a trend—it’s a way to connect with your pup and show them just how much they mean to you. These homemade dog treat recipes are simple, wholesome, and packed with love. Whether you’re baking peanut butter treats or mixing up trail mix, every bite is a step toward better health and happiness for your dog.


Start your journey today with one of our recipes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get more tips, recipes, and updates straight to your inbox!

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