How to Make Homemade Dog Treats + Our Favourite 3-Ingredient Dog Treats
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Not sure how to make homemade dog treats? Our simple guide will walk you throughthe process so you can tackle any treat recipe—including our favourite 3-ingredient dog treatrecipes to try for your dog.
Highlights
Why Homemade Dog Treats? Essential Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats Different Cooking Styles; What’s Best For You Tips for Success When Making Homemade Dog Treats 3-Ingredient Dog Treats Recipes We Love 1. Peach Puppy Ice Cream 2. Blueberry Dog Treats 3. Celery & Watermelon Cubes 1. Salmon, Mango & Cucumber Topper The Joys of Home Cooking for Your Dog Other Blogs from Dog Child Featured Products Sign Up for More Tips & Recipes FAQ
Why Homemade Dog Treats?
A lot of dog parents start off by buying packaged dog treats from a pet store. But at some point they might start to wonder what’s in those treats, are they safe for my dog, is there a healthier alternative? Making your own dog treats gives you complete control. You can decide what goes into each treat, ensuring there are no artificial additives, preservatives, or unhealthy fillers. You can choose fresh, whole ingredients that you know are dog-safe, which is especially important if your pup has food allergies, sensitivities, or unique dietary needs.
Beyond the health benefits, baking your own treats for your dog strengthens the bond between you and your pup. You get these special moments of care and love that go beyond the usual routine. It’s a great way to support your dog’s overall well-being while showing them how much you care.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
When making homemade dog treats, it’s extremely important to only use dog-safe ingredients that are both healthy and nutritious. Great options include pureed pumpkin , which is packed with fibre, kefir for probiotics, nut butters like peanut butter, and oat flour which is gentle on your dog’s tummy. Eggs provide protein, while canned fish like sardines and salmon are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which promote a shiny coat and healthy joints.
There are also ingredients that should never be included in a recipe for dogs as they are harmful to canines. This includes:
- Chocolate
- Grapes and Raisins
- Onions
- Xylitol
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Macadamia Nuts
- Cooked Bones
- Dough (yeast)
- Salt
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Fatty Meat and Grease
- Certain Spices (Chili Powder, Nutmeg, etc.)
It’s important to always check the label and be aware of what you’re putting in your dog’s food. When cooking or baking for your dog, always read every label—what’s safe for us isn’t always safe for them. For example chicken broth often has onion and pumpkin puree can have added sugar. A quick glance can prevent a harmful mistake and keep your treats as healthy as they are homemade.”
When making your own dog treats, choose high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog is getting the best. Using wholesome ingredients makes all the difference.
Find 50+ Easy Treat Recipes In Our Treat Cookbook
Different Cooking Styles: What’s Best For You
When it comes to how you prepare your homemade dog treats, you’ve got three great options to choose from: frozen, baked, and no-bake. Each style has its own set of benefits, so you can choose the one (or ones!) that best suits your dog’s needs.
Frozen Treats : Perfect for hot days and making ahead of time, frozen treats are easy to prepare and offer a cool, refreshing snack for your pup. They’re great for keeping your dog entertained, especially if you’re using a lick mat or mold. These recipes often require little to no cooking—just blend, freeze, and serve.
Baked Treats: Baked treats offer the satisfying crunch man dogs love, and are great for long-lasting snacks. Baking lets you play around with flavor and texture, plus they store well, making them perfect for batch cooking.
No-Bake Treats: No-bake treats are a simple and stress-free option that are ideal for when you’re short on time. You can mix together whole ingredients and let them set without the ned for an oven or the time it takes to freeze. These treats are a fast way to offer a healthy snack to your pup without the wait.
Tips for Success When Making Homemade Dog Treats
If you’re picking up your spatula for the first time to make homemade dog treats, a few simple tips can help make sure your treats are a success.
First, watch the texture of your treats—whether you’re making cookies or no-bake snacks, the right consistency is key to getting the perfect bite. If your dough is too dry, add a little more liquid. If it’s too sticky, add more dry ingredients.
When you’re choosing ingredients or even deciding on which recipe to try, keep your dog’s preferences in mind. Some pups may like sweeter flavors, while others may prefer a savory treat. Tailoring your treats to their tastes can help ensure they love what you make for them.
When it comes to storing your dog’s treats, make sure you have airtight containers and you follow the recommended shelf life for each type of storage method:
Storage Method |
Shelf Life |
Room temperature |
5-7 days |
Refrigerated |
Up to 2 weeks |
Frozen |
2-3 months |
Finally, the best tip we can give you is to keep it simple! Don’t worry about complicated recipes—start with easy 3-ingredient recipes that deliver great taste and nutrition without unneeded stress.
3-Ingredient Dog Treats Recipes We Love
We want to send you off to the kitchen with some inspiration, and what better way than with some of our favorite 3-ingredient recipes. These simple treats are a great way to ease into cooking for your dog while still making something special and healthy.
1. Peach Puppy Ice Cream
Peach Puppy Ice Cream is a simple recipe to help cool your pup off in the warmer weather while also getting them some vitamins and antioxidants.
2. Blueberry Dog Treats
Dog Treats with Blueberries are not only delicious, they’re cost effective. This recipe only costs $2 and makes 200 treats!
3. Celery & Watermelon Cubes
Celery and Watermelon Cubes are a hydrating and nutritious treat to share with your pup on a hot summer day.
4. Salmon, Mango & Cucumber Topper
If you’ve got five minutes and $5 you can make this Dog Food Topper . It freezes well so you can make it in advance and thaw it when needed.
The Joys of Home Cooking for Your Dog
Making homemade dog treats is a wonderful way to show your pup just how much you care. With complete control over the ingredients, you can make sure your dog gets the healthiest, most delicious treat that caters to their specific tastes and dietary needs. And best of all, home cooking for your dog doesn't need to be complicated—just a few wholesome ingredients can make a world of difference in your dog’s diet.
Are you ready to dive in and start cooking treats and meals for your dog? Check out The Dog Parent's Guide to Home Cooking and The Ultimate Dog Treat Cookbook for more tips, recipes, and inspiration to get you started on this fun journey!
Other Blogs from Dog Child
For more insights and tips on feeding your dog fresh, home-cooked meals, explore these blog posts:
Our Top 5 Homemade Dog Treats with Cheese
Five Easy, Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love!
Featured Products
Enhance your dog's meals with these nutritious and tasty products from Dog Child:
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FAQ
How do I store homemade treats?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Are homemade treats healthier?
Yes—they’re healthier because you control the ingredients and avoid additives.
Are homemade treats good for training?
Definitely! Homemade treats can be cut small for training rewards. Just keep them soft and bite-sized so they’re quick for your dog to eat during sessions.
Can puppies have homemade treats?
Yes, puppies can enjoy homemade treats, but choose recipes with easy-to-digest ingredients and keep portions small.
