Homemade Air Fryer Dog Treats Recipe With Lamb & Rosemary

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Forget stressing over weird fillers and preservatives in store-bought treats. You want your dog to have the best, but honestly, finding snacks that are healthy, tasty, and don’t break the bank feels impossible.

Here’s an easy fix: whip up your own nutrient-packed, limited-ingredient dog treats in the air fryer. It takes less than half an hour, and your dog will love them.

Recipe Overview

This homemade lamb and rosemary air fryer dog treat recipe is perfect for pups with common protein sensitivities.

It uses high-quality ingredients and is great for training, offering a soft, chewy texture that dogs love.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Serving Size: About 30-40 small treats
• Purpose: High-value training reward and healthy snack

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to make these savory, healthy treats at home. The total cost is surprisingly low compared to buying specialty treats.

• Ground Lamb (85% lean): 1 pound ($7.00)
• Oat Flour (or finely ground oats): 1/2 cup ($0.50)
• Egg (large): 1 ($0.30)
• Fresh Rosemary (finely chopped): 1 teaspoon ($0.25)
• Lamb or Beef Broth (low sodium): 1 tablespoon ($0.10)
• Coconut Oil (melted): 1 teaspoon ($0.15)
• Total Estimated Cost: $8.30

Substitutions:

• Lamb can be replaced with ground turkey or beef if your dog prefers or if lamb is unavailable.
• Oat flour works well, but you can use rice flour or a small amount of whole wheat flour if your dog handles wheat fine.
• If you don’t have fresh rosemary, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary, but make sure to crush it first.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The air fryer makes cleanup and cooking quick.

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the mix.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, oat flour, and the egg.
• Add the chopped rosemary, coconut oil, and the broth to the mix.
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly by hand until a uniform dough forms; don’t overmix, though.
• The dough should be firm enough to roll. If it feels too sticky, add another tablespoon of oat flour.
• Roll the mixture out onto a piece of parchment paper until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
• Use a pizza cutter or a small cookie cutter to slice the dough into bite-sized pieces; training treats should be small.
• Carefully transfer the treats to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook the treats for 8 minutes.
• Flip the treats over and cook them for another 7-10 minutes, checking often toward the end.
• They are done when they are browned, firm to the touch, and cooked completely through in the center.
• Cooking tip: If you don’t have parchment paper that fits the air fryer, lightly grease the basket to prevent sticking.

Feeding Guidelines

Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

These treats are protein-rich and calorie-dense, so moderate portions are best.

• Small Dogs (under 15 lbs): 2-4 treats per day.
• Medium Dogs (15-40 lbs): 4-6 treats per day.
• Large Dogs (40+ lbs): 6-10 treats per day.
• For high-activity breeds, you can slightly increase the amount, but always account for their main meal.
• Puppies and seniors: These treats are soft enough for older dogs or puppies, but reduce the size for puppies and make sure they are completely cooled.
• Always talk to your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet, especially for dogs with specific health issues or nutritional needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient here serves a specific nutritional purpose for your dog’s health.

• Lamb is a high-quality protein source, offering essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair.
• Lamb also provides B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are vital for immune function and energy.
• Oat Flour adds complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fermentable fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system.
• Eggs provide complete protein, choline for brain health, and essential fatty acids.
• Rosemary is a natural antioxidant; it offers mild anti-inflammatory properties and helps preserve the treats naturally.
• Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which support skin, coat health, and brain function.

Storage and Serving Tips

Storing homemade treats properly keeps them fresh and safe.

• Refrigeration: Store cooled treats in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the treats for up to 3 months.
• To reheat after freezing, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or pop them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
• Serving: Serve them cooled or at room temperature.
• Mixing it up: You can crumble one or two treats over their regular kibble to encourage picky eaters.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Why did my treats dry out and become hard?

This usually happens if they were cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Lamb is lean, and overcooking removes too much moisture. Aim for firm but slightly chewy; reduce the cook time next time by 3 minutes.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can finely grate small amounts of dog-safe vegetables like carrots or zucchini, but reduce the amount of broth to keep the dough consistency right.

Do I need to add a supplement if I feed these treats daily?

These treats are balanced snacks, not complete meals. If your dog eats a commercial, balanced kibble, no extra supplementation is needed. If you plan to replace kibble with homemade food, you must consult a veterinary nutritionist about appropriate vitamins and minerals.

Wrapping Up

Making these lamb and rosemary treats is a simple way to show your dog love with wholesome ingredients. They are guaranteed to be a hit and are much healthier than store options. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!