Easy Homemade Dog Training Treats Using Cheddar Cheese & Whole Wheat Flour

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.

Sick of not knowing what’s actually in those store-bought training treats? So many of them are packed with weird fillers and random stuff that can mess with your dog’s stomach or worse.

It’s tough trying to reward your pup and then stressing about what you’re really giving them. The good news? Making your own healthy, tasty training treats at home is way easier than you think. Let me show you how.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade cheddar and whole wheat training treat recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake.
• It’s packed with savory flavor dogs love and provides essential nutrients for active learners.
• The recipe yields about 60-80 small treats, perfect for multiple training sessions.
• It uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have.

Ingredients List

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (approx. $0.40)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (approx. $1.50)
• ½ cup water (approx. $0.00)
• 1 egg (approx. $0.20)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (approx. $0.10)
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.20

You can swap ingredients if you need to. For instance, you can use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour if your dog has a wheat sensitivity. Also, feel free to use a different dog-safe cheese like mozzarella or a low-fat option if cheddar isn’t available, but always check the sodium content.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure it’s all combined well.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the water, egg, and olive oil.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a stiff dough forms. You might need to use your hands to really get it all together.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about ¼-inch thickness.
• Cut the dough into small, treat-sized pieces. Use a pizza cutter, a knife, or even small cookie cutters for fun shapes. Remember, smaller is better for training treats.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog. They will crisp up as they cool.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (under 20 lbs), offer 3-5 treats per training session.
• For medium dogs (20-50 lbs), offer 5-8 treats per training session.
• For large dogs (over 50 lbs), offer 8-12 treats per training session.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level. Highly active dogs might need a few more.
• For puppies, use smaller pieces to avoid overfeeding. Older or less active dogs should have fewer treats to prevent weight gain.
• These treats are intended as supplemental rewards, not a meal replacement.
• Always talk to your vet about your dog’s specific dietary needs, especially if they have health conditions or are on a special diet.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber for healthy digestion. It also offers B vitamins and iron.
• Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein, calcium for strong bones, and essential fats. It’s also incredibly appealing to most dogs.
• Eggs contribute high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and choline, which supports brain health. They are a complete protein source.
• Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting a shiny coat and skin health. It’s good for overall wellness.

Storage and Serving Tips

• These treats will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before use.
• Serve them at room temperature. You can break larger treats into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or for very short training intervals.
• They are great on their own, but you can also crumble a small piece over their regular food as an extra special treat.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I add other ingredients to these treats?

Yes, you can. You can safely add a teaspoon of dried parsley for fresh breath or a tablespoon of finely chopped carrots for extra vitamins. Just make sure any additions are dog-safe.

My treats are too soft or too hard. What did I do wrong?

If they’re too soft, they might need a bit more baking time to dry out. If they’re too hard, you might have overbaked them. Next time, try adjusting the baking time by a few minutes in either direction. Sometimes ovens can vary.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

These treats contain wheat and dairy. If your dog has allergies to either, you should use suitable substitutions like oat flour and a dairy-free cheese alternative, or choose a different recipe entirely. Always know your dog’s allergens.

Wrapping Up

Making your own training treats is a simple way to show your dog love and ensure they’re getting healthy rewards. These cheddar and whole wheat treats are easy, budget-friendly, and a huge hit with pups. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Treats board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!