Homemade Dog Treats for Itchy Skin using Chia Seeds & Yogurt

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.

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever seen your dog scratching nonstop with an irritated and red skin? It is terrible seeing them uncomfortable, and store bought products sometimes worsen the situation with their hidden ingredients.

You want to help, but finding a natural and efficient remedy seems to be out of the question.

What if I told you that you could prepare some tasty homemade dog treats that would actually help their skin heal and stop itching from the ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌inside?

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dog treat recipe is made for itchy skin using chia seeds and yogurt.
• It takes just 15 minutes to prep and another 25 minutes in the oven.
• The recipe makes about 30 small treats, depending on how you cut them.
• These treats are packed with omega-3s, probiotics, and antioxidants.
• They’re great for dogs with sensitive skin or mild allergies.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup rolled oats (quick or old-fashioned) – approx. $0.50
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (full-fat is fine) – approx. $0.75
• 1/4 cup water – approx. $0.00
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds – approx. $0.60
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (make sure no xylitol) – approx. $0.30
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted) – approx. $0.20
• 1 egg – approx. $0.25
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.60

You can swap the rolled oats for oat flour if that’s what you have. Instead of Greek yogurt, you could use plain kefir, just make sure it’s unsweetened. If you don’t have applesauce, a mashed banana works too, but stick to applesauce for the best skin benefits.

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 rolled oats and chia seeds together.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, water, applesauce, melted coconut oil, and egg until they are well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Stir everything until a thick dough forms. It should be firm enough to roll out.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour or rolled oats, a tablespoon at a time.
• Flour your work surface lightly with oat flour.
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
• Use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes, or just use a knife to cut squares.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
• 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.

Feeding Guidelines

• For small dogs (under 20 lbs), one to two treats per day is usually enough.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have two to three treats daily.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) might enjoy three to four treats a day.
• These are treats, not a meal replacement, so keep that in mind.
• If your dog is a puppy, a senior, or pregnant, they might have different needs. Puppies need more calories, and seniors might need softer treats.
• Always talk to your vet about your dog’s specific diet and any new foods, especially if they have health issues or are on medication.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Chia seeds are a powerhouse for omega-3 fatty acids. These really help reduce inflammation, which is key for calming itchy skin. They also have fiber for digestion and antioxidants.
• Greek yogurt brings probiotics to the table. These are good bacteria that support gut health. A healthy gut often means healthier skin because it helps with nutrient absorption and immunity.
• Rolled oats are gentle on the digestive system. They provide complex carbohydrates for energy and have some fiber too. They’re also naturally gluten-free, which is good for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
• Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These can help improve skin and coat health, and they have anti-inflammatory properties too.
• Applesauce is a source of vitamins and fiber, acting as a natural sweetener without added sugars. It’s gentle on the stomach.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Once baked and completely cooled, store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days in the fridge.
• For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
• Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To thaw, just move them to the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a bit.
• You can serve them at room temperature, or even slightly warmed if your dog likes that.
• They’re great on their own, or you can crumble a piece over their regular kibble for an extra boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use flavored yogurt?

No, always use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. Flavored yogurts often contain artificial sweeteners, sugar, or ingredients like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

My dog is allergic to oats. What can I use instead?

If your dog has an oat allergy, you could try using a dog-safe flour like chickpea flour or brown rice flour. Adjust the water content as needed, as different flours absorb liquids differently.

How can I make these treats crunchier?

For a crunchier treat, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. You can also turn off the oven and let them sit in the cooling oven for another 30 minutes to an hour to dry out more.

Do I need to add a canine supplement for vitamins and minerals?

These treats are meant to supplement your dog’s diet and provide specific benefits for skin health. They are not nutritionally complete as a standalone food. If your dog is on a homemade diet, consulting your vet about a balanced canine supplement is always a good idea to ensure they get all essential vitamins and minerals.

Wrapping Up

Making these chia seed and yogurt treats is a simple way to show your dog some love and help with their itchy skin. They’re easy, natural, and full of good stuff.

Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!