Homemade Dog Treats for Itchy Skin using Duck & Cranberry

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.

Does your dog keep on scratching itself?

Probably you have attempted to treat the problem using different kinds of medicated shampoos and costly vet visits but with no success.

The fact is that food has a major impact on the condition of your dog’s skin.

I have an awesome home made dog treat recipe that can make your dog comfortable again.

Let’s try it out.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade duck and cranberry dog treat recipe is great for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
• It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook.
• The recipe makes roughly 40-50 small treats.
• These treats are packed with skin-supporting nutrients and natural anti-inflammatories.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup cooked duck meat, finely shredded (Cost: $5.00 – $7.00)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, finely chopped (Cost: $2.00 – $3.00)
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (Cost: $1.50 – $2.50) (Substitution: whole wheat flour if your dog isn’t sensitive to wheat)
• 1 large egg (Cost: $0.30 – $0.50)
• 1/4 cup bone broth (low sodium, dog-safe) (Cost: $1.00 – $2.00) (Substitution: water if bone broth isn’t available)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (Cost: $0.50 – $1.00)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (Cost: $0.20 – $0.30)

Total estimated cost: $10.50 – $16.30

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 shredded duck meat and chopped cranberries.
• Add the oat flour, egg, bone broth, melted coconut oil, and dried parsley to the bowl.
• Stir everything together until a thick dough forms.
• If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more bone broth, a teaspoon at a time.
• If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle of oat flour.
• Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Use a small cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut out treat shapes.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm.
• Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• These treats are meant as a supplement, not a meal replacement.
• For small dogs (under 20 lbs), give 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 2-3 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can enjoy 3-4 treats per day.
• Adjust the number based on your dog’s activity level and overall diet.
• Puppies and very active dogs might tolerate a bit more, while senior or less active dogs might need less.
• Always talk to your vet to figure out the best feeding plan for your dog, especially if they have health issues.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Duck meat is a novel protein source, which means it’s less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive dogs.
• Duck is rich in iron, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting energy and immune function.
• Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support urinary tract health.
• Cranberries also contain Vitamin C and K, and dietary fiber, good for digestion.
• Oat flour is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that’s gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• It provides fiber for healthy digestion and essential minerals.
• Eggs offer high-quality protein and essential amino acids, crucial for muscle and skin repair.
• Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can improve skin and coat health.
• It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator overnight or simply let them come to room temperature.
• You can serve these treats warm or at room temperature.
• They make a great training reward or a special snack on their own.
• Some dogs enjoy them crumbled over their regular kibble for an extra flavor boost.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can. Turkey or lamb are good substitutions if your dog doesn’t have sensitivities to those meats. Make sure it’s cooked and shredded.

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

You can try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) as an egg substitute.

How do I know if my dog’s itching is food-related?

It’s best to consult your vet. They can help rule out other causes and guide you through an elimination diet if food allergies are suspected.

Can I make these treats crunchy?

To make them crunchier, you can bake them for a bit longer at a lower temperature, around 250°F (120°C), after the initial baking time, until they’re dry and hard.

Wrapping Up

Making these duck and cranberry treats is a simple way to help your dog with itchy skin. They’re tasty, healthy, and made with love. Give them a try and watch your pup enjoy some relief!

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