10 Simple Dog Treats Recipes Sure To Make Your Dog Go Crazy Every Time

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.

Making homemade dog treats is a fun and rewarding way to spoil your pup while ensuring they get wholesome, nutritious ingredients.

As you already know, store-bought treats can be full of additives and preservatives, but with these 10 simple dog treat recipes, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your furry friend’s snacks.

Each one is designed to be healthy, and made with dog-safe ingredients.

Plus, they take just minutes to prepare!

Let’s get baking.

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

Recipe Overview

These soft, chewy treats are packed with protein, fiber, and potassium—great for an energy boost! Perfect for training rewards or a quick snack.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Serving Size: ~20 small treats

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/3 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg (optional, for extra protein)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed banana and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add oat flour and mix until a dough forms. If too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Roll out and cut into shapes, or scoop small balls onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely before serving!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1-2 treats per day
• Medium dogs: 3-4 treats per day
• Large dogs: Up to 5 treats per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Bananas provide potassium and fiber.
• Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

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2. Pumpkin & Oatmeal Chews

Recipe Overview

A delicious, chewy treat packed with fiber and beta-carotene—great for digestion and shiny coats!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: ~15 treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Blend oats into a coarse flour using a food processor.
3. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, oats, and egg.
4. Roll out dough and cut into small squares or shapes.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until firm.
6. Cool and store!

Nutritional Benefits

• Pumpkin aids digestion and is rich in vitamins.
• Oats are a great source of fiber for gut health.

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for 3 months.

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3. Cheesy Sweet Potato Biscuits

Recipe Overview

These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside biscuits are rich in vitamins and taste absolutely drool-worthy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Serving Size: 12 biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato, mashed
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into circles or use cookie cutters.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until edges are golden.
5. Let cool completely.

Nutritional Benefits

• Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and vitamins.
• Cheese provides calcium and protein.

Storage

• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

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4. Apple & Carrot Pupcakes

Recipe Overview

These delightful pupcakes are a wholesome and tasty treat, perfect for a special occasion or just a happy snack. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber from apples and carrots.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Serving Size: ~12 mini pupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (xylitol-free)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together shredded carrots, unsweetened applesauce, plain yogurt, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before serving!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1/2 pupcake per day
• Medium dogs: 1 pupcake per day
• Large dogs: Up to 2 pupcakes per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Apples provide vitamins A and C, and fiber.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

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5. Frozen Watermelon Treats

Recipe Overview

A refreshing and hydrating treat, perfect for hot days! These simple frozen bites are a cool way to keep your dog happy and hydrated.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Freeze Time: 2-3 hours
• Serving Size: Varies depending on mold size

Ingredients

• 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

Instructions

1. Blend the cubed watermelon in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the watermelon puree into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until solid.
4. Pop out of molds and serve!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1-2 small cubes per day
• Medium dogs: 3-4 small cubes per day
• Large dogs: Up to 5-6 small cubes per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Watermelon is mostly water, making it very hydrating, and also contains vitamins A, B6, and C.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Serve directly from the freezer.

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6. Coconut & Blueberry Bites

Recipe Overview

These delightful bites are a healthy and flavorful snack, offering antioxidants from blueberries and healthy fats from coconut.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Serving Size: ~25 small treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup water (or more, as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine oat flour and shredded coconut.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and water.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Gently fold in the blueberries.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes, or roll into small balls.
7. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, until lightly golden and firm.
9. Let cool completely before serving!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1-2 treats per day
• Medium dogs: 3-4 treats per day
• Large dogs: Up to 5 treats per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Blueberries are rich in antioxidants.
• Coconut provides healthy fats and fiber.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

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7. Salmon & Sweet Potato Jerky

Recipe Overview

A savory and chewy treat packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, perfect for a high-value reward.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours (dehydrating)
• Serving Size: Varies

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless salmon fillet
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). If you have a dehydrator, set it to 145°F (63°C).
2. Slice the salmon fillet into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Slice the sweet potato into very thin rounds or strips, about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Arrange the salmon and sweet potato slices on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or on dehydrator trays, ensuring they don’t overlap.
5. Oven Method: Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the salmon and sweet potato are dry and leathery. Flip halfway through. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
6. Dehydrator Method: Dehydrate for 6-8 hours, or until completely dry and pliable.
7. Let cool completely before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1 small piece per day
• Medium dogs: 2-3 small pieces per day
• Large dogs: Up to 4-5 small pieces per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and coat health.
• Sweet potato provides vitamins A and C, and fiber.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

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8. Beef & Parsley Training Treats

Recipe Overview

These savory, bite-sized treats are perfect for training sessions, offering a burst of flavor and a boost of nutrients. Parsley helps with fresh breath!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Serving Size: ~40 small treats

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, whole wheat flour, chopped parsley, and egg.
3. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into small, bite-sized squares or use a small cookie cutter for shapes.
6. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm and cooked through.
8. Let cool completely before serving!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 2-3 treats per day
• Medium dogs: 4-6 treats per day
• Large dogs: Up to 8-10 treats per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Beef is a good source of protein and essential amino acids.
• Parsley can help with bad breath and provides vitamins K and C.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

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9. Tuna & Cheese Crackers

Recipe Overview

Crunchy and flavorful, these crackers are a delightful treat for dogs who love a savory snack. They’re easy to make and packed with protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Serving Size: ~30 small crackers

Ingredients

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low-fat preferred)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup water (or more, as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, flake the drained tuna.
3. Add shredded cheddar cheese and whole wheat flour to the tuna. Mix well.
4. Gradually add water, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into small squares or use a small cookie cutter for shapes. You can also use a pizza cutter for quick squares.
7. Place the crackers on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Let cool completely before serving!

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1-2 crackers per day
• Medium dogs: 3-4 crackers per day
• Large dogs: Up to 5-6 crackers per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
• Cheese offers calcium and protein (in moderation).

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

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10. Homemade Chicken Broth Gummies

Recipe Overview

These wobbly, savory gummies are a fun and healthy way to give your dog a boost of collagen and joint-supporting nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours
• Serving Size: Varies depending on mold size

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (ensure no onion or garlic)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin powder

Instructions

1. Pour 1/2 cup of the chicken broth into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the broth and let it “bloom” for 5 minutes (it will thicken).
2. Heat the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Do not boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of cold chicken broth.
4. Pour the mixture into silicone molds (small shapes work best) or a shallow dish.
5. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until completely set and firm.
6. If using a shallow dish, cut into small squares or shapes before serving.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs: 1-2 small gummies per day
• Medium dogs: 3-4 small gummies per day
• Large dogs: Up to 5-6 small gummies per day

Nutritional Benefits

• Chicken broth provides hydration and can be a source of collagen, beneficial for joint health.
• Gelatin is good for joint health, skin, and coat.

Storage & Serving

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• These can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing.

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Wrapping Up

Making your own dog treats is easy, fun, and way healthier than store-bought snacks.

Plus, your pup will love the fresh, homemade flavors! Try one (or all) of these 10 simple dog treat recipes and let us know which one your dog enjoys the most.

📌 Pin this post for later! If you love making homemade dog treats, check out our other dog-friendly recipes!