8 Delicious Homemade Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home

I love spoiling my dogs. Whether it’s a new toy, an extra-long walk or a particularly comfortable spot on the sofa, I don’t need much encouragement to give them a little treat.

And while there are plenty of dog biscuits and snacks available to buy, there’s something rather lovely about making your own.

Homemade dog treats don’t have to involve complicated recipes, expensive ingredients or hours in the kitchen. In fact, some of the simplest options can be made using everyday ingredients you probably already have at home.

From crunchy pumpkin biscuits and chicken bites to refreshing frozen treats, these eight easy homemade dog treats are perfect for giving your four-legged friend something different.

The important thing is to use ingredients that are safe for dogs, keep portions small and remember that treats should complement a complete, balanced diet rather than replace it.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

One of the biggest advantages of making dog treats yourself is knowing exactly what goes into them.

You can choose straightforward ingredients without unnecessary flavourings, salt or added sugar. You can also adapt the size of each treat to suit your dog.

For anyone trying to reduce food waste, homemade recipes are particularly useful. A leftover carrot, a spoonful of plain pumpkin purée or a small portion of unseasoned cooked chicken can become a little something special.

There are a few things to remember before getting started.

Always introduce unfamiliar foods gradually, check ingredients carefully and avoid anything your dog is allergic to. Dogs with medical conditions or prescribed diets may need to avoid certain ingredients, so check with your vet first.

And don’t forget that even homemade treats contain calories. As a general guideline, treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

1. Homemade Pumpkin and Oat Dog Biscuits

Pumpkin is a wonderful ingredient for homemade dog treats. It provides fibre, has a naturally mild flavour and works particularly well with oats.

These simple biscuits are a lovely way to use leftover fresh pumpkin, provided it hasn’t been carved, left outdoors or exposed to candle wax.

Ingredients

• 150g plain cooked pumpkin purée
• 150g plain rolled oats
• 1 egg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking parchment.
2. Blitz the oats briefly in a food processor to create a coarse flour.
3. Mix the oats with the pumpkin purée and egg until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls and flatten slightly, or roll out and cut into shapes.
5. Arrange on the baking tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.
6. Allow to cool completely before offering one to your dog.

My tip: Make the biscuits small. Your dog will be just as pleased with a little treat, and smaller portions are particularly useful during training.

2. Carrot and Apple Dog Treats

Carrots and apples make a lovely combination for homemade dog biscuits.

Carrots add texture, while apples provide a little natural sweetness without needing additional sugar.

Just remember to remove the apple’s core and seeds before using it.

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 small apple, peeled if preferred, cored and grated
• 120g plain rolled oats
• 1 egg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Mix the grated carrot and apple in a bowl.
3. Add the oats and egg, stirring until everything is combined.
4. Allow the mixture to stand for five minutes so the oats absorb some of the moisture.
5. Spoon small portions onto a lined baking tray, flattening each one into a biscuit shape.
6. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes until set.
7. Cool thoroughly before serving.

These are particularly handy if you have a couple of carrots sitting in the fridge that need using.

3. Banana and Oat Dog Cookies

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with an overripe banana, this recipe couldn’t be simpler.

Bananas are naturally sweet, meaning there’s no need to add honey, syrup or sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 100g plain rolled oats

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Mash the banana thoroughly with a fork.
3. Stir in the oats until you have a thick mixture.
4. Leave for five minutes to allow the oats to soften.
5. Shape into small, flat cookies and place on a lined baking tray.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
7. Leave to cool completely.

These are soft rather than particularly crunchy, making them easy to break into smaller pieces.

Bananas are relatively high in natural sugars, so keep portions modest.

4. Chicken and Sweet Potato Bites

If your dog prefers savoury treats, these little chicken and sweet potato bites are worth making.

They’re also an excellent way to use a small amount of leftover roast chicken, provided it hasn’t been seasoned or cooked with onions, garlic or other ingredients unsuitable for dogs.

Ingredients

• 100g cooked, skinless chicken breast
• 150g cooked, peeled sweet potato
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp plain oats, finely ground

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Finely shred the chicken, checking carefully for bones.
3. Mash the cooked sweet potato until smooth.
4. Combine the chicken, sweet potato, egg and ground oats.
5. Shape into small, bite-sized patties.
6. Arrange on a lined baking tray.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and firm.
8. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Because these contain cooked meat, they should be refrigerated promptly and used within two days or frozen in individual portions.

5. Frozen Blueberry and Yoghurt Dog Treats

Not every homemade dog treat needs to involve turning on the oven.

These frozen blueberry bites are particularly refreshing during warmer weather and take only a few minutes to prepare.

Choose plain, unsweetened yoghurt without artificial sweeteners. Some dogs struggle to digest dairy products, so this recipe isn’t suitable for everyone.

Ingredients

• 150g plain, unsweetened natural yoghurt
• 40g fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tbsp water, if needed

Method

1. Mash the blueberries with a fork or blend until smooth.
2. Stir them into the yoghurt.
3. Add a little water if the mixture is too thick.
4. Spoon into small silicone moulds.
5. Freeze until completely solid.
6. Remove a small portion from the mould and allow it to soften slightly before offering it to your dog.

My tip: Use tiny moulds rather than large ice-cube trays. Supervise your dog while eating and avoid offering large, rock-hard frozen pieces that could be swallowed whole or damage teeth.

6. Homemade Salmon and Carrot Bites

Fish can make a delicious occasional treat for dogs, and salmon has the added benefit of providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

For this recipe, use thoroughly cooked, plain salmon with every bone removed.

Ingredients

• 100g cooked, boneless salmon
• 1 small carrot, finely grated
• 1 egg
• 50g plain rolled oats

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Flake the cooked salmon carefully, checking again for bones.
3. Mix with the grated carrot, egg and oats.
4. Leave for five minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture.
5. Shape into small balls and flatten them gently.
6. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 18–22 minutes until firm and cooked through.
7. Cool completely before serving.

These are best made in small batches. Refrigerate promptly and use within two days, or freeze.

Avoid using smoked salmon or salmon prepared with oils, butter, salt or seasonings.

7. Apple and Peanut Butter Frozen Bites

Peanut butter can be a favourite with dogs, but it’s one ingredient that requires particular care.

Some peanut butters contain xylitol, also called birch sugar, which is extremely dangerous for dogs.

Only use a peanut butter you have checked carefully to ensure it contains no xylitol, added salt or other unsuitable ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 small apple, cored and chopped
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter
• 3 tbsp water

Method

1. Remove the apple’s core and seeds.
2. Chop the flesh into small pieces.
3. Blend with the peanut butter and water until smooth.
4. Spoon small amounts into silicone moulds.
5. Freeze until set.
6. Allow the treats to soften slightly before serving, supervising your dog while they eat.

Peanut butter is high in fat and calories, so these should be particularly small treats.

If your dog has previously suffered from pancreatitis or needs a low-fat diet, choose a different recipe unless your vet advises otherwise.

8. Crunchy Carrot and Green Bean Dog Bites

Sometimes the simplest ingredients make the best snacks.

These little vegetable bites are made using carrots, green beans and oats, with no added salt or seasoning.

They’re a good alternative when you want something different from meat-based treats.

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot
• 75g green beans, trimmed
• 100g plain rolled oats
• 1 egg

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Steam the carrot and green beans until tender.
3. Drain thoroughly and leave to cool.
4. Chop the vegetables finely or mash them.
5. Combine with the oats and egg.
6. Spoon small portions onto a lined baking tray and flatten.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
8. Allow to cool before serving.

If the mixture feels too wet, add a small amount of extra oats.

You can also offer tiny pieces of plain carrot or green bean without turning them into biscuits. Just prepare them in a size and texture appropriate for your dog.

Which Ingredients Are Safe for Homemade Dog Treats?

There are plenty of everyday ingredients that dogs can enjoy occasionally.

Some useful options include:

• Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin flesh without added spices or sugar.
• Carrots: Raw or cooked, prepared in suitably sized pieces.
• Apples: Fresh apple with the core and seeds removed.
• Bananas: Small amounts of peeled banana.
• Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, with the size and texture adapted to your dog.
• Sweet potatoes: Thoroughly cooked and served without skin or seasoning.
• Chicken: Fully cooked, boneless and unseasoned.
• Salmon: Thoroughly cooked, boneless and unseasoned.
• Plain oats: A useful ingredient for simple homemade biscuits.

Even foods considered safe for dogs won’t necessarily agree with every animal.

Introduce one new ingredient at a time, starting with a very small amount.

Foods You Should Never Put in Homemade Dog Treats

This is arguably the most important part of making snacks for your dog.

Some ingredients commonly used in human baking and cooking can cause serious illness in dogs.

Avoid:

• Chocolate and cocoa powder
• Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
• Xylitol or birch sugar
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Coffee and other caffeine-containing ingredients
• Raw bread dough containing yeast
• Excessive salt and heavily seasoned leftovers

Remember that potentially harmful ingredients aren’t always obvious. Peanut butter, flavoured yoghurt and other prepared foods should be checked carefully before use.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Can You Use Leftover Halloween Pumpkin for Dog Treats?

Absolutely, provided you’re using fresh pumpkin flesh that has been kept clean and stored safely.

However, there’s an important distinction between unused pumpkin and a carved Halloween lantern.

A pumpkin that has been sitting outside, particularly one with a candle inside, may have become contaminated with dirt, mould, insects or candle residue. It should not be used to make dog treats.

If you’re carving a pumpkin, set aside some clean flesh before decorating it.

Remove the rind, seeds and stringy centre, then cook the flesh thoroughly without seasoning.

Once cool, mash it into a smooth purée and use it in the pumpkin and oat biscuit recipe above.

It’s an easy way to make use of fresh pumpkin without wasting it.

How Many Homemade Treats Can Dogs Have Each Day?

It’s tempting to think that homemade snacks are automatically healthier than shop-bought treats.

However, even nutritious ingredients contribute calories, and too many treats can lead to weight gain or an unbalanced diet.

A widely used guideline is that treats should provide no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced diet.

That allowance includes every extra snack your dog receives throughout the day, not just homemade biscuits.

A large dog may be able to enjoy a bigger portion than a small breed, but the appropriate amount also depends on age, weight, activity level and individual health needs.

For puppies, elderly dogs and those managing medical conditions, ask your vet before introducing new treats.

How to Store Homemade Dog Treats

Storage depends on the ingredients and how much moisture remains in the finished treat.

Unlike commercially produced biscuits, homemade snacks don’t contain preservatives or have a tested shelf life.

As a cautious guide:

• Baked oat and vegetable biscuits: Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within three days.
• Treats containing cooked chicken or fish: Refrigerate immediately and use within two days.
• Frozen fruit or yoghurt treats: Keep frozen in a suitable container and use within one month for best quality.
• Extra baked treats: Freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge before serving.

Always use clean utensils, refrigerate perishable ingredients promptly and discard anything that develops an unusual smell, texture or appearance.

If you’re unsure whether a homemade treat is still fresh, throw it away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Treats

Are homemade dog treats healthier than shop-bought treats?

Not necessarily. Homemade treats allow you to control the ingredients, but they aren’t automatically nutritionally better or lower in calories.

The healthiest option depends on your dog’s individual needs, the ingredients used and how much you feed.

Can dogs eat oats?

Plain oats can be included in occasional homemade dog treats. They should be served without added sugar, salt or flavourings.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

Some dogs can enjoy small amounts of plain peanut butter, but it must not contain xylitol or other unsuitable additives.

Because peanut butter is high in fat, it should only be given occasionally.

Can puppies eat homemade dog treats?

Some ingredients may be suitable for puppies, but portions need to be particularly small and appropriate to their age and stage of development.

Puppies have specific nutritional requirements, so check with your vet before adding homemade snacks to their diet.

Can homemade dog treats be frozen?

Yes. Many homemade baked biscuits and cooked treats can be frozen in individual portions.

Thaw them safely in the fridge before serving, and never refreeze treats that have already been thawed.

Do homemade dog treats replace regular dog food?

No. Homemade treats are occasional extras, not complete meals. Dogs need nutritionally balanced food to meet their daily requirements.

A Little Homemade Treat Goes a Long Way

I’ll be honest: my dogs don’t particularly care whether their treats come from an expensive packet or straight from my kitchen. They’re generally delighted with either.

But I do like knowing exactly what I’m giving them, and there’s something satisfying about turning a few everyday ingredients into something they’ll enjoy.

Whether you’re using up a little fresh pumpkin, baking a batch of crunchy oat biscuits or preparing frozen blueberry bites for a warm afternoon, homemade dog treats can be simple, inexpensive and enjoyable to make.

Just remember to keep the ingredients dog-friendly and the portions sensible.

After all, the best treat is one your dog can enjoy safely.

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