Homemade Chicken Treats for Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 12/05/2025

Spoiling your canine companion with delicious, healthy treats is a rewarding experience, and what better way to show your love than by making them yourself? Homemade dog treats offer complete control over ingredients, ensuring your furry friend enjoys snacks free from artificial colors, preservatives, and potentially harmful fillers often found in commercial products. You can tailor the recipes to suit their dietary needs and preferences, avoiding allergens and providing a nutritious alternative to store-bought options. Beyond the health benefits, the process is surprisingly simple and fun!

Making homemade chicken treats is a fantastic starting point for any aspiring dog treat baker. Chicken is a lean protein source dogs adore, and preparing these treats allows for creative variations in flavor and texture. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving perfectly cooked and delicious chicken treats your dog will eagerly devour. Let's get cooking!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Raw chicken breast
  • Knife
  • Pot
  • Colander
  • Baking tray
  • Oven
  • Freezer bags/container
Safety Guidelines
  • Never feed your dog chicken bones. Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause internal injuries.
  • Avoid using seasonings like onions, garlic, salt, or pepper, as these are toxic to dogs.
  • Always supervise your dog while they are eating treats to prevent choking hazards.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken

    • Cut raw chicken breast into slices.
    • Boil the chicken slices until cooked. If you're a child, do this with an adult.
    • Drain the cooked chicken in a colander.
    • Pat the chicken slices dry to remove excess liquid.
    Pat the chicken slices dry to remove excess liquid.Pat the chicken slices dry to remove excess liquid.Pat the chicken slices dry to remove excess liquid.Pat the chicken slices dry to remove excess liquid.
    Prepare the Chicken

  2. Bake the Chicken

    • Lightly oil a baking tray.
    • Preheat oven to a low temperature and bake the chicken until lightly browned (about an hour, monitor frequently). Consider switching oven shelves midway.
    Preheat oven to a low temperature and bake the chicken until lightly browned (about an hour, monitor frequently). Consider switching oven shelves midway.
    Bake the Chicken

  3. Cut and Store the Treats

    • Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog.
    • Store most of the treats in the freezer; keep a few days' worth in the refrigerator.
    Store most of the treats in the freezer; keep a few days' worth in the refrigerator.
    Cut and Store the Treats

Read more: Easy Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats: A Simple & Cheap Recipe

Tips

  • Use a healthy oil for the baking tray.
  • Check the chicken is cooked thoroughly (white throughout).
  • Oven temperatures vary; monitor the treats closely during baking.
  • The size of the treat depends on your dog's size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Seasonings and Additives

Reason: Many human seasonings like onion, garlic, salt, and pepper are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Other additives, such as artificial sweeteners, can also be harmful.
Solution: Stick to plain, unseasoned ingredients to ensure your dog's safety.

2. Overbaking or Underbaking the Treats

Reason: Overbaking can make the treats hard and potentially cause choking hazards, while underbaking leaves them soft and prone to spoilage.
Solution: Follow the recipe's baking instructions precisely and check for doneness using a toothpick or similar tool.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken from my dinner to make these treats?
Yes! Make sure the chicken is completely cooled and free of any added seasonings (like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) that are toxic to dogs before using it in your treats.