Homemade Healthy Dog Treats: A Simple Recipe

Updated at: 16/05/2025

Spoiling your furry friend with delicious and healthy treats is a joy every pet owner knows. But navigating the often-confusing world of commercial dog treats, filled with artificial ingredients and questionable additives, can be a challenge. Wouldn't it be wonderful to offer your canine companion a snack you know is packed with wholesome goodness, made with love, and completely tailored to their dietary needs? Making homemade dog treats allows you to control exactly what goes into them, ensuring a healthier and happier pup. You can ditch the preservatives and artificial flavors, and instead, focus on nutritious ingredients that benefit your dog's well-being.

This simple recipe offers a perfect starting point for creating your own delicious and healthy dog treats at home. Forget the complicated processes and long ingredient lists; this recipe focuses on ease and effectiveness, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions and begin creating these wholesome snacks for your beloved pet.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • Oven
  • Cookie sheet
  • Spatula
  • Paper towel
  • Coconut oil
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog when giving them treats, even homemade ones. Choking hazards can occur with any size treat.
  • Avoid using ingredients toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (artificial sweetener), macadamia nuts, and avocados.
  • Introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive upset. Start with a small amount and watch for any unusual symptoms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F
    Preheat your oven to 350°F
    Preheat Oven

  2. Combine Ingredients

    • Combine ½ cup quick rolled oats, ¾ cup pumpkin (plain pumpkin puree, check the label!), and ⅛ cup almond butter (plain almond butter) in a large mixing bowl.
    Combine ½ cup quick rolled oats, ¾ cup pumpkin (plain pumpkin puree, check the label!), and ⅛ cup almond butter (plain almond butter) in a large mixing bowl.
    Combine Ingredients

  3. Mix and Adjust Consistency

    • Stir until well combined. Add more oats if the mixture is too sticky.
    Stir until well combined. Add more oats if the mixture is too sticky.
    Mix and Adjust Consistency

  4. Prepare Baking Sheet

    • Lightly grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil.
    Lightly grease a cookie sheet with coconut oil.
    Prepare Baking Sheet

  5. Shape and Arrange Treats

    • Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet.
    • Make a small dimple in each treat with your finger.
    Optional: Make a small dimple in each treat with your finger.Optional: Make a small dimple in each treat with your finger.
    Shape and Arrange Treats

  6. Bake Treats

    • Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
    Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
    Bake Treats

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

Tips

  • Make sure your pumpkin is plain pumpkin puree with no added ingredients.
  • Ensure your almond butter contains only almonds.
  • Adding more oats can help if the mixture is too sticky.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Ingredients

Reason: Many human foods are toxic to dogs (e.g., chocolate, grapes, onions). Even seemingly harmless ingredients can cause digestive upset if not prepared correctly.
Solution: Stick to dog-friendly recipes and carefully check ingredient lists for potential toxins.

2. Overbaking or Underbaking the Treats

Reason: Overbaking can lead to hard, crunchy treats that are difficult for dogs to chew, while underbaking can result in soft, mold-prone treats.
Solution: Follow the recipe's baking instructions carefully and use a food thermometer to ensure the treats reach the correct internal temperature.

3. Improper Storage

Reason: Incorrectly stored treats can spoil quickly, leading to bacterial growth and illness for your dog.
Solution: Store treats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or freeze them for longer storage.

FAQs

Can I use any type of flour in this recipe?
While this recipe uses whole wheat flour, you can experiment with other flours like oat flour or even a blend. However, avoid using flours containing added sugars or artificial ingredients. Always supervise your dog when introducing new treats, watching for any signs of allergies or digestive upset.