Homemade dog treat recipes don’t have to be complicated. They are less expensive than store-bought and so much better for your dog. Most of my DIY dog biscuits contain only a handful of ingredients and they take about 30 minutes from start to finish. By learning how to make homemade dog treats, you are able to customize them to your dogs personal taste and needs.

Healthy, homemade puppy treats are quick and easy to make. For less than $5, you can make approximately 60 – 100 treats, depending on the recipe, which is a much better deal than store bought.

There are easy recipes for everyone, with flavor combinations guaranteed to please your pup.

Fresh breath dog biscuits on marble board with mint and parsley.

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Why make homemade dog biscuits?

  • Dogs like snacks too! Think about it this way – would you rather have a packaged, store-bought cookie that’s been sitting on a grocery store shelf or a fresh, homemade cookie? Dogs know a good thing when they’ve got it and homemade dog treats beat store bought every single time.
  • Healthy treats made at home don’t contain additives, preservatives or questionable ingredients like fillers. All dogs, no matter their age or diet, benefit from a healthier option.
  • Just like people, dogs can develop allergies, or an intolerance for certain foods. It can range from beef or chicken to corn, wheat and eggs. If your dog has food allergies, buying special treats can be much more expensive than homemade.
Potato and cheese dog biscuits with pink towel in background.

A simple DIY dog biscuit with oats instead of flour can be the answer if your pup needs to make a few dietary changes. Plain, unflavored old-fashioned oats (porridge) are what I use in many of my dog biscuit recipes. Oats can be ground into flour using a food processor or a powerful blender.

Some pups have other health issues – maybe you have a senior dog who doesn’t have all of their teeth, or a pup who needs a low fat treat.

My dog was on a hypoallergenic diet for awhile and it was easier for me to make treats than it was to buy them. By making your own dog cookies, you control what goes into them and that’s always better for your furry family member.

Pumpkin banana dog treats on baking sheet.

How long do homemade treats last?

Remember that homemade treats do not contain preservatives like commercially made biscuits. My recommendation is to store them in the refrigerator, because they will eventually mold.

You can leave a handful of treats out on the counter, but only enough for a day or two. Store the rest of the batch in the fridge, or if you have a large batch, freeze half and take them out as needed.

Keep them in an airtight treat container. I like this one because it’s easy to get into and it seals really well, keeping the treats fresh. Here is a list for all things dog that you can check out.

Blueberry dog treats with blueberries and oats on blue background.

Homemade dog treat recipes FAQ’s

Can dogs eat oatmeal?

Yes! Oatmeal in small quantities is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is also part of a hypoallergenic diet for dogs with food sensitivities.

How can I extend the life of homemade dog treats?

To make treats more shelf stable, you need to remove moisture. This means extending baking time, at a lower temperature. Removing moisture from the treats will make it harder for bacteria to grow (but not impossible!), however, in doing so, you’ll also end up with a crunchier treat.

Can I use a dehydrator to make treats extra crunchy?

Yes – you can use a dehydrator to pull even more moisture out of homemade biscuits. As each model is different, check your manual for your specific dehydrator.

What is the best place to store treats?

Choose a cool, dry, dark location for best results. Do not store near the stove or in direct sunlight. Make sure treats are completely cooled before storing. Treats spoil faster in warm, humid climates – trust me on this. I know from personal experience.

DIY dog treats make great homemade gifts too. I like to make small dog treat bags to give away to friends and neighbors who have dogs.

Christmas dog treats with yogurt frosting.

My favorite tools for making homemade dog treat recipes

Here is a list of helpful tools and equipment for making dog treats. Below are the items that I use most often.

Peanut butter training treats stacked in front of glass jar.

Homemade dog treat recipes

Here is the ever-growing list of dog biscuit recipes. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

Blueberry pumpkin dog treats on brown background.

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I hope your pet loves these treat recipes as much as Sugar did! Please consider rating and/or commenting.

Did you make one of these recipes? Tag me on Instagram @pookspantry – I love seeing pics of your pups enjoying your creations. Nothing makes me happier than sweet puppy faces!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a delicious day 🙂

Questions? Send me an email, I’m happy to help. I’d love to send you weekly tips and recipes, so you can get updates about what’s happening in the kitchen!

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