6 Easy Dog Treat Recipes

Don’t we all deserve a treat every now and then? A respite from the food we eat everyday is what we need in order to break the monotony life brings.

The same goes for our pets as well.

So, what’s stopping you from making delicious homemade treats for your furbabies?

If you are not familiar with dog-friendly recipes, do not fret.

We bring you easy dog treat recipes that would make it incredibly easy for you to give healthy treats to your dogs whenever you want.

However, make sure that you don’t use any ingredient that your dog may be allergic to.

Also, consider your dog’s dietary needs and her size. It is best to give them treats in moderation. Do not give them treats everyday or in large quantities.

Given below are six homemade dog treat recipes—                    

I. Apple Cinnamon Cookies.

Very few flavours are as luscious as cinnamon. When apple and cinnamon are put together, they have the capacity to create magic.

Along with these two ingredients, honey, egg, greek yogurt, flour, water and applesauce can be used in order to churn out mouth-watering apple cinnamon cookies.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 25 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 24 cookies.          

Steps for making Apple Cinnamon Cookies:

1. Prep the station: Crank your oven to 175°C and prep a baking sheet with a layer of parchment paper.

2. Mix dry goods: In a large bowl, toss together the whole wheat flour, chopped dried apples, and cinnamon until well-combined.

3. Whisk wet goods: Use a separate container to beat the egg with 1/2 cup of applesauce and honey (if you're using it).

4. Form the dough: Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry, stirring until a dough forms; splash in a little water if it feels too crumbly.

5. Roll it out: Dust your counter with flour and roll the dough until it’s smooth and ¼ inch thick.

6. Shape the cookies: Press out your favorite shapes with cookie cutters and arrange them neatly on your prepared tray.

7. Glaze them up: Stir the rest of the applesauce with a hint of water to create a thin glaze, then brush it over the top of each cookie.

8. Bake to perfection: Slide them into the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they feel firm and show a light golden-brown tint.

9. Cool down: Transfer your treats to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.    

II. Pumpkin Pupcakes.

Does your dog love cakes but can’t really eat cakes meant for human-consumption?

Then this Pumpkin Pupcakes recipe is one of the best dog friendly recipes for cake you would find online.

All you need to do is combine whole wheat flour, eggs, a bit of cinnamon and canned (or fresh) pumpkin, bake the mixture and voila! The pupcakes are ready.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                             Bake Time- 25 minutes.                                                                                                           Yield- 12 pupcakes.

Steps for making Pumpkin Pupcakes:

1. Prep the oven and muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 175° C. While the oven is doing its job, pop in some cupcake liners (AKA baking liners) into a muffin tin.

If you don’t want to use liners, you can coat the inside of the muffin tin with butter or baking grease.

2. Whisk the dry base: In a large bowl, toss together your whole wheat flour, baking powder, rolled oats, and cinnamon powder until they're evenly mixed.

3. Blend the wet ingredients: Grab a separate bowl to combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, honey, water, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

4. Combine the mixtures: Empty the wet ingredients into the dry bowl. Stir everything together until you have a consistent batter without any dry pockets.

5. Add the veggies: Gently add the shredded carrots and zucchini into the mix.

6. Portion the batter: Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup roughly two-thirds of the way up.

7. Bake to perfection: Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake it for about 25 minutes. You’ll know they're done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool it down: Let the pupcakes sit until they are completely cool before letting your dog have a taste test.          

III.  Peanut Butter Banana Bites.

Looking for a super-yummy treat recipe for your dog? Give this recipe of Peanut Butter Banana Bites a go.

Along with being easy-to-make treats, they are also incredibly healthy for your pup.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                  Freeze Time- 1 Hour.                                                                                                        Yield- About 20 pieces.

Steps for making Peanut Butter Banana Bites:

1. Prep the fruit: Start by mashing your ripe bananas in a large bowl, working them until the texture is nice and smooth.

2. Combine the wet base: Add the peanut butter, honey and Greek yogurt into the mashed bananas, stirring until the mixture is completely uniform.

3. Mix in the textures: In the same bowl, stir in the rolled oats until a dough forms. If you're using carrots and blueberries for an extra nutritional boost, stir those in as well.

4. Set up your tray: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a piece of butter paper to prevent sticking.

5. Shape the treats: Scoop out small, bite-sized portions with a teaspoon or your hands and set them on the baking sheet. For a little extra flair, you can roll the bites in unsweetened shredded coconut before placing them down.

6. Freeze to set: Slide the baking sheet into the freezer for 1 - 2 hours, or until the treats feel solid and firm to the touch.

7. Store and serve: Move the frozen bites into an airtight container or freezer bag. Keep them in the freezer and serve them chilled for a cool, soothing reward for your dog.

IV. Liver Popsicles.

When your dog’s health is of utmost importance to you, you try to give her the healthiest foods on a daily basis.

So, why should her treats be any different? To bring some culinary excitement into your pupper’s life, you can try this healthy dog treat recipe.

Prep Time- 10 minutes.                                                                                                 Freeze Time- 4 hours.                                                                                                     Yield- About 7 popsicles.

Steps for making Liver Popsicles:

1. Simmer the protein: Place your choice of liver (chicken or mutton) into a medium-sized saucepan and add the water.

2. Cook thoroughly: Bring the water to a boil, then put the heat on low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for roughly 10 minutes or until the liver is cooked all the way through.

3. Cool it down: Take the liver out of the pan and set it aside to cool completely.

4. Prep for blending: Once the liver is no longer hot, dice it into small, manageable chunks.

5. Create the puree: Toss the liver pieces, Greek yogurt, and peas into a food processor or blender. Keep blending until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.

6. Fill the molds: Carefully pour the liver blend into popsicle molds or an empty ice cube tray.

7. Add the handles: Place a popsicle stick into each individual compartment or mold.

8. Freeze solid: Put the tray or mold in the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, ensuring they are frozen completely solid.

9. Serve and enjoy: Pop the liver treats out of the molds and offer one to your dog as a cooling, savory reward.

10. Keep them fresh: Keep any remaining popsicles in a sealed, airtight container in the freezer for the next time your pup needs a snack.

V. Coconut Oil Delights.

Coconut Oil Delights are easy homemade dog treats that do not require that many ingredients.

They are basically a type of cookie that takes about 35 minutes to make.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 20 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 20 pieces.

Steps for making Coconut Oil Delights:

1. Get the oven ready: Set your oven to 175°C so it’s nice and hot by the time you're finished prepping.

2. Liquefy the oil: Place the coconut oil in a microwave-safe dish or bowl and heat it for roughly 30 seconds until it has completely melted.

No need to follow this step if the coconut oil you are using is already in liquid form.

3. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, stir together the coconut oil, whole wheat flour, water, peanut butter, rolled oats, and egg. Work the mixture until a dough forms, adding a splash of extra water if it feels too crumbly.

4. Flatten the mixture: Dust your counter with a little flour and roll the dough out until it is approximately ¼ inch thick.

5. Punch out shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutters— bone shapes are always a hit— to cut out the treats. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake until crisp: Pop them in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown finish.

7. Patience is key: Let the biscuits cool down completely on a wire rack or the counter before letting your pup have a crunch.

8. Keep them chilled: Place these Coconut Oil Delights in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two weeks.  

VI. Carrot Crunchies.

If you are looking for easy dog treat recipes without peanut butter, then Carrot Crunchies is the right recipe for you to try.

This nutrition-high treat is not only scrumptious but also filling.

Prep Time- 15 minutes.                                                                                                    Bake Time- 30 minutes.                                                                                                 Yield- About 30 pieces.

Steps for making Carrot Crunchies:

1. Heat and prep: Start by preheating your oven to 175°C and prepping a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.

2. Combine the base: Toss the whole wheat flour and shredded carrots together in a large bowl until they are well mixed.

3. Prepare the liquids: In another bowl, whisk the applesauce, broth (chicken or veggie), and egg until combined.

4. Form the dough: Pour your wet mix into the flour and carrots, stirring until a dough is formed. Feel free to splash in a bit more broth if the texture seems too crumbly.

5. Add texture and herbs: Work the rolled oats into the dough. If you want to freshen your dog's breath, this is the perfect time to mix in some chopped parsley.

6. Roll it out: Dust your workspace with flour and roll the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch.

7. Create your shapes: Use a knife or your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out individual treats.

8. Arrange the treats: Lay your cutouts onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

9. Bake until crisp: Bake the treats for about 30 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they feel firm and have a light golden-brown tint.

10. Cool down: Give the Carrot Crunchies plenty of time to cool completely before offering them to your pup.    

Dog Treat Recipes FAQs

Is it OK to cook for my dog every day?

Yes. It is okay for dogs to eat homemade food everyday. Just keep in mind that not all foods are safe for your dog to eat.

So, make sure that the food you cook for your dog does not contain any ingredient that is toxic for dogs.

In the homemade dog food you cook for your dog, you should include all the ingredients that are needed to provide nutritionally-balanced meals.      

What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?

Depending on the size, age and activity level of your dog, there is a specific amount of calories that they need to consume in a day.

And according to the 90/10 rule for dogs, 90% of those calories need to come from a healthy diet and the remaining 10% from treats.

Can dogs eat yogurt?

It is ok for dogs to consume plain, unsweetened yogurt. In fact, it is great for their gut and overall health.

Also, when you include plain yogurt in your dog’s diet, provide it in moderation. Do not give yogurt to your dog everyday.    

But you would need to make sure that you don’t give any yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners, added sugars or certain fruits that can be pretty harmful to dogs.

You can provide the plain yogurt as it is or mix it with fruits that are safe for dogs to eat.

During hot summer days, you can give your dog homemade yogurt smoothies and popsicles.          

What is good homemade food for dogs?

Any meal that is nutritionally well-balanced and does not contain any ingredient that is toxic for dogs, can be considered to be good homemade food for dogs.    

Example- 10% Protein (chicken, fish, mutton, turkey, lean beef), 5% fibre (carrots, green beans, peas), 5% fat (vegetable oil), and 50% carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes).

If you want more options, there are many homemade dog food recipes online.

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat bananas.

When consumed in moderation, bananas can provide various health benefits as they contain several vital nutrients.

Bananas are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Fibre and Potassium. So, your pupper can enjoy good health along with the great taste of the bananas.

Just make sure that you peel the skin of the banana before giving it to your little darling as it can be hard for dogs to digest.

It can also cause bowel obstruction and create health issues.

Also, bananas contain starches and sugars. Having it everyday can make your dog overweight. She can also get diarrhea if she eats too many bananas.

Can dogs eat coconut?

Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat coconuts. In fact, coconuts are great for dogs’ health.

When consumed in moderation, raw coconut as well as coconut oil can provide certain health benefits, including a strong immune system.  

What is the best vegetable for dogs?

These are considered to be the best vegetables for dogs— Carrots, Broccoli, Pumpkin, Kale, Spinach, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Zucchini and Brussels Sprouts.  

Is oatmeal good for dogs?

Yes, plain oatmeal, when cooked properly, is good for dogs. Be sure to offer it in moderation; quantity and frequency both.

It is best not to add any salt, sugar or artificial sweeteners to the oatmeal you prepare for your four-legged family member.

If you want to add fruits to her oatmeal, make sure to use the fruits that are safe for dogs to consume.

Oatmeal can provide fibre, minerals and Vitamin B that contributes to the overall good health of your dog.

Can dogs have cucumbers?

Cucumbers have low-calories, are hydrating and contain vitamins & minerals. So, it is quite good for dogs’ health.

You can provide plain cucumbers to your dog, occasionally as a treat, by cutting it into bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.            

Pickled or seasoned cucumbers can be harmful to your dog so it is best not to give them to your dog.