Real Ingredient DIY Dog Treats
Making treats at home is simpler than it sounds. All you need is a few ingredients and either an oven or a freezer.
We began making treats for our pups when they were having bad reactions to store-bought treats, long before we found limited ingredient treats we could buy. From peanut butter balls to berry yogurt pops to birthday cakes, we couldn’t believe how easy it was. The great thing about homemade treats is you get to pick all the ingredients and skip preservatives altogether. Our pups love supervising as we make them treats and they never turn down a chance to taste them.
We’re sharing three widely known few ingredient recipes you can try making at home.
Ginger’s favorite berry cookies
First on the list are Ginger’s favorite gingery blueberry cookies. Packed with nutrient-dense goodness, these treats have blueberries for antioxidants, oats for fiber, eggs for protein, ginger to support digestion, turmeric for anti-inflammation benefits. The last time we made these cookies, we found Ginger up on the table enjoying every last scrap straight from the baking dish. Ginger loves them so much, which is why it only felt right to name this recipe after her. Your pets will love them even more than Ginger does. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Ingredients
1-cup fresh blueberries
1-cup oat flour
2 eggs
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or virgin coconut oil
:1–2 tsp grated ginger*
:¼ tbsp cinnamon powder*
2 turmeric capsules (opened) or 1 tsp of turmeric powder*
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix the oat flour, cinnamon, eggs, and oil until combined.
Add the grated ginger, turmeric, and blueberries.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and spread the mixture evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Let cool completely before cutting into bite-sized pieces, using a cookie cutter to shape them.
Note: Remember homemade dog treats made with all-natural ingredients typically last up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature, or in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. The spices are optional and used for added flavor and potential health benefits. Only use in small amounts.
Peanut-butter banana bites
With just three ingredients, these treats are super easy to make. They are also a great way to help your pup stay cool on warm days.
Ingredients
1-cup plain greek yogurt
1 banana (mashed)
½ cups peanut butter (without added xylitol)
Instructions
Mix the ingredients
Spoon the mixture into a silicone mold or muffin pan
Freeze until solid
Note: The treats can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Make sure the peanut butter you use only has one ingredient: peanut butter. Many companies add Xylitol to their peanut butter and it’s toxic to dogs.
Pumpkin and oatmeal treats
Ingredients:
1-cup plain pumpkin puree (no added sugar or spicer)
3-cups rolled oats
2 eggs
1 tsp virgin coconut oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the pumpkin puree, rolled oats and egg until well combined.
Grease a baking tray with virgin coconut oil.
Roll the mixture into small balls or pour the spread evenly into a brownie-style baking pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
Cool before serving.
Note: The treats can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure you use 100% plain pumpkin puree.
These recipes come from a mix of personal experience and research and are shared for educational purposes only. We are not veterinarians or pet nutrition specialists. Always consult with your vet before giving your dogs new treats, especially for pups with food sensitivities, allergies or health conditions.
From our home to yours. Happy baking.
If you’re looking for natural treats you can purchase, be sure to check out our Everyday low-tox pup favorites post.
