How to Make Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

The start of the year sees many people jump on the “healthy eating train”, introducing more fruit and veg, new recipes and nutritious snacks. If you’re a pet owner that’s made this new year resolution, why don’t you invite your dog to join?

One of the ways in which people try to eat healthier is by making their meals from scratch. This can be a fun way to try new things and experiment with recipes, and you can do this for your dog too! Let’s start off small and see what healthy homemade dog treats you can make for your furry friend.

Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

First, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of homemade dog treats for your beloved pet!

Added Nutritional Value

Did you know that store-bought treats may contain artificial additives, preservatives and unhealthy fillers? By making these treats yourself, you know exactly what you are adding into your pet’s diet and can make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. You can prioritise choosing high quality, natural ingredients that are rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins to support your dog’s health.

Less Health Problems

Following on from above, without all the fillers and byproducts, preservatives and artificial colours used in commercial treats, your pets will be healthier all-round. These ingredients have the potential to lead to allergies, digestive issues and other health problems over time so, by eliminating them, you can avoid these risks.

Fresh & Natural

Commercial dog treats are produced in extremely high volumes which means they are normally left on the shelf for a prolonged period of time. The longer they are left on the shelf, the more nutritional value and flavour is lost but, with homemade treats, you can rest assured that they are always fresh and flavourful – even if you cook them in batches and freeze them!

Ability to Customise

You know your pet better than anyone and commercial brands, so by making your own dog treats, you can customise the recipe to fit your pet’s favourite flavours. You also have the power to tailor beneficial ingredients to promote digestion, skin and coat health, or adapt to specific dietary restrictions.

Healthy Ingredients to Use

Now, let’s explore some healthy ingredients you can try to pack into your homemade dog treats.

• Lean Proteins: High quality protein, like chicken, turkey, beef, and fish, help support muscle development, energy, and overall wellbeing.
• Fruits: Different fruits hold different benefits for your pets. For example, blueberries are rich in antioxidants which boost immunity;  apples are high in fibre to aid better digestion; and bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamins as well as an excellent natural sweetener.
• Vegetables: Different vegetables also hold different nutritional benefits. For example, carrots are great for dental health and rich in beta-carotene; pumpkin aid digestion as they are packed with fibre; and sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins A, C, and fibre.
• Healthy Fats: Did you know there are healthy fats as well as unhealthy fats? Coconut oil supports skin and coat health, flaxseed is rich in omega-3 for brain function and inflammation reduction, and fish oil can enhance overall wellbeing.

Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Here are some popular dog treat recipes you can start off with that are easy, nutritious and delicious!

Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

120g natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

180g whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free option)

1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)
2. Mash the banana and mix with peanut butter and egg
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms
4. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes
5. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes
6. Let them cool before serving

Chicken & Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast

1 medium sweet potato, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F)
2. Slice the chicken breast into thin strips
3. Arrange sweet potato slices and chicken strips on a baking sheet
4. Bake for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway, until chewy and dried
5. Let cool before serving and store in an airtight container

Pumpkin & Oatmeal Treats

Ingredients:

240g canned pure pumpkin

180g rolled oats

120g unsweetened applesauce

1 egg

½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Flatten slightly and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown
5. Let cool before serving and store in an airtight container

Safety Tips for Homemade Dog Treats

When choosing your ingredients for your homemade dog treats, it’s important to remember to check that they are not toxic to dogs. Make sure to avoid chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, and anything with xylitol.

Also, always make sure to store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness and introduce new recipes to your dog gradually, so you can monitor them for any adverse reactions and to avoid any digestive issues.

These are just some simple ideas to offer alternatives to convenient shop-bought options and to get you cooking in the kitchen for your dog instead.

However, if you do not have the time to create these treats, we provide a wide range of choices for every pet owner. Have a browse through our high quality Raw Dog Food today!