Short answer: You can make beef and cheese dog treats at home by mixing cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar, whole wheat flour, an egg, and a little parsley into a dough, then baking it at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. They’re easy, use ingredients most people already have, and most dogs go crazy for them.
I’m Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We’re a single-ingredient dog chew company, so I’m a stickler for what goes into a dog’s mouth. Below is a straightforward beef and cheese recipe, plus a few honest notes on when these treats are a good idea and when a simpler chew is the better call.
The Recipe: Beef and Cheese Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground beef, drained and cooled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar, and chopped parsley.
- Add the whole wheat flour and egg, mixing until well combined. If the dough is too dry, add water a little at a time until it’s workable.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for a few months. Because they’re made with fresh meat and cheese and no preservatives, don’t leave them out at room temperature for long.
Are Beef and Cheese Safe for Dogs?
Beef is one of the most common protein sources in dog food and treats, and plain cooked beef is generally safe and highly digestible for most dogs. Cheese is safe in small amounts for dogs that tolerate dairy, but many dogs are lactose intolerant, and cheese is high in fat, so keep portions small. According to the American Kennel Club, cheese can be fed as an occasional treat but should be avoided in dogs prone to pancreatitis or those that are overweight.
A good rule of thumb from most veterinarians: treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The other 90% should come from a complete, balanced diet. The VCA Animal Hospitals guidance on treats and nutritional balance is a solid reference here.
Ingredients to Keep Out
Homemade means you control what goes in, so skip anything that’s toxic to dogs. Keep these out of any treat recipe: onions, garlic, chives, raisins, grapes, chocolate, and the sweetener xylitol. The ASPCA’s list of people foods to avoid feeding pets is worth a quick read before you experiment with add-ins.
Homemade Treats vs. Single-Ingredient Chews
Baked treats like these are great for training and quick rewards, but they don’t last long and they add flour and dairy to your dog’s diet. When I want something that keeps a dog busy and delivers protein without the extras, I reach for a single-ingredient chew. That’s the whole idea behind what we make: 100% natural, 100% real meat, no rawhide, and fully digestible.
Our bully sticks are a good example—a single muscle, nothing else, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. If you like the idea of a natural beef chew but want the convenience of something shelf-stable that lasts more than 30 seconds, that’s the direction I’d point you. And if you’re shopping for a puppy, our guide to bully sticks for puppies covers sizing and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat beef and cheese together?
Yes, most dogs can eat plain cooked beef and small amounts of cheese together. Keep cheese portions small because it’s high in fat, and skip it entirely if your dog is lactose intolerant or has a history of pancreatitis.
How long do homemade beef and cheese dog treats last?
Because they contain fresh meat and cheese with no preservatives, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for two to three months.
Can I make these grain-free?
You can swap the whole wheat flour for chickpea or oat flour if your dog does better without wheat. The dough will handle a little differently, so adjust the water as you go.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian, especially if your dog has allergies, weight issues, or a sensitive stomach.
This post was last updated at August 5, 2026 19:14
