Short answer: To make homemade dog treats, mix 2 cups of whole wheat or oat flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of nonfat dry milk powder, 1/2 cup of low-sodium broth, and 2 eggs into a stiff dough. Roll it 1/4 inch thick, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and firm. Cool completely before serving. That's the whole thing — the rest of this post covers safe ingredients, variations, and how treats fit into a healthy diet.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built our business on single-ingredient chews, so I'm a big believer in keeping what your dog eats simple and honest. Baking your own treats is a great way to do exactly that: you control every ingredient, you skip the mystery fillers, and most dogs go crazy for them.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
This base recipe uses pantry staples and makes a batch that stores well for about two weeks in an airtight container (or freeze for longer).
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (swap in oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated cheese or mashed sweet potato for extra flavor
How Do You Make Them, Step by Step?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, and milk powder.
- Add the broth and eggs and stir until the dough is thick and holds together. Fold in cheese or sweet potato if using.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter or knife and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Let them cool completely before giving any to your dog.
Which Add-Ins Are Safe?
The fun of a homemade recipe is tailoring it to your dog. Good, safe mix-ins include:
- Meaty: plain cooked chicken or lean ground beef for a savory batch.
- Veggie: pureed pumpkin or grated carrot for a fiber and nutrient boost.
- Fruit: small amounts of banana or peeled apple (no seeds or core) for a touch of natural sweetness. If your dog loves peanut butter, our peanut butter treats guide has more ideas.
Leave these out. Several common foods are toxic to dogs. Per the American Kennel Club, never add chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, or anything sweetened with xylitol. When you use peanut butter, check the label and make sure it is xylitol-free.
How Many Treats Are Too Many?
Treats are extras, not meals. Veterinary guidance from VCA Animal Hospitals is that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete, balanced food. Homemade treats are wonderful for training and bonding, but keep portions small — especially with baked goods, which are higher in calories than a plain protein chew.
What About Longer-Lasting Chews?
Baked biscuits are gone in seconds. When your dog needs something to actually work on, a natural chew lasts far longer and helps with dental health. That's our whole world at BSC: 100% natural, single-ingredient chews made from 100% real meat, fully digestible, with no rawhide, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Our bully sticks are the classic example — you can read why in our complete guide to bully sticks. If you want a lighter, hollow option you can even stuff with a bit of your homemade mix, beef trachea chews are a good pick, and everything we make is 100% high-quality guaranteed.
The Bottom Line
Homemade dog treats come down to a simple dough of flour, oats, eggs, and broth baked until firm. Keep the add-ins dog-safe, keep portions to a treat-sized share of the day, and lean on a real chew when your dog wants something that lasts. Do that and you've got a happy, well-fed dog — which is the entire point.
This post was last updated at August 7, 2026 03:30
