Last updated: June 10, 2026 · 7-minute read
How Do You Make Ground Beef Dog Treats? The Short Answer
To make ground beef dog treats, combine lean ground beef with a binder like egg and oat flour, shape into bite-sized pieces, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until firm and cooked through. The result is a high-protein, single-ingredient-forward treat with no rawhide, no fillers, and no mystery ingredients. Homemade beef treats pair perfectly with fully digestible, ethically sourced chews from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms for everyday rewarding.
Key takeaways
- Use lean (90/10 or leaner) ground beef to keep fat low and digestion easy.
- Bake at 350°F for ~20 minutes; treats should be firm and fully cooked, never pink.
- Keep recipes simple and single-protein — skip onion, garlic, salt, and added sugar.
- Store baked treats 3–4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.
- Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories; balance with whole-meat chews.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Ground Beef Dog Treats?
Great dog treats start with clean, recognizable ingredients. For a basic batch you'll need lean ground beef, one egg as a binder, and oat flour (or rolled oats blended fine) to hold the dough together. Optional dog-safe add-ins include finely grated carrot, plain pumpkin puree, or a spoon of unsweetened peanut butter. Avoid onion, garlic, chives, added salt, xylitol, and sugary mix-ins, all of which are unsafe or unnecessary for dogs.
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It's In There |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef (90/10+) | 1 lb | High-quality protein and flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds the dough |
| Oat flour | 3/4 cup | Structure; gentle on digestion |
| Grated carrot (optional) | 1/4 cup | Fiber and vitamins |
| Pumpkin puree (optional) | 2 tbsp | Fiber; supports digestion |
How Do You Bake Ground Beef Dog Treats Step by Step?
This recipe makes roughly 30–40 small treats and takes about 30 minutes start to finish.
- Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 egg, 3/4 cup oat flour, and any optional add-ins until evenly blended.
- Shape the treats: Roll the mixture flat to about 1/4 inch and cut into small squares, or roll into mini meatballs and flatten slightly.
- Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes, until firm, browned, and fully cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Cool and store: Let treats cool completely before serving, then refrigerate or freeze.
How Many Ground Beef Treats Can a Dog Have?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, with the rest coming from a balanced complete diet. Use the serving guide below as a starting point and adjust to your dog's size, activity, and waistline. For long-lasting, low-calorie rewarding between homemade batches, reach for whole-meat chews like 6-inch standard bully sticks, regular beef tendons, or beef trachea tubes.
| Dog Size | Approx. Weight | Small Treats / Day |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 lb | 1–2 |
| Medium | 20–50 lb | 2–4 |
| Large | 50–90 lb | 4–6 |
| Giant | 90 lb+ | 6–8 |
How Should You Store Homemade Beef Treats?
Because these treats have no preservatives, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag so you can grab a few at a time. Thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. If a treat ever smells off or looks slimy, throw it out.
What Are the Best Store-Bought Chews to Pair With Them?
Homemade treats are wonderful for training, but dogs also need durable chewing for enrichment and dental benefit. Single-ingredient, fully digestible chews are the safest pairing — no rawhide, no chemicals. Great options include 12-inch monster bully sticks for heavy chewers, beef cheek rolls as a safe rawhide alternative, cow ears for lighter chewers, and 10-inch tripe twist sticks for picky eaters. Browse the full natural dog treats and chews collection to stock up.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat ground beef?
Yes. Cooked, lean ground beef is a safe, high-protein food for most dogs. Cook it fully with no salt, oil, onion, or garlic.
Should the ground beef be cooked or raw?
For these baked treats the beef is fully cooked in the oven, which reduces the risk of bacteria like Salmonella and is the safest choice for most households.
What fat content of ground beef is best?
Choose lean blends such as 90/10 or 93/7. Lower fat is gentler on digestion and helps avoid pancreatitis flare-ups in sensitive dogs.
Can puppies have ground beef treats?
In moderation, yes, once they're eating solid food. Keep pieces tiny and count treats toward their daily calories so it doesn't unbalance their growth diet.
Are these treats grain-free?
They can be. Swap oat flour for chickpea or coconut flour if you want a grain-free version, though oats are well tolerated by most dogs.
How long do homemade beef treats last?
About 3–4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer, stored in an airtight container.
My dog has a sensitive stomach — are these okay?
Keep the recipe simple and single-protein, use the leanest beef, and introduce slowly. If your dog has known allergies, check with your vet first.
Can I use this beef dough for other treats?
Yes. The same base works rolled into meatballs, pressed into silicone molds, or cut with cookie cutters for special occasions.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. He started BSC because he couldn't find single-ingredient, fully digestible chews he trusted to give his own dogs — no rawhide, no chemicals, no mystery ingredients. He writes about dog nutrition, safe chews, and the practical side of feeding dogs well. Read more about Preston →
This post was last updated at June 12, 2026 23:19
