How to Make Homemade Wild Game Dog Treats
The short answer: Combine 1 pound of ground wild game (venison, bison, or rabbit) with one mashed sweet potato, a beaten egg, and about a cup of oat flour, then bake bite-sized pieces at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until firm. That's the whole recipe — a lean, single-protein treat with no fillers, no preservatives, and nothing you can't pronounce. Below is the full recipe plus why wild game is a smart pick and how to keep treats safe and interesting for your dog.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built our company on 100% natural, single-ingredient chews, so I'm a firm believer in knowing exactly what goes into your dog. Homemade wild game treats fit that philosophy perfectly: you control every ingredient.
Why is wild game good for dogs?
Wild game meats like venison, bison, and rabbit are lean sources of complete protein. Venison in particular is lower in fat than beef or pork while still delivering all the essential amino acids, plus B vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus (PetMD). Because most dogs rarely eat these meats, wild game also works as a "novel protein" — a useful option for dogs that react to more common proteins like beef or chicken. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, check with your veterinarian before introducing a new protein.
Homemade wild game dog treat recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground wild game meat (venison, bison, or rabbit)
- 1 sweet potato, peeled, cooked, and mashed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup oat flour (or another dog-safe flour)
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional, for fresh breath)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground wild game, mashed sweet potato, beaten egg, oat flour, and parsley. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape: Roll into small, bite-sized pieces by hand or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Bake: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
- Cool and store: Let the treats cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week (or freeze for longer).
One note on the sweet potato: peel it and cook it plain, with no butter, salt, or seasoning, since the peel can be hard to digest (PetMD).
How many homemade treats can a dog have?
Treats — homemade or store-bought — should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories; the other 90% needs to come from a complete, balanced diet (American Kennel Club). Because these treats contain egg and cooked meat, treat them like fresh food: refrigerate what you'll use within a few days and freeze the rest.
How do you keep dogs excited about treats?
Dogs' preferences shift over time, so variety keeps them engaged. Rotate protein sources — even within wild game, alternate venison, bison, and rabbit for different flavors and nutrients. Mix in dog-safe vegetables or herbs to vary the flavor profile. And change up the texture now and then: soft baked treats some days, chewier dehydrated or jerky-style treats others.
Prefer a grab-and-go option?
Baking isn't for everyone, and that's completely fine. If you like the "one ingredient, nothing else" idea but want to skip the oven, our single-ingredient chews are 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide — ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. For more homemade ideas, see our peanut butter dog treats, and if you're deciding which chews are safe for your dog, start with our guide to safe trachea chews.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat venison, bison, and rabbit?
Yes. Venison, bison, and rabbit are lean, complete proteins that are safe for most dogs when cooked plain and unseasoned. They're often used as novel proteins for dogs with sensitivities to beef or chicken.
How long do homemade wild game dog treats last?
Because they contain egg and cooked meat, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about a week, or freeze them for up to a few months.
Are homemade treats better than store-bought?
Homemade treats let you control every ingredient, which is great. If you'd rather buy, look for 100% natural, single-ingredient chews with no fillers or rawhide so you get the same peace of mind.
This post was last updated at August 6, 2026 23:39
