Short answer: yes, in moderation. Most healthy dogs can enjoy a homemade bacon-and-cheese treat as an occasional snack, as long as you keep the bacon low-sodium, use only a small amount of cheese, and don't make these a daily habit. Bacon is very high in fat and salt, so it should be a once-in-a-while reward, not a staple. Below is a simple, small-batch recipe I make at home, plus the safety notes every dog owner should know.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built our business on single-ingredient chews because we believe you should always know exactly what your dog is eating. That same thinking is why I like homemade treats: you control every ingredient that goes in the bowl.
Are bacon and cheese safe for dogs?
In small amounts, both are generally fine for most healthy dogs — but there are real caveats. The American Kennel Club warns that fatty foods like bacon can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas, and that bacon's high salt content is a concern too. A single slice of bacon can carry roughly 130+ mg of sodium, which can approach a small dog's entire recommended daily intake. That's why the recipe below uses only two strips for a whole batch and calls for low-sodium bacon.
Cheese is usually safe in moderation, but it's high in fat, and some dogs are lactose intolerant. Use a small amount, skip it entirely if your dog has trouble digesting dairy, and always avoid cheeses with added onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.
Skip this recipe altogether if your dog has a history of pancreatitis, is overweight, or is on a low-fat or sodium-restricted diet, and check with your veterinarian before introducing any new ingredient.
Why make dog treats at home?
Homemade treats let you control exactly what goes in — no mystery preservatives, no fillers, and portion sizes you choose. They can be more economical than premium store-bought options, and honestly, watching your dog crunch something you made is its own reward. The one thing homemade baked treats don't do is satisfy a dog's need to chew. For that, I still reach for a long-lasting natural chew like a bully stick — 100% real meat, fully digestible, and no rawhide.
Bacon and cheese dog treat recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (substitute another dog-safe flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
- 2 strips cooked low-sodium bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (a little cheddar or mozzarella; skip if your dog is lactose intolerant)
- 1 egg
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth, as needed for dough consistency
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
- Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Gradually add water or low-sodium broth until the mixture forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters — bones, hearts, whatever you like.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake about 20 minutes, until crispy.
- Cool completely before serving, and store in an airtight container.
How many should my dog have?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. Because these contain bacon and cheese, treat them as an occasional reward — one small piece, not a handful. If you want an everyday option, rotate in a lower-fat treat like a little plain peanut butter (xylitol-free) or a natural single-ingredient chew.
Keeping treat time exciting
Dogs, like people, appreciate variety. Rotating treats prevents boredom, supports a more balanced overall diet, and keeps training sessions motivating with fresh incentives. A homemade batch like this is a fun addition to that rotation — just remember that baked treats are for flavor and training, while a durable chew handles the chewing instinct.
Homemade bacon and cheese treats are a great way to show your dog some love, as long as you keep the portions small and the bacon low-sodium. When in doubt, check with your vet — especially if your dog has any dietary restrictions.
Note: This article touches on canine health. It's general information, not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific diet and health needs.
This post was last updated at September 21, 2026 00:06
