How Do You Make Simple Homemade Dog Treats?
The quickest answer: pick a recipe with just two or three dog-safe ingredients, mix, shape, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. Peanut butter and oat flour, shredded chicken and rice, or thin-sliced sweet potato all work. You avoid mystery additives, you control freshness, and it usually costs less than a bag off the shelf. Below are three recipes I trust, plus the safety rules that matter most.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We spend our days sourcing single-ingredient chews, so I'm a big believer in keeping what your dog eats simple and recognizable. Homemade treats fit that philosophy perfectly.
Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Three reasons come up again and again. First, you control every ingredient, so there are no artificial preservatives, dyes, or fillers you can't pronounce. Second, you can adjust for your dog's needs — softer for seniors, grain-free if your vet recommends it, smaller for training. Third, it's cheaper than most premium store treats, and a single batch lasts a week or two.
Homemade baked treats are a great everyday option. For longer-lasting chewing — the kind that keeps a dog busy and supports dental health — pair them with a single-ingredient chew like a bully stick. Baked treats reward; chews occupy.
3 Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
1. Peanut Butter Oat Treats
Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 1 egg.
Method: Mix until a dough forms, roll out to about 1/4 inch, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving.
One critical rule: use plain peanut butter with no added sweeteners. Many "sugar-free" peanut butters contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the label. If your dog loves peanut butter, our peanut butter treats guide covers safe brands and portions.
2. Chicken and Rice Bites
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (no seasoning), 1 cup cooked white rice, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
Method: Combine, roll into small balls, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. These are gentle on sensitive stomachs and a solid source of lean protein.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Chews
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, a light drizzle of olive oil.
Method: Slice into thin strips, toss lightly in oil, and bake at 250°F for 2–3 hours for a chewy texture, or 400°F for about 25 minutes for a crispier fry. Sweet potato is rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins, and the AKC lists it among dog-safe vegetables.
Which Ingredients Are Safe — and Which to Avoid?
Safe staples for homemade treats include plain cooked chicken, turkey, and beef, eggs, oat and rice flour, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, and plain peanut butter. Keep everything unseasoned.
Never use these common kitchen items, all of which are toxic to dogs: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, and anything containing xylitol. The ASPCA maintains a full list of people foods to avoid. When you introduce any new treat, start small and watch for digestive upset, and keep treats to no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories.
How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last?
Because they have no preservatives, homemade treats spoil faster than commercial ones. Store baked treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for two to three weeks, or freeze for up to three months. If a treat has visible moisture, refrigerate it — softer, chicken-based treats won't keep at room temperature as long as drier biscuits.
For puppies, keep pieces small and soft, and go easy while their stomachs are still developing. Our guide on chews and treats for puppies walks through age-appropriate options.
A Note on Balance
Homemade baked treats are wonderful for training and bonding, but they're rewards, not meals — they shouldn't replace a complete, balanced diet. And when your dog needs something to actually chew on, that's where our products come in: 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat chews that are fully digestible, with no rawhide, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms, and 100% high-quality guaranteed. Bake the biscuits; hand over a bully stick for the long chew. Your dog gets the best of both.
This post was last updated at July 16, 2026 01:00
