Ever found yourself wanting to spoil your furry friend with homemade treats but couldn’t face turning on the oven in summer heat? Been there, done that! As a dog mom to two very food-motivated retrievers, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with no-bake goodies that make my pups go wild without heating up the kitchen.
No-bake dog treats are basically the best invention since the tennis ball launcher. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for those of us who can’t bake to save our lives (raising my hand here). Plus, they’re usually healthier than store-bought options that are loaded with preservatives and ingredients I can’t even pronounce.
Let me share my favorite no-bake recipes that have been thoroughly taste-tested and enthusiastically approved by my four-legged food critics. These treats require zero baking skills but will definitely earn you major brownie points with your pup!
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Freezer Bites
These little frozen nuggets of goodness are my go-to when temperatures rise. My golden retriever, Max, literally does his happy dance when he sees me grab the peanut butter jar.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
How to Make Them:
- Mash those bananas until smooth
- Mix in peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and yogurt
- Pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray
- Freeze for about 2 hours
- Store in a freezer container for up to 3 months
These cool treats are perfect for hot summer days when your dog needs something refreshing. FYI, the yogurt adds a probiotic boost for your pup’s gut health too!
2. No-Bake Pumpkin Oat Balls
Pumpkin isn’t just for fall lattes, people! It’s actually amazing for dogs year-round thanks to its fiber content and digestive benefits. These little energy balls take me about 10 minutes to make and last all week.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
How to Make Them:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
- Roll into bite-sized balls
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week
My pups go absolutely nuts for these! The oats provide great energy, while the pumpkin helps keep their digestion on track. Win-win, right?
3. Frozen Yogurt & Berry Treats
Want to feel like a gourmet chef without actually cooking anything? These frozen yogurt treats are ridiculously simple but look fancy enough to impress your dog park friends.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Blend yogurt, berries, and honey until smooth
- Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays
- Freeze for at least 4 hours
- Pop out and watch your dog go crazy
The antioxidants from the berries are great for your pup’s immune system, and these treats are super refreshing on hot days. My Lab actually prefers these to commercial dog ice cream, which saves me a small fortune!
4. Coconut & Turmeric Anti-Inflammatory Treats
Got an older dog with some joint issues? Same. My senior retriever has been moving much better since I started making these golden goodies. And no, they won’t turn your dog’s tongue yellow. 🙂
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (increases turmeric absorption)
- 1 tablespoon honey
How to Make Them:
- Melt coconut oil until just liquid
- Whisk in turmeric, pepper, and honey
- Pour into small molds or a flat container
- Refrigerate until solid, then cut into small pieces if using a container
- Store in the fridge
These are amazing for dogs with joint pain or inflammation. Just remember that turmeric can be potent, so these are best given as occasional treats rather than daily snacks.
5. Sweet Potato & Peanut Butter Chews
Ever bought those expensive sweet potato chews at the pet store? Yeah, me too. Then I realized how easy they are to make at home without an oven. My wallet thanks me, and my dogs haven’t noticed the difference!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 large sweet potato
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon coconut flour (helps with binding)
How to Make Them:
- Microwave the sweet potato until soft (about 5-7 minutes)
- Scoop out the flesh and mash with peanut butter and coconut flour
- Spread mixture onto a parchment-lined dehydrator tray (or use your microwave’s lowest setting)
- Dehydrate until chewy but not brittle
- Cut into strips
I know, I know—technically using a dehydrator or microwave is “cooking,” but it’s not baking! These chewy treats satisfy the urge to gnaw and keep my dogs busy for ages.
6. Green Machine Frozen Treats
Trying to sneak some veggies into your dog’s diet? These green treats are surprisingly popular with even the pickiest pups. My dog who turns his nose up at raw veggies will happily devour these frozen goodies.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup kale
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup water (as needed for blending)
How to Make Them:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds
- Freeze until solid
- Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
These nutrient-packed frozen treats are my secret weapon for getting some greens into my dogs. The banana sweetness completely masks the vegetable taste!
7. Sardine Training Treats
OK, I’ll warn you upfront: these treats smell pretty intense, but dogs go ABSOLUTELY WILD for them. I save these for special training sessions when I need my pups’ complete attention.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can sardines in water, drained
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
How to Make Them:
- Mash sardines with a fork
- Mix in remaining ingredients to form a thick paste
- Roll into small pea-sized balls
- Refrigerate to firm up
You will need to wash your hands thoroughly after making these, but trust me—your dog will consider you a culinary genius. The omega-3 fatty acids in the sardines are incredible for coat health too!
8. Apple & Carrot Refrigerator Cookies
Looking for something with a satisfying crunch but without the baking? These “cookies” are basically a raw alternative to traditional dog biscuits.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 apple, cored and finely diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
How to Make Them:
- Mix all ingredients, adding water gradually until you have a moldable dough
- Form into small cookie shapes
- Refrigerate overnight to firm up
- Store in the fridge for up to a week
These are great dental treats with natural ingredients that help clean your dog’s teeth. The carrot and apple provide a nice crunch without being too hard on sensitive teeth.
9. Frozen Bone Broth Cubes
Sometimes the simplest treats are the best! When I make bone broth for my family, I always save some for the dogs. These frozen cubes are like gourmet popsicles in the dog world.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups unsalted bone broth (homemade or store-bought with no onions or garlic)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Mix ingredients together
- Pour into ice cube trays
- Freeze until solid
- Store in freezer bags
These hydrating treats are packed with collagen that’s great for your dog’s joints and skin. Perfect for senior dogs or hot summer days!
10. Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
Yes, dogs can have chickpeas, and many actually love the taste! These cookie dough bites satisfy the craving for something a bit indulgent without any unhealthy ingredients.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup oat flour
How to Make Them:
- Blend chickpeas in a food processor until smooth
- Add remaining ingredients and pulse until mixed
- Roll into small balls
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours
The protein from the chickpeas makes these great little energy boosters for active dogs. My agility dog gets these as post-training rewards!
11. Watermelon Slushie Treats
Ever seen a dog eating watermelon? It’s possibly the cutest thing ever. These frozen watermelon treats are 99% water so they’re perfect for keeping your pup hydrated.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
- 1 cup coconut water (unsweetened)
- A few mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth
- Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds
- Freeze until solid
These treats are super hydrating and incredibly refreshing on hot days. Just be prepared for pink drool spots on your floor! :/
12. Peanut Butter & Bacon No-Cook Cookies
I’ve saved the best for last! These are what I call the “special occasion” treats because they’re so high value that my dogs would probably solve complex math problems to earn them.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup oat flour
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits (real bacon, not artificially flavored)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Mix peanut butter and honey until smooth
- Stir in remaining ingredients
- Form into cookie shapes
- Refrigerate until firm
The combination of peanut butter and bacon is basically doggy heaven in treat form. I save these for special occasions like birthdays or when I need to give medicine!
Final Thoughts
Making your own dog treats isn’t just economical—it’s also a great way to control exactly what your furry friend is eating. After switching to homemade treats, I’ve noticed less scratching, better energy levels, and even fresher breath in my dogs.
Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, no matter how much they try to convince you otherwise with those puppy eyes!
Have you tried making no-bake treats for your dog? Which recipes were the biggest hits? I’m always looking to expand my doggy treat recipe collection, so let me know your favorites!
In the meantime, grab those ingredients and get mixing—your pup is going to think you’re the best human ever. And isn’t that worth a little time in the kitchen? (The answer is always yes!)