5-Ingredient Easy Homemade Dog Treats You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Ever been stuck at home with a dog giving you those sad puppy eyes while you’re baking something delicious for yourself? I’ve been there more times than I can count! My golden retriever, Max, has perfected the art of making me feel guilty for not sharing my cookies.

But here’s the thing – most human treats aren’t great for our furry friends, and store-bought dog treats can be expensive and filled with weird ingredients I can’t even pronounce.

That’s why I started making my own dog treats at home. And guess what? It’s ridiculously easy! You don’t need to be a master chef or have tons of time on your hands. These 5-ingredient wonders can be whipped up during a commercial break of your favorite show. Seriously!

So let’s get our paws dirty and make some tasty treats that’ll have your pup doing backflips for more. Trust me, the tail wags are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. 🙂

Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Better Than Store-Bought

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why making your own dog treats is actually worth the (minimal) effort.

You know exactly what’s in them. Have you ever flipped over a bag of commercial dog treats and tried to read the ingredient list? It’s like deciphering an alien language sometimes! When you make treats at home, there’s no mystery meat or chemical preservatives – just simple, wholesome ingredients.

They’re budget-friendly. Premium dog treats can cost a small fortune, especially if you have a larger dog or multiple pups. Homemade treats cost a fraction of the price, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

Your dog will love you even more. Okay, I didn’t think this was possible either, but apparently, my dog can love me more than he already did. Who knew?

It’s actually fun. There’s something strangely satisfying about watching your dog go crazy for something you made. It’s like getting a standing ovation for your cooking, but with more drool.

What You’ll Need Before Starting

Before you roll up your sleeves, make sure you have these basic items on hand:

• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie cutters (bone-shaped ones are cute but regular ones work fine)
• A rolling pin (a wine bottle works in a pinch – been there!)

Nothing fancy required! If you’ve ever made cookies for humans, you already have everything you need.

Recipe #1: Peanut Butter Pumpkin Delights

These treats are basically the dog equivalent of a pumpkin spice latte – seasonal, delicious, and your pup will be obsessed with them.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol!)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The dough should be thick but workable.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters or simply use a knife to cut into squares.
5. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges start to golden.
6. Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

Bonus tip: These treats store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or you can freeze them for up to three months. I usually make a double batch and freeze half – future me is always thankful!

Ever noticed how the smell of peanut butter makes dogs come running from anywhere in the house? It’s like they have a sixth sense for it! My dog can be in a deep sleep upstairs, but somehow knows the exact moment I open the peanut butter jar. It’s both impressive and slightly concerning.

Recipe #2: Cheesy Bacon Bites

If your dog is anything like mine, these will make them lose their mind. Cheese AND bacon? It’s like winning the doggy lottery!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 3-4 strips)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until they form a cohesive dough. If it’s too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time.
3. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into small squares or shapes.
4. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Important note: These treats are higher in fat than the others, so they’re best given as an occasional special treat rather than an everyday snack. But hey, we all need a little indulgence sometimes, right? Dogs included!

I made these once for a doggy playdate, and I swear the other dog owners were giving me side-eye because their dogs wouldn’t stop begging at my feet. Sorry not sorry! :/

Recipe #3: Sweet Potato Chews

These one-ingredient wonders barely count as a recipe, but they’re so easy and healthy that I had to include them. They’re basically dog jerky, and pups go nuts for them.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes (as many as you want to make)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (yes, that low!).
2. Wash and dry sweet potatoes thoroughly.
3. Cut sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices.
4. Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they’re dehydrated and chewy.
6. Let cool completely before giving to your dog.

Pro tip: The thickness of your slices will determine how long they need to bake. Thinner slices make crispier treats, while thicker slices stay chewier. Experiment to see what your dog prefers!

These are my go-to when I’m feeling lazy but still want to be a good dog parent. The effort-to-impressed-dog ratio is off the charts with these bad boys.

Recipe #4: Banana Oat Cookies

Got overripe bananas? Don’t waste them on another loaf of banana bread – make these dog treats instead! They’re super healthy and perfect for pups with sensitive tummies.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Cool completely before serving.

These treats are softer than the others, making them perfect for older dogs or puppies. They’re also gentle on the digestive system – great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

IMO, these are the most human-friendly of all the treats. I’ve definitely been tempted to try one myself during a midnight snack attack. They basically smell like banana cookies!

Recipe #5: Frozen Yogurt Bites

For hot summer days, these frozen yogurt treats are absolute lifesavers. They help keep your pup cool and hydrated while giving them something fun to lick and chew.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol!)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 cup chopped strawberries
• 1 banana, mashed

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 3 hours, or until solid.
4. Pop out and serve directly from the freezer.

Safety note: Always supervise your dog when giving them frozen treats to prevent choking hazards, especially for smaller dogs or enthusiastic eaters who might try to swallow them whole.

These are basically doggy ice cream, and what dog doesn’t deserve a little ice cream on a hot day? Mine sits by the freezer whenever he hears me opening it now. I’ve created a monster!

Benefits of These Homemade Treats

Not only will your dog think you’re the best thing since squirrels, but these treats also pack some serious health benefits:

• Better digestion: Real, whole ingredients are easier for dogs to digest than processed foods.
• Allergy management: You can easily avoid ingredients your dog is sensitive to.
• Weight control: You control the portion size and ingredients, making it easier to manage your dog’s calorie intake.
• Dental health: The crunchy textures of many homemade treats can help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth.
• Bonding time: Making treats together is a fun way to bond with both your dog and any kids in your household.

Ingredients to Always Avoid

While we’re focusing on simple, healthy treats, it’s worth mentioning some ingredients that should NEVER find their way into your dog’s treats:

Chocolate: I know you know this one, but it bears repeating. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. It’s found in some peanut butters and many sugar-free products, so always check labels carefully.

Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.

Onions and garlic: These can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

Alcohol: This should be obvious, but just to be clear – no boozy treats for Fido!

When in doubt, a quick Google search can tell you if an ingredient is safe for dogs. Better safe than sorry!

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

You’ve made all these amazing treats, but how do you keep them fresh? Here are my tried-and-true storage methods:

• Counter storage: Most treats will last 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: Extend the life of your treats to 2-3 weeks by storing them in the fridge, especially those with meat or dairy.
• Freezer: Almost all homemade dog treats freeze beautifully for 2-3 months. I like to freeze half the batch right away for later use.

Pro tip: Label your containers with the date you made the treats and what kind they are. Trust me, you won’t remember otherwise, and you’ll be standing in your kitchen playing “guess what these mystery treats are” in a few weeks.

Tailoring Treats to Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is different, and what works for my food-obsessed retriever might not be ideal for your picky Chihuahua. Here’s how to customize these recipes for your pup:

• For senior dogs: Opt for softer treats like the Banana Oat Cookies or add a bit more liquid to recipes to make chewing easier.
• For puppies: Make treats smaller and ensure they’re not too hard for developing teeth.
• For dogs with allergies: Focus on limited-ingredient recipes and avoid common allergens like chicken or beef.
• For overweight dogs: Reduce the honey or sweet elements and cut treats into smaller pieces.

Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Yes, I know those pleading eyes make it hard to resist giving more, but stay strong!

Conclusion

There you have it – five super simple, 5-ingredient dog treats that you can whip up in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite sitcom. Your dog will think you’re the greatest human ever to walk the earth, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into your furry friend’s body.

Have you tried making homemade dog treats before? If not, which recipe are you going to try first? I’d bet money on the Cheesy Bacon Bites – they’re basically irresistible to all canine creatures.

Remember, the joy of homemade dog treats isn’t just in the eating – it’s in the tail wags, the excited dances, and the look of pure love your dog gives you when you reach for that treat jar. And honestly, isn’t that worth 20 minutes of your time?

Now if you’ll excuse me, my dog is giving me The Look, which means it’s treat o’clock around here. Happy baking!