Bake Your Own Dog Treats (+15 Recipes)

Treats – When, Where, and How?

The days when dogs only received treats for correctly executing a command are over. You should give your dog a treat from time to time, for example when you're cuddling together on the sofa or when you've just come home.

However, make sure he doesn't interpret this as training. For example, avoid regularly giving him treats while you're sitting at the dining table. Because every time you sit at the table, he'll beg you for treats. Why? Because he's now made a false connection between the dining table and treats. This can become uncomfortable for both of you. Additionally, your loyal friend should learn that he doesn't only receive these treats when he "passes a test" or "follows your commands nicely." Reward him with a treat for no reason at all sometimes. This way, he'll realise that you're genuinely happy about him, not just when he's been "good."

However, be careful that this bond doesn't turn into begging behaviour. Under no circumstances should you give him treats when he begs for them, jumps up at you, or barks at you. Don't force him to ask for it, and don't hesitate when giving him the treat.

Benefits of Homemade Treats

• Sugar, colouring agents, flavour enhancers, and preservatives found in commercial treats are not present in homemade treats.
• Ingredients can be varied. This way, even dogs with chronic conditions like allergies, diabetes, etc. can enjoy their snack without worry.
• You can put together the ingredients according to your dog's taste.
• You can adjust the size of the snacks to your dog's mouth.

Basic Baking Equipment

Baking dog treats at home is a wonderful way to offer your four-legged friend a healthy and personalised reward. Whether you're a baking beginner or an experienced chef, the right equipment makes baking a breeze. Here's everything you need to get started.

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: For mixing ingredients, especially for tough doughs.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Cookie cutters: For cutting out treats in fun shapes like bones, hearts, or animals.
• Baking tray: Best lined with baking paper so the treats don't stick together.
• Cooling rack: For cooling the treats so they don't become too soft.

Which Ingredients Can I Use, and Which Should I Avoid?

Possible ingredients include: fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, nuts, as well as eggs and grains or flour as a binding agent. Please make sure when selecting ingredients that your dog is not allergic to them. If your dog is intolerant to gluten, use corn flour or buckwheat flour, for example.

Ingredients for healthy dog treats:

• Wholemeal flour or a grain-free alternative: Wholemeal flour is an excellent base for dog treats. For grain-free alternatives, you can use coconut flour, chickpea flour, or buckwheat flour.
• Eggs: They serve as a binding agent and provide additional protein.
• Unsweetened apple sauce or pureed fruit: They provide natural sweetness and moisture.
• Natural peanut butter: Make sure it does not contain xylitol, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
• Meat broth (without onions and garlic) or vegetable broth: Adds flavour and makes the treats irresistible.
• Fresh vegetables or fruit: Carrots, apples, or pumpkin are healthy ingredients.
• Oil: A little coconut or olive oil can provide additional moisture. Try different ingredients to find out what your dog likes best. Always make sure which foods are safe for dogs. Inform yourself about your dog's nutritional needs and allergies to avoid ingredients that could harm them.

Generally, you should avoid the foods listed below, as they are toxic to dogs:

Symptoms of poisoning:

Vomiting, diarrhoea, inflammation of the mucous membranes

How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last?

Wholemeal treats or treats without meat can be stored in a tin or cardboard box in a cool place for two to three weeks. Treats with meat only last a few days and should be fed fresh. They can be kept in the fridge.

If you bake treats in larger batches, you can freeze them in portions and defrost them as needed.

Storing Homemade Dog Treats Properly

Homemade dog treats are a wonderful way to offer your four-legged friend a healthy and loving reward. To keep these goodies as fresh and tasty as possible for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here's how to best store homemade treats.

1. Choose the right ingredients Before you start baking, make sure you use ingredients with a long shelf life. Avoid fresh foods that can spoil quickly, such as fresh meat or fish, unless you plan to consume the treats quickly or store them in the fridge.

2. Let them cool down After baking, let the treats cool down completely. This prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which promotes mould growth.

3. Dry and crispy If you want the treats to last particularly long, bake them until they are hard and crispy. The lower moisture content in the treats reduces the risk of mould growth.

4. Airtight containers Use airtight containers for storage. This protects the treats from moisture and keeps them fresh longer. Glass or metal containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal.

5. Store in a cool, dark place Keep the containers in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight or heat sources can shorten the shelf life of the treats. A kitchen cupboard that is not directly next to the oven or another appliance is often a good storage spot.

6. Fridge or freezer for extra freshness For treats that contain fresh ingredients or need to last particularly long, storing them in the fridge or freezer is ideal. In an airtight container, treats can be kept for up to two weeks in the fridge and several months in the freezer.

7. Regular checks Check the treats regularly for mould or unpleasant odours. If you notice any changes, dispose of the affected treats to avoid putting your dog at risk.

Airtight Storage

Airtight containers can indeed help maintain the freshness of treats by protecting them from air, moisture, and pests. However, it is important that the treats are fully cooled and dry before being sealed in an airtight container.

Moisture in the container, whether from still-warm treats or from a high moisture content in the dough itself, can lead to mould growth. Make sure the treats are truly dry. Treats with a higher moisture content should ideally be stored in the fridge to avoid mould growth. Consider storing the treats in smaller portions so that you only take out as much as you need in the short term. The rest can be kept in the freezer to maintain freshness.

For moister snacks or in humid environments, storage that allows some air circulation, or storage in the fridge, may be the better choice.

Tips & Tricks

Choose Ingredients Wisely

Watch out for toxic foods: Some foods that are harmless to humans can be toxic to dogs. These include onions, garlic, chocolate, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and sweeteners like xylitol. Use high-quality proteins: Cooked chicken, beef, lamb, or fish can be great protein sources for your treats. Make sure everything is well cooked and easily digestible. Incorporate healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or certain plant oils like linseed oil can support your dog's skin and coat.

Pay Attention to the Right Consistency

The consistency of treats depends on the baking time. Longer baking times produce harder treats, which can be good for your dog's teeth. Softer treats are particularly suitable for older dogs or dogs with dental problems.

Watch for Allergies and Intolerances

If your dog has a food allergy or intolerance, adjust the recipes accordingly. Grain-free or hypoallergenic variants can be a good choice.

Portion Sizes

Pay attention to portion size. Homemade treats should supplement your dog's regular diet and make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. Avoid overfeeding! Even though it may be tempting to give your dog lots of treats, it's important to keep an eye on the total food intake to prevent obesity.

Long-term Storage

Well-dried treats last longer. You can dry them for several hours at a low temperature in the oven to extend their shelf life. For longer storage, you can freeze the treats and defrost them as needed.

Observe Your Dog's Reaction

Watch for allergies or intolerances. Observe how your dog reacts to new treats. Symptoms such as itching, digestive problems, or lethargy may indicate an intolerance.

15 Recipes for Treats & Co.

• Have fun baking! Your dog will thank you. It's also good to know that he's not too picky if it doesn't look perfect on the first try. The main thing is that the ingredients are right and it tastes good.*

1. Liverwurst Treats

Ingredients:

• 200 g coarse oats
• 200 g fine oats
• 300 g cottage cheese
• 200 g liverwurst *(only use liverwurst that is suitable for dogs)
• 1 to 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Place the ingredients in a bowl and knead into a firm dough (if the dough consistency is too stiff, mix in a little water).
• Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
• Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the treats on it.
• Place the baking tray in the cold oven. Set the temperature to 180 °C (fan-assisted) and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
• Remove the baking tray and let the treats cool.

2. Treats with Tuna and Carrots

Ingredients:

• 100 g flour
• 1 tin of tuna in its own juice
• 2 carrots
• 1 egg
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
• Grate the carrots.
• Add the egg, tuna with juice, and flour one after another.
• Knead well until a slightly sticky dough forms.
• Take a piece of dough about the size of a walnut and roll it into a ball. Then flatten the ball slightly and place it on the baking paper.
• Repeat until all the dough has been used up.
• Bake at 180 °C for approximately 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the baking tray and flip the treats.
• Bake for another 10 minutes or so.
• Remove the baking tray and let the treats cool.

3. Minced Beef and Quark Treats

Ingredients:

• 150 g quark (soft fresh cheese)
• 6 tbsp milk
• 6 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 egg yolk
• 200 g wholemeal flour
• 100 g to 200 g minced beef
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
• Mix all ingredients together.
• Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
• Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the treats on it.
• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the baking tray and let the treats cool.

4. Treats with Steak Tartare and Rye Flour (for dogs with wheat allergy)

Ingredients:

• 100 g steak tartare (raw minced beef)
• 200 g rye flour
• 50 g fine oats
• 1 egg
• 50 ml organic meat broth (without additives like MSG or yeast)
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 160 °C (fan-assisted).
• Place all ingredients except the meat broth in a bowl and mix well with a mixer.
• Slowly add the meat broth and continue stirring until a uniform dough forms.
• The dough should have a consistency that allows it to be kneaded by hand and rolled out.
• Roll out the dough, cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and place on baking paper.
• Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove the baking tray and let the treats cool.

5. Gluten-Free Liverwurst Treats

Ingredients:

• 100 g corn flour
• 200 g liverwurst or tuna *(only use liverwurst that is suitable for dogs)
• 1 egg
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 160 °C.
• Mix all ingredients together.
• Form the dough into small balls and place them on baking paper on a baking tray.
• Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the baking tray and let the balls cool well.

6. Muffins with Carrots and Apples

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 125 g soft butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup grated apples
• Muffin cases
• Muffin baking tin

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
• Mix the flour, butter, buttermilk, and eggs with a hand mixer.
• Add the carrots and apples and stir.
• Pour the batter into the muffin cases.
• Place the cases in the baking tin and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
• Let the muffins cool well afterwards.

7. Low-Fat Quark Rolls

Ingredients:

• 200 g oats
• 150 g low-fat quark or cottage cheese
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp milk
• 3 tbsp olive or sunflower oil
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 150 °C.
• Knead all ingredients thoroughly with a dough hook.
• Form finger-length rolls from the dough and place them on baking paper.
• Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes and let them cool well.

8. Treats with Dry Food and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of dry dog food
• 1 glass of grated cheese
• 3 tbsp milk
• 2 eggs
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Grind the dry food in a food processor.
• Add the remaining ingredients and stir well until a homogeneous dough forms.
• Either shape the pieces by hand or simply place portions onto baking paper using a measuring spoon. You can also pour the dough into a silicone mould.
• Bake at 180 °C for approximately 20 minutes and let them cool.

9. Wet Food Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 tin of wet dog food (your choice)
• Mashed potatoes or oats as needed to adjust consistency
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• First, puree the wet food very finely with a fork or blender. If the mixture is too runny, the consistency can be adjusted by adding mashed potatoes, oats, etc.
• Take half a teaspoon of the mixture at a time and place it on the baking paper.
• Flatten the portions on the baking paper, e.g. with a fork or the teaspoon.
• Place the baking tray in the middle rack of the oven at 150 °C with top and bottom heat.
• Bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Let the treats cool well afterwards.

Treats with Organic Baby Food

10. Treats with Salmon Baby Food

Ingredients:

• 125 g organic salmon baby food
• 50 ml water
• 200 g buckwheat flour
• 1-2 sprigs of parsley
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients and stir well with a mixer.
• The dough should not be sticky and should be easy to work with a rolling pin.
• Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place the shapes on baking paper.
• Bake at 180 °C for approximately 20 minutes.
• Let them dry overnight.

11. Treats with Carrot Baby Food (Gluten-Free)

Ingredients:

• 125 g organic carrot baby food
• 1 egg
• 150 g polenta (corn meal)
• 50 g buckwheat flour
• Baking paper

Instructions:

• Mix the ingredients and stir well with a mixer.
• The dough should not be sticky and should be easy to work with a rolling pin.
• Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place the shapes on baking paper.
• Bake at 180 °C for approximately 20 minutes.
• Let them dry overnight.

12. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol! Xylitol is toxic to dogs!)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 cups oats

Instructions:

• Stir the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and milk with a mixer for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Switch to the lowest setting and slowly add 2.5 cups of oats until a homogeneous dough forms.
• Take a piece of dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. An ice cream scoop can also be used for this.
• Roll the balls well in the remaining half cup of oats.
• Store the balls in the fridge for about 1 hour until they have firmed up.
• The balls can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

13. Dog Pralines with Fruits and Dog Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 bar of dog chocolate
• Freeze-dried fruits of your choice (make sure they are safe for dogs. Warning! No raisins!)
• Oats as desired
• Praline mould
• Melting bowl

Instructions:

• Break the dog chocolate into pieces and place in a bowl.
• Melt the dog chocolate in a water bath (bain-marie).
• In the meantime, roughly chop the freeze-dried fruits and mix them into the dog chocolate.
• Fill the praline mould with the melted dog chocolate.
• Place the praline mould in the fridge until the dog chocolate has set (approximately 1 hour).

14. Gummy Bears

Ingredients:

• 1/2 beetroot
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 packet ground gelatine
• 125 ml meat broth
• Praline or gummy bear moulds

Instructions:

• Puree the beetroot with an immersion blender.
• Strain the puree through a sieve.
• Mix the juice with gelatine.
• Bring the meat broth to a boil.
• Add the gelatine mixture and stir thoroughly.
• Pour into (gummy bear) moulds.
• Let cool for approximately 1 hour.

15. Yoghurt Peanut Ice Treats (a refreshing snack for hot days)

Ingredients:

• 900 g yoghurt
• 3 tsp peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol! Xylitol is toxic to dogs!)
• 1 large ripe banana
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Silicone moulds

Instructions:

• Slice the banana.
• Blend all ingredients in a blender until the mixture is creamy.
• Fill the silicone moulds with the cream.
• Freeze for at least 2 hours.
• The ice treats can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

I hope you enjoyed these recipe ideas. These were just some of our over 200 recipes for making at home. Download them and always have your recipes with you.