Real talk — life gets busy. Between work, errands, and everything else pulling at your time, making homemade dog treats probably sits somewhere near the bottom of the to-do list. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to.
These ten DIY dog treats take less prep time than most things you’re already doing in the kitchen. No long ingredient lists, no special baking skills required, and no wondering what’s actually in what you’re feeding your dog. Just two real, wholesome ingredients per recipe — most of which are probably already sitting in your kitchen right now.
If you’ve ever flipped over a bag of store-bought dog treats and quietly put it back on the shelf after reading the label — this is for you.
Why Bother Making Homemade Dog Treats at All?
Dog food and treats from the store aren’t automatically bad, but a lot of them are packed with preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers that your dog genuinely doesn’t need. When you make treats at home, you have full control over every single homemade dog food ingredient that goes into your dog’s snacks — and you can make sure they’re getting something wholesome every time.
There’s also the cost angle. Once you’ve got basic ingredients stocked, making your own treats is significantly more affordable than buying from the store — and they tend to be healthier, safer, and fresher too.
And storage? Simpler than people think. Most of these recipes keep in the fridge for up to a week, and nearly all of them can be frozen for a month or longer — which means you can make a big batch once and not think about it again for weeks.
Okay, let’s get into the recipes.
1. Banana Oat Cookies 🍌
Prep: 8 mins | Bake: 12 mins | Makes: 15–20 treats
This is the one to start with if you’ve never made homemade dog treats before. Two ingredients, one bowl, twenty minutes total. The banana pulls double duty here — it binds the dough and sweetens it naturally, so you don’t need eggs or oil or anything extra.
Dogs go absolutely wild for these. Something about the banana-oat combo just works.
You’ll need:
- 1 large ripe banana (the riper the better — more natural sweetness)
- 1 cup rolled oats
How to make them: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth — a fork works fine. Mix in the rolled oats gradually until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into small balls, place on your baking sheet, and press each one flat to about ¼ inch thickness. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely before serving.
Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.
Dog parent tip: A pinch of cinnamon stirred into the dough gives these extra flavor. If your dog is a peanut butter fanatic, a small spoonful mixed in makes these next-level.
2. Beef Liver Strips 🥩
Prep: 15 mins | Dry time: 10–15 hrs (hands-off)
Liver treats are one of those things dogs go genuinely crazy for — and once you know how easy they are to make at home, you’ll never pay pet store prices for them again. Beef liver is one of the most nutrient-dense homemade dog food ingredients you can use, loaded with protein, iron, and vitamins A and B. Cut into strips and slow-dried, they become chewy, intensely flavored rewards that work especially well for training.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb calf or beef liver
- ½ tsp powdered eggshell (optional — adds natural calcium)
How to make them: Cut the liver into thin strips, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. If you want smaller training-sized pieces, cut further into 2 x 3-inch strips. Lay them evenly across dehydrator trays without overlapping, and lightly sprinkle with powdered eggshell if you’re using it. Dehydrate at 160°F (70°C) for 10 to 15 hours, until completely dried out. Let them cool before serving or storing.
Storage: Airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Dog parent tip: Chicken liver works just as well if that’s what your dog prefers, or what’s available. You can also skip the eggshell entirely and dust the strips with a little dried parsley instead for added flavor.
3. Pumpkin Oat Bites 🎃
Prep: 10 mins | Bake: 20 mins | Makes: 12–15 bites
If there’s one ingredient that shows up again and again in homemade dog food recipes for good reason — it’s pumpkin. It’s genuinely one of the best things you can add to a dog’s diet. High in fiber, rich in vitamin A, great for digestion, and most dogs love the taste without needing any convincing.
Paired with oats, this becomes a solid little treat that’s as good for their gut as it is easy to make.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (plain and unsweetened — not pie filling)
- 1 cup rolled oats
How to make them: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the pumpkin and oats together in a bowl until you have a thick, combined mixture. Roll into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each one gently with a fork. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Let them cool fully before your dog gets their paws on them.
Storage: These hold up well in the fridge for a week. For longer storage, freeze them and pull out a few at a time.
Dog parent tip: If you want a smoother texture — more cookie-like — pulse the oats in a blender for a few seconds before mixing. Makes a noticeable difference.
4. Apple Spiced Chips 🍎
Prep: 10 mins | Dry time: 6 hrs (hands-off)
These are the kind of treat that surprises people — light, crunchy, slightly sweet, and dogs absolutely love them. Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, and they’re naturally low in protein and fat, which makes them a good option for dogs that need lower-calorie snacks. The cinnamon adds warmth and a scent that dogs find hard to resist.
You’ll need:
- 2 large apples (cored and thinly sliced)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
How to make them: Slice the apples thinly, about ¼ inch thick — a mandolin gives you the most even slices, but a sharp knife works too. Arrange on dehydrator trays with a little space between each slice for airflow, and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 4 to 6 hours, until dry and leathery. Let them cool completely before serving.
No dehydrator? Bake on a non-stick sheet at 200°F for about 2 hours, flip, then bake for another hour.
Storage: Airtight bag or container in a cool, dry place for up to a month.
Dog parent tip: Soak the slices in a little lemon juice for 5 minutes before dehydrating to stop them browning. Totally optional, but it keeps them looking fresh.
5. Pumpkin Yogurt Freezies 🎃❄️
Prep: 5 mins | Freeze: 4 hrs (hands-off)
Five minutes of prep. That’s genuinely all this takes. Pumpkin puree mixed with plain Greek yogurt, poured into molds, and frozen. The result is a creamy, gut-friendly frozen treat that dogs go after like it’s the best thing they’ve ever tasted. Greek yogurt brings natural probiotics to the table, and pumpkin supports healthy digestion — so these are doing actual work while your dog thinks they’re just getting a snack.
You’ll need:
- 2 cups canned pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
How to make them: Stir the pumpkin and yogurt together in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Spoon or pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays, filling each one completely. Freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until fully solid. Pop them out and serve one at a time.
Storage: Keep in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Dog parent tip: Bone-shaped ice cube trays make these look adorable and are worth the small investment — dogs don’t care, but your photos will thank you. You can also swap the pumpkin for mashed sweet potato if that’s what you have.
6. Sardine Oat Biscuits 🐟
Prep: 8 mins | Bake: 60 mins | Makes: 10–12 biscuits
This one catches people off guard — sardines in dog treats sounds unusual until you realize how much dogs are drawn to fish, and how incredibly good it is for them. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support a healthy coat, joints, and brain function. Combined with oats or coconut flour, they bake into firm, crunchy biscuits with a smell that’ll have your dog sitting very nicely at your feet the entire time.
You’ll need:
- 90g tinned sardines (drained, liquid reserved)
- ¾ cup oatmeal, coconut flour, or rice flour (plus a little extra for rolling)
How to make them: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Mash the drained sardines in a bowl, then mix in the flour and about 1 tablespoon of the reserved liquid. Add a little more liquid if the dough feels too dry. Lightly dust your work surface and knead the dough briefly. Roll it out to about 2–3mm thick, cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, and place on the tray. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until firm and cooked through. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Storage: Airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer.
Dog parent tip: Sardines in spring water work best here. If the sardines don’t give you enough liquid, top it up with a little water, low-salt stock, or plain yogurt. Pilchards, tuna, or salmon are great substitutes too.
7. Sweet Potato Chews 🍠
Prep: 10 mins | Dry time: 6–8 hrs (completely hands-off)
This one is a lifesaver for busy dog owners because the actual active time is about 10 minutes. After that, your oven or dehydrator does the rest while you go about your day.
Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutrient-dense homemade dog food ingredients out there — loaded with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. Turned into chews, they become satisfying, long-lasting treats that keep dogs occupied and support their digestive health at the same time.
You’ll need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tsp beef or chicken bouillon (crumbled, for flavor)
How to make them: Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into ¼ to ½ inch thick rounds — or cut them lengthwise into strips if you prefer. Crumble the bouillon lightly over the slices to coat them. Lay the slices on dehydrator racks without overlapping and dry at 135°F (57°C) for 6 to 8 hours, flipping every hour, until completely crunchy.
No dehydrator? Preheat your oven to 250°F and bake for about 3 hours instead, flipping halfway through.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge. These last well for 1 to 2 weeks when stored properly.
Dog parent tip: Not a fan of bouillon? Skip it and use a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few dog-safe dried herbs instead. Works just as well.
8. Banana Berry Blend 🍌🫐
Prep: 10 mins | Freeze: 4 hrs (hands-off)
If your dog has never had a frozen fruit treat before, this is the one to introduce them to the concept. Overripe bananas blend down silky smooth, and berries — whether raspberries or strawberries — bring natural antioxidants and a tang that dogs find surprisingly appealing. Pour, freeze, done. It really is that simple.
You’ll need:
- 2 overripe bananas (chopped)
- 1 cup raspberries or strawberries (fresh or properly thawed if frozen)
How to make them: Add the banana and berries to a blender and blend until completely smooth. If the mixture feels too thick to pour, add a splash of water to loosen it. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds, filling them evenly. Freeze for about 4 hours, or until solid. Pop them out and serve.
Storage: Sealed freezer bags for up to a month.
Dog parent tip: A mix of both raspberries and strawberries gives you a richer flavor. You can also stir in a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or goat’s milk before freezing if you want a creamier texture.
9. Turkey Jerky Strips 🥩
Prep: 8 mins | Dry time: 8–12 hrs (hands-off)
If your dog is a serious chewer, or if you use treats for training, these are the ones to make. Turkey is a lean, easily digestible protein — and once dried into jerky strips, they hold together well, smell incredible to dogs, and make for genuinely satisfying rewards.
Set them in the dehydrator before bed and you wake up to a full batch ready to go.
You’ll need:
- 1½ lbs boneless turkey breast
- 1 tsp powdered eggshell (optional — adds natural calcium)
How to make them: Trim any visible fat off the turkey breast — this helps it dry properly. Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. Lay the strips across dehydrator trays without overlapping and dust lightly with powdered eggshell if you’re using it. Dehydrate at 165°F for 8 to 12 hours, flipping halfway through, until strips are fully dried and stiff.
Storage: Store in an airtight container. Fine at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
Dog parent tip: This exact same method works with any boneless meat — beef, lamb, duck, chicken. Rotating your proteins keeps your dog’s diet more balanced and stops them from getting bored of the same flavor.
10. Kiwi Yogurt Ice Cream 🥝❄️
Prep: 10 mins | Freeze: 4 hrs (hands-off)
This one earns its place on the list purely for how easy it is and how much dogs love it — especially when it’s warm outside. Ten minutes of actual work, then the freezer handles everything else.
Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic homemade dog food ingredient on its own — it’s a natural probiotic that supports gut health and digestion. Combined with kiwi (rich in vitamins C and K), you’ve got a frozen treat that’s genuinely doing something good for your dog while they enjoy it.
You’ll need:
- 1 large kiwi (peeled and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
How to make them: Blend the kiwi and yogurt together until smooth and creamy. Pour into silicone molds or a standard ice cube tray. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours, or until completely solid. Pop them out and serve one or two at a time.
Storage: Keep in a zip-lock freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to a month.
Dog parent tip: The yogurt base works with pretty much any dog-safe fruit. Blueberries, mango, banana — whatever needs using up in your fruit bowl. Same method, totally different treat.
A Few Practical Things to Keep in Mind
Make it a batch habit. The easiest way to keep up with homemade dog treats without it becoming a chore is to pick one or two recipes per week and make a larger batch. Most treats store well in airtight containers — baked and dried treats in a cool, dry spot, and frozen treats in sealed bags or containers for up to a month. One session a week covers you for everything.
Think about your dog food storage setup. A dedicated shelf, drawer, or small container station in your kitchen makes it easy to stay organized — separate sections for baked treats, dried treats, and a section of the freezer specifically for frozen pops. Having a proper dog food storage idea in place means you’re never scrambling to find where you put things.
Mix up what you make. Dogs can get bored eating the same thing on repeat, just like people do. Rotating between baked, dried, and frozen recipes — and swapping proteins from chicken to beef to turkey to fish — keeps things exciting for them and adds real variety to their overall diet.
When something new goes in, pay attention. Every dog is different, and some have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Introduce new treats slowly and watch for any reaction. If your dog has existing health conditions, it’s always worth a quick conversation with your vet before making changes to what they’re eating.
That’s ten recipes, two ingredients each, and a dog who’s about to start showing a whole lot more interest in what’s happening in your kitchen.
All recipes use dog-safe, natural ingredients with no preservatives or artificial additives. Always ensure ingredients are plain and unsweetened where applicable.