How to Make Pet Safe Treats at Home

Our furry companions bring endless joy to our lives, and what better way to show them love than with homemade dog treats? Making pet-friendly dog treats at home ensures your pup gets nutritious, safe, and delicious snacks—without the preservatives and questionable ingredients often found in store-bought options.

❌ Ingredients to Avoid for Dogs

Not all foods that are safe for humans are safe for dogs. When making treats, never use these:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (a sugar substitute found in some peanut butters)

• Grapes or raisins

• Onions or garlic

• Avocados

• Macadamia nuts

• Salt, sugar, or artificial sweeteners

Even in small amounts, these can be harmful or toxic to dogs—so always double-check your ingredients.

Note: Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts, and consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any ingredients.

✅ Dog-Safe Ingredients You Can Use

These ingredients are safe, healthy, and dog-approved:

• Pumpkin (plain canned) – Great for digestion

• Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) – Tasty and protein-rich

• Bananas – Sweet and full of potassium

• Carrots, blueberries, or apple slices (no seeds) – Low-calorie, crunchy snacks

• Oats or oat flour – Gentle on tummies

• Eggs – Good source of protein and helps hold treats together

• Plain yogurt – Adds probiotics for gut health

🍪 Simple Recipe: Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

🦴 What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 2 eggs

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour or oat flour

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Them:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.

3. Slowly stir in flour until a soft dough forms.

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface (about ¼ inch thick).

5. Use cookie cutters (bone shapes are cute!) to cut out the treats.

6. Place on a lined baking sheet.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until they’re golden and a little firm.

8. Let cool completely before giving one to your pup.

Storage Tip: Keep them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later.

🧊 Cool Down with No-Bake Frozen Treats

Perfect for hot days or just a fun surprise!

🐶 Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yogurt

• ½ cup natural peanut butter

• 1 ripe banana

Instructions:

1. Blend everything together until creamy.

2. Pour into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or small paper cups.

3. Freeze for 2–3 hours or until solid.

4. Pop out and serve for a happy, tail-wagging moment!

🐾 Tips for Success

• Check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially if your dog has health conditions.

• Portion control is key—treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

• Keep it simple: Fewer ingredients often mean fewer risks.

• Label your treats if storing in the freezer, especially if you make different batches.

• Talk to your vet if your pup has special dietary needs or allergies.

• Introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any allergic reactions.

Making your own dog treats is a fun, loving way to care for your pup—and they’ll love you even more for it (if that’s possible!). Whether it’s a crunchy biscuit or a cool frozen snack, homemade dog treats are a paw-some way to say “I woof you.”

So grab those ingredients, call your furry helper into the kitchen, and let the tail-wagging begin!