Homemade Dog Treat Recipes: Simple, Nutritious Snacks for Dogs

Last Updated February 6th, 2023 at 11:58 am by Lisa

Your dog will adore these homemade dog treats. Each biscuit is packed with pumpkin, peanut butter, spinach, zucchini, carrots, and oats for a nutritious snack.

Cut them into fun shapes or personalize them with your pet’s name using a cookie cutter. My Shih Tzu Sassy gives these her full approval — and I think your dog will too.

Meet Sassy, my 10-year-old Shih Tzu. Don’t let her ice-blue eyes fool you — she lives up to her name. She’s spirited, sassy, and has a big personality packed into just over ten pounds. She patrols the yard, chases skateboards, and keeps an eye on the garden, especially when raven birds arrive.

She’s a handful and incredibly expressive. One thing always gets her attention: the word C-O-O-K-I-E! She’ll carry a treat around slowly, savoring it, then crunch it down in a single delighted moment.

To be honest, I worried Sassy might be picky about these, but she surprised me and loved them while I photographed them in my studio. So yes — they’re dog-approved.

Use any cutter you like, and if you want to personalize them with your dog’s name, a name-shaped cutter makes them extra special.

How To Make Homemade Dog Treats

• 1 cup organic canned pumpkin
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour (plus more as needed)
• ½ cup carrot (about 2 carrots, peeled and shredded)
• ½ cup zucchini (1 small zucchini, shredded)
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Yield: About 48 small treats or 24 large, depending on cutter size.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Grate or finely chop the zucchini, carrot, and spinach. You want the vegetables finely mixed so they incorporate evenly into the dough.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high for 1–2 minutes until well combined.
4. Add the oats and 2½ cups of flour gradually on low speed. Add the remaining flour a little at a time until the dough stops sticking to the bowl. Fold in the shredded vegetables until evenly distributed.
5. Generously flour your work surface. The dough will be sticky and firm — add extra flour as needed. Knead 3–4 times, then roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Flour the cutter between cuts so it won’t stick, and place cut treats on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake until the edges are golden brown, about 30 minutes.
7. Turn off the oven and let the biscuits cool and dry in the oven overnight with the oven light on. This helps them firm up without overbaking.
8. After removing them, allow the treats to dry on the counter for a few days to remove remaining moisture. Store completely cooled and dry biscuits in an airtight container in the freezer for several months. Thaw on the counter for 20 minutes before serving.

Personalized Cookie Cutter

When cutting treats, keep flouring both the work surface and the cutter so pieces release cleanly. Personalized bone-shaped cutters or simple cookie cutters both work well and make the treats special.

Tip: Small, personalized cutters make great gifts and add a sweet finishing touch to homemade biscuits.

These dog biscuits are not baked to the same hard, dehydrated texture as commercial treats, so storing them in the freezer is important to prevent molding. Some dogs enjoy them straight from the freezer — they thaw quickly and make a refreshing snack.

Dry and Store Your Dog Treats

Let the baked treats dry well for a few days on the counter to remove extra moisture. Then store the fully dried biscuits in an airtight container in the freezer for several months.

Before serving, set frozen treats on the counter for about 20 minutes to soften slightly. Your dog will love them.

The word “cookie” now means wagging tail, a lifted paw for maximum cuteness, and a tasty reward. These treats are a simple, healthy way to show your dog some extra love.

Make Homemade Dog Food

Homemade dog food can be customized for your pet’s needs and is a fresh, nutritious option that freezes well. Including a variety of vegetables ensures a balanced, interesting diet for your dog.