Easy Homemade Dog Treats

Product Sample

Have you ever ate your dog’s treats? No? Just me? What can I say, if they’re labeled human grade, I’ll try them. I never expected to enjoy eating any dog treats… but all that has changed.

I recently popped into one of my favorite pet shops only to notice a staggering increase in the price of dog treats. (And it’s not just this shop, I noticed the same thing at the big box stores too!) I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to dog treats, so a small-ish bag of dog cookies will set me back anywhere from $6-8. Let’s be real – I can’t leave without more than one, so $20 later… you get my drift. It’s pretty spendy.

With the holidays upon us, what could make a more perfect gift to a pet owner than some easy homemade dog treats? And wouldn’t it be even cuter if they were packaged in a treat jar or dog bowl? When Waggo offered to send me a couple to try (as well as an amazing dog bed, which you can win in my holiday gift guide giveaway!), I knew these would make a fabulous gift.

With a couple of recipes under my belt (and a few ideas of my own), I set off to create a couple of dog treats that Rigby would love, and won’t cost me more than some ingredients I already had in my pantry. As much as I enjoy baking, I’m no professional, so I know anyone can make these too!

Homemade Banana Coconut Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients
– 1 Small Banana, mashed
– 1 c flour (I used regular flour, but if your dog is allergic sub oat or rice) plus extra for dusting
– 1/2 c old fashioned rolled oats
– 1/4 c unsweetened flaked coconut
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp ground flaxseed
– 1½ tsp Peanut Butter
– 1½ tsp Coconut Oil

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash your banana.
3. Add egg to banana mash, beat together.
4. Add the rest of your ingredients to the egg-banana mash, mix well.
5. Dust your workspace with flour, and then roll out your dough and cut into shapes if you desire. Alternatively, roll your dough into small balls and press onto lined or greased (with coconut oil) cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until treats are golden brown and completely hardened. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for later.

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats

Ingredients
– 1 c flour (I used regular, but if your dog is sensitive, sub oat or rice) plus extra for dusting
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground flaxseed
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 c pumpkin puree (not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling, the ingredients list should only show pumpkin)
– 1½ tsp coconut oil

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix pumpkin puree and coconut oil in a mixing bowl.
3. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin-coconut oil mixture. Mix well.
4. Dust your work space with flour, and then roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters if desired. Alternatively, you can roll your dough into small balls and press them onto a lined or greased (with coconut oil) baking sheet.
5. Bake in the oven for about one hour, or until treats are completely hardened. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for later.

Dehydrated Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Ingredients
– Sweet Potatoes (yep – that’s it!)

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into thin rounds (or whatever shape you’d like).
3. Place on a lined baking sheet, then pop it in the oven for about 6-8 hours, checking on them occasionally until the desired doneness is reached. (I left mine in the oven until the centers were completely dried through.)

With your treats all baked and ready to go, fill up your treat container of choice (dog bowl or treat jar), personalize it, then wrap it all up! I love that Waggo’s bowl and jars both have a cute little chalkboard section where you can write a pet’s name, a special message, or draw the special recipient! With a sturdy feel and a classic shape, either a bowl or a treat jar are sure to be a hit. Waggo will take 15% off sitewide if you enter code RIGBY at checkout!  (No pressure, this is not an affiliate code.) Pick up a few gifts, or a gift for you and your pet. I won’t judge.

And hey, if the dog doesn’t like the treats, maybe the pet owner will like them! ;)

What do you like to give to pet owners for the holidays? Any dog treat recipes you’ve tried and had success with? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!