If you’ve ever glanced at a bag of store-bought dog treats and muttered, “What on earth is half of this stuff?”—yeah, I’ve been there too. Between the preservatives, fillers, and the price tag that makes you do a double-take, it’s enough to wonder if your pup’s snacks are secretly gourmet meals.
Here’s the good news: homemade dog training treats are easier, healthier, and way cheaper than you think. I still remember the first time I whipped up a batch of peanut-butter-oat bites for my own dog.
The tail-wagging frenzy that followed made me feel like I’d just unlocked the secret to dog-parent happiness.
Whether you’re training your new puppy to “sit” without bribing them with your entire dinner roll, or just want a more wholesome way to spoil your four-legged pal, these recipes will change the game. And trust me—your dog doesn’t care if your treats aren’t shaped like fancy little bones.
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Dog Training Treats Rock
Healthier Ingredients = Happier Pups
You know what’s great about going the DIY route? You control every single ingredient. No sneaky fillers, no mystery meat “flavoring,” and definitely no scary additives that sound like a science experiment.
When you pick wholesome stuff like peanut butter, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples, and oats, you know your pup’s snack is basically doggy clean-eating.
Budget-Friendly and Customizable
Store-bought treats often feel like you’re paying extra for cute packaging. Making your own means you spend way less and can customize recipes to fit your dog’s taste or dietary needs.
Got a pup with a chicken allergy? Swap it for turkey. Need grain-free options? Oats and coconut flour have your back.
Perfect for Training Rewards
Training sessions can go through a LOT of treats—ask me how I know. Homemade treats let you keep portions small and low-calorie, so you can reward your pup without worrying about packing on the pounds.
Plus, you can shape them into tiny bits that won’t slow down your training flow.
Key Tips Before You Start Mixing & Baking
Dog-Safe Ingredients to Use
Here’s a cheat sheet of my go-to favorites:
- Peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- Pumpkin puree (unsweetened, plain)
- Sweet potatoes (baked or boiled)
- Oats (rolled or quick oats)
- Apples & blueberries (great for fiber & antioxidants)
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners)
Ingredients to Avoid at All Costs
Your dog’s health isn’t worth the risk—skip these entirely:
- Chocolate (even white chocolate isn’t safe)
- Xylitol (common in sugar-free peanut butter)
- Grapes & raisins
- Onions & garlic
- High salt or sugar
Pro tip: When in doubt, Google the ingredient first. A quick check can save you an expensive vet trip.
Storage & Shelf-Life Tips
Fresh food means a shorter shelf-life than store-bought stuff.
- Room temp: 3–5 days (airtight jar or container)
- Fridge: Up to 1–2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 2–3 months for most treats
I always label and date my batches (learned the hard way after discovering a fuzzy blue biscuit in the jar—yikes).
15 Homemade Dog Training Treat Recipes
1. Peanut Butter & Oat Bites – The All-Time Favorite
Peanut butter is basically the Beyoncé of dog treats—every pup goes wild for it.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Blend oats in a food processor until slightly coarse.
- Stir in peanut butter and applesauce until combined.
- Roll into bite-sized balls (think pea-sized for training).
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 10 days or freeze for 2 months.
2. Cheesy Mini Biscuits – For the Cheese-Obsessed Pup
If your dog’s ears perk up at the word “cheese,” you’ll love this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp water (add more if dough feels too dry)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour and cheese in a bowl.
- Stir in the egg and water until dough forms.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thick and cut into small squares or circles.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Tip: For crunchy biscuits, leave them in the turned-off oven for 10 minutes after baking.
3. Pumpkin & Banana Soft Chews – Gentle on Tummies
Perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs—plus, it smells like autumn in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana
- ½ cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mash banana and pumpkin together until smooth.
- Stir in oat flour to create a soft dough.
- Spoon small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until slightly firm but still chewy.
Note: Refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze in small portions.
4. Sweet Potato Training Cubes – Naturally Sweet and Nutritious
These are tiny but mighty—loaded with fiber and beta-carotene.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp chicken broth (low-sodium)
Instructions:
- Steam sweet potato cubes until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Toss cubes lightly with chicken broth.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
5. Apple & Cinnamon Crunchy Chips – Smells Like Fall
Smells so good you’ll be tempted to snack on them too (no shame, I’ve tried).
Ingredients:
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (remove seeds)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
- Arrange apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
- Bake for 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- Cool completely before storing.
Storage: Keep in an airtight jar for up to a week.
6. Chicken & Rice Mini Balls – High-Protein Motivation
This recipe is the ultimate high-value reward for serious training sessions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (skinless, boneless)
- ½ cup cooked white rice
- 1 egg (optional, for binding)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, freshens breath)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine chicken, rice, and egg in a mixing bowl.
- Roll mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
Pro Tip: For extra moisture, drizzle a tiny bit of low-sodium chicken broth before serving.
7. Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Drops – Summer Coolers
Perfect for hot days when your pup needs something cool after a training session.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt (no artificial sweeteners)
- ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions:
- Puree yogurt and blueberries until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe small drops onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours until solid.
Storage: Keep frozen in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
8. Carrot & Parsley Nibble Sticks – Fresh Breath Treats
These crunchy sticks help with breath while keeping your pup busy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrot
- ½ cup oat flour
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll dough into thin stick shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 20–25 minutes until crisp.
Tip: For softer sticks, reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
9. Tuna & Oat Soft Squares – For the Fish-Loving Doggo
The strong aroma makes these treats irresistible—perfect for recall training.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (drained)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash tuna with egg, then stir in oat flour.
- Spread the mixture onto a greased baking dish (about ½ inch thick).
- Bake for 15 minutes, then cut into tiny squares once cooled.
Note: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
10. Beef & Spinach Mini Muffins – Iron-Rich Energy Boost
For active dogs that need a protein-packed reward.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked ground beef (lean)
- ½ cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Spoon into greased mini muffin tins (fill halfway).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until firm.
Pro Tip: Freeze extra muffins and thaw them overnight in the fridge before use.
11. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Mini Cookies – A Double Delight
Combines two pup-approved favorites—pumpkin and peanut butter.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Stir all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for 7–10 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
12. Coconut & Oat Bliss Bites – Gluten-Free Chews
Light, chewy, and perfect for pups with grain sensitivities.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until sticky.
- Shape into bite-sized balls.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving.
Note: Store chilled for 7 days or freeze for longer freshness.
13. Turkey & Sweet Potato Jerky-Style Strips – Chewy & Savory
A healthier alternative to store-bought jerky snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey
- ½ cup cooked mashed sweet potato
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
- Mix turkey, sweet potato, and egg into a thick paste.
- Spread thinly on a parchment-lined tray.
- Bake for 2–3 hours until dried and chewy.
Pro Tip: Cut into strips while warm for cleaner edges.
14. Pea & Mint Green Crunchers – Light & Refreshing
A colorful, refreshing snack that’s perfect for picky eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked peas (mashed slightly)
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Shape into tiny discs or bones.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes until firm.
Tip: Cool completely before storage to keep crunchiness intact.
15. Banana & Honey Soft Drops – A Sweet Reward for Good Boys
This one smells so good you’ll wonder if it’s secretly dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for older dogs only)
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mash banana with honey until smooth.
- Stir in oat flour to create a thick batter.
- Spoon small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes until set but still soft.
Storage: Refrigerate for 5–7 days or freeze in small batches.
Portion Control & Training Tips
- Size matters: Make smaller treats (pea-sized) for small breeds and slightly larger ones for bigger dogs.
- Training frequency: Offer 1–2 treats per successful command; avoid overfeeding during long sessions.
- Pair with praise: Combine treats with verbal rewards to reduce treat dependency over time.
- Rotate recipes: Switch up flavors weekly to keep your dog excited about training.
Storing & Preserving Your Homemade Treats
Homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, so proper storage is key:
- Use airtight containers or zip-top bags to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate or freeze treats you don’t use within a few days.
- Label and date every batch to avoid accidental spoilage.
- Consider using silica gel packs (non-toxic and food-safe) in containers to control moisture.
Final Thoughts
Making your dog’s training treats at home isn’t just about saving money or skipping the preservatives—it’s about bonding. There’s something wholesome about knowing exactly what goes into each bite your pup enjoys.
I can’t count how many times my dog sat before I even said “sit”—all because he spotted his favorite peanut butter & oat bites. That wagging tail? Priceless.
Homemade treats give you the chance to tailor rewards to your pup’s taste, health needs, and personality. So grab your mixing bowls, channel your inner chef, and start baking your way to better training sessions.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Little Pets Realm. I share important tips, advice and answer all the queries to solve various problems about small pets such as guinea pigs and hamsters on this website.