10 Easy 2-Ingredient Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

You know that moment when your dog sits there giving you those wide, soulful eyes like they haven’t eaten in weeks—even though they just had dinner ten minutes ago? Yeah, that. If you’ve ever caved in and tossed them a store-bought biscuit only to later wonder what on earth was in it, you’re not alone.

As a pet-loving dentist (yes, we think about teeth even when we’re off-duty), I’m all about simple, wholesome treats that keep both tails and gums healthy.

Homemade dog treats don’t need to feel like a science project with twenty ingredients and a blender that costs more than your phone.

Sometimes, less really is more. That’s why today I’m sharing ten ridiculously easy 2-ingredient dog treats that save time, spare your wallet, and—most importantly—get that enthusiastic tail-wag of approval.

So, grab your mixing bowl (or just a spoon—most of these barely need equipment), pick your pup’s favorite flavors, and let’s whip up some goodies that prove you don’t have to be a chef to keep your furry friend happy.

Why Keep It Simple? The Magic of 2-Ingredient Treats

Ever wonder why your dog seems more excited about a single crunchy carrot than a pricey gourmet treat? Dogs don’t need complicated recipes—they just want something tasty and safe. And honestly, fewer ingredients mean fewer chances of triggering allergies or upsetting their tummy.

Healthier Choices, Fewer Fillers

When you keep things minimal, you skip the random additives, preservatives, and colorants that sneak into many commercial dog treats. Two natural ingredients often mean better digestion and healthier teeth. Plus, you know exactly what’s going into your pup’s snack, which—IMO—is priceless.

Budget-Friendly & Quick to Make

Raise your hand if you’ve stood in a pet-store aisle, eyeing a tiny bag of fancy treats that costs more than your lunch. Yeah, no thanks. With just two ingredients, you can whip up batches at home for a fraction of the price. Your wallet stays happy, and your dog thinks you’re a culinary genius.

Perfect for Busy Pet Parents

Between work, errands, and trying to remember if you actually watered your plants this week, who has time for complicated recipes? With these quick combos, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time tossing treats to your pup—aka the fun part.

Safety Tips Before You Start

Before you go full Gordon Ramsay in your kitchen, there are a few things worth keeping in mind to keep your pup safe and wagging:

Check for Allergies

Just like humans, some dogs react badly to certain foods—peanuts, dairy, wheat, or even specific proteins. Introduce new ingredients slowly and in small amounts. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with your vet can save a lot of guesswork (and potential tummy troubles).

Portion Control Matters

Homemade doesn’t automatically mean “eat as much as you want.” Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Smaller dogs need tinier treats—think snack-size, not buffet-size.

Storing Homemade Treats Safely

Two-ingredient treats don’t have the preservatives that store-bought versions do, which is a win for health but means they spoil faster. Refrigerate or freeze most recipes to keep them fresh longer, and always toss anything that looks or smells off.

10 Easy 2-Ingredient Dog Treat Recipes

Here comes the fun part—actually making the goodies. Each of these recipes is quick to prep, doesn’t need fancy equipment, and will leave your pup drooling on the kitchen floor (fair warning: you might too).

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

When in doubt, go with the classic combo that’s basically the peanut-butter-and-jelly of the dog world.

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ cup unsalted xylitol-free peanut butter.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mash the banana until smooth.
     
  2. Stir in the peanut butter until fully combined.
     
  3. Roll into small balls or spoon into silicone molds and freeze for at least 2 hours.
     

Why it’s great: Bananas add natural sweetness and fiber, while peanut butter brings protein. It’s chewy, creamy, and perfect for training rewards.

2. Pumpkin & Oat Cookies

Pumpkin isn’t just for fall—it’s great for digestion all year long.

• Ingredients: ½ cup pure pumpkin purée (no added sugar), 1 cup quick oats.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mix pumpkin and oats into a thick dough.
     
  2. Spoon small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
     
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until firm.
     

Why it’s great: These soft, fiber-packed bites are easy on sensitive stomachs and make your kitchen smell amazing.

3. Apple & Greek Yogurt Pops

Hot day? Skip the ice cream—your dog will love these frosty pops.

• Ingredients: 1 apple (peeled, cored, finely diced), ½ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Stir diced apple into the yogurt.
     
  2. Spoon the mix into ice-cube trays or silicone molds.
     
  3. Freeze for 2-3 hours or until solid.
     

Why it’s great: Apples offer crunch and vitamin C; yogurt adds probiotics that support digestion.

4. Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky

For pups who go wild for meaty chews.

• Ingredients: 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 small sweet potato (peeled).
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Slice chicken and sweet potato into thin strips.
     
  2. Lay them on a lined baking sheet.
     
  3. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours until chewy and dried.
     

Why it’s great: This jerky is high in protein and has a satisfying texture that keeps your dog busy.

5. Tuna & Egg Mini Muffins

Got a fish-loving pup? This one’s for them.

• Ingredients: 1 can tuna in water (drained), 2 large eggs.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Whisk eggs in a bowl, fold in tuna.
     
  2. Spoon mixture into mini muffin tins.
     
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until firm.
     

Why it’s great: Protein-packed, easy to portion, and makes great training bites.

6. Carrot & Peanut Butter Chews

Crunchy, savory, and healthy—this one’s a hit with veggie-friendly pups.

• Ingredients: 1 cup finely grated carrots, ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Stir carrots into peanut butter until well coated.
     
  2. Spoon or shape into small patties.
     
  3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
     

Why it’s great: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene for eye health, and the texture is naturally satisfying.

7. Blueberry & Oat Balls

A fruity pick-me-up for snack time.

• Ingredients: ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup quick oats.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mash blueberries lightly with a fork.
     
  2. Stir in oats to form a sticky mixture.
     
  3. Roll into bite-size balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
     

Why it’s great: Blueberries are antioxidant-rich and pair well with oats for a soft, wholesome snack.

8. Cheddar & Pumpkin Squares

A cheesy twist that smells irresistible while baking.

• Ingredients: ½ cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, ½ cup pumpkin purée.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mix both ingredients into a thick paste.
     
  2. Spread mixture evenly in a parchment-lined baking dish.
     
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes; cool, then cut into squares.
     

Why it’s great: The combo of cheese and pumpkin makes these a savory-sweet crowd-pleaser.

9. Banana & Coconut Drops

For pups who like softer, melt-in-the-mouth treats.

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut.
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mash banana and fold in coconut until well combined.
     
  2. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking tray.
     
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
     

Why it’s great: Naturally sweet, easy to digest, and has a pleasant chew.

10. Salmon & Rice Patties

A hearty treat that’s great for skin and coat health.

• Ingredients: ½ cup cooked salmon (flaked), ½ cup cooked rice (plain).
  
• Instructions:
  
  1. Mix salmon and rice thoroughly.
     
  2. Shape into small patties or balls.
     
  3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
     

Why it’s great: Omega-3s from salmon help maintain a shiny coat, while rice makes the treat filling yet gentle on the stomach.

Tips for Storing and Serving Treats

Making the treats is only half the battle—keeping them fresh and serving them the right way matters just as much.

• Refrigeration Is Your Friend: Most homemade treats last 3–5 days in the fridge. If you’ve made a big batch, pop half into the freezer right away.
  
• Freezing for Longevity: Many of these recipes (like the salmon patties or yogurt pops) can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  
• Airtight Containers: Always use airtight containers or zip-top bags to keep moisture out and flavors in.
  
• Serve in Moderation: Remember, even healthy treats shouldn’t become a meal replacement—10% of daily calories is the magic number.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even easy recipes have a few pitfalls worth watching out for.

• Skipping Ingredient Labels: Always check labels for harmful additives like xylitol, artificial sweeteners, or excess salt.
  
• Overbaking or Undercooking: Overbaking can make treats rock-hard, while underbaking can leave them soggy or spoil faster.
  
• Forgetting Portion Size: Giving too many treats (especially to small dogs) can quickly add extra pounds.
  

Final Thoughts – Happy Pups, Happy Parents

If you’ve ever thought making dog treats at home was too time-consuming or complicated, I hope this list proves otherwise. With just two ingredients, you can whip up snacks that are healthier, cheaper, and way more tail-wag-inducing than most store-bought treats.

The beauty of these recipes is their flexibility—once you know your dog’s favorites, you can safely experiment with ingredient swaps. Want to swap blueberries for strawberries? Go for it (as long as it’s dog-safe).

So, what are you waiting for? Pick one recipe, grab your mixing bowl, and watch your pup’s eyes light up. IMO, nothing beats the satisfaction of treating your furry friend to something you made yourself.