Training your dog can feel like negotiating with a tiny, fur-covered diva. You hold the leash, they hold the power… until you bring out the right treats.
That’s where soft dog treats save the day. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, these little gems are perfect for rewarding good behavior without slowing down your training flow.
I’ve baked more batches of dog treats than I care to admit—some flopped harder than a wet tennis ball, but others became instant paw-licking hits.
Soft treats have always been my go-to because they’re easy for dogs to chew, especially for puppies, seniors, or any pup with sensitive teeth.
Plus, they disappear quickly (into your dog’s mouth, not onto your floor), which keeps the training session rolling.
In this post, I’ll share 10 super-easy recipes that you can whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you want to reward a “sit” or just spoil your furry best friend with a healthy snack, you’ll find something here that makes tails wag like crazy.
Table of Contents
Why Soft Treats Are Perfect for Training
When you’re teaching your pup new tricks, the last thing you want is for them to spend five minutes crunching down a biscuit while you wait awkwardly. Soft treats are the ultimate training hack because they’re small, quick to chew, and easy on your dog’s mouth.
Quick to Chew, Less Distracting
Dogs learn faster when they can grab a treat and focus back on you. Crunchy treats take time to munch—soft treats keep your dog’s attention locked on the next command.
Gentle on Young or Senior Dog Teeth
Puppies still growing their teeth and older dogs with dental sensitivities appreciate something soft that doesn’t make them work too hard.
Great for Portion Control & Positive Reinforcement
You can easily break soft treats into tiny bits, so you don’t have to worry about overfeeding during long training sessions.
Essential Ingredients for Soft Homemade Dog Treats
You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree to make soft treats your dog will drool over. Most of these are common pantry staples.
Common Pantry Staples
- Peanut butter (unsalted & xylitol-free) – A dog-friendly favorite.
- Bananas – Naturally sweet and great for binding.
- Rolled oats – Add texture and fiber.
- Pumpkin purée – Easy to digest and keeps treats moist.
- Greek yogurt (unsweetened) – Adds protein and softness.
Dog-Safe Flavors Dogs Love
Carrots, apples (without seeds), blueberries, sweet potatoes, chicken, and even a sprinkle of cheese keep tails wagging.
Tips for Storing Ingredients
- Use fresh produce for better flavor.
- Check labels to ensure no artificial sweeteners or added salt.
- Store dry ingredients in airtight containers to keep everything fresh.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Nothing too fancy—just the basics:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone molds or mini muffin pans (for cute shapes)
- Baking sheet
- Food processor or blender (for pureeing sweet potato, pumpkin, or meat)
Pro tip: Silicone molds make cleanup a breeze and pop treats out without a fight.
10 Easy Soft Dog Treat Recipes for Training and Snacks
Each recipe below is quick, beginner-friendly, and made with dog-safe ingredients. Your pup will think you’re a culinary genius.
1. Peanut Butter & Banana Soft Bites
A classic combo—soft, sweet, and irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Scoop small spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until set but still soft.
- Cool completely before serving.
Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
2. Chicken & Oat Soft Chews
Protein-packed and perfect for training rewards.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Blend chicken into a smooth paste.
- Stir in oat flour and egg to form a dough.
- Roll into bite-size balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes until just firm.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
3. Sweet Potato Mash Treats
Naturally sweet and great for pups with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix everything until smooth.
- Spoon into silicone molds.
- Bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Cool before serving.
Storage: Keep in the fridge for 4–5 days.
4. Apple & Carrot Pup Nibbles
Lightly sweet with a soft crunch from grated carrot.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup grated carrots
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a bowl.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a lined sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
5. Pumpkin & Greek Yogurt Softies
Moist, creamy, and ideal for dogs who love pumpkin.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon into silicone molds or a lined pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 12–14 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate for 5 days.
6. Cheesy Oatmeal Soft Squares
Because cheese makes everything better (in moderation!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients thoroughly.
- Press mixture into a parchment-lined baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 15–18 minutes.
- Cut into small squares once cool.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
7. Blueberry & Oat Soft Drops
Perfect bite-size training rewards with a fruity twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Mash banana and mix with blueberries.
- Stir in oat flour to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate for 4 days.
8. Tuna & Rice Soft Training Cubes
Savory, protein-rich, and easy to break apart.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna in water (drained)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Blend tuna and rice into a paste.
- Stir in egg until combined.
- Pour into silicone molds.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze in batches.
9. Soft Beef & Brown Rice Treat Balls
A hearty, meaty option for special rewards.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef (cooked & cooled)
- ½ cup cooked brown rice
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Shape into tiny balls.
- Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes until set but soft.
Storage: Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
10. Banana-Peanut Butter Oat Bars
An easy no-fuss bar you can slice into training-size pieces.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Stir ingredients together until smooth.
- Spread in a lined pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Cool and slice into bars or cubes.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Safety Tips Before You Start
- Avoid harmful ingredients: Never use chocolate, xylitol, grapes, onions, garlic, or raisins.
- Watch portions: Even healthy treats add calories—adjust serving sizes based on your dog’s weight and activity.
- Introduce new ingredients slowly: Check for allergies or sensitivities.
- Always consult your vet if your pup has health conditions or is on a special diet.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Soft Dog Treats
Homemade soft treats don’t have preservatives, so they won’t last as long as store-bought versions.
- Room temperature: Most last just 1–2 days in a sealed container.
- Refrigerator: Typically safe for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Extend freshness up to 2–3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight.
To keep that soft, chewy texture, avoid over-baking and store them in airtight containers.
Training Tips Using Soft Treats
- Keep treats small: Marble-size or smaller works best to prevent overfeeding.
- Reward immediately: Timing is everything—offer a treat right after the desired behavior.
- Be consistent: Use the same treat or reward system during each session.
- Stay positive: Pair treats with verbal praise for stronger results.
Final Thoughts
Training your dog doesn’t have to be a battle of wills—or a race to empty your wallet on pricey store-bought treats. These 10 easy soft dog treat recipes prove that you can whip up tasty, wholesome rewards with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
I’ve seen my own dogs’ eyes light up when I pull a fresh batch from the oven—honestly, it’s the kind of excitement that makes the little messes in the kitchen worth it. The best part? You control every ingredient, so you know exactly what’s fueling your pup’s tail-wagging enthusiasm.
So, grab your mixing bowl and a baking sheet—your furry friend is about to become your most loyal (and possibly drool-happy) taste-tester. Training just got a whole lot tastier, and snack time a whole lot healthier.
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.