Let’s be honest—our dogs run the house, don’t they? They’ve got us wrapped around their paws. And if you’ve ever watched those puppy eyes while you’re eating a cookie, you’ve probably thought, “Why can’t you have one too?” Well, good news—you can totally whip up homemade dog cookies that are both healthy and tail-wagging delicious.
I’ve baked for my pup more times than I can count (and, okay, sometimes I’ve tasted them too—don’t judge).
So, if you want treats that make your dog drool and keep their health in check, you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk ingredients, flavors, and how to make these seven amazing dog cookie recipes that even the pickiest pup will love.
Table of Contents
Why Make Homemade Dog Cookies?
Ever flipped a store-bought treat bag and tried to pronounce the ingredients? Yeah… “propylene glycol,” “BHA,” and “meat by-products” don’t exactly sound delicious—or natural. Making treats at home means you know exactly what goes into your dog’s mouth.
Here’s why homemade treats rule:
- No weird additives: Just real, wholesome food.
- Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than premium store-bought biscuits.
- Customizable: Perfect if your dog’s allergic to certain grains or proteins.
- Fun and rewarding: Watching your dog’s excitement as you bake is honestly the best part.
Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to fit your pup’s dietary needs. Got a grain-free dog? Easy fix. Need low-fat snacks? Done.
A Few Quick Tips Before You Bake
Before we jump into the cookie recipes, here are a few things I’ve learned from my own kitchen experiments (some successful… others, let’s just say the dog gave me “the look”):
- Avoid toxic ingredients: No chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, xylitol, or excessive salt.
- Choose natural sweeteners: Go for unsweetened applesauce, pure pumpkin, or banana instead of sugar.
- Pick a safe flour: Whole wheat, oat, rice, or coconut flour are all dog-friendly.
- Storage matters: Keep cookies in an airtight jar or fridge for up to two weeks. Freeze extras for later.
Alright, apron on? Let’s bake some puppy-approved magic.
1. Peanut Butter & Oat Dog Cookies
Let’s start with the classic. Peanut butter and dogs? Name a more iconic duo—I’ll wait.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until a thick dough forms.
- Roll it out and cut into cute shapes (I usually go with bones, obviously).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
These cookies smell so good you’ll be tempted to try one yourself—and honestly, you could. They’re 100% safe for humans too (just maybe a bit bland).
Pro tip: Always use xylitol-free peanut butter. That sweetener is deadly for dogs, no joke.
2. Pumpkin & Banana Soft Cookies
Perfect for pups with sensitive teeth or seniors who need softer snacks. Plus, the combo of pumpkin and banana gives your dog a vitamin-packed boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mash banana and mix with pumpkin and egg.
- Stir in oat flour until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Soft, chewy, and full of fiber—these treats support digestion and taste amazing. My dog legit waits by the oven every time I make them.
Why it’s healthy: Pumpkin supports gut health, while banana adds potassium and natural sweetness.
3. Apple Cinnamon Crunch Cookies
If your house smells like a candle store after baking these, you’re welcome.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (finely grated, peel off if preferred)
- 2 cups oat flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll out dough and cut into small rounds.
- Bake for 30 minutes until firm and slightly golden.
Why dogs love it: The apple adds natural sweetness, and the cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar (in small doses).
FYI: Cinnamon is totally fine for dogs in small quantities, but don’t go wild with it.
4. Sweet Potato & Oat Cookies
Sweet potato = doggo superfood. Packed with vitamins A and C, it’s amazing for coat health and digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed, cooked sweet potato
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until you get a slightly sticky dough.
- Scoop out spoonfuls, flatten them, and bake for 20 minutes.
That’s it—three ingredients. Could it be any easier?
Pro tip: Mash the sweet potato until smooth for the best texture.
And just wait till your kitchen smells like fall heaven. My dog usually starts “guarding” the oven by this point.
5. Chicken & Parsley Cookies
Not all cookies have to be sweet. This one’s for the dogs who prefer savory snacks.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chicken, flour, parsley, and egg.
- Gradually add broth until the dough comes together.
- Roll and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 25 minutes until firm.
Why it rocks: Chicken gives a protein punch, parsley freshens breath (seriously—it works), and the smell? Absolutely irresistible.
Ever seen your dog inhale food like they haven’t eaten in days? Yeah, expect that.
6. Carrot & Apple Delight Cookies
This one’s basically a dog-friendly version of carrot cake. Minus the sugar rush.
Ingredients:
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 grated apple
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all ingredients and stir well.
- Roll out and cut into small cookies.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until slightly crisp.
These cookies come out golden, chewy, and naturally sweet. The mix of carrot and apple makes it a vitamin bomb—great for your dog’s skin, coat, and eyes.
IMO, these are perfect as training rewards too—small, soft, and packed with flavor.
7. Blueberry Coconut Cookies
Okay, this one’s for the fancy pups. If your dog likes the finer things in life (or just thinks they do), they’ll love this antioxidant-packed treat.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, no sugar added)
- 2 cups coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Blend blueberries slightly for smaller chunks.
- Mix with flour, egg, and oil. Add water if the dough feels dry.
- Form small balls and flatten gently.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
The coconut gives these cookies a subtle tropical flavor, and the blueberries? Antioxidant heaven. Perfect for boosting your dog’s immune system and keeping them energized.
Pro tip: If your dog’s a messy eater, these cookies might stain light-colored fur (been there). So, maybe serve them outside.
Fun Ways to Make Treat Time More Special
You don’t need to just hand your dog a cookie. Where’s the fun in that? Try these ideas:
- Cookie hunt: Hide a few around the room and let your pup sniff them out.
- Training rewards: Break cookies into smaller bits for positive reinforcement.
- Gifting idea: Bake a batch, wrap in kraft paper, and gift to fellow dog parents.
Nothing says “I love your dog” like a homemade snack.
Storing and Preserving Dog Cookies
You’ve baked a mountain of cookies (because, of course, you did). Now what?
Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 week at room temp.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
If you freeze them, thaw a few at a time overnight. They’ll still taste great and save you from baking every other day.
What Makes These Treats Healthy?
Each cookie on this list packs its own nutritional punch. Let’s break it down:
- Oats: Gentle on digestion, packed with fiber.
- Peanut butter: Great source of protein and healthy fats.
- Pumpkin: Regulates digestion and boosts immunity.
- Carrots & apples: Loaded with vitamins A and C.
- Sweet potatoes: Promote shiny coats and healthy eyes.
- Chicken: Pure protein for muscle health.
- Blueberries: Fight inflammation and boost immunity.
Healthy, simple, and delicious. You can’t ask for more.
Common Questions About Homemade Dog Cookies
1. Can I use regular flour?
Yes, but it’s not ideal for every dog. Some pups have sensitivities to wheat, so test small batches first.
2. How many cookies can I give my dog daily?
Depends on size and activity level. For small dogs, 1–2 a day is fine. For large breeds, 3–4 should be okay.
3. Can I mix multiple recipes together?
Sure—but stick to similar textures. Don’t combine a wet pumpkin base with a dry coconut mix, or you’ll end up with… something unrecognizable.
4. Do I need fancy equipment?
Nope. Just a bowl, spoon, and oven. Though cookie cutters shaped like bones are basically mandatory, IMO.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog cookies isn’t just about feeding your pet—it’s about bonding. When you bake for your dog, you’re giving them love in snack form. And honestly, that’s the kind of happiness money can’t buy.
Start simple. Try one recipe, see what your dog likes best, and adjust from there. You’ll figure out their favorites in no time (mine’s obsessed with pumpkin banana).
So, what’s stopping you? Go grab that mixing bowl, toss on some music, and bake your furry best friend something amazing. Because at the end of the day, their wagging tail is the only approval rating you’ll ever need.
I’m Pallab Kishore, the owner of Little Pets Realm — an animal lover and pet care enthusiast sharing easy tips, healthy recipes, and honest advice to help every small pet live a happy, healthy, tail-wagging life.