Ever caught your pup giving you that “I want one too” look while you’re slicing into a loaf of homemade sourdough? Yeah, me too. That’s how this whole thing started. One morning, while I was toasting a fresh piece of my own sourdough, my dog gave me the stare.
You know the one — part guilt trip, part silent begging. And it hit me: why not make a sourdough treat just for him?
Now, before you raise an eyebrow — yes, dogs can safely enjoy small amounts of sourdough, as long as it’s baked and free from added sugar, salt, or harmful ingredients.
So today, I’m sharing my DIY sourdough dog treat recipe — something I’ve tested, tweaked, and baked more times than I can count.
These treats aren’t just healthy; they’re crunchy, easy to make, and (IMO) smell way better than those store-bought biscuits that claim to be “all natural.” So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and let’s make your furry best friend the happiest pup on the block.
Table of Contents
Why Use Sourdough in Dog Treats?
Alright, let’s start with the question that probably popped into your head: Why sourdough?
Good question — and it’s not just because it sounds fancy or makes you feel like a pet chef extraordinaire.
1. It’s Easier on Your Dog’s Digestion
Sourdough isn’t your average bread. It’s made through fermentation, which breaks down gluten and phytic acid — two things that can be tough on sensitive dog tummies. That means less gas, bloating, and discomfort for your pup.
2. It’s Naturally Flavorful Without Additives
You don’t need to dump salt or sugar into sourdough dough to make it tasty. The fermentation process gives it that rich, slightly tangy flavor dogs surprisingly love.
3. It’s a Great Way to Use Discard
If you bake sourdough at home, you probably have a jar of “discard” sitting in your fridge that you feel bad tossing. Well, now it has a purpose! These dog treats are the perfect zero-waste way to use it up.
Ever wondered why dogs seem drawn to the smell of fresh bread? It’s because of the natural yeast and toasted aroma — basically, to them, it smells like heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep this simple — no weird, hard-to-find ingredients. Just stuff you probably already have if you’ve baked before.
Here’s what you’ll need for one batch of sourdough dog treats:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed starter — not raw dough)
- 1 egg (for binding and protein)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour if your pup is wheat-sensitive)
- ¼ cup peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free, please!)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional but helps with texture and shine)
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats (for a little crunch)
Optional add-ins:
- Shredded carrots for fiber
- A pinch of cinnamon (great for doggy breath)
- A drizzle of honey (for flavor — only a little!)
How to Make DIY Sourdough Dog Treats
Ready to bake? Awesome. This process is simple — even if your baking skills end at “I can make toast.”
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — trust me, cleanup will be so much easier later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Stuff
In a medium bowl, mix together your sourdough discard, egg, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth. If the peanut butter is thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it up.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in your flour and oats. You want the dough to be firm enough to roll but not too sticky. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
Step 4: Roll & Cut
Roll the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters (bones, hearts, paw prints — whatever makes you smile).
If you don’t have cutters, just slice it into squares. Your dog won’t care if it’s not bone-shaped, I promise.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer your shapes to the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. For extra-crunchy treats, turn off the oven and let them cool inside for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Cool & Store
Let the treats cool completely before giving one to your pup. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week — or freeze for up to three months.
Tips to Nail the Perfect Sourdough Dog Treats
I’ve had a few fails (RIP to those first dough blobs that turned into concrete biscuits), so learn from my trial and error:
- Use discard, not active starter. Active starter can overproof and make the treats chewy instead of crunchy.
- Avoid salt and sugar. Dogs don’t need them, and they can cause health issues.
- Peanut butter check! Always double-check the label for xylitol — it’s toxic to dogs.
- Want softer treats? Add an extra tablespoon of peanut butter or a splash of water before baking.
- Want harder, long-lasting treats? Bake a few extra minutes, then leave them in the oven to crisp up.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Ever flipped a dog treat bag over and tried to read the ingredient list? Half the time, it sounds like a chemistry experiment.
Making your own treats lets you:
- Control every ingredient (no preservatives or weird fillers)
- Save money — store treats can cost $10+ per bag
- Customize for your dog’s taste and allergies
- Bake in bulk and freeze for convenience
Plus, it’s actually fun. There’s something wholesome about baking for your pup and watching their tail wag the whole time.
And IMO, when your dog loves something you made from scratch — that’s next-level pet parent satisfaction.
Are Sourdough Dog Treats Healthy?
Let’s get real — “healthy” depends on what’s in them and how often you give them.
1. Sourdough Benefits
- Fermented goodness: Easier to digest.
- Natural probiotics: Good for gut health (in small amounts).
- Low sugar and salt: Perfect for balanced diets.
2. Peanut Butter Power
Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and protein — perfect for a treat after a walk or training session.
3. Whole Grains for Energy
Whole wheat or oat flour provides slow-releasing carbs, giving your pup sustained energy.
4. Everything in Moderation
Even homemade treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. You’re not running a bakery buffet for dogs here.
Fun Flavor Variations
Feeling creative? Once you’ve nailed the basic recipe, switch it up:
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Twist
- Add 2 tablespoons of pumpkin purée (not pie filling!)
- Cut back on peanut butter slightly
- Great for digestion and coat health
Apple Cinnamon Crunch
- Add ¼ cup grated apple + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Smells amazing while baking — your kitchen will thank you
Cheesy Delight
- Mix in a tablespoon of grated cheddar
- For the pup who can’t resist cheese (so, basically all of them)
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
You worked hard on these — don’t let them go stale!
Here’s how to store them properly:
- Room temperature: 5–7 days in an airtight jar
- Fridge: Up to 3 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Pro tip: Freeze them in small batches so you can thaw only what you need each week.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Sensitive to Sourdough
Most dogs handle baked sourdough fine, but every pup is different. Keep an eye out for:
- Upset stomach (vomiting or diarrhea)
- Excessive gas or bloating
- Itching or irritation after eating
If any of these happen, stop giving the treats and check with your vet. Better safe than sorry, right?
FAQ: Sourdough Dog Treats
Q: Can I use store-bought sourdough bread instead?
A: Nope. Store-bought bread often has salt, preservatives, or oils that aren’t dog-friendly. Stick with homemade discard or starter-based recipes.
Q: Can I feed my dog raw sourdough starter?
A: Absolutely not. Raw yeast can expand in their stomach and cause dangerous bloating. Always bake it first.
Q: Can I skip the peanut butter?
A: Sure — swap it with pumpkin purée or mashed banana. Both are dog-safe and delicious.
Q: Are these treats safe for puppies?
A: Yup, as long as they’re over 8 weeks old and can chew solid food. Just break the treats into smaller pieces.
A Quick Reality Check (and a Laugh)
Look, let’s be honest — your dog doesn’t care if these are artisan, sourdough-based, or shaped like tiny croissants. They’ll eat it like it’s a Michelin-star snack regardless. But you’ll feel like the best dog parent ever, and that’s worth every minute in the kitchen.
Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about saying, “Yeah, I made sourdough treats for my dog.” It’s equal parts ridiculous and awesome.
Conclusion: Your Pup Deserves the Best (and Maybe a Second Treat)
So there you have it — a DIY sourdough dog treat recipe that’s easy, healthy, and totally tail-wag approved.
You’ve got the know-how, the ingredients, and probably a furry audience waiting eagerly by the oven. Go ahead and whip up a batch this weekend. Your pup will love you for it (even more than usual).
And hey, next time you bake a human loaf of sourdough, don’t be surprised if you find a snout parked by your cooling rack — again.
Because once your dog’s had a taste of these crunchy, tangy bites, there’s no going back to boring biscuits.
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Make homemade sourdough dog treats your pup will love! Simple, healthy, and perfect for using sourdough discard — the ultimate zero-waste recipe.
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.