6 Dog Treat Ideas Without Oats or Wheat

Does your dog have a sensitive tummy or a grain allergy? Oats and wheat are common in many dog treats, but they aren't the only options. You can whip up delicious, grain-free treats right in your kitchen.

These recipes use ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and coconut flour. They're simple, affordable, and perfect for dogs who need a break from grains. Plus, they're fun to make and even more fun to share.

Your dog won't miss the oats or wheat one bit. Get ready to bake, freeze, and serve treats that are safe, tasty, and totally grain-free. Let's dive into six crowd-pleasing ideas your pup will adore.

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites

These soft, chewy bites are a crowd-pleaser for dogs who love peanut butter and banana. Made with coconut flour instead of wheat or oats, they're naturally grain-free and easy to digest. Whip up a batch in minutes for training treats or a quick snack that feels like a reward.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for extra moisture)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix mashed banana and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually stir in coconut flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Roll dough into small bite-sized balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until firm but still soft. Let cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. These bites are soft enough for puppies and senior dogs, but you can bake a few extra minutes for a chewier texture.

2. Pumpkin & Coconut Flour Cookies

These pumpkin and coconut flour cookies are a crowd-pleaser for dogs with sensitive tummies. Pumpkin supports healthy digestion, while coconut flour keeps the treats light and grain-free. They bake up crunchy on the outside with a soft center, making them a fun, wholesome snack your pup will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened, not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, coconut flour, applesauce, egg, and cinnamon until a dough forms.
3. Roll dough into small balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Give one cookie per day as a treat—perfect for training or a midday snack.

3. Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potatoes are a dog-safe superfood packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness. These chews are a fantastic alternative to store-bought treats loaded with grains and preservatives. Baking them low and slow transforms simple slices into a chewy, satisfying snack that dogs absolutely love.

Plus, you only need one ingredient and a bit of patience—no oats or wheat required.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
• Optional: a light drizzle of coconut oil for extra shine
• 1 cup prepared cooked sweet potato in small dog-safe pieces
• 1 cup oat flour or finely ground oats
• 1 egg or 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce for binding

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway, until the slices are dried and chewy but not brittle. Let cool completely before serving.
4. Mix the prepared cooked sweet potato with the oat flour and binder until a soft dough or spoonable mixture forms.
5. Shape into small treat portions, bake on a lined tray at 325°F until firm, then cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these chews in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. They make a great training treat because they're soft enough to break into smaller pieces. Start with one or two per day depending on your dog's size.

4. Apple & Cheddar Mini Muffins

These savory-sweet muffins bring together the crunch of fresh apple and the rich flavor of cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a tender almond flour base. They're perfect for dogs who love a little variety in their treat jar, and the mini size makes them ideal for training or quick rewards. Best of all, they're completely free of oats and wheat, so even pups with sensitivities can join the fun.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup finely diced apple (peeled and seeds removed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin with coconut oil.
2. In a bowl, combine almond flour, shredded cheddar, applesauce, diced apple, egg, and melted coconut oil. Stir until a thick batter forms.
3. Spoon the batter into the mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Let the muffins cool completely before serving to your pup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Serving Tip

These mini muffins are perfectly portioned for small to medium dogs—give one as a treat or break into smaller pieces for training. For larger dogs, you can use a regular muffin tin and adjust baking time to 18–20 minutes. Always supervise your dog when introducing new treats.

5. Frozen Yogurt & Berry Pops

When the sun is blazing, your dog deserves a cool-down treat that's as refreshing as it is simple. These frozen yogurt and berry pops are a breeze to make—just blend, pour, and freeze. The creamy yogurt and sweet blueberries create a lickable, chilly snack that dogs go wild for.

Plus, there are zero grains involved, so it's perfect for pups with sensitive tummies or wheat allergies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (no xylitol)
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, to thin)

Instructions

1. Add the yogurt and blueberries to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.
3. Pop the treats out of the molds and serve one to your pup. Store the rest in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Serving Tip

These pops are best served on hot days as a special cool-down snack. For small dogs, use mini molds or ice cube trays to keep portions bite-sized. Always supervise your dog while they enjoy a frozen treat to prevent gulping.

6. Salmon & Parsley Training Bites

Training sessions call for treats that are soft, easy to break, and packed with flavor. These salmon and parsley bites deliver all that and more. Canned salmon keeps prep simple while providing omega-3s for a healthy coat, and fresh parsley adds a breath-freshening bonus.

Coconut flour binds everything together without any oats or wheat, making these bites perfect for dogs with grain sensitivities. Your pup will perk up the moment you reach for the treat jar—and you'll love how quickly they come together.

Ingredients

• 1 can (6 oz) salmon, drained and flaked (no salt added)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine flaked salmon, beaten egg, coconut flour, and parsley. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Drop small teaspoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Let cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these training bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. Break into smaller pieces as needed for training rewards—they're soft enough to crumble easily without making a mess.

FAQ

Can I use almond flour instead of coconut flour?

Yes, but note that almond flour is more absorbent. You may need to adjust liquid amounts. Start with a 1:1 substitution and add more liquid if the dough seems dry.

How long do these treats stay fresh?

Most baked treats last 1-2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Frozen treats should be kept in the freezer and used within 3 months.

Are these treats safe for dogs with allergies?

Always check individual ingredients. These recipes avoid oats and wheat, but some dogs may be sensitive to other ingredients like peanut butter or dairy. Introduce new treats slowly.

Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?

Yes, almond or cashew butter work well. Make sure they are unsalted and free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How small should I cut treats for training?

Aim for pea-sized pieces for small dogs and dime-sized for larger dogs. This keeps treats low-calorie and easy to use during training sessions.

Conclusion

Making grain-free dog treats at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create snacks that are safe, healthy, and tailored to your dog's needs. Your pup will love the variety, and you'll love knowing exactly what's in every bite.

Try one recipe this weekend and watch your dog's tail wag with joy. Whether you bake, freeze, or dehydrate, these treats are sure to become favorites. Happy treating from your kitchen to your dog's bowl!