5 Healthy Dog Treats Under 20 Minutes

Most homemade dog treat recipes waste your time with unnecessary steps, weird ingredients, and baking times that feel like a full-time job. If you’ve ever looked at a recipe and thought, “My dog will love this, but I’m not doing all that,” you’re not alone.

These quick treats are the ones I actually recommend when you want something healthier than store-bought but still realistic for a normal day.

They’re fast, simple, and they don’t require you to turn your kitchen into a pet bakery.

1. Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Bites

Let’s be honest, dogs lose their minds over peanut butter, and sweet potato is one of those ingredients that somehow makes everything feel healthier instantly. This is the kind of treat you make when you want something quick, filling, and not loaded with random preservatives. It’s soft enough for most dogs, but still firm enough to hold its shape.

I like this recipe because it feels like a “real snack” instead of a sad little crumb. Also, sweet potato and peanut butter together smells so good that you’ll probably catch yourself thinking, “Yeah… I get why my dog is obsessed.”

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
• 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
• 1 cup oat flour (or blended oats)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional but great)
• 2–4 tablespoons water (only if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mash the cooked sweet potato until it’s smooth, because chunks make the dough harder to shape.
2. Stir in the peanut butter and mix until it looks like thick orange paste.
3. Add oat flour slowly and mix as you go so the dough doesn’t turn dry too fast.
4. If the dough feels crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it holds together.
5. Roll into small bite-size balls and flatten slightly so they don’t roll everywhere.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Why You’ll Love It

These are soft, fast, and perfect for training treats without feeling like junk food. The ingredients are clean, simple, and easy to keep on hand.

Tips

For a better texture, chill them for 10 minutes before serving so they firm up. Pair them with plain yogurt on top if you want a “fancy treat moment” for your dog.

2. Banana Oat Dog Cookies (No Bake Option)

Bananas are basically nature’s dog dessert. They’re sweet, easy on the stomach, and they instantly improve any homemade treat recipe without you needing sugar. This one is great when you have a banana going brown on the counter and you don’t want to waste it.

What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. If the dough feels too wet, you add oats, and if it feels too thick, you add a little banana or water. Your dog won’t judge the shape, trust me.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mash the banana in a bowl until it becomes smooth and pudding-like.
2. Mix in yogurt and peanut butter if you’re using them for extra flavor and softness.
3. Add oats and stir until the mixture thickens into a sticky dough.
4. Scoop small spoonfuls and press them into mini cookie shapes.
5. If you want no-bake treats, refrigerate them for 15–20 minutes.
6. If you want a firmer cookie, air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s ridiculously fast and uses ingredients you probably already have. The banana smell makes dogs act like you just cooked steak.

Tips

Blend the oats first for a smoother dough if your dog prefers softer cookies. Serve with a few blueberries on the side for an extra healthy snack combo.

3. Quick Chicken & Rice Training Cubes

Sometimes you don’t want a “cookie treat,” you want something savory that makes your dog listen like their life depends on it. That’s where chicken treats win every single time. These are perfect for training because they’re small, soft, and smell like something your dog takes seriously.

I also like this one for picky eaters. Even dogs that ignore regular biscuits usually get very cooperative when chicken is involved, which honestly feels a little insulting, but whatever works.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
• ½ cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (optional)
• 1 tablespoon oat flour (only if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add shredded chicken and cooked rice into a mixing bowl.
2. Crack in the egg and mix until everything sticks together.
3. Stir in pumpkin puree if you want extra fiber and softer texture.
4. If the mix feels too wet, sprinkle in oat flour until it forms a thick mash.
5. Press the mixture into a thin layer on a plate or tray.
6. Microwave for 2–3 minutes, then cool and cut into tiny cubes.

Why You’ll Love It

These treats are high-protein, super motivating, and great for quick training sessions. They’re also softer than crunchy treats, which is nice for older dogs.

Tips

Use rotisserie chicken (plain, no seasoning) if you want a shortcut. Pair them with a few carrot sticks as a crunchy snack after training.

4. Tuna & Oat Mini Patties

Tuna treats are the secret weapon when your dog gets bored of the same flavors. The smell is strong, yes, but that’s kind of the point. Dogs don’t want subtle, they want loud food, and tuna delivers that without needing additives.

This recipe is great because it feels like real food, not “dog biscuit dust.” It’s also one of the fastest ways to make a batch of protein-packed treats when you’re in a rush.

Ingredients

• 1 can tuna in water (drained)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain the tuna well so the mixture doesn’t turn watery.
2. Add tuna to a bowl and break it apart with a fork until it looks shredded.
3. Mix in the egg and stir until everything gets sticky.
4. Add oats and mix again until it becomes a thick batter.
5. Form small patties with your hands or spoon.
6. Air fry at 375°F for 7–9 minutes until firm and lightly browned.

Why You’ll Love It

These are packed with flavor and protein, and they cook fast. They’re perfect when you want a treat that feels special but takes almost no effort.

Tips

If you want less mess, line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Serve them with a small spoon of pumpkin if your dog needs a gentle tummy-friendly pairing.

5. Apple Carrot Crunch Coins

Sometimes you want a treat that feels fresh and light instead of heavy. Apple and carrot together give you that crunchy, naturally sweet vibe without adding sugar. It’s also a great option if your dog has a sensitive stomach and you want something simple.

I’ll admit it, this recipe makes you feel like you’re feeding your dog like a wellness influencer. But the good news is it actually works, and most dogs love the sweet crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrot
• ½ cup grated apple (no seeds)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grate the carrot and apple and squeeze out excess moisture using a paper towel.
2. Add them to a bowl and mix with the egg until well combined.
3. Stir in oat flour slowly until it forms a workable dough.
4. Add coconut oil if you want a slightly richer texture.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into coin shapes, or just flatten spoonfuls.
6. Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until lightly crisp.

Why You’ll Love It

These treats are light, crunchy, and naturally sweet without being unhealthy. They’re great for dogs who like crisp snacks instead of soft ones.

Tips

For extra crunch, let them cool fully before storing because they crisp up more as they cool. Pair them with a small piece of cucumber for a refreshing snack plate vibe.

Final Thoughts

Homemade dog treats don’t need to be complicated, and they definitely don’t need an hour in the oven to be worth it. These recipes are quick enough to fit into real life, even when you’re tired and your dog is still staring at you like you owe them something.

If you try even one of these, you’ll probably start making them regularly because they’re just easier than constantly buying treats. And honestly, your dog will act like you’re the greatest chef on Earth, so that’s a nice bonus.