9 Sourdough Dog Treats to Turn Discard Into Pup Snacks

If you keep a sourdough starter, you know the drill: every feeding leaves you with a cup or two of discard that you hate to toss. But here's the good news—your dog can help you use it up!

Sourdough discard adds a tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch to homemade dog treats, and it's a great way to reduce waste in your kitchen. These 9 recipes are quick, practical, and made with simple, dog-safe ingredients you probably already have.

Whether your pup loves crunchy biscuits, soft training bites, or frozen treats for hot days, there's something here for every dog.

1. Classic Crunchy Sourdough Biscuits

These simple biscuits are the perfect way to turn your sourdough discard into a crunchy, satisfying snack your pup will love. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in no time—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed. The long, slow bake gives them a sturdy crunch that’s great for dental health and keeps dogs happily munching.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize with a few dog-friendly add-ins if you want to switch things up.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a grain-free option)
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup water (or more as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, peanut butter, and egg. Mix until a stiff dough forms, adding water a tablespoon at a time if it seems too dry.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about ¼-inch thickness. Use dog-bone cookie cutters or any shape you like to cut out biscuits.
4. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 40–45 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside for another 1–2 hours to dry out and become extra crunchy.
5. Let the biscuits cool completely before serving or storing. They’ll firm up even more as they cool.

Serving Tip

Store these crunchy biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or pop them in the fridge for longer freshness. For smaller dogs, break them into bite-sized pieces—they’re sturdy enough to stand up to enthusiastic chewers. Use them as a training reward or a satisfying after-walk snack.

2. Peanut Butter & Sourdough Training Bites

Training sessions call for treats that are soft, small, and impossible to resist. These Peanut Butter & Sourdough Training Bites check every box, blending the tangy goodness of sourdough discard with the rich, nutty aroma of peanut butter. They're quick to mix, bake in a flash, and break into perfect little morsels that fit right in your pocket.

Your pup will sit, stay, and roll over for these, and you'll love how easy they are to keep on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)
• 1/4 cup water (or more if needed)
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for texture)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard and peanut butter until smooth. Add the water and stir until combined.
3. Gradually add the oat flour and rolled oats, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it seems too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a small cookie cutter (or a knife) to cut into tiny bite-sized squares or circles.
5. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are firm.
6. Let them cool completely before serving. They'll firm up as they cool.

Serving Tip

These training bites are perfect for portioning into small containers or zip-top bags. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months. For training, break them into even smaller pieces if needed—they're soft enough to crumble easily, which is great for puppies or senior dogs.

3. Pumpkin Sourdough Chews for Sensitive Tummies

If your pup's stomach tends to get upset easily, these pumpkin sourdough chews might become your new go-to. The combo of gentle sourdough and fiber-rich pumpkin puree creates a treat that's easy on digestion, while still being chewy and satisfying. Plus, they're a smart way to use up that sourdough discard sitting in your fridge—no waste, just happy tail wags.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups oat flour (or more as needed for a workable dough)
• 1/4 cup plain unsweetened applesauce (optional, for extra moisture)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for aroma)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, pumpkin puree, and applesauce (if using) until smooth. Add the oat flour and cinnamon, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut into bone shapes or small squares.
4. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until firm and lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—they'll continue to harden as they cool.

Serving Tip

Store these chews in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Because they're soft and easy to chew, they're perfect for senior dogs or pups with dental issues. Start with a small piece to see how your dog tolerates them, and adjust portion size based on your dog's size and activity level.

4. Sweet Potato Sourdough Biscuits with a Twist

Sweet potatoes are a doggy superfood—packed with fiber, vitamins, and that naturally sweet flavor pups go crazy for. When you mix them into your sourdough discard, you get a biscuit that's both wholesome and irresistible. The twist?

A hint of cinnamon (yes, it's dog-safe in small amounts) that makes these treats smell like a cozy bakery. They're perfect for rewarding good behavior or just showing your furry friend some love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a grain-free option)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a nice aroma)
• 1/4 cup water (or more as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potato, sourdough discard, and water until smooth.
3. Add the flour and cinnamon, then stir until a dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use dog bone cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or simply slice into squares with a knife.
5. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let them cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

These biscuits are crunchy and perfect for training rewards. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. Break into smaller pieces for small dogs or puppies.

5. Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Cookies

When you have ripe apples and a bit of sourdough discard, these soft cookies come together in a snap. The natural sweetness of apple pairs with a gentle cinnamon scent that makes your kitchen smell amazing while they bake. Your pup will do a happy dance at the first whiff, and you'll love how easy they are to mix and roll out.

They're a perfect way to turn kitchen odds and ends into a special snack for your furry friend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a lighter texture)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup finely diced apple (peeled and cored)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted (optional, for extra shine)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, applesauce, and melted coconut oil (if using) until smooth.
3. Stir in the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and diced apple until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter or any fun shape to cut out treats.
5. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. For small dogs, break a cookie into smaller pieces, and for larger dogs, you can serve a whole cookie as a special reward. Always supervise your pup when giving treats and adjust portions based on their size and dietary needs.

6. Frozen Sourdough & Yogurt Drops

When the sun is blazing and your pup is panting by the door, these frozen drops are the cool-down they’ve been waiting for. No oven, no fuss—just a quick stir, a spoonful into a mold, and a few hours in the freezer. The sourdough discard adds a tangy depth that dogs seem to love, while the yogurt brings a creamy, probiotic-rich base that’s gentle on tummies.

Toss in some mashed blueberries or banana, and you’ve got a treat that feels like a tiny scoop of doggy ice cream on a hot day. Best of all, they’re ridiculously easy to make in batches, so you can keep a stash ready for training rewards, after-walk cooldowns, or just because your furry friend deserves a chilly pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (no xylitol)
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (optional, for extra color and antioxidants)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sourdough discard, and mashed banana or applesauce until smooth. If using blueberries, gently fold them in.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. You can also drop small spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Place the molds or tray in the freezer for at least 3 hours, or until completely solid.
4. Pop the frozen drops out of the molds and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer.

Serving Tip

Serve 1–2 drops per 10 pounds of body weight, depending on your dog’s size and activity level. These are perfect for hot days, after exercise, or as a fun training treat—just keep them frozen until serving, and always supervise your pup while they enjoy a cold snack. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer, so you can always have a refreshing reward on hand.

7. Cheesy Sourdough Pretzel Bites

These little nuggets are like a warm hug for your pup's taste buds. The sourdough starter adds a tangy depth that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar, creating a savory snack that's hard to resist. Plus, they're baked until golden and chewy, giving your dog a satisfying texture that's great for training or just because.

And since they're made with simple, dog-safe ingredients, you can feel good about sharing them.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive tummies)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for a little lift)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, whole wheat flour, shredded cheddar, yogurt, olive oil, and baking soda until a soft dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for a minute. Roll it into a log about 1 inch thick, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
4. Place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they're golden and firm to the touch.
5. Let them cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving Tip

These pretzel bites are perfect for training sessions because they're small and easy to break into even smaller pieces. For extra crunch, you can bake them a bit longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Always supervise your dog when giving treats, and adjust portion sizes based on your dog's size and dietary needs.

8. Banana Oat Sourdough Muffin Tops

These soft, chewy muffin tops are a wonderful way to use up ripe bananas and sourdough discard while giving your senior dog a treat that's easy on the teeth. The oats add a gentle texture that's kind to sensitive tummies, and the natural sweetness from bananas means you can skip added sugar. Your pup will love the tender, cake-like bites, and you'll love how quickly they come together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ripe banana, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed banana, sourdough discard, applesauce, egg, and melted coconut oil until well combined.
3. Stir in the rolled oats and cinnamon until a thick batter forms.
4. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each mound. Gently flatten the tops with the back of a spoon.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of extra oats on top of each muffin top, if desired.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Serving Tip

Store these muffin tops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months—thaw a few at a time as needed. Break into smaller pieces for small dogs or use as a soft training reward for senior pups.

9. Carrot & Parsley Sourdough Breath Fresheners

If your pup's kisses could clear a room, these crunchy little biscuits are about to become your new best friend. Parsley is a natural breath freshener for dogs, and when you pair it with sweet carrot and tangy sourdough discard, you get a treat that's as tasty as it is functional. Plus, they're baked until crisp, so they double as a satisfying chew that helps scrape away plaque while your dog snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, straight from the fridge)
• 1 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (stems removed)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup water (plus more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra shine)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough discard, grated carrot, parsley, and olive oil (if using) until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, stirring until a stiff dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Use a bone-shaped or round cookie cutter to cut out treats, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the treats are golden and firm to the touch. Let them cool completely on a wire rack—they'll crisp up as they cool.

Serving Tip

Store these breath fresheners in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For small dogs, break them into smaller pieces, and always offer fresh water alongside. Give one or two after meals to help freshen that doggy breath naturally.

FAQ

Is sourdough discard safe for dogs?

Yes, sourdough discard is safe for dogs as long as it's fully baked or cooked. The fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest. Just avoid any discard that contains toxic ingredients like raisins, xylitol, or excessive salt.

Can I use active sourdough starter instead of discard?

Absolutely! You can use active starter in place of discard in most recipes. Just keep in mind that active starter is more hydrated and may affect the dough's consistency, so you might need to adjust the flour or liquid slightly.

How should I store homemade sourdough dog treats?

Store baked treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Frozen treats can be thawed as needed.

Can I add other ingredients like blueberries or cheese?

Definitely! Many of these recipes are versatile. Just make sure any add-ins are dog-safe.

Blueberries, carrots, apples (without seeds), and plain cheese are great options. Avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chocolate.

Are these treats suitable for puppies or senior dogs?

Most of these treats are fine for puppies and seniors, but always consider the size and chewing ability of your dog. For puppies or older dogs with dental issues, choose softer recipes like the training bites or muffin tops, and break them into smaller pieces.

Conclusion

These 9 sourdough dog treats are a win-win: you get to use up your discard, and your pup gets delicious, homemade snacks made with love. From crunchy biscuits to frozen drops, there's a recipe for every occasion and every dog's taste. So next time you feed your starter, don't toss that discard—turn it into something special for your furry friend.

Your dog will thank you with a wagging tail and a happy tummy. Happy baking!