Our journey into making homemade dog treats started when Jack, my 8-year-old, asked why our dog couldn’t have cookies like we do. That simple question led to countless kitchen experiments until we perfected these irresistible treats that our four-legged friend absolutely adores. Now, both Jack and Aliana race to the kitchen whenever it’s treat-making day!
Why This Recipe Works
In reality, finding the right balance of healthy ingredients that still taste amazing to dogs took some trial and error. Around here, we’re pretty picky about what goes into our pup’s treats, and these homemade ones check all the boxes. They’re packed with natural ingredients, cost way less than premium store-bought treats, and our dog actually prefers them! Of course, the best part is knowing exactly what’s in them.
Key Components Breakdown
Essential Ingredients
- Oat flour (you can make your own by blending rolled oats) – Perfect for sensitive tummies
- Sweet potato – Natural sweetness and packed with nutrients
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) – The ingredient that makes these treats irresistible
- Egg – Adds protein and helps bind everything together
- Greek yogurt – Provides probiotics and moisture
- Cinnamon – Just a pinch for added flavor
- Coconut oil – Makes the treats extra special
I couldn’t resist mentioning that while you can use regular flour, oat flour makes these treats extra special for dogs with wheat sensitivities. The sweet potato I use comes fresh from our local farmer’s market – the fresher, the better!
Equipment Needed
Must-haves:
- Cookie cutters (bone-shaped ones are fun but any shape works!)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
Nice-to-haves:
- Food processor for making oat flour
- Silicone baking mat
- Storage containers
Budget tip: If you don’t have cookie cutters, use the rim of a small glass or just cut the dough into squares with a knife.
The Technique Section
Critical Steps
- Sweet potato prep is key – bake until super soft and let it cool completely before mashing.
- When mixing ingredients, start with your wet ingredients: mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, beaten egg, and yogurt.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually. The best treat-making nights are when Aliana helps measure while Jack mixes – they’ve become our official taste-testers (though only for the ingredients, not the finished treats!).
- The dough should be firm enough to roll but not sticky. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour; if too dry, add a tiny bit more yogurt.
Common mistake: Rolling the treats too thin can make them crispy and hard instead of chewy.
Temperature and Timing
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness
- Bake for 20-25 minutes for chewy treats
- Add 5-10 minutes for crunchier treats
- Look for slightly golden edges
- Cool completely before storing
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues
Problem: Treats turn out too hard Solution: Reduce baking time or make them thicker Prevention: Start checking at 18 minutes and remove when edges are just starting to golden
Problem: Dough is too sticky to roll Solution: Add oat flour gradually until workable Prevention: Let the sweet potato cool completely before mixing
Variations and Adaptations
Seasonal Options
Summer version: Add small pieces of frozen blueberries Fall special: Replace sweet potato with pumpkin puree Holiday twist: Use festive cookie cutter shapes
Dietary Modifications
Grain-free version: Use coconut flour (reduce amount by 1/3) Dairy-free: Skip the yogurt and add a bit more sweet potato Extra protein: Add finely ground chicken or turkey
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Room temperature: 5-7 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
- Freshness tip: If treats soften, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes
FAQ
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day? A: These are treats, so moderation is key. For a medium-sized dog, 2-3 small treats per day is plenty.
Q: Can I make these without peanut butter? A: Yes! You can substitute with mashed banana or sweet potato puree.
Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: The edges should be slightly golden, and the treats should feel firm but not hard.
Closing Thoughts
Making these treats has become such a special activity in our home. John loves watching Jack and Aliana take charge in the kitchen, and seeing our dog’s excitement when the treat jar comes out makes everything worth it. There’s something magical about creating something wholesome and healthy for our four-legged family member!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest @mealmia (https://pinterest.com/mealmia) for more pet-friendly recipes and family cooking adventures. I’d love to see your pup enjoying these treats – tag me in your photos!
Print
Homemade Dog Treats
Description
Wholesome, crunchy treats your pup will absolutely love
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes + cooling | Yield: About 30 treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 medium sweet potato, baked and mashed
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Mix mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, egg, and yogurt
- Gradually stir in oat flour and cinnamon
- Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness
- Cut into desired shapes
- Place on lined baking sheet
- Bake 20-25 minutes
- Cool completely
Notes:
- Check peanut butter ingredients – no xylitol!
- Store in an airtight container
- Adjust size based on your dog’s needs