Treats and chews
How do I make homemade dog treats?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A basic homemade treat usually combines a starch like oat flour, a binder like egg, and a flavor ingredient like plain pumpkin puree or unsweetened, xylitol free peanut butter, mixed into a stiff dough, rolled thin, cut into small pieces, and baked at around 160°C for 15 to 20 minutes until firm. Letting treats cool completely before storing prevents sogginess and mold.
A simple base recipe to start from
Mixing 2 cups of oat flour, one egg, and half a cup of plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, into a dough that holds together without being sticky, then rolling it to about half a centimeter thick, gives a firm, easy to cut base most dogs enjoy. Cutting with a knife into small squares works just as well as using shaped cutters.
Baking and checking doneness
Baking at around 160°C for 15 to 20 minutes, then checking that pieces feel firm and dry rather than soft in the middle, produces a treat with a shelf life closer to a week at room temperature. Thicker pieces need a few extra minutes and should be tested by breaking one open to check the center is not still doughy.
Ingredients to avoid entirely
Checking that any peanut butter used is free of xylitol, avoiding any added sugar, salt, or seasoning blends, and skipping ingredients like onion or garlic powder that sometimes appear in savory recipes keeps a homemade batch safe. Reading every ingredient label rather than assuming a product is plain matters here, since xylitol has become common in reduced sugar peanut butters.
Key takeaways
- A simple base of oat flour, egg, and plain pumpkin puree makes a firm, easy dough to cut and bake.
- Baking at around 160°C for 15 to 20 minutes gives treats a firm texture and roughly a week's shelf life.
- Always check peanut butter labels for xylitol, which is increasingly common in reduced sugar versions.
- Skip added sugar, salt, and savory seasonings like onion or garlic powder entirely.