Updated January 2026
Homemade dog treats let you control exactly what goes into your pup's snacks—no preservatives, no fillers, just wholesome ingredients. This guide covers everything you need to know: safe ingredients, foods to avoid, nutrition tips, and 3 easy frozen treat recipes your dog will love. Prep time: 10-15 minutes each.
Every dog parent wants the best for their furry friend. But with so many commercial treats loaded with artificial ingredients, preservatives, and questionable fillers, it's hard to know what's truly healthy. The solution? Make your own homemade dog treats.
Whether you're looking to save money, accommodate food allergies, or simply spoil your pup with something special, homemade dog treats are easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about making safe, nutritious, and delicious treats at home.
📖 In This Guide:
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
Commercial dog treats can contain hidden sugars, artificial colors, preservatives like BHA/BHT, and low-quality protein sources. When you make treats at home, you know exactly what your dog is eating—and that peace of mind is priceless.
✅ You Control the Ingredients
No artificial preservatives, colors, or mystery fillers. Just real, whole foods your dog can digest.
✅ Perfect for Allergies
Dogs with food sensitivities can enjoy treats made specifically for their needs—grain-free, dairy-free, or limited ingredient.
✅ Cost-Effective
Premium store-bought treats are expensive. Homemade treats use affordable ingredients you probably already have.
✅ Fresher & More Nutritious
Fresh ingredients retain more vitamins and nutrients than processed, shelf-stable treats that sit in warehouses for months.
Safe Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
Not sure what's safe to feed your dog? Here's a comprehensive list of dog-friendly ingredients organized by category. These are the building blocks for healthy, nutritious treats.
🥩 Proteins
- Beef – High in protein, iron, zinc
- Chicken – Lean protein, easy to digest
- Turkey – Low-fat protein option
- Salmon – Omega-3s for skin & coat
- Eggs – Complete protein source
- Bully Sticks – 80%+ protein, fully digestible
🍎 Fruits
- Apples – Fiber, vitamins A & C (no seeds)
- Blueberries – Antioxidant powerhouse
- Watermelon – Hydrating, low-calorie (no seeds)
- Bananas – Potassium, natural sweetness
- Strawberries – Vitamin C, teeth-whitening enzymes
- Cantaloupe – Beta-carotene, low-calorie
🥕 Vegetables
- Carrots – Fiber, vitamin A, dental benefits
- Pumpkin – Digestive health, fiber
- Sweet potato – Vitamins, complex carbs
- Green beans – Low-calorie, filling
- Cucumber – Hydrating, low-calorie
- Broccoli – Vitamins C & K (in moderation)
🥛 Dairy & Other
- Plain Greek yogurt – Probiotics, calcium
- Goat milk/kefir – Easier to digest than cow's milk
- Peanut butter – Protein, healthy fats (xylitol-free!)
- Bone broth – Collagen, joint support
- Coconut oil – Healthy fats, skin health
- Honey – Natural sweetener (in moderation)
🌱 Superfoods
- Chia seeds – Omega-3s, fiber, protein
- Flaxseed – Anti-inflammatory omega-3s
- Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory (with black pepper)
- Parsley – Fresh breath, vitamins
- Ginger – Digestive aid, anti-nausea
- Cinnamon – Blood sugar regulation (Ceylon only)
🦴 Natural Chews (Recipe Bases)
- Bully Sticks – High protein, long-lasting
- Collagen Sticks – Joint & skin support
- Beef Gullet Sticks – Glucosamine-rich
- Beef Trachea – Natural chondroitin
- Beef Tendons – Low-fat protein
All Natural Farm chews are single-ingredient, 100% digestible, and free from chemicals or preservatives.
⚠️ Foods to Avoid (Toxic for Dogs)
Some common human foods are dangerous or even deadly for dogs. Never use these ingredients in homemade dog treats:
| ❌ Toxic Food | Why It's Dangerous | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Xylitol | Causes rapid insulin release, liver failure | Vomiting, seizures, coma |
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine, toxic to dogs | Vomiting, rapid heart rate, seizures |
| Grapes & Raisins | Causes acute kidney failure | Vomiting, lethargy, kidney damage |
| Onions & Garlic | Damages red blood cells (anemia) | Weakness, pale gums, collapse |
| Macadamia Nuts | Causes weakness, hyperthermia | Tremors, vomiting, fever |
| Avocado | Contains persin, toxic to dogs | Vomiting, diarrhea |
| Alcohol | Causes intoxication, liver damage | Vomiting, disorientation, coma |
| Caffeine | Stimulates nervous system excessively | Restlessness, rapid breathing, seizures |
⚠️ Important: Always check peanut butter labels for xylitol—many "sugar-free" brands contain this deadly sweetener. When in doubt, choose 100% peanut butter with only one ingredient: peanuts.
From Natural Farm
Every week, we share one exclusive deal with our community — treats, bundles, and limited drops that never hit the regular store.
No spam. Just one email, one deal, gone when it's gone.
Join the Community →Why Use Natural Chews as a Treat Base?
One of the best-kept secrets in homemade dog treats? Using natural chews as your base instead of flour-based biscuits or rawhide. Here's why:
At Natural Farm, all our chews are made from 100% grass-fed beef—single-ingredient, fully digestible, and free from chemicals, hormones, or preservatives. They're the perfect foundation for creative homemade treats because:
Bully Sticks
80%+ protein. Perfect as "popsicle sticks" for frozen treats. Long-lasting chew that keeps dogs engaged.
Shop Bully Sticks →Collagen Sticks
Supports joints, skin, and coat. Lower fat than bully sticks. Great for senior dogs.
Shop Collagen Sticks →Beef Gullet Sticks
Packed with glucosamine & chondroitin for joint health. Softer texture, ideal for toppings.
Shop Gullet Sticks →Natural Farm
Grass-fed. Single ingredient. Actually good for your dog.
Free shipping for Prime members · USDA inspected
🍽️ 3 Easy Frozen Dog Treat Recipes
Ready to start making treats? Here are three of our favorite frozen dog treat recipes—perfect for summer, but loved by dogs year-round. Each recipe uses Natural Farm chews as a nutritious, fully-digestible base.
Doggy Crostini
Prep: 15 min · Freeze: 2+ hours · Yields: 6-8 treats
Elegant bite-sized appetizers made with beef gullet sticks, Greek yogurt, pumpkin, and decorative carrot curls. Perfect for dog parties and special occasions.
Key ingredients: Beef Gullet Sticks, Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, carrots
Health benefits: Joint support, gut health, vitamin A
View Full Recipe →Dog-Friendly Ants on a Log
Prep: 10 min · Freeze: 2+ hours · Yields: 4-6 treats
A healthy twist on the childhood classic! Beef gullet sticks topped with peanut butter, kefir, and a superfood blend of chia, flax, and coconut.
Key ingredients: Beef Gullet Sticks, peanut butter, goat kefir, chia seeds, flaxseed
Health benefits: Immune boost, omega-3s, probiotics
Bully Pupsicles
Prep: 15 min · Freeze: Overnight · Yields: 4-6 pupsicles
Frozen popsicles for dogs using bully sticks as edible popsicle sticks! Coated in peanut butter and frozen in nutrient-rich bone broth. The ultimate summer treat.
Key ingredients: Bully Sticks (or Collagen/Gullet Sticks), peanut butter, bone broth
Health benefits: Hydration, joint support, mental stimulation
View Full Recipe → 🎬 Includes Video
Quick Recipe Comparison
| Recipe | Prep Time | Freeze Time | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doggy Crostini | 15 min | 2+ hours | Special occasions | Gut health |
| Ants on a Log | 10 min | 2+ hours | Picnics & parks | Immune boost |
| Bully Pupsicles | 15 min | Overnight | Hot summer days | Hydration + joints |
Storage & Serving Tips
❄️ Freezer Storage
Store frozen treats in airtight containers or freezer bags for 2-3 months. Label with date and ingredients. Remove 5-10 minutes before serving for easier eating.
🧊 Refrigerator Storage
Non-frozen treats with dairy or meat last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep in sealed containers to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
🐕 Serving Guidelines
Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Always supervise your dog with new treats. Provide fresh water alongside frozen treats.
Quick note — we keep a list of dog parents who like the good stuff. Once a week, they get first access to deals nobody else sees. Grass-fed treats, limited bundles, things the regular store doesn't carry. Join here if you're into that. Now, onto the FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade dog treats healthier than store-bought?
Yes, when made with wholesome ingredients. Homemade treats contain no preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers. You control the quality of every ingredient, making them ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
How often can I give my dog homemade treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. For most dogs, this means 1-3 treats per day depending on size. Adjust based on your dog's weight and activity level.
Can puppies eat homemade treats?
Yes, puppies over 6 months with adult teeth can enjoy most homemade treats. Use smaller portions and softer textures. Avoid hard chews until puppies are fully grown. Always supervise puppies with treats.
What's the best base for homemade dog treats?
Natural, single-ingredient chews like bully sticks, collagen sticks, and beef gullet sticks are excellent bases. They're 100% digestible, high in protein, and provide added nutritional benefits like joint support.
Are frozen treats safe for dogs?
Yes! Frozen treats are safe and beneficial—they help cool dogs down in summer, provide hydration, and offer mental stimulation. Just use dog-safe ingredients and avoid giving too many at once to prevent stomach upset.
Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
Absolutely! Dogs with dairy sensitivities can use lactose-free yogurt or coconut yogurt. Allergic to peanuts? Try sunflower seed butter. The key is using dog-safe ingredients and avoiding the toxic foods listed above.
Ready to Start Making Homemade Dog Treats?
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