Bake It Better, Treat Them Right. Five Homemade Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

There’s something satisfying about making your dog a treat from scratch. You control the ingredients, tailor the recipe to suit your dog’s preferences and needs, and eliminate the unnecessary preservatives that often come with store-bought options. More importantly, the effort goes a long way in strengthening your bond.

At Paws Academy, we always emphasise that food and training go hand in hand. The right treat can motivate, reward and reinforce positive behaviours more effectively than words ever could. That’s why we’ve created this guide to our top five homemade dog treats – simple to make, nutritious, and tested on dogs who take their snacks very seriously.

Whether you’re training a new pup or just want to add something wholesome to your dog’s day, these recipes are a brilliant place to start.

Peanut Butter and Banana Bites

This classic combo is loved by most dogs and offers genuine nutritional value. Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats and vitamin B, while bananas add fibre, potassium and natural sweetness without any added sugar.

Mash one ripe banana with a generous spoonful of xylitol-free natural peanut butter and mix in some oat flour until you get a thick dough. Roll it out and shape into small treats before baking at 180°C for 15–20 minutes. Allow to cool fully before serving.

Nutritional Benefit:

This recipe supports energy levels and digestive health, and the chewy texture makes it great for teething puppies too.

Storage Tip:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or in the fridge for 7–10 days. They also freeze well if made in large batches.

Sweet Potato Chews

If your dog likes something they can really get their teeth into, these natural chews hit the spot. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and are a brilliant source of slow-release carbohydrates.

Slice them lengthways into half-centimetre strips and bake at 120°C for 2.5–3 hours, flipping halfway. The low and slow bake ensures they stay chewy rather than brittle.

Nutritional Benefit:

Packed with antioxidants and fibre, sweet potatoes promote good gut health and support your dog’s immune system.

Storage Tip:

Once completely cool, store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two weeks. For extra chewiness, leave them out to air dry for a few hours before refrigerating.

Oat and Apple Energy Balls

These no-bake snacks are great for training sessions or longer walks. Apples offer vitamin C and fibre, while oats are a slow-burning carbohydrate that helps maintain energy.

Grate one apple (peeled and cored), mix with rolled oats and a teaspoon of coconut oil. Roll into small balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Nutritional Benefit:

Oats are gentle on the stomach and ideal for dogs with wheat sensitivity. Apples, when prepared properly, also help keep teeth clean.

Storage Tip:

Keep refrigerated and use within five days. They don’t last long in warm weather, so only take what you need when heading out.

Cheesy Herb Biscuits

These biscuits combine cheddar with parsley, which not only adds flavour but can help freshen your dog’s breath. Wholemeal flour provides fibre, and the egg helps bind everything together.

Mix 60g of grated cheese with a tablespoon of chopped parsley, 100g of wholemeal flour and one egg. Roll out, cut and bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until firm.

Nutritional Benefit:

In moderation, cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. Parsley offers anti-inflammatory properties and can assist with digestion.

Storage Tip:

These biscuits keep best in a cool, dry spot in an airtight tin. They’ll last up to a week at room temperature and longer if refrigerated.

Frozen Yoghurt and Berry Cubes

Ideal for warm days, these frozen cubes are hydrating, cooling and packed with probiotics. Use plain natural yoghurt (no added sugar or artificial sweeteners) and blend with a few blueberries or chopped strawberries.

Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

Nutritional Benefit:

Natural yoghurt supports gut health through beneficial bacteria, while berries are high in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage.

Storage Tip:

Keep frozen and serve straight from the freezer. Great as an occasional treat, especially after walks or playtime.

Why Homemade Dog Treats Matter

Feeding your dog well isn’t just about meals. It’s about what goes between them too. Commercial treats often contain filler ingredients, artificial flavours and preservatives that don’t do your dog any favours in the long run.

When you make treats at home, you’re in control. You can scale back sugar and salt, avoid allergens, and tailor treats for training, calming or rewarding. Even if you’re not usually into cooking, these recipes are simple enough to become part of your weekly routine.

And the payoff? A dog that’s not only healthier but more responsive to your training and engagement.

Storage Guide: Quick Overview

Treat Type	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Peanut Butter and Banana Bites	Airtight, fridge	7–10 days
Sweet Potato Chews	Airtight, fridge	Up to 2 weeks
Oat and Apple Energy Balls	Airtight, fridge	Up to 5 days
Cheesy Herb Biscuits	Airtight, dry cupboard	Up to 7 days
Frozen Berry Yoghurt Cubes	Freezer	Up to 1 month

Key Nutritional Tips to Keep in Mind

• Watch the fat: Even healthy fats like those in cheese and peanut butter should be given in moderation, especially if your dog is less active.

• Avoid common allergens: Wheat, dairy and eggs are common allergens. If you notice your dog scratching more, having tummy issues or behavioural changes after new treats, consult your vet.

• Check ingredients: Xylitol (found in some peanut butters) and certain fruits like grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. Always double-check before introducing something new.

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How Treats Support Training

We often get asked, “Isn’t giving lots of treats just spoiling my dog?” The short answer is no – not if you’re strategic about it.

Training treats are not just bribes. They’re reinforcement for behaviours you want to see more of. They work because they communicate clearly: “That’s what I wanted you to do.”

Using homemade treats allows you to offer rewards more often without compromising your dog’s health. For example, you can break a cheesy biscuit into smaller bits during a recall session or use a frozen cube as a special end-of-day wind-down.

When you pair treats with consistent cues and timing, they become part of your dog’s learning toolkit.

At Paws Academy, we understand that raising a confident, well-behaved dog takes more than good food. It takes understanding, patience and sometimes, a little professional guidance.

We offer in-person and virtual consultations to suit your lifestyle, wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re starting with a new puppy or facing more complex behavioural challenges, we’re here to help you create a structured, rewarding environment.

Contact us today and take the next step towards a calmer, more connected life with your dog – supported by treats they’ll genuinely love.