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You want to give your dog a treat and you don’t feel guilty about it or spend $15 for 6 cookies. Either they look like a science project with ingredients you can’t pronounce or they’re “natural” brands and cost more per ounce than your favorite dark chocolate.
I bet you’ve thrown out tons of bags of dog food your dog didn’t eat. Or, even worse, he ate it and you get the worst case of nightmares ever (and he ruins your area rug in the middle of the night).
If you prefer the convenience of store bought, but would like the peace of mind that your dog is getting human-grade whole food ingredients, then these treats are for you! They’re made with fresh, human-grade ingredients and no preservatives. Think of them as a better pre-made version of what you’ll make below.
Two problems solved! You know exactly what your Golden is eating, and most of the recipes are under $3 per batch.
13. These treats take just 20 minutes from mixing bowl to oven and don’t crumble all over your couch. They’re also adorable enough to leave in a glass jar on your counter. Once you get the basics like pumpkin dog treats down, you’ll never buy mystery nuggets again.
Baking Essentials for Perfect Homemade Treats
Before you start, grab these five tools to make baking faster and mess-free:
Most of these recipes use ingredients you already have: natural peanut butter, whole wheat flour, oats, and eggs. For premium ready-made treats when you’re short on time, Just Food for Dogs offers vet-recommended, whole-food options with zero preservatives.
Recipe #1: Golden Peanut Butter Bone Biscuits
My dog sat in front of the oven for 22 minutes and drooled all over the kitchen floor waiting for me to open the door.
Mix 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup rolled oats, ½ cup natural peanut butter (check the label—no xylitol), 1 egg, and ⅔ cup water until you’ve got cookie-dough consistency. Roll it ¼-inch thick, cut bone shapes with cookie cutters, and bake at 350°F for exactly 25 minutes until golden brown edges appear. You’ll get about 40 two-inch bones that cost roughly $0.12 each—way cheaper than premium store-bought options.
These snap with a satisfying crunch so you can break them into training-sized pieces during recall practice. Each treat packs about 35 calories with protein from peanut butter and oats for sustained energy. They’re perfect for picky eaters who turn their noses up at store-bought options—three different taste-testers devoured samples in under 8 seconds. Store them in an airtight container on your counter for 2 weeks, or freeze for 3 months.
Pro tip: Don’t leave them in the oven for longer than 27 minutes or else they’ll get too hard and burn your older dog’s gums. For more recipes that your dog will be obsessed with, check out these Homemade Dog Biscuits Recipes: Healthy and Delicious Treats for Your Pup.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @fromkristinskitchen
Recipe #2: Peanut Butter Flaxseed Dog Biscuits
My golden retriever sat at the oven door for 22 minutes while these baked, with his nose pressed to the glass. As they filled the house with peanut butter smell (like warm cookies, but for dogs).
You’ll need 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup natural peanut butter (check the label—no xylitol), 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 cup water. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet until you get a Play-Doh consistency. Roll dough to ¼-inch thick, cut into bone shapes with bone-shaped cookie cutters, and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until golden brown edges appear.
30 pieces, 2 inches, 45 calories. My dog loves this. I usually put flaxseed in it so it has the omega 3s. My dog’s coat got a little softer after about 2 weeks. It’s a little harder than a soft treat but not as hard as a Milk-Bone.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months. Give 1-2 treats per day to dogs under 25 pounds. For larger dogs give 3-4 treats. My beagle is very picky and chooses these over store bought dog treats 3 times in a row without any competition. Remember not to overbake or the treats will turn rock hard and your dog will stash them somewhere to eat later instead.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @urbanblisslife
Recipe #3: Golden Pumpkin-Peanut Butter Biscuits
While your dog waits by the oven door, patiently twitching his nose for 22 minutes, these golden treats are baking, and Archer did it. See? There’s a photo.
Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), ½ cup natural peanut butter, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon honey. Prep time: 10 minutes. Bake time: 22 minutes at 350°F. Yields 40 treats in bone and heart shapes, about 2 inches each.
Mix all ingredients until dough forms (it’ll be sticky like cookie dough). Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Bake on parchment-lined sheets until edges turn golden brown. They’ll smell like peanut butter heaven for 3 hours after.
1. Each bite contains about 35 calories, fiber from pumpkin for digestion and protein from peanut butter. Keep in an airtight container for 2 weeks at room temperature or 3 months in the freezer. 1-2 treats per day for dogs under 25 pounds, 3-4 for larger dogs. If your dog prefers a softer texture or you’re short on baking time, try Just Food for Dogs treats.
Great for little snacks that your dog can grab and eat while on the go. A fun little treat for your dog, and you can find even more peanut butter dog treats that your dog will go crazy for by visiting Homemade Peanut Dog Treats: Healthy & Delicious Recipes for Your Pup.
Pro tip: If you overcook them for 25 minutes or more, they will be as hard as rocks and you will hurt your tender gums.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @archerthefrenchie.to
Recipe #4: Frozen Peanut Butter Paw Print Treats
I will have to tell you that my dog, Lucy, sat at the freezer door for 20 minutes after I poured these into the silicone molds. She knew something good was about to happen. These frozen peanut butter treats take no oven time and yield 24 paw-shaped peanut butter treats that last for 6 weeks in the freezer.
You’ll need silicone paw print molds to create perfect shapes—they’re dishwasher-safe and pop treats out cleanly.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter (no xylitol, check the label!), 2 tbsp of honey and 1 mashed banana until smooth. Pour the mixture into silicone bone or paw molds and freeze for 90 minutes. Each treat is about 35 calories and safe for dogs under 50 pounds (2 per day). The creamy texture will melt slowly and your dog can lick it for 10 minutes.
Your kitchen will stay cool because you’re not baking them! Actually, these were the best on a hot August afternoon when I was looking for something cool to make. Freeze them in freezer bags, separating with a piece of parchment so they don’t stick together.
Pro tip: Lucy loved her frozen Kong with ice cubes and cream – it kept her happy all night and my floors stayed clean, as frozen treats don’t crumble like baked biscuits.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ilovelucy
Recipe #5: Golden Peanut Butter Bone Biscuits
I remember giving Charlie these bone shaped biscuits for the first time. My dog stayed completely still in the down stay for 4 minutes before taking a biscuit. They break in half cleanly for a jackpot reward. No other rubbery treats I have ever had will bend rather than snap.
Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup natural peanut butter (without xylitol), 1 cup water, 2 tbsp honey Mix into a dough. Roll it out to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 2 inch bones. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes until you see golden edges on them. Make 36 treats at about 45 calories each. They get rock hard if you bake them too long, maybe 25 minutes.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 weeks, which beats the 7-day fridge life of homemade peanut butter and banana treats. The peanut butter delivers protein and healthy fats so you can skip pricey store-bought options at $14 per bag which means more money for that new living room rug Charlie won’t destroy.
Your kitchen smells like fresh-baked cookies for hours, and guests think you’ve been baking for yourself. Use bone-shaped cookie cutters for Instagram-worthy shapes, or roll the dough into quarter-sized rounds for rapid-fire recall training at the dog park.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @silly.bg
Recipe #6: Peanut Butter Drizzle Cookies
and there you are with your dog and bandana on. 32 golden cookies cooling on the counter. that’s what happens when you make peanut butter cookies that smell better than people desserts.
Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free), 2 eggs, ¼ cup honey, ½ cup water. Drizzle: 3 tablespoons melted peanut butter. Mix wet ingredients first, then fold in flour until you get thick dough. Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut 2-inch rounds. Bake at 350°F for 18 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Drizzle melted peanut butter in zigzag lines while warm. Yield: 32 treats at roughly 45 calories each.
IT’S CRUNCHY LIKE SHORTBREAD So, it breaks into little training size pieces. 1 batch will last you 2 weeks of park sessions. Feed 1-2 for dogs under 25 pounds, 3-4 for larger dogs. They stay crunchy in an airtight container for 14 days at room temperature or 6 weeks frozen.
Store homemade batches in mason jars with ribbon for gift-worthy neighbor presents that cost $4 per batch versus $12 for organic store brands.
Pro tip: Make it fun for them by using bone-shaped cutters and let them drizzle some extra drizzle on their pancake – they’ll love helping in the kitchen.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @eat.drink.repeat.atl
Homemade vs Store-Bought vs Premium: Cost Comparison
| Option | Prep Time | Shelf Life | Best For |
| Homemade (these recipes) | 20-35 min | 2-3 weeks | Budget-conscious bakers who love DIY |
| Store-bought conventional | 0 min | 6-12 months | Convenience seekers, not ingredient-focused |
| Just Food for Dogs | 0 min | Varies | Pet parents who want human-grade quality without baking |
| Amazon baking supplies | 15-25 min | 2-3 weeks | First-time bakers who need starter kits |
Table 1. Do it yourself, store bought, top brands or bake with quality tools?
Recipe #7: Crispy Sesame-Oat Bone Biscuits
My neighbour’s golden retriever stood at the oven door for a full 22 minutes while I made these. The sesame seeds are a bit hard and crack in their mouths so they are really addictive to treat-motivated dogs.
Recipe yields 24 two-inch bone-shaped biscuits. Mix 2 cups oat flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free), and 1 egg until dough forms. Roll 1/4-inch thick, cut with bone-shaped cutter, brush with beaten egg white, then press into 3 tablespoons sesame seeds. Bake at 325°F for 28 minutes until golden-brown edges appear. They smell like toasted peanut butter for hours.
Each treat is 35 calories. Small dogs can have 2-3 of them per day and large dogs can have 4-5. The oat flour won’t bother dogs with wheat allergies and the peanut butter gives them some protein for those long training sessions. You can store these treats in an airtight container for 3 weeks or store them in the freezer for 3 months.
Pro tip: Please don’t overcook these… they’ll be too hard on your gums! How cute are these Homemade Dog Ice Cream Recipes for a fun summer treat? Perfect to go with your biscuits!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @sustainable_autumn
Recipe #8: Frozen Peanut Butter Paw Print Treats
My Labrador sat drooling at the freezer door for 2 hours straight when I made these. The silicone mold creates Instagram-worthy paw prints and bones that pop out perfectly every time.
Mix 2 cups Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup natural peanut butter. Make sure there is no xylitol in the peanut butter (xylitol is toxic to dogs). Stir for 30 seconds until smooth. Pour into your silicon mold and freeze for 3 hours. You will have 12 treats that are about 45 calories each. For a small dog, give them half a paw print and for a big dog, give them a full paw print.
5. Cooling Treats: Greek yogurt (probiotics for gut health) + peanut butter (protein that your dog will go nuts for) = treats that will cool hot pups after a summer walk and will have your dog licking for 10 minutes straight. Keep them in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months, I keep mine in a gallon Ziploc bag.
If your dog is allergic to something, then Just Food for Dogs’ single-protein frozen treats are a great addition to your homemade rotation.
Pro tip: If they don’t fall out, then try filling the back of the mold with warm water for 5 seconds, and they’ll slide out.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @clairebell72
Recipe #9: Sweet Potato Bone Biscuits
The dog, Pepper, sat by the oven door and froze for 22 minutes twitching her nose. I’ve never been able to keep Pepper in a stay this long, unless there was something really good on the other side.
What you need: Mix together the 2 cups mashed sweet potato, 2 1/2 cups oat flour and 1 egg. Mix together in a bowl until it becomes dough that is slightly sticky. Roll out on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut into bone shapes with cookie cutters. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
This makes about 40 treats at 15 calories each. Sweet potato adds beta-carotene for eye health and fiber for smooth digestion, which means fewer emergency vet visits for upset stomachs. They’re grain-free if you use certified gluten-free oats—perfect for dogs with wheat allergies. Store them in an airtight container for 2 weeks, or freeze them for 3 months.
They kind of have the texture of a store bought milk bone but they are a little softer for older gums. My 12 year old lab mix can have one in 30 seconds and then curls up to sleep them off. They are durable enough to be used for training treats but they won’t shatter into a million crumbs in your treat pouch. Try Homemade Bacon Dog Treats Recipes Your Pup Will Love for other treats your dog will devour.
Pro tip: 13. Make Holiday-Shaped Cookies and Put Them in Mason Jars. Make your friends smile this holiday season with some delicious baked goods in a mason jar!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jen.a.fitz
Recipe #10: Peanut Butter Paw Print Biscuits
Your kitchen will smell like fresh cookies for hours, but these are dog cookies. Luna sat by the oven door the whole 25 minutes that they baked and drool was on the floor.
Ingredients: 2 cups oat flour, ½ cup natural peanut butter (check for xylitol—it’s toxic), 2 eggs, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. Mix in a bowl until dough forms, roll to ¼-inch thick, cut with paw and bone cookie cutters. Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown edges appear. Yields 40 treats in two sizes: large paws (3 inches) and mini bones (1 inch).
Grain-free (oat flour can be used to help keep them easy on the stomach) and rich in protein for your dog! 14 calories per large paw so they are not fattening when you are trying to stay in shape! Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
They crack with a pleasing crunch (they’re harder than Milk-Bones but easier on the gums) and Baxter can chomp three of them in 30 seconds. He then proceeds to do every trick in his book until he gets one. They’re great to carry in the park and Baxter’s big paws also make for great photo props that don’t fall apart.
Do not over-bake them for more than 25 minutes or they will turn to rocks. Hide if you have a dog that surfs the counters. Mine ate a batch of these cookies.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @jaxthefoxredlabrador
Recipe #11: Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bone Biscuits
“My neighbor’s golden retriever sat at the oven door for 23 minutes while these baked, drool puddle and all,” my husband proudly declared. “Just imagine how good your kitchen will smell when you make these golden, bone-shaped treats that snap in half with a satisfying crunch!”
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol), 2 eggs Mix the wet ingredients in a bowl, adding the flour in until it looks like playdough. Roll the playdough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into different bone shapes. Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes, until the edges look golden. There will be about 40 bones and they are about 12 calories each. Small dogs can have 2-3 bones per day and large dogs 5-6.
yeah. i know it sux but its high fiber so it should help your stomach out so you dont have to run to the bathroom at midnight. the peanut butter is for the protein to keep your muscles happy. just make sure you seal it up tight for 2 weeks at room temperature or you can freeze it in batches for 3 months.
My dog training client’s beagle will ignore every command given by anyone, but she held a 90 second stay for just one biscuit. They’re softer than Milk-Bones but crunchier than soft-baked treats and just the right size for quick recall practice at the park. Or try these out if you’re in a hurry for a quick two ingredient treat.
However, do not overbake or else they will get to be hard and cut gums.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @beaubauertheberner
Recipe #12: Sweet Potato Training Bites
He ignores the command “come” when we are at the park, but that dog is another dog when I pull out my special sweet potato training treats. I baked a batch on Sunday, and by Tuesday, my Beagle was coming back to me from 50 feet away when I called her.
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed sweet potato (about 2 medium potatoes), 1 cup oat flour, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free). Prep time: 15 minutes. Bake time: 25 minutes at 350°F. Press the mixture into mini muffin tins to create 48 quarter-sized rounds—perfect for slipping into treat pouches.
3. Sweet Potato Crunchies – 12 calories each! What a great way to give your dog a treat with no guilt! The sweet potato helps with fiber for digestion, keeps the treat soft enough for older dogs, grain-free, dairy-free and smells like Thanksgiving dinner (my kitchen smelled like that for 4 hours!).
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Do not make too thin, otherwise they will freeze hard and lose their chewy texture.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @mel_greigo
Recipe #13: DIY Beef Liver Training Bites
As my neighbor’s beagle Mix sat at my door for four hours waiting for me to open the oven door and feed him the dehydrated beef liver cubes, drool began pooling on the floor. These are super meaty cubes and you might find that you’ll have the aroma of a steakhouse in your kitchen for days.
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh beef liver (Costco sells it for $4.99). That’s it. Prep time: 5 minutes to cube, 4 hours to dehydrate at 200°F. Cut the liver into half-inch cubes—you’ll get about 400 bite-sized pieces. Spread them on a baking sheet with parchment paper so they don’t stick. Bake low and slow until they’re hard and crumbly, not soft.
No fillers, just protein. Twelve (12) calories per chew so you can reward 20 times per training session. My dog’s coat got shinier after two weeks (beef liver contains vitamin A and iron). They break easily so be sure to break them smaller for puppies and small dogs.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or freeze for 3 months. My lab will do anything for one cube – we learned “play dead” in one afternoon. They’re a little messier than Homemade Banana Dog Treats, but much higher value for a difficult dog.
Pro tip: 1. Wear gloves when cubing raw liver. It stains your cutting board purple for days.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @winkiespiers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. You can even do that for your dog if he has allergies.
Yes! Swap whole wheat flour for oat flour (gluten-free) or coconut flour (grain-free). Replace peanut butter with plain pumpkin puree for nut allergies. For pre-made allergy-friendly options, Just Food for Dogs offers limited-ingredient treats formulated for sensitive stomachs.
How long do homemade treats stay fresh?
Store in airtight containers at room temp for 2 weeks, or freeze for 3 months. Frozen treats last 6 weeks.
What kitchen tools do I absolutely need?
Just four basics: mixing bowl, rolling pin, cookie cutters, and parchment paper. Everything else is optional.
Are homemade treats actually healthier than store-bought?
You are in full control of what goes into your dog’s tummy. No preservatives, no fillers, no mystery ingredients. Or, if you prefer to buy store bought, brands like Just Food for Dogs are equally transparent with what goes into your pup.
Can I make treats without an oven?
Absolutely! Frozen treats (recipes #4 and #8) require no baking—just mix, pour into silicone molds, and freeze. They’re perfect for summer days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Your Kitchen, Your Dog’s New Favorite Spot
I can’t believe these 3-ingredient recipes homemade dog treats will leave you dumbfounded at what they can do to your pantry and your dog’s health. You won’t need anything fancy or specialty store-bought for these, just even more awesome.
Keeping an eye on your budget? Try to make your own homemade dog treats or purchase gluten-free dog treats (flourless) so your dog’s tummy doesn’t suffer. Every penny saved is a penny put in your wallet!
2. You need some vet-approved easy alternatives that you know are homemade quality. Check out Just Food for Dogs whole food treats with no fillers, by-products or artificial ingredients. And also check out their pantry fresh dog food for meal options.
Pin the recipes because I’m ready to bake! Your dog is going to love you when you make him a treat from one of these healthy recipes. Which recipe do you think will make your dog’s tail wag the fastest?
Hi, I’m Ali Tarek, co-founder of Animalsman. I’ve always been passionate about pets, especially dogs and cats, and I created this website to share practical tips, easy recipes, and helpful care advice for fellow pet lovers. My goal is to make pet care simple, enjoyable, and accessible for everyone. When I’m not writing or curating content, you’ll usually find me spending time with my furry friends or learning new ways to keep them happy and healthy.
