Are you a proud dog parent looking to spoil your furry friend with homemade treats? Whether you’re baking out of love or starting a dog treat side hustle, dog treat recipes for beginners are the perfect place to start. These simple, healthy, and delicious treats are made with easy-to-find ingredients, require minimal baking skills, and are 100% pup-approved!
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Why making your own dog treats is a great idea
- Tips for getting started
- Three easy dog treat recipes for beginners
- A bonus idea if you’re thinking of turning your baking hobby into a business!
🐾 Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?
If you’ve ever flipped over a store-bought dog treat package and couldn’t pronounce half the ingredients—you’re not alone. Making your own dog treats at home isn’t just a fun hobby—it’s one of the most thoughtful things you can do for your pup. Here’s why more pet parents are turning to homemade dog treats:
✅ Healthier Ingredients = Healthier Dogs
When you make treats from scratch, you control every single ingredient. That means no artificial preservatives, fillers, dyes, or additives—just wholesome, natural ingredients that support your dog’s health. You can stick to pet-safe, vet-approved foods like pumpkin, oats, peanut butter (xylitol-free), bananas, carrots, and more. If you’re aiming to improve your dog’s digestion, coat, or energy levels, homemade treats are a great place to start.
✅ Complete Customization for Dietary Needs
Many dogs have food sensitivities or allergies to common ingredients like wheat, chicken, or dairy. When you make your own dog treats, you can tailor each recipe to your dog’s dietary restrictions. Whether your pup needs grain-free treats, low-fat snacks, or a special peanut butter alternative, you’re in full control. You can even make treats soft or crunchy based on your dog’s age and dental health.
✅ Cost Savings That Add Up
Let’s face it—premium dog treats from pet stores can get pricey. Making your own treats at home is not only cost-effective, it allows you to make bigger batches for a fraction of the price. With pantry staples like bananas, oats, or canned pumpkin, you can whip up multiple servings that are just as nutritious—without breaking the bank. If you have more than one dog or love to treat your pup often, homemade is the budget-friendly way to go.
✅ A Special Way to Bond With Your Pup
Baking treats isn’t just for birthdays and holidays—it’s a sweet way to show your dog you care every day. Dogs can sense when something is made just for them, and they’ll love the attention, routine, and reward that comes with your homemade goodies. Many pet owners say that making treats helps them feel more connected to their dogs, especially when baking becomes a fun ritual you both look forward to.
Essential Tools to Get Started
Before we dig into the recipes, let’s talk about the basics you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie cutters (optional, but fun!)
Pro tip: You don’t need fancy tools to get started. Even a spoon and your hands will do the trick for most beginner dog treat recipes.
Beginner Tips for Making Dog Treats
If this is your first time baking for your pup, here are a few beginner tips:
- Use dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin, oats, bananas, and peanut butter (xylitol-free).
- Avoid harmful foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and artificial sweeteners.
- Store properly. Homemade treats don’t have preservatives, so keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Start small. Make a small batch first to test what your pup likes.
Now, let’s get into the recipes!
Recipe #1: 3-Ingredient Banana Oat Bites 🍌
Perfect for beginners—no special equipment needed!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the banana.
- Stir in oats and egg until you have a sticky dough.
- Scoop into small balls or flatten into mini cookies.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
Why Dogs Love It:
The banana adds natural sweetness, and the oats are gentle on tummies. It’s soft, chewy, and great for senior dogs, too!
Recipe #2: Peanut Butter Pumpkin Poppers
This recipe smells so good you might want to taste it yourself!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
- Slowly add flour (and cinnamon if using), stirring to form a dough.
- Roll out and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Bonus Tip:
If your dog has a peanut allergy, swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or plain pumpkin puree!
Recipe #3: No-Bake Apple & Carrot Nibbles 🥕
Short on time? These no-bake dog treats are fast, easy, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 apple, finely chopped or grated (seeds removed)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll into small balls or press into silicone molds.
- Place in the freezer for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or keep frozen.
Great For:
Hot summer days, sensitive stomachs, or when you don’t feel like turning on the oven!
Safety First: Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
Even beginner-friendly dog treat recipes must stay clear of:
- Xylitol (commonly found in peanut butter—always double-check!)
- Chocolate and cocoa powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Onions and garlic
- Macadamia nuts
Always check with your vet if you’re unsure about a new ingredient.
Want to Turn Your Dog Treat Hobby Into a Business?
Did you know homemade dog treats are one of the easiest side hustles to start in 2025? With low startup costs and high demand, it’s the perfect gig for dog lovers and home bakers.
👉 Check out the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™—created by The Barkin’ Beagle Bakery to help beginners start and grow a successful dog treat business from home. You’ll get:
- Step-by-step guides
- Tested recipes
- Pricing tips
- Labeling rules
- Social media templates
- And so much more!
With 3 pricing tiers, you can start small and scale big—fetch your pack today!
Common Questions About Homemade Dog Treats
How long do homemade dog treats last?
Most baked treats last up to 7 days in the fridge and 2–3 months in the freezer. No-bake or soft treats should always be refrigerated.
Can I sell these beginner dog treat recipes?
Yes—but check your local laws and pet food regulations. Most states require basic registration, labeling guidelines, and safe storage practices. Our Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ covers everything you need to know.
What’s the best flour to use?
- Oat flour – great for sensitive stomachs
- Whole wheat flour – affordable and widely used
- Coconut flour or rice flour – gluten-free options (absorb more liquid, so adjust accordingly)
Final Thoughts: You Can Bake Like a Pro (Even If You’re a Beginner!)
Making your own dog treats is more than just a fun activity—it’s an act of love. Whether you’re making banana oat bites, pumpkin poppers, or apple carrot nibbles, your pup will appreciate the effort—and you’ll enjoy the joy of treating them with something wholesome.
If you’re ready to take the next step and turn your baking into a business, don’t forget to grab your Dog Bakery Starter Kit™. It’s the best way to go from beginner to barkery boss.
📌 Don’t Forget to Pin This Post!
Love these dog treat recipes for beginners? Save them for later and follow us on Pinterest at @BarkinBeagleBakery for more dog treat inspiration, baking tips, and business ideas!