Are you searching for easy homemade dog treat recipes for beginners that are healthy, affordable, and fun to make? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re baking for your pup or dreaming of turning your passion into a business, making your own dog treats is the perfect place to start.
In this post, we’ll explore why homemade treats are a fantastic option, share three simple recipes you can make with pantry staples, and explain how you can turn your hobby into a side hustle. Plus, we’ll show you how the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ can help you launch your own treat-making journey today!
Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?
Making dog treats at home comes with so many benefits:
✅ Healthier Ingredients – You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s snacks. No hidden fillers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
✅ Customizable for Allergies – You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your pup’s needs (think grain-free or chicken-free).
✅ Save Money – Store-bought treats can be pricey! DIY options are budget-friendly and often make big batches.
✅ Bonding Time – Baking for your dog is a fun way to bond, and trust us—your pup will love being the official taste tester!
✅ Business Potential – Love baking? You can turn this hobby into a profitable dog treat business (more on that below!).
What You’ll Need to Get Started
To begin your treat-making journey, you don’t need anything fancy. Here are the basics:
- A mixing bowl and spoon
- Measuring cups
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (optional, but cute!)
We also recommend grabbing a copy of our Dog Bakery Starter Kit™, which includes:
- A recipe planner
- Pet-safe ingredient guide
- Treat tracker
- Business checklist
- Promo templates and more!
👉 Get Your Dog Bakery Starter Kit Today and start baking with confidence!
3 Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes for Beginners
1. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Poppers
These soft, chewy treats are packed with flavor—and dog-safe ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until dough forms.
- Roll dough and cut into shapes or scoop into small balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool before serving.
Shelf Life: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for 2–3 months.
2. Banana Oat Bites (3 Ingredients!)
Perfect for beginner bakers and sensitive pups.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mash banana in a bowl.
- Stir in oats and egg until well combined.
- Scoop dough into small bite-sized balls.
- Place on a lined baking tray and flatten gently.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before giving to your dog.
Pro Tip: These make excellent training treats!
3. Apple & Carrot Crunchies
A crunchy snack loaded with fiber and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup grated apple (peeled)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix all ingredients into a stiff dough.
- Roll dough and cut into small rectangles or use bone-shaped cutters.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even crunch.
- Cool and store in a dry container.
These are great for dogs who love a crispier treat!
Safety First: What NOT to Use
Some human ingredients can be harmful to dogs. Avoid using:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (often in peanut butter)
- Grapes or raisins
- Onions or garlic
- Macadamia nuts
- Nutmeg
- Too much salt or sugar
That’s why our Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ includes a complete Pet-Safe Ingredient Guide—so you’ll always bake with confidence.
👉 Download the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ Now for all the tools you need to bake smarter!
Tips for Perfect Homemade Dog Treats
🦴 Stick to Simple Recipes
Start with a few basic ingredients you know are safe and experiment as you gain confidence.
🦴 Use Fun Cookie Cutters
Dog bone and paw print shapes add a fun, professional touch (great if you’re thinking of selling!).
🦴 Label & Store Properly
Keep treats in airtight containers and always label them with the date.
🦴 Start Small Batches
Especially when testing new recipes or trying different textures.
🦴 Involve the Family
Making treats can be a great bonding activity with kids, too!
Thinking About Selling Your Treats?
If your pup (and their neighborhood friends) love your treats, why not share them with the world?
Turning your hobby into a business is easier than you think. Here’s why a dog treat side hustle is perfect for beginners:
🐾 Low Startup Costs
You don’t need a commercial kitchen or storefront—just your home oven and a few simple tools.
🐾 Flexible Hours
Bake on your schedule and sell locally or online.
🐾 Creative Fun
Design your own flavors, packaging, and brand name.
🐾 Make a Difference
Many treat bakers also support shelters, rescues, and local events.
Want to skip the guesswork and start with confidence? The Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ gives you everything you need in one download.
What’s Inside the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll get:
📝 Step-by-Step Startup Guide
Walk through every stage of launching your business.
📓 Treat Recipe Planner & Tracker
Organize your best creations and plan new batches.
📦 Pet-Safe Ingredient Guide
Avoid harmful ingredients and substitute confidently.
📈 Business Basics & Setup Checklist
Make sure your business is legal and ready to go.
📱 Social Media Promo Pack (Top Dog Tier)
Editable Canva templates to start promoting right away!
💡 Pricing & Treat Naming Guide (Top Dog Tier)
Confidently brand and price your treats for profit.
🛍️ Shopify Setup Guide (Alpha Premium Tier)
Take your business online with a simple, step-by-step plan.
Get Started Today
Whether you’re baking just for your pup or dreaming of selling your treats to fellow dog lovers, the best time to start is NOW.
🎉 Ready to bake up something amazing?
👉 Grab the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™ Today and get everything you need to turn your homemade treats into something paws-itively profitable.
Final Thoughts
Baking homemade dog treats is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to show love to your furry friend. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create snacks that are healthier, cheaper, and more fun than anything store-bought.
And if you’ve ever dreamed of starting a dog treat business, there’s never been a better time. With tools like the Dog Bakery Starter Kit™, you can turn your hobby into a thriving side hustle in just days.
🐶 Bake with love. Build with confidence.
👉 Start your treat-making journey today!
Don’t forget to share this post with other pet lovers—and tag us @TheBarkinBeagleBakery if you bake any of these recipes!