Dog Treats

3-Ingredient Dog Treats You Can Make in Minutes

Love to spoil your furry baby? Always looking for new ways to show them how much you love them? I’ve got the perfect idea for you—easy homemade dog treats. While your dog may not be able to appreciate that you’ve made these from scratch, they will certainly love gorging on them. Besides, preparing your dog’s treats in your kitchen frees you of worry about the type and quality of ingredients or risk of hidden additives or exposure to preservatives, which remains a concern with packaged variants, no matter how premium or time-tested. 

The best part? These simple 3-ingredient dog treats can be prepared in no time, with items off your kitchen shelf, and do not require any culinary expertise. Whether you’re a noob in the kitchen or juggle an extremely packed schedule, you can whip these up in no time. Get ready for some tail wags with these quick dog treat recipes up your sleeve.     

Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

Apart from the joy of doing something nice for a loyal companion whose entire world revolves around you, there are many other benefits of feeding your dog homemade treats, such as: 

  • Healthier ingredients: You have complete control over the quality and type of ingredients, and can ensure that your pet’s treats are all-natural and free from harmful additives, preservatives, and artificial colors
  • Customizable for dietary needs: Ideal for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific dietary restrictions
  • Cost-effective: Treat prepared at home often work to be cheaper than high-quality store-bought treats, especially for premium or specialty options
  • No hidden additives: There is no risk of potentially harmful fillers, chemicals, or xylitol that might be present in commercial treats
  • Freshness guaranteed: These freshly prepared treats offer the best taste and nutritional value
  • Tailored flavor: You can prepare treats with ingredients your dog loves
  • Portion control: The treats can be sized to suit your dog’s size, weight, and activity level

Suggested Reading: 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Dog

3-Ingredient Dog Treats—5 Easy Recipe Ideas 

Now that we’ve established that preparing dog treats from scratch can be a great idea for more than one reason, let’s get down to the specifics. Here are 5 recipes that tell you how to make dog treats with 3 ingredients: 

1. Peanut butter banana bites

All dogs love peanut butter, which naturally makes it a front runner among treat ingredients. Of all the homemade peanut butter dog treats with minimal ingredients, this one is my favorite for its ease of making and flavor.   

Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • 1 cup oats

Recipe

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth
  2. Mix in the peanut butter and stir until fully combined
  3. Gradually add the oats, mixing until a dough forms
  4. Roll the mixture into small balls or press into silicone molds
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up before serving

Watch it in action here:

2. Pumpkin yogurt pops

Every pet parent knows that pumpkin is great for dogs and they love the taste too. So, incorporating it in a treat is a smart idea all around. If you’re looking for quick dog treat recipes, here is one that you can put together in a matter of minutes, and it comes loaded with health benefits for your pooch.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not spiced pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored)
  • 1/4 cup water or bone broth (optional, to adjust consistency)

Recipe

  1. Mix pumpkin and yogurt in a bowl until smooth
  2. Add water or broth to achieve a pourable consistency, if needed
  3. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays
  4. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours and serve as a cooling treat

3. Cheesy sweet potato bites

Cheesy sweet potato bites are among the fast and easy dog treat recipes that balance out guilty indulgence with healthy choices. Sweet potato can be a great addition to your dog’s dietary intake and cheese is an all-time favorite of our furry companions. Combine the two, top it up with some oats, and you have yourself a treat that will have your pet eating out of your palm in no time. 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (low-fat, dog-safe varieties like mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup oat flour or finely ground oats

Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Combine sweet potato, cheese, and oat flour in a bowl to form a dough
  3. Roll into small balls or flatten slightly into cookie shapes
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes
  5. Let cool before serving

4. Tuna biscuits 

These tuna-based simple dog biscuits are packed with nutrients and flavor. Whether you want to use it as a training aid or simply offer it as a treat, your furry baby will lap these up in no time and pester you for more. You need about 15 minutes to make these healthy 3-ingredient dog biscuits from scratch.  

Ingredients

  • 1 can tuna in water (drained)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour

Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Mix tuna and eggs in a bowl, breaking up the tuna into small pieces
  3. Gradually add the flour to form a thick, sticky batter
  4. Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cut into small pieces once cool

Follow this video to get it started:

5. Apple Peanut Butter biscuits

Speaking of simple dog biscuits made with healthy ingredients, I present to you a combination you just cannot go wrong with—apples and peanut butter. This is one of the most bankable easy homemade dog treats that your pet won’t get enough of. If you have a fussy eater on your hands or are looking for high-value treats to use as a training aid, you can’t go wrong with these.  

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or substitute)

Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Mix applesauce and peanut butter in a bowl until smooth
  3. Gradually add the flour to create a thick batter
  4. Use a piping bag or teaspoon to drop small dollops onto a baking sheet
  5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until firm. Cool completely before serving

Suggested Reading: 8 Ways to Add More Protein to Your Dog’s Diet

Tips for Baking and Storing Homemade Dog Treats

Now that you have a variety of quick dog treat recipes up your sleeve, let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind to ensure that these homemade treats are tasty, healthy, and don’t pose any sort of risk to your pet

Baking tips

  • Use dog-safe ingredients: Avoid harmful ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, garlic, onions, and excess salt
  • Choose whole-grain or gluten-free flours: Use oat, rice, or whole wheat flour for a nutritious base. Avoid white flour.
  • Balance flavor and nutrition: Incorporate ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free), pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or bananas to enhance taste without compromising on the nutritional value of your dog’s treats 
  • Stick to simple recipes: Use minimal ingredients to avoid overwhelming your dog’s digestive system
  • Adjust baking time as per batch and treat size: Smaller treats and batches bake faster; keep an eye on them to avoid burning
  • Cool completely: Let treats cool before offering them to your dog or storing them to prevent moisture build-up

Storage Tips

  • Store treats in an airtight container: This prevents the treats from becoming stale and makes them last longer
  • Refrigerate for extended freshness: Homemade treats can last 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator, depending on the ingredients used
  • Freeze for long-term storage: Treats can be frozen for up to 3 months. You can thaw portions as needed
  • Label with dates: Note the date you made and froze the treats to track freshness
  • Use wax paper for separation: If treats are sticky, layer them with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together

Pro Tips

  • Test small batches: Experiment with small quantities first to see whether your dog likes the treats and if they agree with their digestive system
  • Portion for your dog’s size: Shape treats appropriately for your dog’s breed and bite size
  • Watch for signs of spoilage: Discard treats if they smell off, develop mold, or have an unusual texture

Suggested Reading: 12 Signs Your Dog’s Food Isn’t as Healthy as You Think

Safety Considerations When Choosing Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats

When choosing ingredients for easy homemade dog treats, it’s important to ensure that they are suitable for your pet’s consumption. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Steer clear of toxic ingredients such chocolate, xylitol, onions and garlic, grapes and raisins, and macadamia nuts  
  • Don’t add any salt or sugar to your dog’s treats, these can lead to health issues like obesity or high blood pressure
  • Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities your dog may have and choose ingredients accordingly. For instance, some dogs may have sensitivities to wheat or gluten. In that case, use oat, rice, or almond flour. 
  • Likewise, not all dogs digest dairy well. Test yogurt or cheese in small amounts to check tolerance
  • Choose organic and unsweetened options when possible (e.g., peanut butter, applesauce) to avoid harmful additives and preservatives
  • Watch the fat content. While fats like coconut oil or fish oil can be beneficial in small amounts, excessive fat can lead to pancreatitis
  • Test new ingredients in small amounts to ensure they don’t upset your dog’s stomach or cause allergies.

Suggested Reading: How Suitable is Raw Fish For Dogs?

Dog-safe ingredients for homemade treats

Not all foods consumed by humans are good for dogs and it can be hard to figure out which ones are safe for your dog and which aren’ts, especially at the beginning. To make things easier for you, here is quick lowdown on safe and unsafe ingredients for homemade dog treats:  

Safe ingredients 

CategorySafe IngredientsThings to remember
FruitsApples (seedless), Bananas, Blueberries, Strawberries, PearsRemove seeds, pits, and stems to ensure safety.
VegetablesCarrots, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin (plain), Green BeansUse fresh or cooked versions without seasoning.
ProteinsChicken, Turkey, Salmon (cooked and deboned), EggsEnsure no bones or added seasonings like salt or garlic.
GrainsOatmeal, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Flour, Oat FlourUse whole grains for added fiber and nutrition.
Fats and OilsCoconut Oil, Olive Oil, Fish OilUse in moderation to avoid excessive fat intake.
DairyPlain Yogurt (unsweetened), Cottage Cheese (low-fat)Monitor for lactose intolerance before regular use.
OthersPeanut Butter (xylitol-free), Honey (small amounts), FlaxseedCheck for added ingredients in peanut butter like salt or sugar.

Unsafe ingredients

CategoryUnsafe IngredientsWhy They Are Unsafe
FruitsGrapes, Raisins, Cherries, AvocadoGrapes and raisins can cause kidney failure; cherries contain toxic pits.
VegetablesOnions, Garlic, Leeks, Raw PotatoesCan damage red blood cells and cause anemia; raw potatoes contain solanine.
ProteinsRaw Meat (unverified sources), Bacon, Processed MeatsRisk of bacterial infections and high salt content.
GrainsWhite Flour, Bread Dough (raw)Lacks nutritional value; raw dough can expand in the stomach.
SweetenersXylitol, Artificial SweetenersXylitol causes life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver damage.
Fats and OilsButter, Grease, High-Fat FoodsCan lead to pancreatitis.
OthersChocolate, Coffee, Alcohol, NutmegContains toxic compounds like theobromine and caffeine.

Suggested Reading: Can Dogs Eat Peanuts? Everything You Need to Know

FAQs

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

These homemade treats can be suitable for dogs with allergies if ingredients are carefully selected to avoid common allergens. For dogs with grain allergies, you can use alternatives like oat or coconut flour instead of wheat flour. Replace dairy products with lactose-free options or avoid them entirely if your dog is sensitive. For peanut allergies, opt for sunflower seed butter (xylitol-free). Always check for sensitivities to proteins or fruits and introduce new ingredients gradually. Customizing recipes ensures they cater to your dog’s specific dietary needs safely.

How many treats can I give my dog daily?

    The number of treats you can give your dog daily depends on their size, age, activity level, and overall diet. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Here is a broad estimate on how many treats you can give your dog in a day:

    • Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 small treats
    • Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–3 medium-sized treats
    • Large dogs (50+ lbs): 3–4 larger treats

    Always consider the treat’s calorie content and reduce their regular meal portions accordingly if giving higher-calorie treats. For training purposes, use tiny, low-calorie treats to avoid overfeeding.

    Takeaway

    These easy homemade dog treats present a great bonding opportunity and also give you a chance to express your love for your pet in a unique way. The best part, of course, is that you need a lot of time, effort, or expertise to try these quick dog treat recipes. Pick the one that you think your dog will like the most, whip up a small batch, and take it from there. 

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