Three Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Homemade treats can be a useful addition to your training toolkit. You know exactly what has gone into them, you can cut them to suit your dog, and you can make some particularly tasty rewards for those more challenging training moments.

Here are three simple options with different flavours and textures.

Soft Liver Training Treats

These have a strong smell and are usually very high value, making them ideal for recall training or working around distractions.

Ingredients

• 250 g lamb’s or beef liver
• 250 g rolled oats
• 1 egg
• A small amount of water, if needed

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Line or lightly grease a shallow baking tin.

3. Place the liver and egg in a food processor or blender and blend until reasonably smooth.

4. Add the oats gradually and blend until combined. Add a small amount of water if the mixture is too thick.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in the tin.

6. Bake for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until firm and cooked completely through.

7. Allow it to cool before cutting it into very small training-sized pieces.

Liver is rich, so these treats should be given in small amounts rather than used as an everyday snack.

Chicken and Oat Training Treats

These soft treats have a gentler flavour and may suit dogs who do not enjoy liver.

Ingredients

• 250 g cooked, skinless and boneless chicken
• 1 egg
• Approximately 150 g rolled oats or oat flour
• A small amount of water, if needed

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Place the cooked chicken and egg in a food processor and blend until finely combined.

3. Add the oats gradually until the mixture forms a thick paste. Add a little water if it is too dry.

4. Press the mixture into a lined shallow baking tin.

5. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.

6. Allow it to cool completely before cutting it into small pieces.

Make sure the chicken contains no bones, skin, onion, garlic, seasoning or cooked sauces.

Pumpkin and Oat Biscuits

These are firmer and milder than the meat treats, making them a useful everyday option.

Ingredients

• 250 g cooked and mashed pumpkin
• 1 egg
• Approximately 200–250 g rolled oats or oat flour

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Mix the pumpkin and egg together.

3. Add the oats gradually until you have a soft dough that can be handled without being overly sticky.

4. Roll the mixture into very small balls and flatten them, or roll out the dough and cut it into small shapes.

5. Place the treats on a lined baking tray.

6. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until firm.

7. Allow them to cool completely before giving them to your dog.

Use plain cooked pumpkin only. Do not use pumpkin pie filling or anything containing sugar, artificial sweeteners, spices or other added ingredients.

Make Your Treats Training-Sized

Training treats do not need to be large. For most dogs, a piece approximately the size of a pea is enough.

Your dog receives the reward for getting something right—the size of the treat is much less important than its value and your timing.

Mark the correct behaviour with your chosen word, such as “Yes,” at the exact moment your dog succeeds. Then give the treat.

Storage

As these treats contain no preservatives, keep only a small quantity in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within three days.

Freeze the remainder in small bags or containers. You can then defrost just enough for the next few days of training.

Discard any treats that develop an unusual smell, colour or texture.

A Few Things to Remember

Treats are extras rather than a complete meal. Feed them in moderation and take them into account when considering your dog’s daily food intake.

Introduce unfamiliar foods gradually and stop feeding them if your dog develops an upset stomach.

Never add garlic, onion, excessive salt, seasoning or artificial sweeteners—particularly xylitol—to homemade dog treats.

If your dog has allergies, pancreatitis, a sensitive digestive system or another medical condition, check with your veterinarian before introducing homemade treats.

Most importantly, have your rewards prepared before training begins, keep your sessions short and enjoy learning together.

Happy training!