How To Make Homemade Dog Treats For Training Rewards

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If you have a dog, you already know how important training is—whether you’re working with a new puppy on the basics or teaching an older dog some new tricks.

But without the right reward, your training efforts may not go far. The best treats for training dogs are tasty, healthy, and homemade!

Homemade dog treats are fun to make and allow you to control exactly what you’re feeding your furry friend. Commercial dog treats often contain additives, preservatives, artificial colors, and fillers that aren’t the best for your dog’s health. Plus, your dog will appreciate it when you take the time to make something special just for them.

Why Should You Make Homemade Dog Treats?

Here are some of the best reasons to consider making your own dog treats:

1. Healthier ingredients

The best homemade dog treats are made with fresh, whole, natural ingredients such as oats, pumpkin, carrots, and peanut butter. They’re nutritious, safe, and dog-approved.

2. No preservatives or artificial additives

Commercial dog treats are often packed with preservatives, flavor enhancers, fillers, and dyes. When you make treats at home, you can skip the chemicals and avoid harmful ingredients like xylitol (found in some peanut butters and sugar-free foods), which is toxic to dogs.

3. Easy to customize

If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, homemade dog treats are easy to adapt. You can make them low-fat, grain-free, or dairy-free, depending on your dog’s needs.

4. Cost-effective

Homemade dog treats are affordable! Most recipes use simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

5. Fun and bonding

Baking treats for your dog is a rewarding experience you’ll both enjoy. Dogs love hanging out in the kitchen and waiting for their reward. Plus, making treats at home strengthens the bond you share with your pet.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Start by using only ingredients that are safe and healthy for your dog. Once you have that foundation, you can choose ingredients based on your dog’s taste preferences.

Dog-safe ingredients your pup will love:

  • Peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)

  • Pumpkin puree

  • Sweet potato

  • Oats

  • Carrots

  • Apples (without seeds)

  • Bananas

  • Eggs

  • Low-sodium chicken or beef broth

Ingredients to avoid:

  • Chocolate

  • Onions and garlic

  • Grapes and raisins

  • Xylitol (found in some peanut butters and sugar-free products)

  • Excess salt or sugar

Always double-check that an ingredient is safe before feeding it to your dog.

Best Types of Homemade Dog Treats for Training

When it comes to training, you’ll want small, soft, bite-sized treats that your dog can eat quickly without losing focus. Here’s what to look for:

  • Size: Small, pea-sized pieces are ideal for quick rewards.

  • Texture: Soft and easy to chew, especially for puppies and senior dogs.

  • Calories: Keep them low in calories since you’ll be giving many treats during a single session.

  • Aroma: Strong-smelling treats—like those made with peanut butter or chicken—help keep your dog motivated.

Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes for Training Rewards

1. Peanut Butter Oat Training Treats

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • ½ cup natural peanut butter

  • ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grind the oats into flour using a blender or food processor.

  3. In a bowl, combine oat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, and egg. Mix until you get a dough-like texture.

  4. Roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces using a knife or cookie cutter.

  5. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until firm.

  6. Let cool completely before storing.

These treats are soft, aromatic, and perfect for training sessions.

2. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Bites

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree

  • 1 egg

  • 1½ cups oat flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix the mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree, and egg in a bowl.

  3. Gradually add oat flour until a dough forms.

  4. Roll into small balls or flatten into bite-size pieces.

  5. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until slightly firm but still soft.

These naturally sweet treats are great for digestion and loved by dogs of all sizes.

3. Chicken and Rice Training Treats

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped

  • ½ cup cooked brown rice

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tablespoons oat flour

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until doughy.

  2. Roll into small bite-sized balls.

  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These protein-packed treats are perfect for high-energy dogs and make a savory, satisfying reward.

Storage Tips for Homemade Dog Treats

Since homemade dog treats don’t contain preservatives, they won’t last as long as store-bought ones. Here’s how to store them properly:

  • Room temperature: Soft treats last up to 5 days in an airtight container.

  • Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.

  • Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze in small batches. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw as needed to keep them fresh.

How to Use Treats During Training

Treats are an essential part of positive reinforcement training. Here’s how to make the most of them:

  • Reward immediately: Give the treat right after your dog performs the desired behavior. Timing is key to reinforcing good habits.

  • Keep sessions short: Limit training to 5–10 minutes to keep your dog focused.

  • Vary the treats: Use different flavors and textures to keep training exciting.

  • Phase out treats gradually: Once your dog masters a command, replace treats with praise or petting occasionally to avoid dependence.

  • Watch portions: Treats contain calories and fat, so adjust your dog’s daily meals accordingly.

Benefits of Training with Homemade Dog Treats

Training your dog with homemade treats isn’t just effective—it’s healthy and rewarding for both of you.

  • Improved focus: Dogs are more attentive when rewarded with fresh, flavorful treats.

  • Stronger bond: Training with positive reinforcement helps build trust and affection.

  • Healthier weight: You control the ingredients, so treats can be low-fat and low-calorie.

  • Personalized nutrition: You can add beneficial ingredients like flaxseed (for a shiny coat) or turmeric (for joint health).

Common Questions About Homemade Dog Training Treats

1. Can I use human food as training treats?
Yes, as long as the food is safe for dogs. Small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or cheese (in moderation) work well. Avoid seasoned or spicy foods.

2. How many treats can I give per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Adjust meal portions if you’re giving lots of training rewards.

3. Can I make grain-free dog treats?
Absolutely! Replace oat or wheat flour with coconut, chickpea, or rice flour.

4. Do homemade dog treats spoil quickly?
Yes, especially soft ones. Always store them properly and check for mold or an off smell before giving them to your dog.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade dog treats for training rewards is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to care for your dog. You’ll know exactly what ingredients you’re using, save money, and enjoy a fun bonding activity in the process.

Your dog will love you even more for it! With a few basic ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can make delicious, healthy, homemade dog treats that make training both fun and effective.

Benjamin Otu Effiwatt
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