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Making homemade dog treats is one of my favorite ways to spoil my dogs while knowing exactly what’s going into their snacks. No additives, no fillers, no mystery ingredients — just real, wholesome food. Plus, it’s a fun weekend project (especially if your dog insists on being the official “taste tester”).
In this post, I’ll share the benefits of making your own dog treats, along with several simple, healthy recipes your dog will love.
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
1. You Control the Ingredients
When you make your own treats, you get to decide what goes in — and what stays out. No preservatives, dyes, or fillers — just high-quality ingredients your dog’s body can actually use.
2. Better Nutrition
Homemade treats let you sneak in extra nutrition. You can use lean meats, antioxidant-rich veggies, and fruit that supports immune, gut, and skin health.
3. Perfect for Allergies & Sensitivities
If your dog has food sensitivities, homemade treats make it easy to avoid trigger ingredients and tailor recipes to their unique needs.
4. A Fun Bonding Experience
Making treats can be a family activity, especially if your dog supervises from the kitchen floor. It’s an easy way to spend time together while doing something enriching.
5. Saves Money
High-quality store-bought treats can get pricey. Making your own allows you to buy ingredients in bulk and make larger batches for less.
Tip: Always use dog-safe ingredients, handle raw meat carefully, and double-check any new ingredient before adding it to your recipes.
Easy Protein Dog Treat Recipes
1. DIY Chicken Jerky
A single-ingredient favorite that’s low in fat and high in protein.
Instructions:
Rinse and trim boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Slice into ¼-inch strips.
(Optional) Lightly season with dog-safe herbs like parsley, rosemary, or basil.
Arrange slices on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate 8–9 hours at 155°F (68°C) until fully dry.
2. DIY Pork Chop Jerky
Affordable, flavorful, and always a hit with my pack.
Instructions:
Trim excess fat from boneless pork chops.
Slice thinly.
(Optional) Sprinkle with herbs.
Place on dehydrator trays and dry 8–9 hours at 155°F (68°C).
3. DIY Organ Meat Treats
Nutrient-dense and packed with flavor, but remember — organs are rich, so moderation is key!
My favorites: liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and lungs.
Instructions:
Slice partially frozen organ meat into thin strips.
Arrange on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate 8–9 hours at 155°F (68°C).
(Tip: Do this one outdoors — the smell lingers!)
4. DIY Ground Meat Treats (Beef or Turkey)
Inspired by Dr. Laurie Coger, these are endlessly customizable.
Mix-ins you can use:
Pureed sweet potato or pumpkin
Canned sardines, salmon, or mackerel (for “surf & turf”)
Dog-safe herbs (parsley, rosemary, dandelion greens)
Cheese or dehydrated dog food as a base
“Bug Off” garlic granules (Springtime Supplements)
Instructions:
Combine lean ground beef or turkey with your chosen mix-ins.
Flatten between two sheets of parchment paper.
Slice into strips.
Dehydrate 8–10 hours at 155°F (68°C).
Easy Non-Protein Dog Treat Recipes
5. Dehydrated Kale Chips
Loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K.
Instructions:
Wash and de-stem kale.
Massage with a tiny bit of olive or coconut oil.
Place on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate 12 hours at 105°F (41°C).
Crumble over meals or serve as a crunchy snack.
6. Dehydrated Apple Chips
Crisp, lightly sweet, and full of fiber and antioxidants.
Instructions:
Peel, core, and slice apples ¼ inch thick.
Soak in lemon water for a few minutes to prevent browning.
Arrange slices on trays.
Dehydrate 6 hours at 135°F (57°C).
7. Dehydrated Banana Chips
Naturally sweet and packed with potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium.
Instructions:
Slice bananas evenly.
Dehydrate 6–12 hours at 135°F (52°C) until leathery.
8. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chips
A fiber- and beta-carotene-rich snack dogs (and humans) both love.
Instructions:
Wash, peel, and thinly slice sweet potatoes.
Soak in water for 30 minutes (twice), then dry.
Brush with a little melted coconut oil.
Arrange on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate 12 hours at 145°F (63°C).
Easy Seafood Dog Treat Recipes
9. Dehydrated Salmon (or another fish)
Loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids.
Instructions:
Slice fileted salmon.
Arrange on dehydrator trays.
Dehydrate 12 hours at 160°F (71°C).
10. Dehydrated Shrimp
Enjoyable crunchy treat that my dogs love.
Instructions:
Arrange thawed shrimp on dehydrator trays (I leave the shell on).
Dehydrate 15 hours at 160°F (71°C).
Tips for Storing Homemade Treats
Protein-based treats: Store in the freezer. Once thawed, keep them in a sealed jar with moisture packets.
Fruit & veggie treats: Make smaller batches and use within a week.
Affordable Sources for Proteins
I source most of my muscle meat, organs, and seafood (like fish and shrimp) from local homesteaders and fishermen. Whenever someone’s freezer goes out, my phone starts ringing. If the meat is still fresh, it goes into my dogs’ meals; if it’s older, I turn it into dehydrated treats.
My Favorite Dehydrators
If you make treats often, investing in a good dehydrator is worth it — or check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for deals.
Here are my go-tos:
LEM 10-Tray Double Door Countertop Dehydrator (picked up on sale at Cabela’s)
Excalibur Food Dehydrator (my old reliable)
NESCO Food Dehydrator for smaller batches
Pro Tip: Never dehydrate squid or liver inside your house unless you want that smell to live rent-free in your home forever (or at least several weeks).
My Favorite Tips
Never Turn Down Food Again: Making dog treats is a great way to avoid turning down free meat and seafood. When I have too many, the treats make great gifts for friends with dogs.
Get a New Dehydrator for Cheap: I quickly learned that it’s best to have dedicated dehydrators. My LEM is for muscle meat and organs, the NESCO is for seafood, and the Excalibur is for fruits and vegetables.
I was able to find new and nearly new dehydrators through the Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the price.
Don’t Overthink It: Making dog treats isn’t rocket science, although there may be some trial and error as you get used to your dehydrator. I prefer my treats to be crunchy, so I choose a longer dehydration period. Take the time to figure out what you (and your dogs) prefer.
And, have fun. Homemade dog treats are an easy, fun way to add real food to your dog’s diet while bonding in the process. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them in a bag.
So grab your favorite protein, dust off that dehydrator, and let your inner dog chef shine.
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