Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats: 5 Recipes for Your Furry Friend

When it comes to pampering your pup, nothing beats homemade dog treats. Not only are they a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, but they also allow you to tailor ingredients to your dog’s dietary needs and preferences.

Here, we’ve put together five recipes for long-lasting homemade dog treats that are sure to keep your furry friend happy and occupied.

Long-Lasting Homemade Dog Treats

1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Chews

These peanut butter and pumpkin dog chews provide a perfect balance of crunchy texture and flavor, making them ideal for dogs that love a good chew. The nutty taste of peanut butter combines with the natural sweetness of pumpkin to create a healthy snack that’s both tasty and satisfying. By baking these chews longer at a lower temperature, you ensure they last longer without compromising on flavor or texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or dog-friendly flour alternative)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the flour and cinnamon in a large bowl.
3. Add the peanut butter and pumpkin puree, then pour in the broth gradually while mixing.
4. Knead the dough until it’s firm.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 1-2 hours to remove moisture and harden the treats.
7. Let cool completely before serving.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

2. Sweet Potato and Oatmeal Biscuits

Sweet potato and oatmeal biscuits offer a nutritious treat that packs fiber and vitamins into every crunchy bite. The combination of oats and sweet potato creates a biscuit that’s firm enough to promote dental health, while still gentle on your dog’s teeth. These biscuits are baked twice to ensure they remain crisp and long-lasting, making them a great option for everyday snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 cups rolled oats (blended into a coarse flour)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend oats to a coarse flour consistency.
3. Mix the mashed sweet potato, oat flour, applesauce, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually add water until you form a dough.
5. Roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To make the biscuits harder, lower the temperature to 200°F (93°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Cool thoroughly before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.

3. Crispy Beef Liver Treats

For dogs that love the rich, savory taste of meat, these crispy beef liver treats are a hit. Packed with protein, they provide a satisfying crunch while also offering essential nutrients. Dehydrating the liver ensures these treats stay fresh for an extended time, making them a convenient and healthy option to keep on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef liver

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) or use a dehydrator.
2. Slice the liver into 1/4 inch thick strips.
3. Lay strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping halfway, until dried and crispy.
5. Cool completely before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

4. Dehydrated Chicken Jerky

Dehydrated chicken jerky is a protein-packed, single-ingredient treat that dogs can’t resist. The chewy texture makes these jerky strips perfect for longer-lasting enjoyment, and the natural chicken flavor provides a healthy, lean source of protein. Slow baking or dehydrating ensures they stay fresh for weeks, giving your dog a wholesome snack anytime.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) or use a dehydrator.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
3. Lay the strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway, or until fully dried and firm.
5. Cool completely before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

5. Minty Fresh Breath Dog Treats

These minty fresh breath treats not only freshen your dog’s breath but also provide a crunchy texture that helps clean teeth. Infused with fresh parsley and mint, they naturally combat bad breath while delivering a healthy and flavorful snack. The extended baking time makes these treats crunchy and long-lasting, ensuring they can be stored for weeks without losing their effectiveness or taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Grind oats into a coarse flour.
3. Add parsley, mint, and coconut oil, and pulse until combined.
4. Slowly add water until a thick dough forms.
5. Roll out and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crisp. For a harder texture, bake for an additional 30 minutes at 200°F (93°C).
7. Cool thoroughly before storing.

Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks or freeze for several months.

Additional Tips for Making Homemade Dog Treats

• Always check with your vet before introducing new ingredients into your dog’s diet.
• Store treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer. They can also be frozen for extended shelf life.
• Experiment with flavors your dog loves, like adding bits of bacon or cheese, as long as they are safe for dogs.