Dog Training Treats: 5 Easy Homemade Recipes

Training your dog isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about building trust, improving behavior, and strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.

Using treats as positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog motivated and engaged during training.

But let’s be honest—not all treats are up to the task. The ideal training treats are small and easy to handle, so you can reward your dog quickly without interrupting the flow.

And, of course, they need to be delicious enough to capture your dog’s attention and make every lesson something to look forward to.

The right treats can turn any training session into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pup!

The Right Training Treats

When it comes to training, the type of treat you use can significantly impact your dog’s response and success. Training treats need to be:

• Small and Bite-Sized: To avoid overfeeding and to keep the training sessions flowing smoothly, the treats should be small enough for your dog to eat quickly.
• Highly Palatable: The more your dog loves the treat, the more motivated they’ll be to perform well. Choose flavors that your dog finds irresistible.
• Low in Calories: Since you’ll be giving your dog multiple treats during a session, it’s important to choose low-calorie options to maintain a balanced diet.
• Soft and Easy to Chew: Soft treats are ideal as they can be eaten quickly, allowing you to maintain the momentum of the training session.

Homemade Dog Training Treats

1. Mini Chicken and Carrot Training Bites

Mini chicken and carrot training bites are perfect for rewarding your dog during training sessions. With lean chicken as a high-protein base and carrots adding a hint of natural sweetness and crunch, these small, easy-to-eat bites are packed with flavor. They’re just the right size to keep your dog focused and motivated without filling them up too quickly!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken, grated carrot, oat flour, and egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Form Small Bites: Shape the mixture into tiny, bite-sized pieces suitable for quick rewards.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
4. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bites for 8-10 minutes.
5. Cool and Store: Let the treats cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. Tuna Training Treats

Tuna training treats are a great choice when you need something super enticing to keep your dog’s attention. The strong, savory flavor of tuna makes these treats irresistible, perfect for training sessions that require a bit more encouragement. Plus, they’re small and soft, making them easy to chew quickly and keeping your dog ready for the next command.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water, drained
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup grated cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Mix the drained tuna, egg, oat flour, and grated cheese in a bowl until well combined.
2. Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into small pieces. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
3. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the treats for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool before using them in training sessions. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Beef and Sweet Potato Training Nibbles

Beef and sweet potato training nibbles combine the rich taste of beef with the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. These treats are both delicious and healthy, providing a good source of protein and fiber in every bite. Their small size makes them ideal for frequent rewards during training, helping to reinforce good behavior while also being gentle on the stomach.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
• 1/4 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine the cooked ground beef, mashed sweet potato, oat flour, and egg in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape and Cook: Form small nibbles and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
3. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the nibbles for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool and Store: Let the nibbles cool completely before using them as training rewards. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Training Treats

Peanut butter and banana training treats are great for dogs who love a bit of sweetness. The creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with the natural sugars in bananas, making these treats not only delicious but also packed with energy. Their soft texture is great for quick chewing, allowing your pup to get back to training in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsalted, xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, oat flour, and egg. Mix until smooth.
2. Form and Bake: Shape the mixture into small treats. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
3. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the treats for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool before using them in training sessions. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5. Turkey and Pumpkin Training Bites

Turkey and pumpkin training bites are a tasty and nutritious option for training sessions. Lean turkey provides a high-quality protein source, while pumpkin adds fiber and a gentle touch on the stomach. These treats are great for keeping your dog engaged and excited, without overloading them with too many calories.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup oat flour (gluten-free)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked ground turkey, pumpkin puree, oat flour, and egg in a bowl until well combined.
2. Shape and Bake: Form small bites and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
3. Air Fryer Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the bites for 8-10 minutes.
4. Cool and Store: Let the treats cool before using them in training sessions. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Customization Ideas

• Add Liver: Finely chopped liver can add an extra punch of flavor and nutrients to your training treats.
• Incorporate Spinach: Adding a small amount of finely chopped spinach can boost the nutritional value of the treats.
• Use Coconut Oil: Replace some of the binding ingredients with coconut oil for added flavor and health benefits.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store the training treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freeze: You can freeze the treats for up to three months. Thaw them before use in training sessions.

Wrapping it up

Using homemade dog treats for training not only ensures that your dog is getting healthy, high-quality rewards but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

With these easy recipes, you can create tasty, bite-sized treats that will keep your dog motivated and eager to learn.

Don’t forget to explore more dog-friendly recipes on our site for additional ideas.