how to make homemade pet treats

Nutrition plays a big role in the health and wellbeing of our pets, so you dog or pet must eat right. Whilst there are plenty of healthy food options and treats on the market, many are very expensive, and others are packed with unnecessary ingredients. By making pet treats at home, you can ensure your pet receives the highest quality nutrition by controlling the ingredients, but you can also create delicious snacks that your pet will love.

We’ll be exploring the benefits of making your own DIY pet treats, things to consider when making them, common ingredients that are dangerous for pets, and sharing four of our favourite healthy pet treat recipes for dogs and cats.

Making Pet Treats At Home

Buying treats for your pet from the store is certainly the more convenient option, however, making DIY pet treats has many benefits. When making your own pet treats, you have complete control over the ingredients, unlike many commercial pet treats that contain preservatives and artificial flavours. For pets with dietary needs or allergies, making them at home is a stress-free option as you can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy them safely. There are fresh pet treats and foods available to purchase, however, these natural and organic options can be very expensive, and by making them at home in bulk, you can save a lot of money in the long run.

Leftover ingredients from your meals can be used to keep costs down, minimising the amount of ingredients you need to buy. Plus, when you make treats at home, you can make them to suit your pet’s taste. Most DIY pet treats recipes can be easily modified to suit other ingredients and flavours, making it easier for your pet to eat healthily.

Common Ingredients To Avoid

When preparing homemade treats, the simpler the better. When using ingredients you already have at home, some foods can be harmful or toxic to your pet. Chocolate is one such example that contains theobromine, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Even small amounts can lead to serious health issues, including vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid breathing, and even seizures, so you should avoid it entirely. Whilst garlic or onion might not be on your list to include in treats, it can be easy to accidentally feed your pet leftovers that contain one or the other. Both of these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage red blood cells in pets, which can induce lethargy, weakness, and a decrease in appetite.

Grapes and raisins should also be avoided at all costs as they are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure even in small amounts. Avocado is another ingredient to avoid because although it can be okay in very small quantities, in larger quantities, the persin in avocado can be harmful. If you’re unsure about an ingredient, it’s always best to do your research and consult with your veterinarian just to be safe.

Portion Control & Storage For DIY Pet Treats

Homemade treats are likely to be healthier than the treats you can find in stores, however, you still need to keep portion sizes in check. Treats should only make up a small percentage of your pet's overall diet, particularly if it stops them from eating their regular meals. Depending on the treats, they can constitute a larger or smaller percentage of the overall diet, but you should still be mindful of how many treats you give them to avoid overfeeding. As DIY pet treats won’t contain the same preservatives that you might find in commercial options, you should consider how they are stored in the same way that you do for your own meals. Depending on the type of treat, store them in airtight containers in a cool place or refrigerator, or freeze them if you are making them in bulk.

Healthy DIY Pet Treat Recipes

There are plenty of easy and nutritious recipes for pets that you can try at home, many of which can also be consumed by humans. Here are some of our favourite easy-to-make pet treat recipes.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving.

Salmon Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 can of salmon (in water)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional if you’re making them for your cat

​Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. Drain the salmon and mix it with oat flour and egg in a bowl.
3. If using catnip, add it to the mixture.
4. Form small balls or shapes from the dough.
5. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until firm.
7. Allow cooling before serving.

Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 120°C.
2. Wash and slice sweet potatoes into thin strips.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for about 3 hours until they are dried out but still chewy.
5. Let them cool before giving them to your pet.

Chicken & Pumpkin Treats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (shredded)
• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients until combined into a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into small shapes.
4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Allow cooling before serving.

Making homemade pet treats is an easy way to support the health and wellbeing of your pet, catering to their preferred tastes, whilst also saving you money compared to treats you can buy from the store. Always be sure to check the ingredients of anything you cook with—even the ingredients themselves—and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to chat with your vet.

At Ripponlea, our team is highly experienced in supporting your pet. From general checkups and advice to specialised treatments, our team can help. Whether your dog is young or old, big or small, schedule an appointment with us to ensure your rescue has the best quality of life!