Homemade dog treats are easier to make than most people expect, and a few of the recipes below don’t even require an oven.

Why make treats at home instead of buying them? Homemade treats are typically cheaper than commercial options, and making them yourself means full control over what actually goes into them. That means no artificial preservatives, dyes, or flavorings, and no high-calorie fillers, added sugar, or artificial sweeteners hiding in the ingredient list.

For more general tips and ideas, the AKC’s guide on making homemade dog treats is a solid starting point.

Brown puppy catching a homemade dog treat in midair

Puppy Catching a Treat Midair

Homemade treats are a great way to reward training and good behavior

Here are five easy recipes worth trying.

1.) Tuna Fudge for Fido

A favorite in canine sports circles, tuna fudge has a strong scent that makes it a great training reward, and it’s quick to make. Other canned meats can be substituted for tuna if preferred.

Ingredients:

  • One 6-ounce can of tuna in water, undrained
  • 3/4 cup unbleached flour, or any flour on hand
  • 1 egg

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Mix the tuna (with its water) and flour in a bowl, then add the egg and mix completely. Spread the batter onto the parchment paper to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake another 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, then score into pieces with a pizza cutter. Refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.

(Recipe via DogTipper)

2.) Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Treats: No Baking Required

Overripe banana used for homemade frozen dog treats

Overripe Banana for Dog Treats

Overripe bananas are perfect for frozen peanut butter banana treats

If the oven’s the last thing you want to turn on, or your dog needs cooling off in warmer weather, this no-bake frozen treat is an easy alternative. Overripe bananas work especially well here, so there’s no need to toss them.

Ingredients:

  • 2 brown, spotted bananas, mashed
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free only – always double-check the label, since xylitol is toxic to dogs)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil

Blend until pourable, but don’t overmix; a little texture is fine. Pour into dog-themed silicone molds or an ice cube tray, then freeze for 2 to 3 hours. Makes 10 to 12 treats for under $1.50 each. Mashed sweet potato or applesauce can be substituted for the banana, and small pieces of blueberry or other dog-safe fruit can be added in.

(Recipe via Eat the Gains)

3.) Frozen Apple Treats

Three dogs looking up intently at a dog treat

Three Dogs Looking Up at Treats

Frozen treats are an easy way to cool dogs off in warmer weather

Another simple no-bake option, made with a blender, an ice cube tray, and three ingredients most kitchens already have.

Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
  • A splash of water

Blend the apple, yogurt, and water until liquid. Pour into an ice cube tray (makes about 16 cubes) and freeze until solid. Store in the freezer in an airtight container.

(Recipe via Irresistible Pets)

4.) Sweet Potato K9 Fries

A four-ingredient treat with real nutritional upside, and only about 10 minutes of prep.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato, washed and peeled
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  • A light dusting of turmeric and cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the sweet potato into long, thin fry shapes. Coat with the melted oil and spices in a bowl or sealed bag. Bake in a single layer for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 to 15 minutes. Cool completely before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon is fine for most dogs in small amounts like this, but it’s worth keeping spice quantities minimal, since too much cinnamon can cause stomach upset in dogs.

(Recipe via Beagles and Bargains)

5.) DIY Pumpkin Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Black dog catching a homemade dog treat outdoors

Black Dog Catching a Treat Outside

Grain-free treats are a good option for dogs with sensitive stomachs

For dogs with grain sensitivities, this grain- and gluten-free option is worth keeping on hand.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium chicken or beef stock

Mix all ingredients and roll out to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, or a simple shot glass works too. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Store in the refrigerator or freezer to keep fresh.

(Recipe via Smart Penny Pincher)

Looking for more options? The Dog Kennel Collection has 25 more homemade dog treat recipes worth browsing.

From the Kitchen to the Brush

Making treats at home is really about the same instinct: wanting to be hands-on with your dog’s care instead of just grabbing whatever’s on the shelf. That same mindset applies just as well to grooming. A simple, regular brushing routine at home does for your dog’s coat what these treats do for snack time, real care, minimal fuss, done by you.

If treat time has become a bonding ritual, a few minutes with the EasyGroomer afterward is an easy way to extend that same hands-on care to grooming too.