If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Can dogs have fish skin?” while preparing your favorite fish recipe for dinner, you’re not alone. With so much conflicting advice online about what's safe and what's not, it can be tricky to know whether it's OK to feed it to your dog.

Fish hide (made from fish skins) is actually one of the best long-lasting dog chews and is recommended by many vets as a safer alternative to rawhide. It's high in protein and omega-3s, which promote a healthy coat, skin, and brain – but it does come with one drawback you'll want to keep in mind.

Below, expert vets Dr Coder and Dr Pendergrass explain the pros, the cons, and how to feed fish skins safely to your dog. They’ve also shared their recommendations for the best types of fish and how much you can give your pet per day.

Can dogs have fish skin?

The good news is, fish skin is generally safe for dogs to eat, provided it's thoroughly cooked without any seasonings or ingredients like onions, oil, butter, and salt (which are one of the foods dogs should never eat).

Dr Pendergrass tells us that fish skin, just like the rest of the fish flesh, is loaded with numerous nutrients that could benefit your dog.

“Fish skin has many nutrients that promote good overall health, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. It is also high in protein, low in calories and saturated fats, and contains several minerals (zinc, iron, potassium, calcium) and vitamins,” she says.

However, raw or undercooked fish skins can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

According to Dr Coder, raw fish skin carries disease-causing bacteria, among them Salmonella, Listeria, and Clostridium. Eating raw or undercooked fish skin can make your dog seriously ill, which is why well-cooked fish skin is the safest choice for them.

👍Pros of fish skin

Promotes overall good health
According to Dr Coder, the major benefit of fish skin lies in its exceptionally high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in your dog’s overall well-being.

“Fish skin is an excellent source of omega fatty acids for your dog. These nutrients play a role in hormone regulation, immunity, controlling inflammation, supporting brain and eye function, and skin health,” she says.

👎Cons of fish skin

High fat content
Since fish skin is naturally a fatty food, it can lead to digestive issues if consumed regularly in large amounts.

“The high fat content and omega fatty acid combination can change the absorption of your dog’s regular diet, as well as possibly upset their stomach,” explains Dr Coder.

Are fish skin chews safe for dogs?

“Most commercially available fish skin chews are safe and digestible for dogs,” says Dr. Coder.

Fish skin chews – also called fishhide – are not only safe for dogs due to their all-natural ingredients, but also beneficial to their dental health. The rough, chewy texture of fish skin chews helps break down built-up tartar and plaque, ultimately improving your dog’s dental hygiene.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about rawhide chews.

According to findings published in the Today’s Veterinary Practice journal, rawhide chews often contain chemically processed ingredients and different artificial additives. Unlike fish skin chews, rawhide chews are quite unsafe and indigestible for dogs.

What types of fish skin can dogs eat?

When considering what type of fish skin to give your dog, Dr Pendergrass advises sticking to fish varieties known for their low mercury levels. “The skin should come from fish that are likely to be low in mercury, including salmon, whitefish, cod, and catfish,” she says.

What types of fish skin should I not feed my dog?

It’s best to avoid feeding your dog fish skin from species prone to high mercury content.

“Pet parents should avoid feeding the skin from fish that are likely to contain high levels of mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish, and albacore tuna,” Dr Pendergrass says.

She also advises against regularly feeding your dog fish skin from fish raised in farms. This is because most fish farms put their fish on diets that mostly comprise industrial chemicals, antibiotics, and other synthetic additives.

Moreover, giving your dog fish skin from long-living fish species isn’t a good idea. Dr Coder shares: “Avoid any larger, longer-lived fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, and large tuna like bluefin, as these fish can accumulate more toxins like mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls.”

As noted in the MSD Veterinary Manual, pets who ingest mercury from dietary sources over an extended period of time are at a high risk of developing mercury poisoning, which mostly affects the kidneys, brain, and muscles.

How to feed fish skin to dogs

If you’re thinking of introducing your pup to fish skin, there are two options you can try: dehydrated or fresh fish skin.

While dehydrated and fresh fish skin both offer the same nutritional benefits to dogs, dehydrated fish skin is a great alternative if you’re looking for a convenient treat for your pup. Dehydrated fish skin is simply fish skin that’s been thoroughly dried to prolong its shelf life. Thanks to the dehydration process, dehydrated fish skin is free from harmful parasites and bacteria that often thrive in moisture.

Dr Coder says: “Dehydrated fish skin is not essentially different from fresh fish skin, other than there is less moisture in dehydrated products, and they may be more stable to be stored longer. Most commercial dehydrated fish skins are ready-to-eat, meaning you can serve your pup right away without going through the hassle of cooking."

“Rather than preparing dehydrated fish skin, it can be purchased from companies such as The Honest Kitchen Beams, and Savory Prime Cod Skin Crunchy Bites. Dehydrated fish skin should also be free of seasonings and oil,” emphasizes Dr Pendergrass.

If you’d like to prepare dehydrated fish skin for your dog at home instead of buying it ready made, Dr Coder recommends using a food dehydrator or oven.

“Dehydrated fish skins can be prepared using a food dehydrator or cooked in an oven. You can dehydrate in a regular oven at around 150-200°F for 48 hours. The more meat and subcutaneous particles you leave attached to the skin, the longer it may take to completely dry.”

As for fresh fish skin, the preparation is pretty straightforward.

“You can remove the skin from the fish before or after cooking the fish itself,” explains Dr Coder. “Cook thoroughly without any salt, seasonings, or oil.” According to Dr Coder, freshly cooked fish skin should be fed within one to two days of preparation.

How much fish skin can dogs safely eat?

As with every other human food, moderation is key when it comes to feeding your pup fish skin. According to Dr Pendergrass, fish skin should only be fed as an occasional treat and shouldn’t replace your dog’s regular diet.

“Fish skin should be considered a treat or a food topper; treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake,” she explains.

If you’re unsure about feeding your dog fish skin because of an underlying health issue they have, Dr Pendergrass recommends consulting your vet.

Want more expert advice? Read can dogs chew corn cobs, can dogs eat shrimp and what human food can dogs eat? Or, learn how to stop a dog from chewing on wood

Edited by Megan Milstead.

Wondering 'What are bully sticks made of?' There are a lot of dog chews on the market now, made of all sorts of things – we’ve moved on from the ubiquitous rawhide and pigs’ ears and onto a much more exotic selection – including bully sticks. But what on earth are they? And what are they made of?

I’ve been a vet for nearly nine years, and in that time, dog feeding has changed considerably. More and more people are looking for natural options for their pets, and I find myself being asked about all sorts of weird and wonderful dog chew options. In fact, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time researching these options to help me understand exactly what goes into bully sticks, lamb pizzles, and the rest of them!

If you don’t provide a safe and acceptable chewing outlet for your dog, you’ll likely find them chewing on something else – a table leg or slipper perhaps? – or displaying other destructive behaviors due to boredom. For that reason, I always recommend pet owners budget to provide the best long-lasting dog chews to their pets.

What are bully sticks made of?

Bully sticks are made from a surprising ingredient – bull (or steer) penises! When a male cow is slaughtered, the penis is removed, stretched, and then dried – either low and slow (dehydration) or by baking in an oven.

The drying process and the naturally cartilaginous nature of bull penises makes bully sticks a tough, long-lasting dog chew.

Do vets recommend bully sticks?

Obviously, I can’t speak for all vets, and even if I could they’d be unlikely to unanimously agree. But the way I see it is this – dogs need to chew, and every chew has pros and cons – bully sticks are no exception. There’s no such thing as a 100% safe chew – and the safest ones are sometimes less interesting to dogs, meaning they won’t use them.

I myself have a fussy dog who will merrily chew bully sticks, but nothing harder/safer – so it’s about finding a happy middle ground for you and your dog. To make it easier for you to navigate, I’ve listed the pros and cons of bully sticks below:

👍Benefits of bully sticks for dogs

• Natural: Unlike rawhide, bully sticks don’t usually need chemicals to process them, making them a more natural option.
• Mental health: As a moderately long-lasting dog chew, bully sticks are good for a dog's mental health, giving them a suitable outlet for their chewing needs.
• Dental health: Anything that encourages chewing can promote better dental health, and bully sticks are no exception.
• Single ingredient: For dogs with known food allergies, finding safe treats can be a problem. Unless your dog is allergic to beef protein, single-ingredient bully sticks can be a great option for these dogs.

👎Risks of bully sticks for dogs

• Choking: Because bully stick bits can come off in chunks, there’s a risk of choking. You’ll need to watch your dog’s chewing style to decide if they can have bully sticks.
• Obesity: Bully sticks are really energy-dense due to their fat content, so aren’t suitable for daily feeding. You’ll need to adjust your dog’s other treat portions accordingly to avoid obesity in dogs.
• Bacterial contamination: If the sticks have been dehydrated rather than baked, bacteria can survive on them. Salmonella is a particular concern and can affect your dog and humans they come into contact with.

Types of bully sticks for dogs

Bully sticks come in different lengths (usually six-inch and 12-inch), which describe their dried length. They also come in different thicknesses. For larger dogs, bully sticks can also be braided or shaped, making a thicker, larger chew.

They’re all still made with the same base ingredient, but if you’re looking for a different species, lamb pizzles are also available!

How to feed bully sticks safely

As with any treat, safety is key. Try to find chews that have been baked at a higher temperature, and whose manufacturers regularly test batches for bacterial contamination.

Choose the right size bully stick for your dog to make sure they don’t swallow large bits whole, and remove the final piece once they’ve chewed off the rest to reduce choking risk.

Lastly, watch your dog’s weight – bully sticks are nutrient-dense, so you’ll need to adjust the rest of their diet and check in with your vet regularly to make sure they aren’t getting too fat!

Hopefully, I’ve fully answered the question 'what are bully sticks made of?' (bull penises) and you now understand the pros and cons of feeding bully sticks to dogs. As for whether vets recommend bully sticks – I can’t speak for other vets, but my dog will continue to enjoy bully sticks.

On her bully stick days, I restrict my young daughter’s access to her to reduce the risk of her catching Salmonella from the stick or my dog. It’s all about finding the balance between risk and benefit, taking your own dog’s size and chewing style into account.

Read next: Safe dog chews for aggressive chewers, how to stop a dog from chewing on wood, and rawhide vs beefhide

Edited by Megan Milstead.

Are rawhide bones good for dogs? As a practicing veterinary surgeon with more than 13 years of experience, I often encounter questions from dog owners about the safety and suitability of various chew treats.

While rawhide bones are widely available and often marketed as beneficial for things like dental health and boredom relief, it's essential to understand their potential risks as well as their benefits.

Rawhide bones, in particular, have been the subject of debate among many vet professionals. Below, we'll delve into what they are, their pros and cons, how to offer them safely, and explore healthier alternatives. For those seeking durable and safe chew options, consider exploring the best long-lasting dog chews.

Are rawhide bones good for dogs?

Rawhide bones are made from the inner layer of cow or horse hides; they are processed and dried to create chewable treats. They are often promoted for their dental benefits and ability to satisfy a dog's natural urge to chew.

Pros:

• Good dental health: Chewing rawhide can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Provides mental stimulation: Chews can provide an outlet for natural chewing behavior, reducing boredom.
• Long-lasting: Typically rawhide chews last longer than some other chews, keeping dogs engaged and meaning larger breeds with bigger mouths and stronger jaws are occupied for longer.

Cons:

• Choking hazard: Large pieces can break off and become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. There are safer dog chews for aggressive chewers on the market.
• Digestive issues: Rawhide chews are not easily digestible and can cause blockages or gastrointestinal upset.
• Chemical exposure: Some rawhides are processed with chemicals that may be harmful to dogs.
• Contamination risk: There is the potential for bacterial contamination, with bacteria such as salmonella, E coli and listeria. These pose health risks to both dogs and humans, especially the very young, the elderly, and anyone that is immunosuppressed.

Given these concerns, many vets advise caution or recommend avoiding rawhide chews altogether.

What are rawhide bones made of?

Rawhide is derived from the inner layer of animal hides, primarily from cows but other species are sometimes used. The hides undergo a series of chemical treatments to remove hair and fat, then are bleached and dried. This process can involve the use of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals to preserve the product and enhance its appearance.

While rawhide is technically a by-product of the leather industry, it's important to note that it's not classified as food and, therefore, isn't subject to the same safety regulations. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the presence of residual chemicals and the overall safety of rawhide chews for dogs.

How do you give a dog rawhide?

If you choose to offer rawhide to your dog, it's crucial to do so safely. There are a few important factors that need to be considered:

• Supervision: Always monitor your dog while they are chewing to prevent choking or ingestion of large pieces.
• Appropriate size: Select a rawhide that is suitable for your dog's breed, size, and chewing strength.
• Limit chewing time: Restrict chewing sessions to 15–20 minutes to reduce the risk of overconsumption.
• Discard small pieces: Remove and dispose of any small or broken pieces to prevent accidental swallowing.
• Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water during and after chewing. You might consider investing in the best pet water fountain.

Despite these precautions, the inherent risks associated with rawhide may outweigh the benefits, prompting lots of dog owners to seek safer alternatives.

What is a good alternative to rawhide bones for dogs?

There are many safer and healthier alternatives to rawhide chews available in the market. These include:

• Fish skin chews: These are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat.
• Chew toys: The best dog chew toys, such as the Kong rubber toy, can be filled with treats to keep dogs engaged.
• Sweet potato chews: These are dehydrated slices that offer an option that's high in fiber.
• Dental chews: The best dental chews for dogs are usually starch-based and are specifically designed to promote oral health and reduce plaque. They are generally easily digestible and safe to swallow in small amounts. Always ensure they are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

These alternatives not only provide the chewing satisfaction dogs crave, but also come with added health benefits and reduced risks. If none of those take your fancy, here are some more rawhide alternatives to read about.

Rawhide bones have long been a popular go-to for pet owners looking to satisfy their dog’s natural urge to chew. However, as our understanding of canine health and safety has evolved, so too has our awareness of the potential risks that rawhide chews can pose.

Ultimately, every dog is different, and what works well for one may not be appropriate for another. That’s why it is very important to have a conversation with your vet before introducing any new chew into your dog’s routine.

They’ll help you find the most suitable options based on your dog’s age, breed, health status, and chewing habits so you can keep your four-legged friend happy, healthy, and safe.

Read next: What's the difference between rawhide vs beefhide? Or, discover the best durable dog toys for tough chewers, is rawhide bad for dogs or what bully sticks are made of

Edited by Megan Milstead.

If you're looking for a long-lasting dog chew, you might be wondering, "Are yak chews safe for dogs?" These all-natural dog chews have become super popular and are often recommended for aggressive chewers due to their hard texture.

Made from a mix of yak milk and cow milk, these chews are high in protein, low in fat, and may be suitable for pups with certain allergies. And since the ingredients are renewable and sustainable, they’re more environmentally friendly compared to plastic chew toys.

Yak chews might seem like the perfect choice of safe dog chew for an aggressive chewer, but some pup parents and professionals have concerns about their safety, particularly regarding dental fractures and gastrointestinal obstruction. Below, vet Dr MacMillan reveals the pros and cons, and why they're not the best long-lasting dog chew.

How are yak chews made?

Yak's milk and cow's milk are boiled and air-dried for several hours, hardening into a chew.

Are yak chews safe for dogs?

Since yak chews are very hard, most vets don't recommend them, as they could result in a painful fractured tooth, according to Dr MacMillan. While puppies are most at risk, this can happen to any dog that bites into something hard.

She explains: "Yak chews present the same risk as other frowned-upon items like antlers or bones. Vets are better at recognizing this potential issue and educating owners on the importance of protecting their dogs’ teeth."

So what does she suggest instead? "I usually recommend that owners stick to chews that you don’t mind hitting against your knee, or that you can easily dent with a fingernail. These include specially designed dental chews and rubber toys."

Pros and cons of yak chews

If you're still on the fence about feeding your dog a yak chew, Dr MacMillan has put together a list of the pros and cons. You'll want to consider these carefully beforehand:

👍Pros

• Long-lasting chew
• Made from natural ingredients
• Good for aggressive chewers
• Digestible if small pieces are swallowed
• High protein content, low in fat
• May be allergen-friendly for dogs unable to eat chews containing other protein sources or gluten
• Environmentally friendly, as they are made from renewable and sustainable ingredients

👎Cons

• Too hard to be considered tooth-safe, there is a risk of dental fractures
• Hard chews can be particularly problematic for puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with jaw issues
• Large pieces of swallowed chews could still cause gastrointestinal obstruction
• Won’t be suitable for dogs with dairy intolerance

Are yak chews safe for dogs to swallow?

"If your dog swallows small pieces of yak chew, then it is unlikely to cause any issues", explains Dr MacMillan.

Since the ingredients are all-natural, it's completely digestible for dogs and won't be a problem unless your dog has a dairy intolerance.

However, Dr MacMillan recommends removing the chew from your dog once it becomes worn to a small size. If a very large chunk is swallowed whole, they will be at risk of a dangerous digestive tract obstruction from occurring, which can cause serious problems.

She adds: "Making sure that you purchase the right size chew for your dog can also help to prevent them from accidentally swallowing large chunks of it."

How long should I let my dog chew on a yak chew?

If you're set on giving your dog a yak chew, you might be wondering how long to let them have it. However, Dr MacMillan can't recommend a duration – because she doesn't recommend them at all, even under supervision.

She says, "Supervising your dog won’t help guard against dental fractures. These can occur suddenly and without warning. It is not possible to observe the strength at which your dog is biting down on a chew and intervene. Many owners don’t even notice when a fracture happens, as most dogs are very stoic."

Can my dog have a yak chew every day?

No, most vets don't advise feeding yak chews to dogs at all, let alone every day. Dr MacMillan suggests looking for products that are recommended by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which can help with oral hygiene and are safe for teeth.

She says: "If you do decide to go ahead with yak chews, use them in moderation – once or twice a week."

You might have heard that soaking and microwaving yak chews can soften them to make them safer, but Dr MacMillan still wouldn't advise them.

She says: "I have no experience of this and wouldn’t like to suggest whether these methods work when there are other safer products available out there."

Overall, we wouldn’t recommend feeding yak chews to your dog. While they may offer some appealing benefits – like being long-lasting and high in protein – the risks simply aren’t worth it.

Read next: Best durable dog toys, are rawhide bones good for dogs, how to stop a dog from chewing on wood, or what are bully sticks made of? Or, why is my dog chewing rocks?

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and if you're putting your menus together be sure to add these fun and easy-to-make DIY Thanksgiving dog treats.

We know what it's like when you've sat down for your Thanksgiving meal and your pup is sitting next to giving those big puppy dog eyes, waiting for a piece of your meal. While we know that there are some surprising things dogs can eat besides dog food, most Thanksgiving foods are off-limits for dogs.

You can always err on the side of caution by serving up some of the best dog food, but why not have some festive fun for your pup this year and try out these DIY Thanksgiving dog treats? They are quick and easy and your pup is sure to love them.

Turkey meatballs

Can dogs eat turkey at Thanksgiving? Technically, yes but you'll want to be sure that it is free from bones, skin, and seasoning. Alternatively, you can try out these fun turkey meatballs.

Your pup is sure to love these meatballs, and they're a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. You can also make these meatballs year-round using ground turkey. You'll need a food processor for this recipe.

Recipe credit: The Dog People

You'll want to avoid using any toxic ingredients such as garlic and onions as they are foods that dogs should never eat.

Ingredients:

• 1lb of leftover turkey (bones and skin removed)
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 2 tbsp of plain yogurt
• 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots and green beans)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F
2. Add turkey pieces to food processor and pulse a few times to break up the meat
3. Add in the oats and pulse until all ingredients look well combined
4. Add egg and yogurt and pulse until mixture starts to hold together
5. Move your mixture into a large mixing bowl
6. Add in cooked veggies and mix through with your hands
7. Roll into 1" balls and bake for 20 mins or until golden brown

Thanksgiving dog biscuits

These Thanksgiving-themed dog treats are sure to be a favorite Thanksgiving day addition. These are a twist on the DIY dog treats we covered before, you'll just swap out the bacon for turkey slices. Be sure the skin and bones are removed.

Recipe credit: Sally's Baking Addiction

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of peanut butter
• 3/4 cup of fat-free milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/3 cup rolled oats
• 2-3 slices of turkey

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine peanut butter, milk, and eggs. Then add the flour and baking powder. Finally, mix in the oats and turkey.
3. With a floured rolling pin, roll out the mixture and use your choice of cookie cutters to make different shapes.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes then remove from oven and flip treats over baking for another 10-12 minutes.
5. Allow them to cool completely before serving to your pup.
6. Enjoy!

Cran-Apple sauce frozen paws

We saved the best for last with these adorable frozen paws. This is a fun way for your pup to have their own cranberry addition to Thanksgiving. These frozen paws are quick to whip up and you can make batch to have on hand whenever your dog wants a frozen treat.

Recipe credit: Red Dog Blue Kat

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of chopped apples
• 1/2 cup of cranberries
• 1/2 cup of water
• Sprig of fresh rosemary

Instructions:

1. Boil all ingredients until apples and cranberries are soft.
2. Remove the rosemary
3. With a potato masher, turn fruits into a paste-like texture.
4. Spoon or pipe your mixture into your ice molds and freeze.
5. Enjoy!

Enjoy this feature? Check out Thanksgiving food do's and don'ts for your dog this holiday season!

Christmas is almost here and as a pet parent, that means you’ve likely turned your attention to how you can best spoil your canine companion over the festive season so that they feel included in all the holiday fun. 

While the best dog treats are wonderful for providing positive reinforcement throughout most of the year, at Christmas time, many of us are looking for something a little more special to give to our beloved bundles of fluff. 

According to expert dog trainer Adam Spivey, founder of Southend Dog Training, this is where we often run into problems. In a video shared on Instagram which you can view below, Spivey explains that while everyone loves to buy their dog a present at Christmas time there are two things that are very dangerous for our pups.

“Number one is rawhide,” says Spivey. “Dogs cannot digest rawhide, it’s not good for them, it’s very, very dangerous to dogs.” If you’re looking for something for your pup to sink their teeth into this Christmas, we recommend checking out our guide to the best dog chew toys for lots of safe non-edible alternatives.

Curious as to the other item you’ll want to avoid? “Cooked bones,” says Spivey. “A dog should not have a cooked bone of any sort. If you want to give your dog a bit of turkey for example, that’s fine, but make sure there’s no bone that you’re giving your dog.”

Hundreds of netizens have commented on Spivey’s video saying that they had no idea that rawhide and cooked bones were so dangerous for dogs, while others have shared personal stories of the damage these two items did to their own pups.

If you want to spoil your pooch this holiday season but are confused as to what foods are safe to feed and which ones need to be avoided, be sure to check out our guide to Christmas dinner for dogs, where we share a list of safe foods and some of our favorite holiday recipes. 

Whether you find that your dog gets stressed at every little thing or is fearful of a rumble of thunder, calming dog treats are certainly worth considering. 

These are usually available in edible form, such as supplements that are added to your dog's food or provided to your pup in much the same way you would give them a pill or treat, but the mindset has also evolved to include quality dog toys and bedding too, particularly when it comes to considering ways of reducing separation anxiety in dogs. 

• See all the best Prime Day deals on pet supplies at Amazon

You might have heard of the Snuggle Puppy, for instance, a toy that features a heartbeat to helps soothe puppies, while calming beds have become one of the more recent products to hit the market.

Typically though, calming treats for dogs employ edible herbal remedies, while others feature naturally occurring proteins such as casein and whey protein, or even CBD oil in their ingredients list. If you're not sure which kind to pick up or you're wondering whether the idea is right for your pup, be sure to read our vet's guide: do calming treats for dogs work? before you go shopping.  

Whether you've purchased calming treats for your pup before or fancy picking up a few in the Amazon Prime Day sale for the first time, there's never been a better time to snap up a bargain, and you'll find plenty more top savings in our guide to the best Amazon Prime Day pet deals.

• Amazon Prime Day pet deals

PetsRadar's pick of the best calming dog treat deals this Prime Day

Keeping your diabetic dog healthy means sticking to a diet rich in protein and complex carbohydrates while avoiding foods high in simple sugars, which is where the best diabetic dog treats come in. We’ve found high-quality options and got vets to weigh in on the ingredients too.

The best diabetic dog foods take the guessing game out of your selection by striking the right balance of ingredients, but food is only part of a dog’s diet. Dogs also need treats, which are a tasty complement to mealtimes, are invaluable for training, and help you create a strong bond with your pet. 

But dogs with diabetes need special treats that don’t affect their blood sugar levels. As Dr. Georgina Ushi, DVM, explains, “For diabetic dogs, it’s important to avoid treats high in carbs that can cause a spike in their blood glucose levels. Pet owners should opt for low-carb and high-protein/fiber options that are low in sugar yet palatable.” 

Before adding treats to your dog’s diet, their diabetes must be well-managed. Dr. Diana Hasler, DVM, underscores this point, stating, “If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it is important to discuss diet (including treats) with your vet so that they can determine the appropriate diet and insulin dose required to keep your dog’s condition under control.”

“[...] It is crucial to keep your diabetic dog’s diet (including treats), exercise, and insulin consistent from day to day to keep their glucose levels under control. If your dog’s diabetes is not yet stabilized, you should strictly follow your vet’s dietary recommendations, even if this means that your dog can’t have any additional treats."

If your dog is ready to enjoy treats as part of their regular routine, here’s a list of recommendations — plus insights from Dr. Hasler about the pros and cons of each.

The best diabetic dog treats

How to choose the best diabetic-friendly dog treats

It can be confusing to know what is and isn’t safe for your diabetic dog to eat. However, when choosing treats you should follow the same rule as you do for their daily diet, sticking to products that are low in simple carbohydrates.

Simple carbohydrates (sugars) are easier to digest and more readily absorbed into the bloodstream than complex carbohydrates. Dogs with diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin to deal with this, leading to spikes in blood sugar. Glucose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose are all simple carbohydrates and can be found in ingredients like corn syrup, some vegetables, fruits, and molasses. While these are fine for normal dogs to eat in moderation, picking alternative treats that are high in complex carbohydrates (fiber) and lower in calories is crucial for diabetics.

Treats that are high in protein, and low in fat, are also ideal. Fish or lean meats like chicken or turkey, are also less likely to raise your dog’s blood sugar than treats that rely heavily on simple carbohydrates.

Can you give a diabetic dog treats between meals?

Yes. Dr. Isuru Gajanayake, head of clinical nutrition at Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, says it is fine to give a diabetic dog treats between meals “provided these are consistent in terms of the type, amount, and time given.” In other words, keep a close eye on how many treats you are giving to a dog and try not to load a dog up on them close to meal times either. 

Is peanut butter good for dogs with diabetes?

Dr. Gajanayake says you need to be cautious about giving peanut butter to dogs with diabetes.

“Peanut butter is generally considered safe in people with diabetes as it mainly contains fat rather than carbohydrate,” he says. “Although a small amount of peanut butter will be fine as a treat for diabetic dogs, I usually avoid such human foods in my patients.”

What should you not feed a diabetic dog?

Having a dog living with diabetes means your pet must follow a more restrictive diet. 

“The most important aspect of a good diet for a diabetic dog is that it is balanced, so a commercial canned/dry diet or a home-cooked diet which has been formulated by a veterinary nutritionist,” says Dr Isuru Gajanayake.

“Secondly, a diet which has more of the calories provided from fat and protein (compared to carbohydrate) may help with diabetes. Thirdly, avoiding carbohydrates that are rapidly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream can help reduce the blood sugar peaks after eating. Complex carbohydrates and fiber can help reduce the blood sugar peak after eating.”

How do diabetic dog treats differ from regular treats?

Diabetic dog treats differ from normal treats as their ingredients are carefully selected to follow the principles detailed above. This includes being low in sugar and calories, and higher in fiber and protein, reducing any negative impact on the management of your dog’s condition. 

One of the most important things to remember though, is that you must still only give these treats occasionally and under the direction of your vet. Too many treats of any kind could cause an imbalance in their diet affecting how well their condition is controlled. Always speak to your vet if you are unsure about what your dog can safely have.

Can I feed human food as a treat for my diabetic dog?

While some human foods — such as chicken, blueberries, and sweet potatoes — are healthy and even appear in diabetic dog food, it’s not always appropriate to give them as treats, as they might still cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike.

Consult your vet before offering your pup any human food as a treat. Your vet is the best resource for creating a safe and healthy treat routine for your dog.

Can non-diabetic dogs eat these treats?

The good news is that your other dogs can enjoy diabetic treats too, and they may even be better on their waistline than the regular alternatives! This may help to keep things simple as all of your dogs can receive the same type of snack, with no one feeling left out.

The best dog treats are always handy to have in the cupboard - you never know when you might need them. Whether you're working on your pup's recall skills or teaching a new command, a tasty reward goes a long way when brushing up on training.

You might be wondering if treats are safe to feed alongside the best dog food and the answer is yes. Just make sure they don't make up more than 10% of a daily calorie intake. Rewarding your dog with a treat is a great way to offer positive reinforcement for dogs, so it's a good idea to find ones they love.

Some dog treats even have benefits, like cleaning plaque and tartar off their teeth. If your dog has a health condition, you might think that treats are off limits but that's not always the case. It goes without saying that you should run it past your vet first, but you might want to look into the best diabetic dog treats and the best dog treats for sensitive stomachs.

Vet Dr. Catherine Barnette says: "To help reduce the calories your dog receives from treats, consider breaking treats in half, using pieces of kibble as treats, or switching to healthier low-calorie alternatives. Doing so will reduce the risk of excess weight gain and ensure your dog remains healthy."

The best dog treats 2026

How we tested the best dog treats

When it comes to buying the best dog treats (or anything for that matter), you want to make sure it's worth your money. As pet owners ourselves, we understand what you're looking for and took various factors into consideration.

We consulted vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to find out how to choose a high-quality treat (read below). After getting her expert opinion, we scoured the internet and carefully selected our favorite products. We then called in our team of dog owners to put them to the test, asking them to comment on the following criteria:

Quality of ingredients: Dr. MacMillan recommends dog treats that have high-quality protein as the first ingredient. We kept this in mind when selecting these products - you'll find that most of these treats have just one or two protein-based ingredients. They also have minimal preservatives and additives (if any!)

Taste: It's a no-brainer that dog treats need to be tasty - especially if you're using them to reinforce good behavior. We asked our testers if their dogs enjoyed eating the treats, if they finished them and whether they seemed to want more.

Value for money: There's nothing worse than wasting your money on a bad product. That's why we asked our testers whether they think the treats are worth the price based on quality and quantity. Every dog deserves to be treated, so we tried to include a variety of price points to suit each budget.

Size: As Dr. MacMillan says below, if you're using treats for training, the smaller the better. We asked our testers whether the size of the treats are suitable for training.

Smell and storage: Whilst pet food is never going to smell particularly nice, we asked our testers to comment on the scent of the treat. This can't always be helped, but no one enjoys having smelly hands after feeding them! They also commented on how easy they are to store (like whether the bag is resealable or not).

How to choose the best dog treats

When choosing the best dog treat for your dog, there are a few things to bear in mind.

Special dietary requirements: If your dog has gum disease or is overweight, consider opting for a treat specific to them. A low-calorie treat for a dog who needs to watch their waistline means they don’t need to miss out on rewards, while a treat specifically aimed at fighting plaque will help dogs with gum and teeth problems get the best of both worlds.

Health needs: Similarly, for dogs with digestive issues, or just sensitive stomachs, try testing them out on one of the many dog treats on the shelves that specifically promise to be kind on digestion.

Ingredients: The same rules generally apply to dogs as they do for humans. The fewer and fresher the ingredients, the better.

Tastiness: Ultimately dogs will usually get the final say. But if you can manage to find a dog treat that your pet doesn’t turn their nose up at, and that has some great ingredients to supplement their diet, you’ll be in their good books forever.

Vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan says: "The principles behind choosing your pet’s training treats are similar to the ones I advise when you select the food for their main meals. This includes choosing a good quality product, ideally made with whole-food ingredients. It is best to avoid overly processed ingredients or lots of artificial colors and preservatives where possible.

"It is useful to know that the ingredients list on the packaging is ordered by weight, so the first ingredient on the list is present in the greatest quantity, the second is the second greatest quantity, and so on. The ideal treat would feature a high-quality protein item at the top of its ingredient list, so look out for this. Also, ingredients like ‘meat meal’ or ‘animal fat’ are a bit vague and could be from any source. A training treat that actually lists things clearly like ‘beef’ or ‘chicken fat’ gives us some more certainty about the product."

"When it comes to training treat size, the rule is the smaller the better! You will want to give your pet lots of praise and positive rewards during their training, and often this means plenty of treats. Therefore, choosing small treats (or ones that you can break up into smaller pieces) will help you avoid giving too many calories or causing nutritional imbalances in your pet’s diet. If your dog is overweight or more susceptible to weight gain, then I recommend choosing a low-calorie treat. This includes neutered dogs or those on restricted exercise for health reasons."

Are dog treats necessary?

You might be wondering, “are dog treats healthy?”. Not according to vet Dr. Catherine Barnette who says: “Your dog should primarily be eating a complete and balanced diet appropriate for his or her age and breed. While it’s okay to give treats occasionally, too many treats can lead to excess weight gain.”

What better way to involve your canine companion in spooky season than to whip up a batch of Halloween dog treats? From spiders to skulls and pumpkins galore, these treats are playful, nutritious and best of all, delicious.

One of the things we love most about Halloween dog treats is that they can be a great alternative if you're wanting to involve your pup in all the festive fun of this popular holiday but don't fancy decking them out in a Halloween dog costume. With treats, you can go as outlandish as you want without having to worry about the potential safety risks that costumes can pose. 

When it comes to the best dog treats to feed your pup, of course there are plenty of high-quality options lining the shelves, but taking some time to make a batch of holiday-themed homemade dog treats is a great way of elevating these doggy favorites to something truly special.

To help you get those creative juices flowing, we've scoured the Internet to bring you all of our favorite Halloween dog treat recipes. So, what are you waiting for? Whip out those mixing bowls, grab that spatula and don your apron, because it's time to get baking!

• How to throw a Halloween party for dogs

1. Pumpkin spice dog treats

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 teaspoons xanthan gum
• 1½ cups canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed or riced
• 4 teaspoons pumpkin spice
• 2½ cups coconut flour
• 1½ cups rice flour
• 1½ cups almond meal
• Raw pepitas

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil and xanthan gum.
2. Add in the pumpkin, applesauce, sweet potato, eggs and pumpkin spice and whisk until smooth.
3. Fold in the flours and almond meal with a spatula and then knead with your hands until the dough is thoroughly mixed.
4. Shape the dough into a couple disks and cover in plastic wrap.
5. Chill dough for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 250F
7. Roll dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch between two pieces of parchment paper.
8. Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter.
9. Place cutouts on parchment lined cookie sheets.
10. Bake for two hours, rotating the pans every 30 minutes.
11. Turn the oven to a warm setting and open the door slightly to vent.
12. Dry dog treats until they have a good snap broken in half.
13. Place treats in a few airtight containers, freezing some for later.

Notes:

• To make the dog bones with pepitas, roll out dough to 3/8 thickness, then sprinkle dough with seeds and roll to 1/4 inch and cut out shapes with a metal cookie cutter.
• To make pumpkins, stick pepitas into the stem and make faces with a straw and wooden skewer.

Recipe via vintagekitty.com

2. Skull and crossbone frozen treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt
• 1-2 cups kale leaves
• 1/3 cup blueberries

Instructions:

1. Blend together 1/2 cup yogurt and blueberries.
2. Pour mixture into molds.
3. Blend together the remaining yogurt and kale.
4. Pour mixture into molds.
5. Freeze for 2 -3 hours.

Recipe via beaglesandbargains.com

3. Halloween pumpkin peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Milk-Bone flavor treats 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter and salt until fully incorporated. 
3. Shape dough into a large ball shape. 
4. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. 
5. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin cookie shapes. 
6. Gather the remaining dough and re-roll. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Repeat until all dough is used up. 
7. Bake cookie shapes in a preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8. Remove cookies from oven.
9. Cool cookies on a cookie rack until completely cool to touch. 
10. Use a little peanut butter to adhere a Milk-Bone Flavor Treat to the top of the pumpkin cookie.

Recipe via ruralmom.com 

4. Halloween spider dog treats

Ingredients for the base:

• 1 C flour plus a little bit to coat the cutting board
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ C almond butter
• 1 tbsp honey
• ¼ C milk
• ¼ C chicken stock

Ingredients for the icing:

• 1½ tsp meringue powder
• ½ C sugar
• ¾ C warm water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a standing mixer or large bowl, combine all base ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Dust the cutting board with flour.
4. Roll out the dough to 1 inch thick
5. Using a spider cookie cutter or any Halloween cookie cutter, cut out the cookies and place onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Beat the icing ingredients until they form a stiff peak
8. Split icing into two bowls and add purple food coloring to one and green food coloring to the bowls.
9. Add coloring icing to piping bags fitted with a #2 tip.
10. Outline a few spiders in the green icing and a few spiders in the purple
11. Fill in with the opposite colors.
12. Take the green icing and add two lines going down the middle of the cookies.
13. Using a toothpick, swirl the lines to make a swirl.
14. Let dry for 2 hours before giving it to your furry family members

Recipe via dogvills.com

5. Triple layer Day of the Dead dog treats

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1tbsp coconut oil
• ½ cup pure pumpkin
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Combine 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt with a tablespoon of coconut oil and spoon into the mold and place in freezer for 30 minutes or until firm.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and spoon on top of the frozen yogurt layer. Place back in freezer for another 30 minutes or until firm.
3. Blend one mashed banana with 1 tbl. honey and spoon on top of the pumpkin layer. Place back in freezer for 30 minutes or until firm.
4. Once all the layers are completely firm - time to pop them out.

Recipe via goldendailyscoop.com

6. Pumpkin and bone-shaped Halloween dog treats

Ingredients for the treats:

• 5 cups oat flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup natural unsweetened creamy peanut butter

Ingredients for the icing:

• 1 plant-based food color variety pack
• 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder if desired for black icing
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch

Instructions for the treats:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Mix the ingredients together to form the dough.
4. Place the dough on parchment paper.
5. Roll out the dough until it is ½ inch thick.
6. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
7. Place the cutouts on a greased or parchment paper-lined baking tray.
8. Gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and cut until there is none left.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. 
10. Remove the treats from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

Instructions for the icing:

1. Prepare your desired coloring liquids according to the package instructions.
2. To make black icing, combine 2 teaspoons of activated charcoal powder with 1 tablespoon of hot water.
3. Place honey, 2 teaspoons of coloring liquid, and 2 tablespoons of thickener (either cornstarch, arrowroot powder, OR tapioca starch) in a small bowl.
4. Stir until well combined and smooth. You may need to add another tablespoon of the thickener to the mixture to get the texture you need.
5. Use a spoon to drizzle the icing over the treats.

Recipe courtesy of spoiledhounds.com 

7. Sweet potato Halloween dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup of oat flour (Make your own by blending old fashioned oats in a food processor)
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp of dog-friendly peanut butter (No Xylitol as it is toxic to dogs. Aim for single ingredient peanut butter)
• 3/4 cup of mashed purple or orange sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Peel, slice, and boil your orange OR purple sweet potato in water for 15 minutes. Mash with a fork and set aside. 
3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and thoroughly combine. Refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes if you’re using cookie cutters. This will make it much easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
4. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use your Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Lay shapes on a parchment lined baking sheets. These do not spread while baking, so you can place them close together.
5. Bake for 22-25 minutes. Treats will be firm and slightly browned on the bottom. Allow to fully cool before serving.
6. Follow the recipe through again using your other purple or orange sweet potato if you’re making two colors. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 7-10 days.

Recipe via peaceloveandfrenchiefarts.com

Whipping up a treat for your pooch this fall has never been easier. Pumpkin spice lattes for dogs are officially a thing and you can create them in just a few simple steps.

Of course, before you prepare any treat for your canine chum, it's important to consider exactly what human foods your dog can have, as well as considering dietary restrictions. We all want our closest friend to share in our favorite treat but some that we consider as being 'healthy' or wonderfully moreish for us are actually loaded with hidden sugars or require special preparation in order to feed to our pets.

You can find more information on feeding your dog pumpkin in our in-depth guide, or if you're feeling particularly seasonal, why not hop over to our homemade pumpkin treats article where you'll find even more delicious recipes?

If you've never treated your dog to pumpkin before, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian as they'll be able to rule out any underlying conditions and recommend whether any other dietary changes need to be made to your dog's diet.

As a general rule of thumb, look to introduce gradually and in moderation, after all you'll want to keep your dog feeling great inside and out!

Pumpkin spice latte for dogs recipe

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup oat milk
• Whipped cream
• Sprinkle of cinnamon
• Your dog's favorite chews or kibble

Method:

1. Pour the oat milk and pumpkin purée into a large plastic container
2. Mix the two ingredients together using a spoon
3. Add a small layer of whipped cream to the top
4. Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon on top
5. Add your dog's favorite chews or kibble and serve!

Recipe via @threepupperteers/ TikTok  

Baked in a limited batch, your pup won’t want to miss getting their paws on one of the mouth-watering Krispy Kreme Doggie Doughnuts  that the brand is rolling out on National Dog Day this Friday - because once they’re gone, they’re gone!

While the best dog treats are a great way of spoiling your pup throughout the year, sometimes a little something special is in order, and with a group of hand-picked canine testers giving these doughnuts the big paws up, we have a feeling that gifting your fur friend one of these is sure to win you some serious pet parent points.

Released by Krispy Kreme in the US for the first time ever, the doggy doughnuts come in packs of six and are available while stocks last in participating shops beginning this Friday 26th August.

• DIY Puppucino recipes: Four pup cups you can try at home
• Are dog treats healthy? How much is too much?

Made from whole wheat flour and peanut butter, the doughnuts feature natural coloring from beetroot and turmeric and include carob, a chocolate substitute that’s safe for dogs.

Made by Australian-based artisan baked pet treat company, Huds and Toke, the doughnuts are inspired by your favorite Krispy Kreme flavors, including chocolate cookie, strawberry sprinkles, and chocolate cheesecake.

“Our dogs have given us so much love and comfort to help us through these last couple of years. They deserve this special treat,” said Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme.

Just one word of caution - the doggie doughnuts are baked to a firm texture to appeal to dogs that like to chew and while they’re designed to soften the longer they’re sucked on, senior dogs with fragile teeth may find them difficult to chew at first. 

That one small issue aside, pups around the country are counting down the days until they can get their paws on the most coveted doggy treat of the year, so head on down to your local Krispy Kreme store on Friday and make this National Dog Day the best one yet for your furry friend. 

During the summer months, whipping up a batch of dogs delicious frozen dog treats and snacks can help your dog cool down – plus they’re fun to make too.

We’ve rounded up our top ten pupsicle treats that are a cinch to whip up. All you’ll need are two or three ingredients, a blender, a mixing bowl, molds and a freezer. Pet lovers and their hungry hounds have tried and tested all our recipes, so we know your pooch will enjoy these ice-cold ideas.

Plus, we’ve got recommendations on the best molds for these recipes, from sweet paw-shaped lollies to mini heart treats for your furry friend. Perfect for your social feeds as well as your dog!

While these recipes are generally considered dog-safe, your pup may have individual dietary requirements or food allergies to be aware of. If you’re not sure, double-check with your vet for advice. And, of course, nothing beats a long, cool drink of water for your dog when it comes to hot weather, so don’t forget to hydrate them too.

Need more doggy treat inspiration? See our essential recipe guides for dog smoothies and dog cakes. And just to reassure you, we asked a vet “Can dogs eat ice cubes?” and she said yes!

1. Strawberry and yogurt frozen dog treats

Ingredients

Makes 10 treats

• 10 strawberries (stalks removed)
• Plain Greek yogurt

Method

• Using a fork, mash the strawberries on a plate
• Place small amounts into your silicone mold ensuring you have a flat surface beneath
• Cover the mashed strawberries with a layer of yogurt
• Freeze and serve

Recipe via tobythegoldendoodle / TikTok

2. Blueberry and yogurt frozen dog treats

Ingredients

Makes 12 treats

• A small bowl of chopped blueberries and strawberries
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt
• Water

Method

• Add berries to your blender
• Spoon the plain yogurt into the blender
• Add a little water to help the mixture blend better. Blitz!
• Spoon the mixture into your molds and freeze overnight

3. Strawberry banana frozen dog treats

Ingredients

Makes 15 treats

• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk

Method

• Mix all ingredients together in a blender
• Pour mixture into the molds and freeze

Recipe via AirBudKobe / TikTok

4. Apple and peanut butter frozen treats

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup of apple sauce
• 1/3 cup of Greek or non-dairy yogurt
• 1/4 cup of peanut butter

Method

• Cover a bowl with a ziplock bag
• Mix all the ingredients together
• Pour into an ice cube tray or baking mold
• Freeze for three hours and serve

Recipe via threepupperteers / TikTok

5. Pineapple mango sorbet

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

• 1/2 cup of pineapple
• 1/2 cup of mango
• 1/2 cup water

Method

• Blitz all ingredients together in a blender
• Freeze and serve

Recipe via opalthefluff / TikTok

6. Carrot brothsicle frozen dog treats

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bone broth
• 1 cup of diced carrots

Method

• Put all ingredients into a blender and blitz
• Spoon into the molds and freeze overnight

Recipe via odinthenewf / TikTok

7. Banana and yogurt dog ice-cream 

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

• 1 ripe banana (chopped into 4 pieces)
• A tub of plain Greek yoghurt

Method

• Chop a banana into 4 pieces and place into a measuring jug
• Spoon a small amount of yogurt across the bananas
• Mash the mixture together
• Pour the mixture into an ice-cream bowl
• Freeze for 1 hour and serve

Recipe via Amos Pearce / TikTok

8. Banana and peanut butter dog ice-cream

Ingredients

Makes 3 dog ice-cream lollies

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 tsp dog-friendly peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened rice milk or water
• Your dog's favorite treat

Method

• Place all ingredients into a blender and blitz.
• Spoon the mixture into large lolly molds and add sticks to the bottom
• Place your dog's favorite treat in the center to decorate
• Freeze for a minimum of 6 hours and serve.

Recipe via full.luna / TikTok

9. Banana and cream cheese pupsicle 

Ingredients

Makes 1 dog ice-cream

• 3 tbsp cream cheese
• Water
• 1/2 banana

Method

• Put the cream cheese and add water to a small mixing bowl. Stir it all together
• In another mixing bowl, mash the banana, add water and mix together
• Pour the banana into the cream cheese and mix together
• Pour into a lolly mold and freeze

Recipe via elo.dante / TikTok

10. Chicken dog ice-cream

Ingredients

Makes 6 treats

• 1/2 cup dog-friendly peanut butter
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp chicken broth

Method

• Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl
• Spoon the mixture into your mold
• Freeze for two hours. Serve!

Recipe via goldendoodlebenny / TikTok

You might also want to try our dog pancake recipe.

Enjoyed this feature? Check out can dogs eat ice cream?

A dog treats recall is always concerning but if you have purchased one of three products made by Stormberg Foods, it's important you don't serve them to your pooch.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the affected dog treats have potentially been contaminated with salmonella.

A sample tested positive for harmful bacteria, leading to the pulling of Beg & Barker Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, Billo’s Best Friend Chicken Breast Strips Dog Treat, and Green Coast Pets Chicken Crisps Dog Treat products.

Although no related illnesses have been reported, the recall is being taken as a precaution. The products were sold online and in retail stores between June 8 and June 22.

Stormberg Foods was notified of the problem by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA & CS) on July 6 and both the company and the agency are investigating the cause.

If your pet has consumed any of the batches listed in the table at the end of this article, you should look out for these symptoms: 

• Lethargy
• Diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Decreased appetite 
• Abdominal pain 

Some pets may be infected with the bacteria and not show any symptoms at all, but they can still pass it on to other animals and humans.

The human symptoms of salmonella include:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal cramping 
• Fever 

If you have purchased an affected product, you should contact the company at stormbergship@gmail.com to arrange a return or disposal. You should also email the company and contact your veterinarian if your pet has become ill after eating one of the affected products.

For more information, contact the Stormberg customer service department at 919-947-6011, Monday through Saturday, between 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST.

You can find batch information on the back of the packets.

The best puppy treats can play a crucial role in a young dog’s life. You’ll find they’re very useful in helping you form a bond with your pup since they’re a lovely way to show your affection (so long as you don’t overdo it). They’re also near-essential when training a dog. Very few owners have managed to crate, potty and leash train a puppy without having a bag of treats to hand as a reward.

But, much like the best dog treats, there are so many different types to choose from and the ones you select will often – but not exclusively – be dependent on what activities your carrying out. If you’re leash training your puppy for instance, then you’ll likely want treats that are small and quick to eat. If you’re crate training, it’s best to go for something more long-lasting because you’ll need your dog to remain alone for a good amount of time.

In this guide, we look at a variety of treats to suit multiple requirements and we enlist the help of expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan to help you make a suitable decision for your puppy. As the title suggests, we’re also looking for the best puppy treats and that means those that will as good as possible for your pooch.

“Choosing treats that are not overly processed, that are high in good-quality protein, with no artificial colors or flavorings is never a bad idea,” says Dr MacMillan. “And puppies find them tasty too!”

The best puppy treats we recommend in 2025

How we chose the best puppy treats

Since treats have the potential to cause obesity in puppies if they’re not properly controlled, we looked for treats that aren't too high in calories – particularly important because, when crate, potty and leash training, you’re sure to be handing out quite a few of them.

We also monitored the ingredients to ensure they were as natural as possible (unless they had a specific aim such as calming) and weighed up the different requirements between small and larger breeds.

When can I give my puppy treats?

“You can start giving soft age-appropriate treats from eight weeks of age onwards, moving towards slightly firmer teething treats from four months of age,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. “At all stages, avoid anything that is too hard and could fracture your puppy’s teeth, as well as any human foods toxic to dogs like grapes and chocolate.”

What ingredients should they contain?

Puppy treats should contain a mix of protein, nutrients and minerals. The European Pet Food Agency has a guide to dog food formulations. It suggests avoiding products that contain sugar and ingredients, such as wheat that could trigger an intolerance. Puppies have delicate tummies that can’t always digest wheat or dairy.

Do the best puppy treats need to be small?

In general, it’s best to look for smaller treats. That way, a puppy is going to be less likely to gain weight, especially if treats are going to be used excessively during training. Low calorie treats used in moderation alongside the best puppy food and coupled with regular exercise shouldn't be an issue but it’s always something to bear in mind.

“When choosing treats for your puppy, small bite-sized pieces tend to be best,” affirms Dr MacMillan. “Treats will be used a lot as part of your puppy’s training but it’s important not to give them too much in one day or it could lead to an unbalanced diet. So, choosing small training treats, or treats that you can break into smaller pieces tends to work best.”

How many treats should I give to my puppy?

According to Dr MacMillan, treats should not make up a huge part of your puppy’s daily diet, so their nutritional value is perhaps less crucial than the decisions you make around their complete pet food. But she has one golden rule: “Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.”

Can I feed the best dog treats to my puppy?

Whether or not you can feel adult dog treats to puppies depends on the nature of those treats.

“Adult dog treats can work for puppies if they are soft and can be broken into puppy-sized pieces,” Dr MacMillan explains. The main issue is that a puppy’s teeth are not as well developed as an adult’s. “Some adult dog treats may be too hard for puppies to tackle or could be a choking hazard,” Dr MacMillan adds. “If you’re not sure whether your chosen adult treat is safe, you could run it past your vet team first.”

Why do I need to consider the size of my dog when buying treats?

A very small dog or young puppy won’t be able to manage chunky treats, so check the packaging for advice on what size and age of puppy the treat is suitable for. Many puppy treats are labelled for six months or older for this exact reason. If yours is a medium-sized breed, it’s probably fine to go by such age guidance, and larger dogs should have no issues.

If, however, your puppy is a small or toy breed, read the packaging carefully, as there may be more specific advice on if and when they’ll be big enough to manage the biscuit or chew. If the treat is too large it could stick in your puppy’s throat, which would be both distressing and dangerous.

Do I always have to buy different treats for different situations?

Not necessarily but it depends on the treats you’re buying.

“There’s no reason why you can’t use the same treats for your different types of training if your puppy finds them delicious!,” says Dr MacMillan. “Many owners will choose to keep back high-value treats for their recall training though. Using an exceptionally tasty treat for this will help to encourage your pup to come back to you when called, which could be important for their safety once you start exercising them off-leash.”

Searching for rawhide alternatives for dogs is likely high on your priority list if you’ve been reading up on the potential dangers of this product. Every pup deserves the best dog treats, so you might be looking for something safer for your canine companion to chew on.

Made from the inner soft hide or skin of an animal, rawhide is one of the longest-lasting dog chews available on the market. Because of this, many pet parents initially opt for rawhide because it’s great at keeping aggressive chewers occupied for hours at a time.

Is rawhide ok for dogs?

The issue is that while rawhide is designed to break down into tiny, soft pieces, strong chewers will often be able to break off large chunks. These bigger pieces of rawhide can present a choking hazard, result in damage to the teeth, mouth or gums, and may even cause life-threatening intestinal blockages if swallowed.

While vets recognize a dog’s innate need to chew, the risks associated with consuming rawhide have led most to advocate for the use of safer options. To help you find the right product for your pup, we spoke to Dr. Joanna Woodnutt who shared her thoughts on five possible rawhide alternatives for dogs.

Five rawhide alternatives for dogs

1. Antlers 

Exactly as the name suggests, antlers are pieces of deer or elk antler that have been cleaned and treated to make them into a rawhide alternative for dogs.

They’re very hard, so can be good for extreme or aggressive chewers as they can last for several months. They’re made of bone and have a slightly rough texture that’s great for cleaning your pooch’s teeth. Antlers for dogs are also a low-calorie option as unlike rawhide they contain no fat.

On the flip side, because they are so very hard, they can cause dental problems such as broken teeth. If your dog bites off a piece and swallows it, it can cause intestinal blockages or even punctures, which is why the majority of vets do not recommend antlers for dogs.

"Most vets agree that antlers are not a good chew for dogs," says Woodnutt. "They are too hard, risking broken teeth. Many vets, myself included, have seen ‘slab fractures’ - where a large chewing tooth from the back of the mouth shatters – in dogs who chew antlers."

Antlers shouldn’t be given to very young or elderly dogs so they can cause too much pressure on teeth and jaws. If you do want to give your dog antlers, make sure you're there to keep an eye on them and that you dispose of the chew if it starts to look like a hazard.

2. Bones 

Can dogs eat bones? Bones may sound like a tempting rawhide alternative for dogs – after all, they’re 100% natural, can often be obtained cheaply or for free and that’s what dogs would eat in the wild, right? In reality, feeding your dog bones can be a controversial subject.

Some dogs eat them with no ill effects whatsoever, while others have problems. Small bones such as chicken bones can splinter and cause internal issues. Larger bones such as pig or cow may not splinter in the same way, but if your dog manages to gnaw off a piece and swallow it there’s a chance of a much bigger blockage.

Raw bones can also be sources of bacteria, while cooked bones are more brittle and likely to splinter. To be on the safe side, some vets don’t advise feeding bones at all and recommend safer alternatives.

"While some vets consider bones are too hard for dog’s teeth, risking painful broken teeth, there’s no denying that dogs love them," Woodnutt says. "If you are going to feed bones to your dog, it’s essential you understand the risks and manage them properly. Choose the right bones, and remove them if your dog shatters them, as the bits can be sharp. Many bones are fed raw – don’t forget that, like raw food, this poses a risk to your household – handle raw bones carefully and don’t let your dog eat them where young children may be playing."

3. Beefhide 

Beefhide and rawhide are the same thing, right? Well, not quite. While all beefhide is rawhide, not all rawhide is beefhide. Rawhide can be made from a range of animal skins including horse, buffalo and pig while beefhide is always made from cows.

Some owners prefer beefhide as they know exactly what their dogs are getting. Beefhide isn’t necessarily any better for your dog, though, and comes with the same pros and cons.

It can cause digestive upsets and vomiting and is also quite fattening – worth bearing in mind if you’re watching your pooch’s weight. Fairly new to the market are fish skin chews, which have advantages over rawhide. The rough texture is a great canine toothbrush, and they’re much easier to digest when swallowed.

4. Dental chews 

As we’ve already seen, softer chews tend to be safer for your dog. They’re less likely to splinter and are more digestible and less likely to cause damage if they do. "Dental chews have the advantage that they’ve been carefully tested to be safe for dogs," explains Woodnutt. "Accepting allergies and intolerances, dental chews are safe to chew and swallow, as they can be digested. However, they can be calorific, so it’s important to check your dog’s calorie allowances and make sure they aren’t eating too much. They also don’t last very long, meaning your dog may not satisfy their full urge to chew."

When it comes to the best dental chews for dogs, there are plenty out there, but make sure you choose one that’s an appropriate size for your pooch. Chews with an irregular shape can be more beneficial in helping to clean your dog’s teeth – there are even some on the market shaped like toothbrushes! These chews tend not to last as long as they’re softer, so if your dog is an energetic chomper then take a look at our guide to the best longest-lasting dog chews for more ideas.

5. Chew toys 

As already explained, the act of chewing is beneficial to your dog in itself. It causes the production of saliva, which helps wash bacteria away from the teeth. The repetitive act of chewing also releases serotonin, the so-called ‘happy hormone’, which can help aid stress. As long as he’s getting a healthy and balanced diet, though, your dog doesn’t need any extra nutrients from chewing. That means that a chew toy will give him the same benefits as an edible chew, as well as being safer. As such, they are up there as one of the best rawhide alternatives for dogs.

"Chew toys, usually made from rubber, are often a good option," Woodnutt says. "Again, they’ve been perfected to be as safe as possible, and there are varying shapes of toy and hardnesses of the rubber to take into account different chew styles. Most vets agree that a stuffed Kong-type toy is the safest chew toy for dogs as it satisfies the chewing urge while protecting the teeth. Some dogs won’t enjoy the feeling of rubber and would prefer something harder."

If you have a very ‘chewy’ dog from whom no piece of furniture is safe, then a purpose-made chew toy could be the way to go and makes a great alternative to rawhide. Take a look at our guide to the best dog chew toys and choose one that’s appropriate for the size of dog and tough enough to last.

Have a heavy chewer on your hands? Check out our vet’s guide to safe dog chews for aggressive chewers. Or discover the answer to are rawhide bones good for dogs and what are bully sticks made of

As a vet, I often have clients ask me, “Are dog treats healthy?” We love to give our dogs treats, whether it’s for good behavior, an extra snack, or just for looking extra cute, we all throw our dogs a biscuit every now and then. 

But are dog treats actually healthy for your dog? And could those extra snacks be doing more harm than good? If your dog is overweight or obese, it may be time to consider switching to an alternative reward to help keep your pup healthy.

Dog treats aren’t a required part of your dog’s daily diet and they can lead to excess weight gain. If you do decide to give dog treats, make healthy choices and give them in moderation to ensure your canine companion maintains a lean and healthy body weight. Read on for more tips on treats for your dog.

Are dog treats necessary?

Although we love to give our dogs treats, they aren’t necessary to keep our dogs healthy and happy. Your dog should primarily be eating a complete and balanced diet appropriate for his or her age and breed. While it’s okay to give treats occasionally, too many treats can lead to excess weight gain. 

Unfortunately, many pets suffer from being overweight. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of all dogs and cats in the United States are classified as overweight or obese. To help prevent your dog from becoming overweight or obese, it’s best to stick to your dog’s regular diet and avoid adding extra calories in the form of treats, table scraps, or other extra foods.

The consequences of obesity

A few extra pounds may not seem like much, but they affect more than just your dog’s waistline. Carrying extra weight can predispose your dog to conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. 

In fact, one study showed that Labrador Retrievers who maintained a healthy weight lived nearly two years longer on average compared with their overweight counterparts. Clearly, being overweight can have serious impacts on your dog’s health.

To keep your dog healthy and happy, maintaining a healthy lean body weight is a must. To find out whether your dog is overweight, ask your vet about your dog’s body condition score. A body condition score is a subjective measure of your dog’s body fat.  

Your vet will determine whether your dog is overweight, underweight, or an ideal weight by palpating the fat deposits over his or her rips, hips, and spine. If your vet determines that your dog is overweight, it’s best to limit or avoid treats in your dog’s diet to prevent further weight gain.

Adding treats to your dog’s diet

If you do decide to add treats to your dog’s diet, make sure you do so in moderation – and you choose the best dog treats or best puppy treats you have available. A good rule of thumb is that treats, table scraps, food toppers, and other supplemental foods should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The remaining 90 percent should be a complete and balanced diet. 

To help reduce the calories your dog receives from treats, consider breaking treats in half, using pieces of kibble as treats, or switching to healthier low-calorie alternatives. Doing so will reduce the risk of excess weight gain and ensure your dog remains healthy.

Choosing healthier dog treats

Many pet owners are surprised to discover that some dog treats are extremely high in calories. Making healthier choices for your dog can go a long way towards maintaining a lean body weight. Try offering your dog fresh, low-calorie options such as:

• Carrot
• Sweet potato
• Blueberries
• Watermelon
• Apple
• Banana
• Cucumber

If your dog doesn’t like fruits and vegetables, single-ingredient treats such as freeze-dried liver can be a great option that is tasty and low in calories. Many dogs will also accept their own daily dog kibble as treats, which makes it easy to measure out the daily portion of food and surprise your dog with these “treats” throughout the day without adding any additional calories to their diet.

Here’s how to make your own homemade dog treats.

Don’t forget non-food rewards

Remember, treats aren’t the only way we can show love – dogs also love to be praised, petted, and played with. These non-food options can be just as rewarding as receiving a treat but without the excess calories. 

The next time your dog does something worth rewarding, try offering him or her some playtime with a favorite toy instead of giving a treat. Many dogs also love attention and are willing to work for a good round of petting and praise. Your dog will still be getting a positive reward, and will also get some exercise and added mental stimulation to go with it.

Limit treats for a healthy diet

It is okay to give your pup the occasional treat, but the key is to do so in moderation.  Too many treats can lead to weight gain and be the culprit behind obesity in many dogs and cats. To help ensure your dog doesn’t pile on the pounds, limit treats to no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake and choose healthy, low-calorie alternatives such as fresh fruits and vegetables over traditional dog treats.

If your dog is overweight or obese, eliminating treats entirely is best, but this doesn’t mean your pup has to go without rewards. Non-food rewards like petting, praise, and playtime are great ways to show love without giving extra calories. As always, if you are concerned about your pet’s weight or overall health, consult your vet for further care and advice.

When buying treats for your canine companion, you may find yourself worried about the content of highly processed biscuits, chews and nibblets. Owners are constantly bombarded with articles and videos on what not to feed your dog, but can learning how to make homemade dog treats be a solution?

The good thing about homemade dog treats is that you know exactly what is going into them (as long as you check the ingredients in any processed elements like peanut butter). For ways to add an extra dose of nutrients and flavor to your homemade treats, check out our guide to what spices can dogs eat?

While we wouldn’t recommend overfeeding treats, it’s worth remembering even homemade treats are just that - treats - and should be given in moderation. The advice is the same for the best dog treats.

We ran our top recipes by two highly qualified experts and got their input on how safe it is to make your own homemade dog treats. Keep reading to find out which tasty homemade treat sounds best for your pet...

Is it safe to make your own homemade dog treats?

Barking Heads canine nutritionist Sarah McNamara explains that homemade dog treats can be a healthy part of your dog’s diet.

She encourages moderation, “Providing you use dog friendly ingredients and do not feed in excess the same as you would do with non-homemade,” she said. If you're trying to fit fruit and vegetables (that are safe for dogs to eat) into your canine's diet then mixing them into a tasty homemade recipe is a great solution.

However, McNamara notes, “It is harder to know the Kcal content of homemade treats, however, so be mindful of how many you give your pet."

We also spoke to Emma Chandley, BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS, who is a vet for Perfect Pet Insurance. “It is perfectly safe and acceptable to make your own dog treats as long as you are fully aware of any ingredients that are toxic or poisonous to dogs,” she advised. “Many recipes are available online, but only certain ones are vet approved. Always check with your vet before starting them on any new treats you want to make at home.”

"They can provide health benefits and if you cannot feed within a main meal or they won’t take in their natural raw form, combining healthy ingredients them into a treat format is a great way to encourage them to eat their five a day,” said McNamara. “No treats can be considered balanced as they are a complementary food if they are homemade or not and should not substitute a 100% balanced and complete meal in whichever format the pet owner provides their pet.”

Chandley highlights that although the recipes below contain balanced nutritional profile components, they don't include all the necessary ingredients that a dog needs in their daily diet. As long as you are feeding them nutritionally rich and balanced dog food then some homemade dog treats can make the perfect food reward for your beloved pup.

1. Pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup peanut butter with no xylitol
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a mixer use the paddle attachment to combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs at medium-high speed.
3. Add in the flour and cinnamon and mix until a stiff dough has formed.
4. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Allow cooling completely.

Recipe via therecipecritic.com

Notes from the experts...

“Eggs can be an allergen, as can wheat,” said McNamara. “It is essential that owners double-check any nut butters they are using do not contain xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can be very dangerous,” warned Chandley.

“It is essential that owners double-check any nut butters they are using do not contain xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can be very dangerous,” noted Chandley.

2. Bacon dog treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup (180ml) nonfat milk
• 1 large egg or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups (244g) whole wheat flour* (spoon & leveled)
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats*
• 2–3 strips cooked bacon, chopped

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats and bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
3. Using a floured rolling pin, cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10-12 more minutes.
4. Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Cover and store leftovers at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

1. Freezing Instructions: The treats freeze well up to 2 months.
2. Flour: Unbleached all-purpose flour is safe for dogs, but whole wheat is more highly recommended because of its added health benefits. Please consult with your vet about any allergies your dog may have.
3. Oats: Either whole-rolled or quick oats are fine.

Recipe via sallysbakingaddiction.com

Notes from the experts...

McNamara recommended using peanut butter without Xylitol for this recipe.“Swap non-fat milk for goats’ milk, this has probiotic properties and dogs struggle to digest lactose as they lack the enzyme to break this down,” she added. “Swap applesauce for just cooked mashed up apples if you can, as applesauce has quite a bit of sugar added to it.”

“Bacon is not generally recommended for dogs as it is very high in fat and salt. It also contains harmful additives such as nitrites,” said Chandley. “When the bacon is cooked at high heat, this causes the additives to form carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines.”

3. Cheddar and bacon treats

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 eggs

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add oats, cheese, and bacon to the bowl of a food processor and process until ingredients reach a crumb-like consistency.
3. Add two eggs to food processor and process until mixture resembles a sticky dough.
4. Sprinkle flour or finely ground oats onto a wood cutting board and roll out dough to about ¼-inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut out dough into desired shape.
5. Transfer dog treats to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes.
6. Cool treats completely and store in an airtight glass or plastic container.

Recipe via goodhousekeeping.com

Notes from the experts...

“Cheese provides calcium to support teeth and bones when fed in moderation. It also is a source of Vitamin B12" said McNamara but she also warned, "Be careful with eggs and remember cheese can be quite fattening,” said McNamara. “If they have a dairy intolerance/sensitivity, maybe skip this one."

Chandley said that cheese is fine for dogs, "As long as it does not contain too much salt and your dog is not lactose intolerant.”

4. Calming dog treats

Ingredients for the cookies:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ⅓ cup milk
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ tablespoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons oats

Calming ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon edible lavender buds OR
• 1 tablespoon chamomile powder

Ingredients for the icing:

• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• Bit of water (about ¼ teaspoon)
• Food coloring (optional)

Method:

1. In a large bowl mix the peanut butter, milk, and applesauce together.
2. In a smaller, separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder together.
3. Add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture and stir well.
4. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Using your hands, gently knead the oats and lavender or chamomile into the dough.
6. Once you have a nice, compact ball of dough, press the dough into a rectangle (about ½ an inch thick). Because of the crumbliness of this dough, using your hands to press out the dough will be easier than a rolling pin. The warmth from your fingers aids the process.
7. Using your desired cookie cutter, cut the dough into biscuits.
8. Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
9. Next, mix the egg yolk and a bit of water together. Divide into small bowls and add food coloring to achieve the desired colors.
10. Brush the “icing” on to the unbaked biscuits using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon.
11. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.
12. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Recipe via animalhumanesociety.org

Notes from the experts...

“Swap milk for goats’ milk and applesauce for cooked mashed apples,” suggests McNamara.

“Lavender contains small amounts of linalool. This compound is toxic to dogs. It is only found in small concentrations, so toxicity is seldom an issue. If a dog were to ingest large quantities, though, it would cause a problem,” said Chandley. “Chamomile can be toxic to your dog if ingested in large amounts or repeatedly over a long period of time. It can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in severe cases, bleeding disorders.

Most human-grade food colourings, which are non-alcohol based, are safe for dogs. It is important to check food colouring doesn't have any xylitol in it,” she added.

5. Apple carrot treats

Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes

Makes 90 nibbles or 22 doughnuts

Ingredients
• 1 large carrot, grated (approx. 4oz)
• ½ apple, grated
• 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 egg
• Plain natural yogurt (optional)
• Ground cinnamon (optional)

Method:
• Add ingredients to a bowl and mix to form a dough
• Wrap dough in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for an hour or two
• Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C and line two large baking trays with parchment
• For small ‘nibbles’, roll a teaspoon of mixture between your palms, place on a baking tray and press down gently with the back of a fork. For doughnuts, scoop a tablespoon of mixture, roll between your palms, press down on a baking tray and make a hole in the centre with the end of a paintbrush or teaspoon
• Bake nibbles for 15 minutes, doughnuts for 18 minutes

Optional steps:
• Dip doughnuts in plain yogurt to create ‘frosting’ and sprinkle with a small pinch of ground cinnamon
• Place in freezer for 20 minutes to allow the yogurt to set

Tips:
Don’t be surprised if the dough is wet and sticky, but you can add a few more tablespoons of flour if it’s really unmanageable. If you’re after more of a biscuit texture, try squeezing some of the moisture out of the grated carrot and apple before adding to the mixture.

These can be kept in a refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes from the experts...

“Carrots provide beta carotene known to support vision,” said Mcnamara.

“Apples are safe to feed to dogs as long as they have removed the pips and core. The pips contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs,” said Chandley.

6. Chicken and rice bones

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes

Makes 22-24 bones

Ingredients
• 7oz raw chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• 500ml chicken stock
• ½ cup cooked rice (white and wild rice mix)
• 1 ½ cups wholewheat flour
• 1 egg

Method
• Add chicken breast and stock to a pan and boil until chicken is cooked – about 10 minutes
• Remove chicken from stock and leave both to cool
• Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C
• Add rice, chicken and ⅓ cup chicken stock to a food processor and blend to a paste
• Add chicken paste, flour and egg to a bowl and mix to form a dough
• Add a tablespoon of dough to each well of a silicon mould and press down until evenly spread
• Bake for 25 minutes until light brown
• Allow to cool down and firm up before removing from the mould

Tips
If you don’t have a silicone mould, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut out with a cookie-cutter, or roll a tablespoon of dough between your palms and press down slightly on the tray.

Rice is a great treat option for older dogs or dogs with easily upset stomachs – it’s nutritious but bland enough for their digestive systems to handle.

These can be kept in a refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes from the experts...

“Chicken and rice are considered a gentle combination and low in fat for those watching their weight. Chicken is a lean source of protein for growth and repair of muscles,” said McNamara.

7. Peanut butter banana bites

Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 12-15 minutes

Makes about 24 bites

Ingredients
• 1 large or 2 medium bananas
• ½ cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol free)
• 1 ¼ cup rolled oats

Methods
• Mash banana(s) in a bowl
• Add peanut butter and stir well
• Whizz oats in a food processor until it looks like flour
• Add oat flour to bowl and mix to form a dough
• Wrap dough in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for an hour
• Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C and line two large baking trays with parchment
• Roll a tablespoon of mixture between your palms, place on a baking tray and press down slightly – leave about ¼ inch between each biscuit
• Use the end of a paintbrush (or the tip of your little finger) to press a paw shape into each biscuit
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are light brown
• Leave to cool down before giving to your dog or storing in an airtight container

Tips:
These can easily be made into bite-sized treats instead of biscuits – just measure out a teaspoon of mix for each one rather than a tablespoon. In their mini form, these irresistible peanut butter treats make perfect training rewards.

These can be kept in a refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes from the experts...

“Oats can help keep your dog feeling fuller for longer,” commented McNamara

8. Blueberry pupsicles

Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Freeze time: 5+ hours

Makes 8 pupsicles

Ingredients
• 2.5oz plain natural yogurt
• 2.5oz water
• 2.5oz unsweetened frozen blueberries

Method
• Blend yogurt, blueberries and water in a food processor
• (Optional step) Fill paw pads of silicone with some plain yogurt
• Pour blueberry yogurt mix into moulds until almost full (the pupsicles will expand as they freeze)
• Freeze for at least five hours

Tips:
This recipe can be adapted endlessly – try using frozen strawberries or watermelon instead of blueberries, adding the blueberries whole instead of blending them, or adding peanut butter to the watery yogurt mix.

If you need to keep the calories down, use a little less yogurt and make up the weight with extra water.

For more frozen dog treats recipes visit our DIY guide.

Notes from the experts...

“Blueberries are packed with natural antioxidants and can have cancer fighting properties, and natural Yoghurt is great for gut health and contains probiotics (live bacteria) to help increase the health population of bacteria which work to digest food appropriately and therefore absorb nutrients which can also have a whole-body effect in terms of aiding the immune system,” said McNamara

Are the homemade treats suitable for big and small dogs?

McNamara encourages dog owners to be mindful of their dog’s activity levels when feeding any treats, including homemade dog treats. “Smaller active dogs and puppies will require more Kcal per day for growth and also for small dogs depending on their exercise level than a medium dog even at the same exercise level,” she said.

“It is thought small dogs are typically more energetic and need more Kcals to keep up with the energy expenditure. On the flip side, elderly dogs who do not have good mobility need fewer Kcals to avoid becoming overweight and putting pressure on old joints.”

You might also want to try our dog pancake recipe.

Read next: Ways to celebrate your pet's birthday.

Looking for some delicious and nutritious no bake dog treat recipes that you can whip up in no time flat? Well, you’re in luck, because the easy-to-follow recipes below tick all those boxes!

Sometimes, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving over a hot stove or spending ages baking up a storm for your beloved canine companion. But just because you don’t have the time for anything elaborate, doesn’t mean your pup can’t still enjoy a homemade dog treat or two. 

While it’s good to make sure that the bulk of your furry friend's diet is made up of the best dog food, there’s nothing wrong with spoiling them from time to time with something that’s made with love and comes straight from your own kitchen. Plus, unlike commercial dog treats, you know exactly what’s gone into them. 

To help get those creative juices flowing, we’ve rounded up a selection of our favorite no bake dog treat recipes, with five mouth-watering recipes that will have your sweet-toothed fur baby salivating in anticipation. With limited ingredients and taking just a few minutes to make, these tasty treats are perfect for all you busy pet parents. 

• Best dog treats: Reward your pooch with these tasty snacks
• Three delicious diabetic dog treat recipes
• 6 homemade dog food recipes: Best healthy meals for your pup

1. No bake peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 cups old fashioned oats, divided

Instructions:

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats at low speed, beating until incorporated.
2. Using a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch balls, forming about 20. Dredge balls in remaining 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, pressing to coat.
3. Cover and place in the refrigerator until firm, about 1 hour. 
4. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Easy no bake soft and fruity dog treats

Ingredients:

• 6 heaping tablespoons of rolled oats 
• 2 T dried cranberries
• ¼ of a red delicious apple
• 1 T water

Instructions:

• Grate 1/4 of an apple.
• Put 4 tablespoons oats into the food processor and chop it up.
• Add the cranberries into the processor and grind until small pieces. 
• Add 2 tablespoons of the unground oats and the shredded apple. Then mix in by hand. 
• Add water if needed to get to a consistency to stick together. 
• Form balls based on the size of your pet. Refrigerate treats.

3. Bones and paws banana yogurt flax dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 over ripe banana
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal

Instructions:

• Peel the banana and place into the blender.
• Add the yogurt and flaxseed meal into the blender with the banana. 
• Blend on high until everything is fully mixed.
• Lay your molds on a cookie sheet and then fill them with the mixture.
• Place the cookie sheet with molds in the freezer until fully frozen. Normally around 3 hours. When frozen remove from molds and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

4. Pumpkin peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted or softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl and mix well to combine.
2. Add 1 heaping tablespoon to bone-shaped silicone molds, making 15 treats. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours to firm up. Store in the freezer and defrost for a minute or two before letting your pup enjoy.

5. Easy homemade frozen dog treats

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup oat or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup yogurt or coconut yogurt (not too high fat)
• 1 small banana 
• 1–1/2 to 2 Tablespoons natural peanut butter 
• 1 teaspoon raw honey 
• 1 teaspoon flax meal

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients into the blender and blend until creamy on medium speed.
2. Carefully pour the batter into the molds of your choice. Silicone muffin pan, ice cube tray, or silicon molds all work!
3. Freeze up to 4 hours or more. Then, pop the treat out of the mold/tray.

Pet owners are being warned to dispose of Dog Gone Dog Treats after it was discovered the Massachusetts-made treats brand has been linked to cases of salmonella in the local area.

The warning from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health comes after three cases were reported in people who had handled the treats, including two adults in their 70s and a child in Essex County.

“One open bag from a customer and several unopened bags purchased last week all tested positive for salmonella at the State Public Health Laboratory,” the DPH said.

Signs of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that can last up to a week. The Department of Public Health reminded pet owners to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after handling pet food or having contact with animal feces to avoid infection.

They also advised the public to store and prepare pet food away from food intended for humans and to clean and disinfect surfaces that pet treats may have touched.

• Dog food recall prompted after discovery of dangerously high Vitamin D levels
• Sunshine Mills dog food recalled over salmonella fears

All stores selling the product have been ordered to remove it from their shelves and no additional products are currently being made.

Dog Gone Dog Treats, made in Georgetown, are a dehydrated dog treat that is not fully cooked. The range includes chicken chips, beef liver and sweet potato chips that are sold at Essex County Co-Op in Topsfield, New England Dog Biscuit Company in Salem, Gimme Chews & Moore in Haverhill and Animal Krackers in Gloucester.

Although the cases have been reported in people, pets can also become ill from salmonella. Symptoms in dogs can include diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, a fever or vomiting and tiredness.

If you're concerned that your dog may have become ill after eating the dog treats, it is advised to consult your veterinarian immediately.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, these dog treat recipes are the perfect way to spoil your forever friend and show them some love. Whether they're peanut butter fiends or like their treats to come in the form of honey and banana pancakes, you'll find something here to suit every sweet-toothed foodie fur baby. 

Making your own homemade dog treats can be a great way of showing your canine companion just how much they mean to you, and unlike store-bought treats, you can also control what goes into them, making it easy to avoid any ingredients your pet might be sensitive too.

And if you're worried about spoiling your pup with treats this Valentine's Day, don't be. As long as their usual daily diet consists of the best dog food, you can ensure they're getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. The odd special food item here and there won't do them any harm and besides, it's the holiday of love, and what better way to say 'I love you' than with food!

Plus, if your dog's love language happens to be gifts, then there's no quicker way to their heart than through their stomach, although we're pretty sure your pup is going to adore these delicious treats regardless of whether food or hugs is their preferred way to be shown affection. 

So, without further ado, it's time to pop on that apron, get out those baking pans and whip up a batch or two of these mouthwatering morsels. Don't have time to bake? No worries, our guide to the best dog treats has got you covered with some fantastic ready-made options.

• DIY peanut butter dog treats your pooch will love
• 6 healthy homemade dog food recipes
• 3 delicious diabetic dog treat recipes

1. Carob Pup Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoons carob chips, divided in half
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil, divided in half
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Fill a saucepan 1/3 way full with water and bring to a boil.
2. Once water reaches a rolling boil, turn it down to a simmer.
3. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan. It should fit tightly on top of the saucepan and shouldn’t touch the water. Make sure no steam gets into the bowl – it will ruin your melt.
4. Put the first half of carob chips and coconut oil into the bowl. After a couple of minutes, start to mix them around. Continue mixing until ingredients reach a smooth consistency and there are no more lumps.
5. Pour melted carob into an icing bag and add a thin layer into a heart-shaped mold.
6. Freeze for 5 minutes to set.
7. In the meantime, lightly melt peanut butter until it’s a thinner consistency. You can either do this in a double boiler or the microwave.
8. Pour peanut butter into an icing bag and add a thin layer into a heart-shaped mold.
9. Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
10. Repeat the carob melting process with the second half of carob chips and coconut oil.
11. Pour melted carob into an icing bag and add a final layer of carob into a heart-shaped mold.
12. Freeze for 2 hours, or until completely set.

Recipe courtesy of prouddogmom.com

2. DIY Valentine’s Day Pup Cakes

Ingredients:

• Puppy Cake Peanut Butter Cake Mix
• Dog Friendly Sprinkles
• Peanut Butter (optional)
• Cesar Cookie Crunchies (I used the heart shapes)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Puppy Cake mix as stated in the directions on the box
2. Pour mixture into a heart shaped pan
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees
4. Allow the pup cakes to cool before applying frosting and decorations
5. Frost your pup cakes using the frosting that came with the Puppy Cake mix or use peanut butter
6. Decorate the pup cakes using Cookie Crunchie hearts and/or dog-friendly sprinkles

Recipe courtesy of irresistablepets.net

3. Cran-Pumpkin Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups of Oatmeal flour - simply place 1 1/2 cups of regular oatmeal in the food processor and grind till fine
• 1/2 – 1 cup of dried cranberries
• 1 cup of pure packed pumpkin
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup peanut butter of your choice
• 1 tablespoon of organic brown sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Use a standing mixer, crack your two eggs into the mixing bowl and beat for about 1 minute
2. Add the packed pumpkin, mix for a minute and then add your peanut butter and beat till everything is nice and creamy  
3. Slowly add your flours and the dried cranberries until you get a nice thick…not too sticky…not too dry dough…one that is perfect for rolling.  If the dough is a bit too sticky, just add a touch more flour and if it is too dry, add a little bit more peanut butter or a little bit of milk.  
4. Flour your work area and take the dough out of the bowl and put it on the floured surface…cut in half…and roll the dough to approximately 1/4″ thickness and then cut away with your favorite cookie cutter.
5. Gather the scraps and roll them out and start cutting out shapes till all the dough is used.  
6. Line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper and load them up with the treats.  You can place them close together since they do not rise.  Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes, depending on your oven a few minutes more or less. We made them crunchy and it took exactly 33 minutes. 
7. Let cool and then let the pups at them. They will last in a well sealed container for about 10 days. If you know you are not going to use them, pack them up in freezer bags and place them in the freezer and just take them out as needed. They’ll last in the freezer for up to six months.

Recipe courtesy of thecottagemarket.com

4. Red Velvet Cupcakes for Dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 beet (or about ¾ cups worth)
• ¼ cup of strawberries (about 3 large strawberries)
• ½ cup of applesauce
• ⅓ cup of nonfat yogurt
• 2 eggs 
• 2 cups of oat flour (blitz rolled oats in the food processor to make your own)
• ¼ cup of carob powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the frosting:

• 3 tablespoons of non-fat yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1 block of Neufchatel non-fat cream cheese
• ¼ cup strawberries or blueberries for color and flavor if you like
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Roughly dice beet and place in the bowl of your food processor.
3. Add the applesauce and yogurt, and blend until smooth.
4. Add eggs and pulse until just combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients and pulse until just incorporated.
6. Pipe or spoon batter into mini cupcake pans, making sure the tops are rounded and smooth and there are no bubbles.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting:

1. Place the cream cheese and yogurt in the bowl of your mixer, and whip on medium until nice and fluffy.
2. Add cornstarch and vanilla, and mix until combined.
3. Add frosting to a piping bag, and swirl it up to your heart’s content.
4. You can decorate your creations with freeze-dried fruit bits or dog treats to be healthy.

Recipe courtesy of Kiki Kane at Rover.com

2. Sweet Pooch Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted, or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups sliced banana, berries, and mango
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions:

1. Preheat a griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat. 
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, and honey. 
3. Gently whisk in the 2 flours, the baking powder, and cinnamon.
4. Spray the griddle with cooking spray. Drop the batter, 2 tablespoons at a time, onto the greased griddle. Cook until bubbles begin to form and break, about 3 minutes. 
5. Press a few pieces of fruit into each pancake, then flip and cook until brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. 
6. Drizzle with the yogurt and top with the remaining fruit.

Recipe courtesy of rachaelraymag.com

6. Cranberry Hearts

Ingredients:

• 2 free range eggs
• 1 and 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3-4 tablespoons of coconut flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 165°C.
2. Beat 2 eggs and set aside.
3. Combine your almond flour, coconut oil, and dried cranberries together in a bowl. 
4. Once combined, pour in the eggs and mix together with your hands. The dough will be very wet.
5. Begin adding in your coconut flour one tablespoon at a time, mixing in each one after it has been added. You want to achieve a consistency that is easy to roll and not super sticky. This will require between 3-4 tablespoons depending on your brand of flour and the size of your eggs. The dough should easily form a ball.
6. Roll out your dough and cut out the treats using bite-sized cookie cutters. Hearts are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Tip: Sprinkle a little coconut flour on top of your dough to keep it from sticking to the cookie cutters. 
7. Place your treats on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes or until crisp.
8. Makes approximately 20 treats (dependent on the size of the cutter). Let cool before giving to your pooch. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of prettyfluffy.com

7. Easy No-Bake Strawberry Yogurt Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oat flour (pulverize rolled oats in the food processor to make your own)
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
• ⅓ cup strawberries (about 4 large)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons of dried pomegranate seeds (you can skip this ingredient if you can’t find them in your store)
• ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor and pulse until combined.
2. Form balls by the handful, or make whatever size works the best for your dog.
3. Squeeze tightly!
4. Chill before serving for best consistency.
5. Feeling fancy? You can roll these in more unsweetened coconut flakes for a fluffy effect.

Recipe courtesy of Kiki Kane at Rover.com

8. Cinnamon Bun Bites

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1 additional tablespoon of water

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, baking powder, 1/2 cup of water, egg, and canola oil. Whisk thoroughly together until dough forms.
2. Roll dough out flat on a floured surface.
3. Drizzle honey evenly across the surface of the dough. Top with an even layer of cinnamon.
4. Roll the dough up tightly lengthwise, and cut into inch-thick slices.
5. Place slices on a lined baking sheet and bake 15 minutes at 350 °F.
6. Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and 1 tablespoon of water. Heat for 30-60 seconds, then whisk together.
7. When cinnamon bites are ready, drizzle with cream cheese mixture.
8. Serve and watch your pup enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of littlethings.com

These Christmas dog treats will let your pup join in on all the festive fun, with an array of mouth-watering sweet and savory recipes to tempt even the fussiest foodie fur baby.

While the best dog food provides your canine companion with all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they need to power through their day, sometimes it can be nice around the holidays to add a few extra treats into their diet.

And what better way to show your forever friend some love than by choosing one or two of the recipes below and whipping up batches of your own Christmas dog treats? 

From taste-sensation turkey trees to warming gingerbread cookies, these Christmas dog treats are nutritious, delicious and look super cute. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get baking! 

• How to make your own homemade dog treats
• How to make Christmas dinner for dogs

Gingerbread cookies for dogs

Ingredients:

• 3 cups gluten-free flour (or flour of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup coconut cooking oil
• 1/2 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, ginger, and cinnamon.  
2. Create a well in the center and add remaining ingredients. Mix together until you form a firm dough.  If it’s too crumble, add a bit of water.  
3. Place dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. 
5. Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes.  
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.  If you want your cookies to be extra crunchy, turn off the oven and leave them inside for a few hours.
7. Once the cookies are cooled, you can decorate them as you choose!  We used candy melts to do a bit of decorating on ours.

Recipe via Gone to the Snow Dogs

Homemade holiday dog treats

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh sweet potato puree
• 1 eggs
• 1/2 cup oats
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 Tbsp of all natural peanut butter
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Peel and cube two medium sweet potatoes and bring to a boil in a pot of water. Reduce to low and simmer approximately 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain cooked potatoes and puree using a blender or food processor.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg, sweet potato and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
5. Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/4 - 3/8 thick. Cut out using a Christmas cookie cutter. The dough will be a little sticky, dust your hands and the rolling pin with a little flour to help!
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
7. Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.

Note: Do not use a pumpkin spice blend or anything that may contain nutmeg as it is toxic to dogs, even small amounts.I used fairly small cookie cutters and got 45 treats! Your cookie cutter size will determine your quantity.

Recipe via Lemons and Basil

Cranberry holiday dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen cranberries
• ½ cup plain applesauce
• 1/4 cup dried low sugar cranberries
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute any flour you like)
• 2 cups rolled oat flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbs melted coconut oil
• OPTIONAL: natural red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. Microwave the applesauce and frozen cranberries together until thawed (about 2 minutes).
3. Put the fruit mixture and dried cranberries into a food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined.
4. Add the flours and pulse until combined.
5. Add the eggs, coconut oil, and food coloring if using, and pulse until dough comes together.
6. Work dough on floured board adding more flour as necessary to get a good working dough.
7. Keep dough covered to prevent drying out between cookie batches. You can rehydrate dried-out dough with a little coconut oil.

Recipe via Rover

Christmas turkey trees

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey meat
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tablespoon Spirulina powder
• 1-1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1/2 cup oat flour, plus extra for rolling (use a coffee grinder to turn oatmeal into a powder)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients by hand until you have a sticky green paste.
2. Sprinkle oat flour over a sheet of waxed paper. Plop a handful of mixture onto the waxed paper. Pat it until it’s 1/4 inch thick. It’s not going to roll out smoothly like cookie dough, so forget the rolling pin. For easier handling, add oat flour and keep your hands wet. Water or a light brushing of oil (coconut or olive) will keep the mixture from sticking to your hands.
3. Use a cookie cutter to form shapes. Gently lift the meat paste with your fingers to keep the shape intact. This will take some maneuvering at first. Don’t worry about making perfect shapes, just try to get pieces of meat that somewhat resemble trees. You can also roll the mixture into a long tube and cut it into pieces to create jerky sticks or mini training treats.
4. Place shapes on dehydrator trays.
5. When you’ve used up all of the meat paste, place the trays into your dehydrator.
6. Set the dehydrator to 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) for 12 hours, or until the trees are completely dry. You can remove them as soon as 6 hours if you don’t mind them being moist, but drier trees will stay fresh longer at room temperature.

Note: Store your treats in a paper bag to keep moisture at bay. Store at room temperature for up to 10 days, or in the fridge or freezer for longer. Discard trees if they smell funky.

Recipe via Little Dog Tips

Candy cane dog treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 Cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 Cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• Up to 3 Cups oat flour
• Red and green food coloring

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs. Mix on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes (scraping down the sides of the bowl, as necessary) until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
• With the mixer on low, gradually add 2-1/2 cups of the flour, mixing until just incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup of flour at a time (as necessary) until the dough is no longer sticky to the touch. 
• Remove the dough ball from the mixing bowl and knead with your hands for a minute or two. 
• Separate the dough ball into two equal-sized balls of dough. 
• Flatten one dough ball and place a couple of drops of green food coloring into the middle. Fold the dough in on itself and knead the food coloring into the dough ball until the dough is completely green.
• Repeat with the remaining ball of dough – coloring it red.
• Break each dough ball up into several 1″-2″ balls (depending on how big your want your dog treats to be).
• Using your hands and the counter top, roll a green ball into a long skinny snake. Roll a red ball into a long skinny snake (equal in length). 
• Now braid the two snakes together (one over the other) until they are completely twisted. Bend the top half of the twisted dough down to form a candy cane-shape. 
• Place the candy cane onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. 
• Repeat the process with the remaining balls of green and red dough.
• Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to brown. 
• Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack. Let cool completely.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 16 large candy cane dog treats. Treats can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for several days.

Recipe via Capturing Parenthood

Stress and anxiety are often the cause of unwanted behavior in our furry friends, but do calming dog treats actually work?

Calming dog treats are designed to help your pooch calm down, letting them focus on their delicious snack, and distracting them from whatever is upsetting or unsettling them. The good news is that yes, they do really work. Much like the best long-lasting dog chews, calming dog treats are designed to last for a while, giving your canine something to focus on. This helps keep their thoughts away from whatever it is that is upsetting them for longer than you’d manage with just the best dog treats.

There are a lot of potential causes of stress in dogs, including separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or even meeting new people. If you find your pooch starts whining, barking, or even howling when exposed to any of these conditions, then a calming dog treat could help.

It’s important to note that the best calming dog treats aren’t miracle workers — they will work for some dogs and some causes of stress. They work best when combined with other de-stressing tools, like the best calming dog beds, and they’re best saved for minor cases of stress and anxiety. If your dog has serious stress issues, as always we’d recommend talking to your vet.

We’ve put together this guide to answer all your burning questions about calming dog treats, including what types there are, how long they last, and what to do if they aren’t working. We also consulted with expert vet Dr. Elizabeth Racine to make this the most comprehensive guide to calming dog treats on the web.

When to use calming dog treats

Calming treats are best suited for dogs that have mild anxiety. They can help take the edge off some minor nervousness, but they won’t magically cure your dog’s separation anxiety or leash reactivity. 

If your dog has relatively mild anxiety symptoms, such as lip-licking or occasional pacing, then calming treats may be enough to help take the edge off his anxiety and allow him to relax. 

However, severe anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, trembling, panting, or aggressive behavior are unlikely to resolve with calming treats. It’s also important to remember that calming treats alone won’t solve the underlying issue – as with any anxiety problem, a combination of both medication and training is needed to address the fear that triggers your dog’s anxiety behaviors. 

Types of calming treats for dogs

Some calming treats can be given on an as needed basis – such as just before a thunderstorm, fireworks, or a stressful car ride. Other types of calming treats need to be given daily over a longer period of time because the active ingredients need to build up in your dog’s body in order to work effectively.

Calming supplements are also available, which are added to your dog’s food or given like a pill on a daily basis to help alleviate your dog’s anxiety. Your veterinarian can help you choose which type of calming treat or supplement is right for your dog based on your dog’s triggers and the severity of your dog’s anxiety.

The ingredients in calming treats vary widely depending on the product. Some calming products use herbal remedies to reduce stress and anxiety. Others rely on naturally occurring proteins such as casein and whey protein, which are derived from milk, and tryptophan, which is the amino acid that makes you feel sleepy after a big turkey dinner! 

Many manufacturers are also starting to incorporate CBD oil into their products, although more research is needed to determine its efficacy in treating canine anxiety.

Are calming treats safe for dogs?

Over the counter calming treats are safe for most dogs. As always, it is important to consult your veterinarian first before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure that it will be safe and effective for your dog.  

However, most dogs tolerate calming treats well and do not experience any adverse effects.  Side effects from calming treats are uncommon.  Depending on the type of treat, some dogs may experience a mild sedative effect and may seem drowsy or “out of it” after taking calming treats. 

Other common and more concerning side effects that can occur from calming treats are vomiting and diarrhea.  If these side effects occur in your dog, or if you have any other concerns about your dog’s health or behavior after starting calming treats, stop giving the treats and contact your veterinarian for further advice.

How often can I give my dog calming treats?

Calming treats are often dosed based on your dog’s weight, so you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to find out how many treats to give your dog.  You can usually find these instructions on the back of the treat bag or container.  The frequency of dosing for calming treats depends on the type of treat you choose.  

Some calming treats are dosed daily or even multiple times a day, while others are only given on an as needed basis.  For dogs with generalized anxiety or separation anxiety, a daily chew is likely best, while dogs with episodic phobias – such as a fear of thunderstorms – likely only need calming treats right before a storm or other stressful event.  

Be sure to read the instructions on the bag of treats to determine how often your dog should be consuming the treat, or consult your veterinarian for dosing instructions.  

Do calming treats for dogs work?

Calming treats for dogs can work well to alleviate mild stress and anxiety for some dogs. There are many different types of calming treats available on the market. What works well for one dog may not work as well for another, so you may experience some trial and error before finding the product that works best for your dog.

 Choose a product that is geared towards your dog’s situation: for example, if your dog is frightened of thunderstorms, a calming treat designed to be given on an as-needed basis, just before a storm begins, will likely be best.

 If your dog has anxiety daily, a product that is designed to be given on a daily basis will likely be a better fit. Before starting any new supplement, make sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations – he or she may have a product in mind that will work best for your dog’s individual needs.

What to do if calming treats don't work?

If calming treats aren’t working well for your dog, it is likely because his anxiety is too severe for this very mild form of treatment. In these cases, a more in-depth treatment plan is necessary to address the behavior.

First, a visit to your veterinarian is in order. Your veterinarian will take a thorough history, including a detailed account of when the problem started, what triggers the anxious behavior, and what happens before, during, and after an anxious event. 

If possible, try to record your dog’s behavior at home so your veterinarian can get a detailed look at what is going on – this can be a huge help in identifying potential triggers for the behavior. Your veterinarian can then help you find ways to avoid or manage these triggers so that your dog will not be so stressed in the future.

Next, your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination on your dog and he or she may also recommend some additional diagnostic testing. This is an important step to identify any areas of pain or illness. Just like us, dogs can be more irritable, restless, stressed, anxious, or even aggressive if they’re not feeling well. Identifying and treating any underlying medical problems may help alleviate some of your dogs behavioral issues.

Finally, your veterinarian will discuss a behavior modification plan with you. Depending on the severity of your dog’s issues, this may include an at-home training plan, calming supplements, prescription medications, referral to a positive reinforcement-based dog trainer, or a consult with a board certified veterinary behaviorist. 

In some cases, you may be advised to pursue all of the above! It is very important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely and follow up frequently so that your dog’s treatment plan can be adjusted as needed. Your dog’s success depends on the teamwork between you, your trainer, your veterinary team, and of course your pup!

Calming treats: Just one tool for canine anxiety

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that if calming treats don’t work, they’ve run out of options for treating their dog’s anxiety. This is not true!  Calming treats are just one tool for addressing canine anxiety and a very mild one at that. 

There are many other resources available to help your dog. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about your options for prescription medications and positive reinforcement-based dog training, both of which can help address and manage your dog’s anxiety. 

Wondering how to discipline a puppy? We’ve got some tips. 

Using nutritious and delicious dog treats for training is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone. Not only will you be rewarding your pup for good behavior with a scrumptious snack that will have them salivating, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s good for them too. You’ve got to love a win-win! 

While it’s useful to have a pack of the best dog treats on hand for those times when your fridge or kitchen cupboards are looking a little empty, there are lots of human foods that are just as healthy for our canine companions as they are for us.

As long as the bulk of your pup’s daily calories are coming from the best dog food, which provides a complete and balanced meal, and less than 10% are coming from treats, the foods we’ve listed below can be a great way of reinforcing the positive behaviors you want to see while also adding some variety to your dog’s diet. 

• Training dogs with treats: How to reinforce good behavior the right way
• Eight tips for training a rescue dog: A vet's guide
• How to crate train a dog

1. Xylitol-free peanut butter 

Smooth or crunchy, nothing beats the creamy and rich flavor of peanut butter and as well as being a firm favorite amongst us humans, it’s also a food that gets our canine companions jumping for joy. 

Because it’s so filling and comes packed with goodness, peanut butter makes a great training treat. Whether you spread it on a toy or give it to your dog straight off your finger, unsalted peanut butter will give your pooch a good hit of protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamins B and E.

Just a word of warning though - you want to steer clear of any peanut butter brand that lists Xylitol as an ingredient as this sugar substitute is poisonous for dogs and can cause a rapid release of insulin that can be life-threatening.

2. Cooked chicken

One of the most common ingredients in the best dry dog food, cooked chicken is an excellent source of protein and it’s exactly the kind of food your hound would be eating if they were living in the wild.

While some pet parents favor feeding their furkid a raw food diet, we advise against raw chicken because of the risk of salmonella and other bacterial infections that could cause your dog to become unwell. 

Instead, roast, poach, grill, or bake unseasoned chicken and once removed from the bone, cut into pieces that can then be dished up as a treat. You can even dehydrate chicken for a yummy chewy snack which is a great way of varying the texture.

3. Fish

We recommend a good teeth cleaning after this one so you don’t find yourself on the receiving end of some rather smelly doggy kisses and cuddles, but the displeasing odor aside, boneless fish is a much-loved and nutritious treat that’s sure to be a huge hit with your hound.

So, what fish should you go for? The best are those with a shorter lifespan, such as salmon, ocean whitefish, herring, cod, flounder, and Arctic char as longer-living species, like tuna and swordfish, contain a lot of mercury which isn’t good for dogs.

If you’re going to feed your dog fish, make sure it’s cooked and not raw and remove the bones, which can cause damage to the intestinal tract and can easily become lodged in the mouth or throat.

4. Cheese

Most dogs adore cheese which is why it makes such a great training tool, but it’s worth being aware that while almost all hound’s love this creamy stuff, not every digestive system will be suited to it. 

Just like us, some dogs are lactose intolerant, which means they can’t digest the sugar found in dairy. So, if you’re going to be using cheese, watch out for stinky stools, gas, and an upset tummy as all of these are signs that cheese and your canine companion are not a match made in heaven.

Aged cheeses, like cheddar, swiss, and parmesan, are all low in lactose, so these are a good starting point for all dogs and if your pup doesn’t show signs of being lactose intolerant, you can also try other cheeses, like mozzarella.

5. Homemade dog treats

Learning how to make your own homemade dog treats can be a wonderful way of rewarding your pooch with the ultimate reward and unlike store-bought treats, you know exactly what’s in them.

Whether you stick with fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients, opt for peanut butter, or go for dehydrated dog treats, whipping up a batch of tasty and healthy treats in your own kitchen is the perfect way to show your pooch some love.

6. Apple slices

With a satisfying crunch and a sweet flavor, apples are a guilt-free treat that come loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and A. They’re also great for freshening your doggy’s breath and cleaning their teeth.

While apples are definitely nutrient-dense, they do contain a lot of natural sugar, so stick to just a few slices to make sure your dog doesn’t experience diarrhea. You’ll also want to remove the seeds as these contain cyanide, which is toxic for dogs.

7. Popcorn

The go-to movie snack for many of us humans, natural popcorn can also serve as a tasty treat for your pup. A great occasional snack, plain air-popped popcorn that’s free of butter and salt makes for the ideal low-calorie treat and it comes with plenty of fiber, B vitamins, protein and iron too.

8. Coconut

High in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, coconut is also rich in a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid, which can boost the immune system and help reduce inflammation in the body - great if you have a dog suffering from joint pain.

It’s incredibly nourishing too, making it ideal for keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, and it can also help fight off viruses and treat yeast infections. Definitely a superfood! 

Just be aware that the medium-chain triglycerides present in coconuts can cause gastrointestinal upset and bloating in some dogs so start with a small amount of raw coconut meat or oil and see how your pup responds. 

9. Eggs

The incredible egg is a powerhouse of nutrition and as well as being high in protein and fatty acids, they’re also rich in vitamins and minerals. While some pet parents will feed their dog raw eggs, we recommend serving them up cooked to avoid the risk of salmonella.

Try scrambled or hard boiled eggs and if your vet is okay with it, you can even give your dog the shell, which contains a range of minerals that help the metabolism and immune system to function properly. 

The average egg contains 60 calories, so make sure you work out how many calories your dog can consume from treats each day and then chop up the egg and portion out accordingly.

10. Pumpkin

Rounding out our list of the healthiest dog treats is glorious pumpkin which boasts a range of essential vitamins and minerals to keep your pup’s immune system firing on all cylinders. It’s also great for skin and coat health and the vitamin A supports vision. 

When serving this vegetable to your dog, always opt for plain canned or cooked pumpkin, avoiding spices or sugar. Cinnamon, a common addition to canned pumpkin pie filling, is dangerous for dogs, but thankfully, there’s plenty of plain canned pumpkin to be found. 

You can also roast or steam your own, or if you fancy getting creative, check out our great recipes for homemade pumpkin dog treats.

What kinds of treats should you use to train your dog?

The right treats make the best reward and it can also help make those training sessions a lot easier for both you and your pup, but how do you know what the ‘right’ kind of dog treat is? 

When it comes to training treats, it can be helpful to think of them as falling into two distinct categories: fast vs slow-eating treats and high vs low-value treats. Let’s take a closer look at both:

Fast-eating vs slow-eating treats

Fast-eating treats are the kind of treats that can be consumed quickly and are best used when you’re wanting to give your dog a lot of treats in a short space of time. This is known as a high rate of reinforcement and it is particularly useful when you’re wanting to move onto the next repetition quickly and keep your dog focused, for example, when you’re training your dog to walk on a leash.

Slow-eating treats are ones that you want to last for as long as possible and are best used when you’re wanting to train your dog to sleep in his crate or to behave himself when he’s home alone. Chew sticks and toys or puzzles that can be stuffed with food are great examples of slow-eating treats.

High-value vs low-value dog treats for training

Low-value treats tend to be dry and crunchy and can be used regularly during training to encourage continued good behavior. Most of the treats you’ll find at your local supermarket are low-value and they’re a good choice for everyday use as they tend to also have less calories than high-value treats.

A high-value treat tends to be moist and is something your dog doesn’t get very often. These are great for rewarding outstanding behavior, but you want these treats to be special, so don’t dish them out every day. 

High-value treats are things like pieces of chicken, peanut butter, freeze-dried meats, and other tasty morsels that your dog only gets occasionally. They’re ideal for use during socialization training, highly distracting environments where you want to reward your pup for paying attention to you, and in behavior modification training. 

Should you give dog treats when training?

A lot of pet parents wonder if they should be using treats to train their dog or if there’s a better way of reinforcing good behavior and that’s certainly a good question.

Using treats to positively reinforce behaviors that you want to see repeated is a powerful tool when it comes to shaping or changing your dog’s behavior. Food rewards can make your dog more responsive, increase the likelihood that a training regime will be successful, and help you create a positive connection with your pooch.

That being said, it’s worth noting that dishing out too many treats can cause issues with weight gain and if you only ever use treats, your pup may become dependent on these food-based rewards as the only method of positive reinforcement that they’ll accept. With that in mind, we recommend using a mixture of treats alongside praise and affection when training and rewarding your furkid. 

Treats are a valuable component of training and the human-animal bond, but is there a limit on how many treats per day for a dog is safe? Yes, there is a safe upper limit! Allowing your dog to overindulge in even the best dog treats can result in a number of harmful effects, including weight gain, gastrointestinal effects, and even nutritional deficiencies. 

You don’t need to forgo treats entirely; after all, treats are an important tool that we use to train our dogs and enhance our bond. However, it’s important to be aware of how to safely incorporate treats into your dog’s diet, so you can minimize the risk of harmful effects. 

• Choosing healthy dog treats
• Training dogs with treats

Can you give a dog too many treats?

It is absolutely possible to give a dog too many treats! Think about human nutrition: it’s okay for us to eat cookies and ice cream occasionally, but a diet that is high in “treats” can have a number of negative effects. The same is true for our dogs. 

First, feeding too many treats can cause gastrointestinal upset. Treats are typically very rich and higher in fat than regular dog food. Offering a large number of treats can lead to diarrhea and an upset stomach, just like you may develop when you overindulge in fatty foods.

Additionally, treats are often high in calories. If your dog is fed too many treats, it becomes difficult to regulate your dog’s caloric intake. This can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Finally, treats lack many of the nutrients that are found in well-balanced dog food. If your dog is obtaining the majority of their calories from treats, instead of from a well-balanced diet, they can easily develop vitamin and mineral insufficiencies and imbalances. 

How many treats should I feed my dog?

In general, your dog should receive no more than 10% of their daily calories in the form of treats. For example, a dog that eats 500 calories per day should receive no more than 50 of those calories in the form of treats. 

While there are a number of online calorie calculators that can be used to calculate your dog’s daily caloric requirements, the following guidelines can be helpful:

Find your dog’s weight on this chart to determine their recommended daily caloric intake, then divide by 10 to determine the maximum number of calories they should receive in the form of treats. For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, they can eat a total of 410 calories per day. Divide 410 by 10 to determine the number of treat calories that is appropriate. Based on this calculation, your dog can eat 41 treat calories per day. 

Once you have this information, check the label of your dog’s treats to determine how many treats your dog would need to eat to exceed that 41 calorie maximum. (If this information is not on the label, you may need to call the manufacturer.) For example, Milk-Bone Minis only contain 5 calories per treat, so your dog can eat up to 8 of those small training treats per day. In contrast, Large Milk-Bone Treats each contain 125 calories, so even half of a treat would exceed your dog’s recommended daily treat requirement.

What is a good daily treat for dogs?

When looking for a daily treat, it’s important to keep calories in mind. Using a low-calorie treat helps to prevent weight gain while maximizing the likelihood that your dog continues to eat their nutritionally balanced dog food. 

As you saw in the example above, large dog treats can be incredibly high in calories. Smaller treats are typically lower in calories, while still serving as a tasty reward for your dog. If you want to give several treats per day, it’s best to focus on a small treat, like the Milk-Bone Minis mentioned above, Hills Soft & Chewy Training Treats (3 calories each), or other low-calorie training treats. 

While some treats make marketing claims about the beneficial ingredients they use in their treats, a well-balanced commercial dog food meets all of your dog’s nutritional needs. Your treats do not need to contain any supplements or special ingredients. Ignore the marketing hype and focus on calorie content when selecting a treat. 

Which dog treats should I avoid?

While a focus on lower-calorie treats is key, there are other considerations that you should take into account when purchasing dog treats. 

Avoid treats that are made in China: While some Chinese treats are fine for dogs, there have been several large-scale recalls involving treats made in China. Given that history, many veterinarians recommend that dog owners avoid treats from China at this time. 

Avoid rawhides, unless your dog is under direct supervision: Rawhide treats are appealing to many dogs, but they are not risk-free. Many dogs break off fragments of rawhide and swallow them. While small bits of rawhide can be digestible, larger pieces can become lodged in the esophagus or intestine and cause serious problems. If you allow your dog to have rawhide chews, these chews should be taken away once they become small enough or fragmented enough that your dog could swallow pieces of rawhide.

Avoid animal bones: Dogs should not be allowed to chew on animal bones. Raw bones carry a risk of food-borne infection, such as salmonella. Cooked bones can easily splinter, causing damage to your dog’s mouth and internal organs. Any bone, raw or cooked, can potentially lead to dental fractures and intestinal blockages.

Give “people food” with caution: Some individuals use human foods, such as baby carrots or green beans, as treats for their dogs. While baby carrots and green beans can be a low-calorie treat alternative that is enjoyed by many dogs, other human foods may be less appropriate. Talk to your veterinarian before feeding any human food to your pet, to ensure that you don’t feed your dog something that is toxic or that may be harmful to your dog’s health. 

Conclusion: Be mindful of your dog’s treats

When contemplating how many treats per day for a dog is appropriate, it’s important to consider the goal of treats. Treats are primarily intended to reward your dog for good behavior and cement the bond that you and your dog have with each other. They don’t necessarily have to be “healthy,” as long as they are eaten in moderation and free of harmful ingredients. Ensure that treats constitute no more than 10% of your dog’s diet, with the rest of your dog’s diet made up of nutritious, balanced, and complete dog food. This way, you can ensure that your dog’s needs are being met while still providing room for a fun splurge in the form of a treat. 

We know how much you love your canine companion and these tasty pumpkin dog treats are the perfect way to show it! Winter, spring, summer or fall, it’s always the right time for delicious and nutritious pumpkin and the recipes below contain a mix of sweet and savory options to suit every foodie fur baby.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the best dog food when it comes to what you feed your pooch, but sometimes it can be nice to mix things up a bit and add a little dash of variety to their daily diet. 

Treats are great as a reward for good behavior and they’re also a really helpful training tool - nothing gets a dog to follow orders quite like knowing something yummy awaits them at the end! While the best dog treats lining the supermarket shelves are more than adequate for this, there’s something about the taste of homemade snacks that makes them extra special. 

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the most mouth-watering and packed-full-of-goodness recipes we could find with homemade pumpkin dog treats that tick all the boxes. 

• DIY vegan dog treats
• DIY peanut butter dog treats

Banana and pumpkin dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 very ripe banana
• ½ can pumpkin purée
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix banana, pumpkin, and honey. I find using my hands works best.
3. Add flour and baking powder and work into the mixture. If it’s too wet, add more flour. It should be a dry dough.
4. Roll it out in a little flour and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
5. Place on a baking tray covered with parchment paper and bake for 10–12 minutes. They should be lightly golden.
6. Cool on a wire rack.
7. Store in a jar with a closed lid.

Recipe courtesy of sweetpaulmag.com

Pumpkin and spinach dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp wheat germ
• 1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Line baking tray with parchment or silicone baking mat
3. Put flour into a small bowl and add salt, stir to mix 
4. Finely chop spinach and parsley
5. Put spinach, parsley, pumpkin puree and eggs into a large bowl
6. Use a wooden spoon to mix ingredients together well
7. Add wheat germ and stir into mixture
8. Add flour, a bit at a time, stirring well to mix between additions

Recipe courtesy of wiggleworthy.com

Healthy pumpkin and coconut dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of pureed pumpkin (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, softened
• 4 tablespoons of water, plus more if needed
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 egg

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.
2. Mix the pumpkin, softened coconut oil, and water together in a large bowl.
3. Then mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder
4. Mix it a bit and then stir in the egg.
5. Continue to stir until it’s ALL combined. This might take a good few minutes and feel free to add a touch more water in order to get all of the mixture into one solid, slightly sticky ball.
6. Once done, roll the dough out on a floured surface to ~1/4 inch thick.
7. Using a cookie cutter, cut out treats. These can be as small or as large as you want them (depending on the size of your dogs. I realize not everyone has giant dogs like me)
8. Place prepared dough treats on a lined/ greased baking sheet and bake for ~30 minutes (depending on size) or until dough has hardened.
9. Let cool and enjoy your pups excitement!

Note:

If you don’t cook these treats until they’re totally dry and hard (like a traditional dog biscuit) then you need to store these in the refrigerator. Either way, it wouldn’t hurt to put them in the fridge to store them.

Recipe courtesy of foodwithfeeling.com

Vegetable dog biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground dog dry food pieces
• 2 cups carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
• 4 oz (114g) cooked and mashed sweet potato, pumpkin, apple
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Line cookie trays with baking paper.
2. Grind the dry dog food into flour consistency in a food processor or blender.
3. Mix dog food, carrots, yogurt, and vegetables / fruit in a medium size bowl.
4. Add the flour and the baking powder, mix well.
5. Take a ball of dough and place on a flat, floured surface. Roll the dough out to approximately ¼ inch thick. TIP - Roll dough out on parchment paper for easier clean up.
6. Use cookie/fondant cutters to cut out shapes. Place on prepared cookie trays.
7. Bake at 350˚F or 180˚C for 15 minutes, flip over and bake for another 15 minutes.
8. Place on a cooling rack to cool.
9. Store in an airtight container. 

Recipe courtesy of simplelivingcreativelearning.com

Pumpkin and peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 – 3 cups whole wheat flour

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place into the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes depending on the size and thickness of the treats.
5. Let cool completely.

Recipe courtesy of damndelicious.net

Do dog treats expire? Unlike dog food that spoils quite quickly (and obviously), it’s slightly harder to tell if treats have gone bad – aside from looking a little stale. This might leave you wondering whether they’re safe or not to feed your dog and whether it poses any risk to their health. 

We don’t know about you, but in our house, the best dog treats never stick around for long. However, if you find an old packet lingering about, or are hoping to stock the cupboards up in advance, it’s a good idea to know how long they last. The last thing you want is for your dog to feel unwell!

Whilst an expired dog treat probably won’t cause any serious health issues, there are some things to keep in mind before feeding them to your dog, like the ingredients and how old they are.

Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about dog treats – from how long you should keep them for to whether expired treats can make your dog sick. We’ve also shared advice on how to store them properly and whether the same rules apply for homemade dog treats.

Do dog treats expire?

Just like human food products, dog treats do indeed have any expiration date. You should find this printed somewhere on the packet of any store-bought treats, but you’ll usually find that most dog treats have a pretty long shelf life. 

If you’re buying a lot of treats at once to stock your cupboards, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the expiration dates to make sure that they will last, but if you’re the type to just chuck in a packet of treats as you do the weekly grocery shop, it should be less of an issue. 

If you’ve found a bag of old treats at the back of the cupboard, take a quick look at the expiry date before opening the packet. 

Do milk-bone treats expire?

 A popular type of treat are Milk Bones. You should find that even this type of treat lasts a long time - with an average shelf life after purchase of about a year - 18 months. 

Just like with other treats, you can check the expiry date as printed on the packet to make sure the product is still in date.

Can dog treats go bad?

This will largely depend on the composition of the treat itself - those with fresher or meat / dairy type composition will typically have a shorter shelf life than those which mainly consist of grains and so on. 

It can be hard to tell if a dog treat has gone bad since they don’t typically smell that great in the first place, but, if you’ve used the treats before you should know roughly what they smell, look and feel like - if everything seems normal, they probably are.

You should be able to use your own judgement when it comes to the expiry date - if it’s a few days then it’s unlikely to cause any problems, but if it’s a long way out - such as a few months - and you’re in any way concerned, it might be better to throw them out.

Do dog treats go stale and taste bad?

Although dog treats that have expired are unlikely to be hugely problematic for your dog, you might find that expired treats have gone stale and are therefore not hugely tasty for your dog. 

Again, this will depend on the type of dog you have - if you have a greedy pup that will gobble up anything, it might be worth keeping hold of the treats, but if you have one that is a bit fussier and you notice that they’re rejecting the treats, there’s not much point in persisting with them. 

Can expired dog treats cause diarrhea or make my pet ill?

There’s no definite answer to this, as it will of course vary from dog to dog. Those who have sensitive tummies or perhaps have allergies should probably avoid expired dog treats just to be on the safe side.

Most expired dog treats are unlikely to cause health problems for your dog, especially if the expiration date is relatively close. If you find that your dog has become ill after eating some expired treats keep a close eye on them - a slightly upset stomach is rarely something to get overly concerned about. 

Always talk to a vet if you’re particularly worried or your dog’s condition worsens - and have information (such as the packet) about the treats ready for them.

How long should I keep dog treats for?

You can keep most store-bought dog treats for a fairly lengthy amount of time, especially if you’re keeping them in sealed or unopened packets.

Before buying large amounts of treats it’s worth checking the expiry dates on the packets if you can and considering how quickly your dog will get through the treats you buy. 

Once you’ve opened a packet of dog treats you should try to use them up fairly quickly to keep them as fresh and tasty for your dog as possible - try looking for packets that can be resealed, or you could decant dog treats into your own storage containers for ultimate freshness. 

How should I store dog treats?

Keeping dog treats in their original packaging until you’re ready to use them is the best idea. It might be tempting to tip lots of treats into special storage containers, but if you’re not going to use them for a while, they’ll last longer in their store packets. 

Once you’ve opened a packet - especially if it’s a big packet - you might want to consider storing them some kind of airtight container, such as a mason jar, plastic food containers that can be sealed or sandwich bags which have some kind of closing mechanism. 

When you’re storing packets of treats in your cupboards, take a quick look at the expiry dates printed on them and try to use them in the correct order. A simple way to prompt you to do that is to store the oldest treats at the front of the cupboard, just like they do in the stores.

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Homemade dog treats are a different proposition since they will be made from fresher ingredients without preservatives and not packed away in the same kind of way as manufactured dog food and treats are. 

Unless you have a particularly ravenous dog, it’s best to make homemade treats in small batches only as and when you need them. You should store them in airtight containers, and you will usually find the best place to keep them for any length of time (usually up to a week maximum) is in the refrigerator.

Looking for the best dog treats for training? Check out this helpful guide. Or if you need advice choosing healthy dog treats, this feature can help. 

Looking for some ideas on natural treats for dogs that are healthy, tasty, and most likely already in your cupboard or fridge? Then you’ve come to the right place!  

Even though you’re probably already spoiling your canine companion by serving them up the best dog food every day, sometimes it’s nice to be able to offer them some additional treats and snacks to add a bit of variety into their diet. 

A lot of pet parents wonder what human foods dogs can eat, so we’ve compiled a handy list for you of 12 safe options that are also nutrient-dense and taste great - because a food that’s nutritious but not delicious isn’t worth eating in our book! 

While there are a few items below that might not be staples in your kitchen, most are budget-friendly and all of them are readily available, so you won’t have to hunt high and low to find them. 

Although many popular dog treats lining the supermarket shelves can be good in a pinch and helpful when training, many of them are void of nutrients and act as empty calories. 

However, you should keep in mind that many treats we consider as 'healthy' can actually contain hidden sugars for a dog and are best served only in moderation, as part of a balanced doggy diet. 

1. Blueberries

They may be small but the humble blueberry packs a powerful nutritional punch that makes it a superfood for both humans and dogs. Loaded with antioxidants that will help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process in your pup’s body, blueberries are also great at supporting urinary tract health, reducing the risk of some cancers, and can help protect brain cells. 

You can mix blueberries into your dog’s regular meals, feed them on their own as a snack, and if you freeze them, they make a great cooling treat on hot summer days. You’ll also find blueberries in the ingredient list of some of these 6 easy dog smoothies your pooch will love - all of which are a yummy way of sneaking some extra fruit and vegetables into your doggy’s daily diet.

• Can dogs eat blueberries? Get the lowdown on this superfood for your pooch

2. Anchovies and sardines

Ok, we won’t lie, these little guys aren’t going to leave your dog’s breath smelling the sweetest but considering all the health benefits they offer, we reckon they’re worth it. Packed full of Omega-3 fatty acids, both anchovies and sardines can help keep your dog’s coat looking glossy, their skin nourished, and their heart, brain, and joints in peak condition. They’re also high in calcium, zinc, and vitamins B12, D, E, and K.

When selecting anchovies and sardines for your pup, go for ones that are packed in water rather than oil and make sure there’s no added salt. You can serve them as a snack or as a topper over your dog’s wet or dry food. You’ll want to keep the portions controlled though as one anchovy has eight calories - stick to two to three per day for small dogs and no more than five for larger breeds. For sardines, smaller dogs can have up to half a tin a week and large breeds can have one tin.

3. Bone broth

The hip kid on the block these past few years, bone broth is equally as good for doggy consumption as it is for humans. A quick warning though, bone broth is a bit of a labor of love as it requires at least 24 hours of simmering animal bones and connective tissue to get the full nutritional benefits, but if you don’t mind tending to it, your canine companion’s body will thank you big time.

High in protein and nutrient-dense, bone broth is full of anti-inflammatory amino acids and collagen to help support gut health. It’s also great if your dog suffers from arthritis as it contains high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to help their joints and can slow the progression of this painful condition. We recommend you start with a few tablespoons and then gradually increase the dosage. It’s great poured over wet or dry food to create a nice soup.

• Can dogs eat bones? A vet answers...

4. Carrots

A kitchen staple in most homes, carrots are loaded with beta-carotene which is great for eye, skin, and coat health, and for helping keep the immune system strong. Carrots are packed full of fiber too, excellent for keeping your pooch regular!

Raw carrots make a delicious and healthy snack and because they’re crunchy, they give your dog’s jaw a good workout and help keep those teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Just make sure you cut raw carrots into appropriately sized pieces depending on whether you have a small or large dog. You also can steam or boil them and then puree and mix in with wet food for an extra dose of nutrition.

• Can dogs eat carrots? Find out if they're safe to chomp on

5. Chia seeds

Popular with wellness warriors the world over, the tiny but might chia seed is a nutritional powerhouse that has it all - protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Getting to work on everything from skin and coat health to supporting the immune and digestive systems, chia seeds also help regulate blood sugar and as they move through the gut they can absorb 10-12 times their weight in water, expanding to leave your pup feeling fuller for longer.

If you want to mix chia seeds into your dog’s dry food, you’ll want to soak them for around 90 minutes first, but with wet food, you can mix the dry seeds straight in as there’s plenty of moisture for them to absorb. Chia seeds are full of fiber and too much of anything isn’t a good thing, so stick to ¼ teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight - so a 20lb dog could have ½ a teaspoon a day and a 40lb dog can have 1 teaspoon.

6. Eggs

There’s plenty to love about the incredible egg which comes rammed full of a host of goodness your dog will benefit from. High in protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins, eggs are solid all-round performers on the nutrition front. They’re easy to digest too, so they’re ideal for dogs with delicate digestive systems or those recovering from illness.

You can serve eggs up to your pup in lots of different ways, including scrambled and hard-boiled. One medium-sized egg has about 75 calories, so you’ll want to factor this into your dog’s daily calorie count.

• Can dogs eat eggs? We crack the case!

7. Pumpkin

The creamy texture and mild flavor of pumpkin make it a hit with most dogs and like carrots, this vegetable is a great source of beta-carotene, large amounts of soluble fiber, and plenty of antioxidants and vitamins. It works wonders at relieving both diarrhea and constipation and will add a nice shine to your pup’s coat.

You can mix a tablespoon or two of cooked pumpkin in with your dog’s food and the seeds make a great snack if you roast them in a little bit of olive oil - just keep the portion sizes under control with the seeds and stick to a few at a time. If you decide to buy canned pumpkin rather than roasting your own, steer clear of pumpkin pie filling, which has a ton of sugar and spices that aren’t good for your dog.

• Can dogs eat pumpkin? Benefits and risks of this Fall favorite

8. Cooked sweet potato

Like pumpkin, sweet potatoes tend to go down a treat with dogs and this cooked vegetable keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can roast up a nice big batch at the weekend and it’ll easily see you through the week. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber to keep the digestive system healthy and because they’re a whole food, they’re less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, making them safe for most dogs. Just make sure you roast them without seasoning and serve them with the skin off.

9. Watermelon

Juicy and delicious, watermelon makes the perfect cooling summer snack. Overflowing with the antioxidant lycopene, which gives this fruit its pink hue and may help prevent cancer, watermelon is a great source of fluid to help flush the kidneys and keep the urinary tract healthy. Plus it has fiber for digestive health and is vitamin and mineral-rich. 

Just be mindful that dogs can’t eat the rind or seeds of watermelon, so you’ll want to remove all of these before you serve this tasty treat up to your pooch.

• Can dogs eat watermelon?

10. Green beans

Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned, it doesn’t matter which way you serve up a green bean, as long as it’s been prepared naturally, it’s good for your dog. They’re full of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K and they’re low in calories too so they’re great for overweight dogs as they can help them lose weight while still giving them a feeling of fullness.

Add to your dog’s food for a tasty topper, give them as a standalone snack, or whip up a batch of your own DIY dehydrated dog treats using a mixture of beans and sweet potato - your pup will love the crispy texture. 

11. Bananas

Creamy and filling, bananas are a great low-cholesterol sweet treat that have good amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and copper, which can aid digestion, heart health and provide a vital boost of energy. 

You can serve sliced banana on its own or for a really indulgent occasional snack, spread with a little sugar-free peanut butter. Just remember that bananas are a calorie-dense fruit that also contains a fairly high amount of natural sugar, so moderation is key here.

• Can dogs eat bananas?

12. Strawberries

A crowd-pleaser with humans and canines alike, the sweet and juicy strawberry makes for a delicious dessert-like treat. There’s plenty of fiber and lots of vitamin C to give your dog’s immune system a good boost. Strawberries also act as a natural tooth whitener thanks to a compound called malic acid, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to polish up your pup’s pearlers. 

Always give fresh strawberries and never canned fruit as these are usually soaked in syrup and sugar. You’ll also want to start with small amounts just to make sure this fruit doesn’t upset your dog’s digestive system and as with all fruits, stick to small portions as strawberries contain natural sugars.

• Can dogs eat strawberries?

It's common knowledge that dogs love peanut butter, but can dogs eat peanuts?

The answer isn't all that simple. Although peanut butter is considered one of the human foods dogs can eat, not all peanuts (or peanut butters) are safe for your furbaby. You'll want to make sure that you have the right peanut or nut butter for your dog to ensure they can safely enjoy a special treat, as there's an ingredient called xylitol in certain peanut butters that is very dangerous to your canine friend.

There's also not much nutritional value in peanut or peanut butter, so even if you do give your dog a safe version of this treat, make sure to do it in moderation. Read on for answers to the question: can dogs eat peanuts?

• Five amazing superfoods you should feed your dog
• Can dogs eat bananas? Find out if this fruit's for them
• DIY peanut butter dog treats your pooch will love

What kind of peanuts can dogs eat?

Your dog can't eat the kinds of peanuts you may enjoy snacking on - it's dry-roasted or raw, unsalted peanuts for them. Avoid salted peanuts or any peanuts that have extra flavoring on them, as too much sodium can be harmful to your dog when eaten in large quantities. If a salted peanut or two falls on the floor and your dog is quick to hoover them up, don't fret, but don't offer your dog salted peanuts as a treat.

The sodium content in salted peanuts and peanut butter is a reason why some owners prefer to make their own peanut butter. If you have a decent blender or food processor, you can make it yourself! Making your own peanut butter lets you control the levels of sodium, sugars, and oil in the peanut butter, as well as avoid xylitol poisoning. Xylitol is an increasingly common sugar replacement used in several prominent peanut butter brands. Makes sure you check the label and don't feed your dog any peanut butter with xylitol in it. Here are some dog-friendly peanut butters we know of:

• Bark Bistro Buddy Butter (comes in several different flavors)
• Crazy Richard's All Natural Peanut Butter
• Hyper Pet IQ Treat Spread Peanut Butter
• 365 Everyday Value Organic Creamy Peanut Butter

When in doubt, check out the best dog treats that we know are safe for your pup.

Are peanuts good for dogs?

Not particularly, no, as peanut and especially peanut butter are high in fat and calories. Peanuts do offer some protein, niacin, healthy fats, and vitamins, but moderation is still suggested. 

Vets and trainers do suggest using peanut butter in puzzle toys or bone-replacement chews like Kongs, so it is safe to give peanut butter to your dog in small amounts. Filling up a bone-replacement chew with peanut butter will keep your dog occupied for a while, but keep some water nearby as we all know what it's like to have a dry peanut butter-y mouth!

And remember, no xylitol in whatever peanut butter you choose to give your pup.

Can eating peanuts be dangerous for my dog?

Unshelled peanuts can be dangerous for dogs, as the fibrous material encasing the nut is a choking hazard. Since peanuts have high levels of fat, they can give your dog an upset stomach if too large a portion is given, and in some cases can cause pancreatitis if your dog's diet contains a lot of fat. 

As mentioned above, flavored or salted peanuts are too high in sodium to be a healthy snack option for dogs, and xylitol, the sugar replacement in some peanut butters, is incredibly dangerous. Xylitol is extremely poisonous to dogs and is responsible for thousands of dog poisonings a year, so make sure to double and triple check ingredient labels. 

Dog safe peanut treats

There are several pet food brands that make peanut butter flavored treats for dogs, but make sure you once again stick to the moderation rule. If you're unsure if a treat is the right choice for your dog, consult your vet. 

While there are many peanut butter flavored dog treats, the best kinds of dog treats are the all natural kind like Mika and Sammy's Poppin' Peanut Butter treats. The treats are dehydrated chicken breast with organic peanut butter - your dog will go absolutely nuts for them. Chewy also has some great peanut butter treat options, like the all-natural Buddy Biscuits and Newman's Own peanut butter flavor dog treats. 

Whether it's a special treat or a special occasion, DIY dog cakes are the most inventive way to make your canine feel like a truly pampered pup. 

From dog birthday cakes to making your own perfect pupcakes, homemade dog treats continue to rise in popularity as pet owners look to create the best dog treats for their pooch, often turning to everyday kitchen ingredients.

The recipes below are compiled from real pet parents and feature dog-friendly delights, but you should also consider your dog's individual dietary requirements before deciding which dog cake recipe is perfect for your pooch. 

What kind of cake can a dog eat?

If you're a dog owner already, then it's likely you already know that chocolate is toxic for your canine chum. However, you may be wondering about other ingredients in a typical birthday cake recipe, such as vanilla, icing or even the flour.

Dogs can eat these ingredients, but, as they're typically loaded in fat, sugar and wheat, it's best to create them their very own dog cake and ensure they only receive a small piece. 

Ideal ingredients for making your own dog cake include some of your pup's favorite gooey treats such as peanut butter, apple sauce and pumpkin; just make sure you always choose xylitol-free as the standard peanut butter found in your kitchen can be highly toxic to dogs. 

Savvy pet owners have even developed dog birthday cakes that are perfect for pups on a raw dog food diet. 

Dog cake recipes: 10 DIY dog birthday treats 

Apple, cinnamon and pumpkin dog birthday cake

Ingredients
• 4 cups of oat flour
• 1 cup of pumpkin
• 1 cup of cinnamon apple sauce
• 1 cup coconut oil
•  ½ cup of xylitol-free peanut butter
•  2 eggs

Method
•  Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl
•  Bake at 350F for 30 minutes

Recipe via Kayla Kowalski 

Dog-friendly cheesecake

Ingredients
• A large tbsp of xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 ripe bananas
• 2 medium eggs
• 2 cups of oatmeal
• ½ tub of cream cheese
• 4 sweet potatoes
•  4 tbsp of water

Method
• Using a fork, mash the bananas in a large bowl
• Fold in the eggs, oatmeal and water to the banana
• Use coconut oil to grease a baking tin
• Press the mixture into the tin and leave in the oven for 25 mins at 180 degrees. This  mixture will form your base.
• To create the icing, cook the sweet potatoes, then blend to create a purée.  Mix together with cream cheese.
• Once you have made the icing, remove your base from the oven and allow to cool.
• Spread the icing evenly over your base and leave to cool in the fridge overnight.
• Cut into small slices and serve. 

Recipe via schniffn/Instagram 

Pupcake with cream frosting

Ingredients
For the cake

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 cup applesauce unsweetened
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the frosting
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 

Method
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 6-inch round cake pan (or a 9x5-inch bread pan) with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

• Stir flour, baking soda, baking powder, peanut butter, oil, applesauce, egg and honey. Pour into pans. Bake 20-30 minutes, until browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

• To make frosting: beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

• Frost cake as desired. You can double the frosting recipe and torte the cake (cut the cake in half horizontally) to make it a 2-layer cake.

• Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe via Baking with Francesca/TikTok and Crazy for Crust. 

Dog birthday ring cake

Ingredients
For the cake
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut puree
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp oil 

For the icing
• 1/2 cup greek yoghurt
• 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
• Dry dog treats
Method
• Whisk all ingredients, apart from the flour and baking powder, together in a large bowl to form a thick liquid.
• Add the liquid mixture to the flour and baking powder, and combine until you form a thick paste-like consistency.
• Add the mixture to a large baking ring and bake at 180 degrees.
• To create the icing, combine the ingredients in a bowl and whisk together.
• Once your dog cake has cooled, apply the icing and top with your dog's favorite kibble. 

Recipe via Lauren's Pack / TikTok

Tuna dog cake

Ingredients
For the cake
• 1 can tuna (with water strained)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp shredded cheese (optional)

For the icing 
• 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 tbsp plain yoghurt or cream cheese
•  Kibble, for decoration
Method
For the cake
• Mix all the cake ingredients together until combined.
• Divide mixture into 4 parts. Make 3 parts into a flat circular shape to form the cake layers, turning the last part into the shape of your choice.
• Place on nonstick baking tray
• Cook for 12-15mins.

For the icing
• Mix the icing ingredients together until smooth and spreadable.
• Spread icing on top of each flat circular cake piece and stack them on top of each other. Then place the last piece on top.
• To decorate, use some of your pup’s regular kibble pieces and place around the icing on top.

Recipe via lhots.e/Instagram 

Layered dog cake

Ingredients
For the cake batter
• 3 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 1/2 cups plain non fat greek yoghurt
• 1/3 melted coconut oil
• Splash of vanilla
• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Blueberries
• Milk 

For the frosting
• 10 oz low fat cream cheese
• 2/3 cup non fat plain greek yoghurt
• Splash of maple syrup
• 2/3 cup non xylitol peanut butter
• 1 3/4 cups tapioca flour

Method
• Combine all cake batter ingredients, apart from the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda) the blueberries and milk, and blend.
• Next, add in the dry ingredients and mix it together, pouring it out into a parchment-lined cake pan.
• Sprinkle blueberries into the mixture and bake at 30 mins for 350 degrees.
• Once the dog cake is removed from the oven, cut out three circles with a 4-5 inch cake ring.
• Mix together the icing ingredients in a large bowl, sifting in tapioca flour.
• Line a cake ring, place a layer of cake in, then baste with milk.
• Top all three layers with a thick layer of icing. You can add more blueberries for decoration.
• Place the cake into the freezer overnight.

Recipe via thegoldentwoofficial / TikTok 

Pink dog birthday cake

Ingredients
• 1 pack Big Dog Salmon
• 1 tbsp greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp dragon fruit powder
• Sprinkle of carob
• Sprinkle of raspberries
• Kefir heart
• Mint and bee pollen 

Method
• Spread and freeze a pack of Big Dog Salmon into a small cake ring.
• Mix together the greek yoghurt and powder, and spread the mixture over the dog cake.
• Grate carob and sprinkle raspberries on top, for decoration
• Add a dollop of yoghurt to the center of the cake, and place a kefir heart.
• Sprinkle mint and bee pollen across the cake.

Recipe via Chefs and Dogs / Instagram. 

Raw food dog cake

Ingredients
• 2 beef slabs
• Coconut oil
• Blue spirulina
• Blueberries

Method
• Place the two beef slabs on top of one another to form the cake
• Mix blue spirulina with the coconut oil and drizzle on top
• Decorate with an outer ring of blueberries. You can add your dog's favorite treats in the middle or make frozen smoothie hearts. 

Recipe via Theo The GSD / TikTok

Pupcakes

Ingredients
• 2 eggs
• 2 bananas
• 75g honey
• 75g oats
• 100g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder (optional)
• 150g xylitol-free peanut butter
• 125ml water
• Dog treats

Method
• Preheat over to 180 degrees
• Mash bananas in a large bowl and add the peanut butter, honey and eggs. Mix well.
• Add the flour, oats and baking powder and mix together.
• Add water to thin.
• Divide the mixture between 12 cake cases.
• Bake for 25 mins.
• Decorate with treats.

Recipe via Katlin Elise/ TikTok

Frozen dog cake

Ingredients
• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp plain yoghurt 

Method
• Mash the banana in a mixing bowl and add the peanut butter butter and yoghurt.
• Mix well with a hand whisk.
• Pour the mixture into a mould and freeze for 2 hours. 

Recipe via lashesbyla / TikTok 

You might also want to try our dog pancake recipe.

Whipping up a batch of dehydrated dog treats is well worth it if you're looking to add some variety to your pup's diet and are keen to try out a fun new way to get those all-important vitamins and minerals into their tummies.

There's definitely nothing wrong with the best dog treats lining the supermarket shelves, but the benefit of dehydrating is that you know exactly what your putting into your mutt's mouth. Dehydrated foods are also nutrient-dense and are free from preservatives and chemicals, making them a great choice if your furkid has allergies.

Learning how to make your own homemade dog treats is a really special way to show your pup some extra love and dehydrated treats provide them with a different taste and texture to what they're used to. 

Below you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to make some of our favorite dehydrated dog treats, including sweet and savoury options to suit every taste bud.

• DIY peanut butter dog treats
• Three delicious diabetic dog treat recipes
• DIY vegan dog treats: 4 tail-waggingly good tasty bites

1. Vegetable medley

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• ½ pound green beans
• 2 red bell peppers

Method:

1. Fill a stockpot about three-quarters full of water and set to boil. If the water boils before you’re done prepping, just turn it down to medium-low until you need it. It will perk back up quickly.
2. Rinse all your veggies well.
3. Snap or snip the ends off your green beans and set aside.
4. Peel sweet potatoes and slice into 1/4″ pieces, rounds, or strips. If you have a mandoline, this step goes quickly.
5. Put green beans and sweet potatoes in boiling water to blanch for 4 minutes.
6. Add ice and cold water to a large bowl to drain blanched veggies when they’re ready.
7. Prep sweet bell peppers by removing seeds and white pith. Slice into 1/4″ strips.
8. Remove beans and potatoes when done by dipping a long-handled strainer into the boiling water, draining a second, then pouring veggies into ice-bath.
9. When all veggies are removed from boiling water, add the bell pepper strips and blanch for 1 minute, then add to ice bath.
10. When all veggies are cooled, proceed to the drying stage.
11. On a large cookie sheet or sheet pan, place a clean dry tea towel or two layers of paper towel.
12. Place cooled veggies onto the dry towel, adding another towel on top and another layer of veggies on top of that until the veggies are nestled in. Pat or squeeze gently.
13. Layer dried veggies onto dehydrator trays, taking care to make sure nothing is touching.
14. Dehydrate between 110-140 degrees for at least 8 hours.
15. If you want your sweet potatoes chewier, you can pull them out and continue drying your other veggies to the crisp stage.
16. When fully dehydrated, allow veggies to cool to room temperature, then pack loosely in an airtight container or bag.

Notes:

1. For crisper veggies, keep them  in the dehydrator longer.
2. You can use your oven instead of a dehydrator, set to lowest possible setting and start checking dryness at 4 hours and every 30 minutes or so thereafter.
3. Veggies dried crisp will last longer than veggies dried to the chewy state.
4. Chewy veggies should be eaten in the next couple days or kept in the fridge ideally.
5. Crispy dried veggies should last 2 weeks in an airtight container.

2. Apple treats

Ingredients:

• 2.5lbs organic apples
• 1 ½ ground cinnamon

Method: 

1. Wash, peel and core apples
2. Slice apples thin and even, about 1/4" with a mandolin or knife
3. Lay sliced rings on dehydrator trays, leave a small amount of space around each slice to allow air to circulate
4. Sprinkle apple slices with a very light dusting of cinnamon
5. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6 to 8 hours, check at the 6-hour mark and continue to dry depending on the desired texture and if they will get eaten fast or stored
6. Check for, both inside and outside of rings, ideally slices will feel dry and leathery without being sticky
7. Tear an apple slice in half to check for moisture on the inside, it should resemble a dry sponge-like texture
8. Once done, cool for several hours and store in an airtight bag or container - make sure they are completely cool so as not to create any moisture
9. Give one to your pup, and to yourself and then store the rest in a dry, cool, dark place for up to a month

3. Jerky treats

Ingredients:

Protein options

• A lean cut of beef like flank steak with little or no marbling
• Chicken breast or thigh (there will some fat trimming for thigh but we all know it’s tastier than breast!)
• Salmon (it’s a fatty fish so you’ll want to keep this jerky in the fridge but your dog will go WILD for the flavor). Check for bones and remove with tweezers.
• Any white fish. Check for bones and remove with tweezers.

Marinade:

• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup liquid aminos (this is like low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauce you can find in the health food section of your grocery store. You can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce if you can’t find this product in your area)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• A splash of fish sauce
• A pinch of powdered ginger

Method:

1. Mix up your marinade. You will need one batch of marinade per pound of meat.
2. Prep your lean meats by first removing all visible fat and discarding.
3. Slice your proteins into whatever shape you like, bearing in mind that thinner cuts will dehydrate faster.
4. Place your protein in the marinade, stirring to make sure everything is evenly covered.
5. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours.
6. When you’re ready to dehydrate, preheat your dehydrator to 160 degrees F, or your oven to 160 degrees F or your lowest setting.
7. Remove all the trays from your dehydrator. You don’t want to get raw meat juice all over the trays you aren’t using and it will increase airflow dramatically.
8. Strain protein from marinade, patting dry with a paper towel.
9. Place sliced meats onto trays, making sure to leave enough room between every piece for good airflow.
10. Place trays in the dehydrator leaving good space between each tray if you can.
11. Set timer for 4 hours.
12. Check for doneness at 4 hours for the dehydrator, 3 hours if you’re using the oven since the temp will likely be higher. You want to see the meat shrunk by at least half, dark and consistent in color, and dry all the way through. The meat should bend but not feel rubbery or puffy (chicken, I’m looking at you).
13. When meat is completely cooled, store in an airtight container.

Note:

Jerky will keep for one week on your counter or two weeks in the fridge. If you want it to last for a couple of months you could use a vacuum sealer. But we’re pretty sure your dog will help you make it disappear in a matter of days, if not hours.

4. Peanut butter banana chips 

Ingredients:

• 1 overripe banana
• ½ cup powdered peanut butter

Method:

1. Slice banana into slices that are about as thick as a quarter. The thinner the easier it is to dehydrate.
2. Coat each slice with the peanut butter powder. Coat on the front and back.
3. Place slices on the dehydrator tray so that they are not touching and evenly spaced out.
4. Place the tray on the dehydrator and put the lid on. Set the temperature to 135 and the time for 8 hours. 
5. When it is about halfway done, flip all the slices over.

5. Dehydrated sweet potato chews 

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes

Method:

1. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes
2. Horizontally slice the sweet potato in about half inch slices using a large knife
3. Spread the slices out on a baking tray and place in oven at the lowest temperature
4. Flip the slices every hour until you get the desired chewiness (about 4-6 hours)

6. Easy dehydrated chicken jerky 

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast

Method:

1. Slice the chicken breast into long strips
2. Place on a piece of parchment on a baking sheet
3. Bake at 170F for 6-8 hours ensuring the texture is firm but not rock hard.
4. Store in the fridge
5. Slice into training size treats.

These DIY peanut butter dog treats will have your mutt’s mouth watering and best of all? They’re healthy, inexpensive, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.

While peanut butter is often thought of as a food that just us two-legged folks go nuts for (pun intended!), it turns out that our canine companions are pretty crazy about the creamy stuff too. However, before you go reaching for your nearest jar of gooey goodness, it's important to note that your dog needs a special type of dog-friendly peanut butter to enjoy this popular dog treat.  

Opt for xylitol-free peanut butter to ensure your pup can eat their delicious snack, as the one found in our kitchen can be highly toxic to dogs. You can often find suitable peanut butter replacements in online pet stores; be sure to search for dog-friendly or xylitol-free peanut butter for products that are specifically designed for our canine companions. 

Thinking about low or free from additives is another handy point to consider, and always make sure you feed your pooch any treat in moderation and in small quantities. After all, we want to ensure our friend is always in their best health!  

• DIY vegan dog treats
• Three delicious diabetic dog treat recipes
• How to make your own homemade dog treats

PetsRadar's favorite DIY peanut butter dog treats...

1. Peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats

Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2½ - 3 cups wholewheat flour

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2½ cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional ¼ cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes – the longer they bake, the crunchier they’ll be, so feel free to adjust the time to suit your pup’s preferences.
5. Let cool completely.

2. No-bake honey oat peanut butter dog treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup peanuts

Method:

1. Stir all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Chill the mixture for about half an hour.
3. Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out a bit of the mixture and roll it into a 1-inch ball.
4. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to a week.

3. Peanut butter treats with coconut oil drizzle

Ingredients for the treats:

• 1 cup creamy xylitol-free peanut butter 
• 2 large eggs
• 2½ cups wholewheat flour
• ¾ cup water or broth

Ingredients for the drizzle:

• 1½ tablespoons coconut oil
• ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter

Method for the treats: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add peanut butter and eggs. Beat with a hand mixer until combined.
3. Add in the whole wheat flour and water and beat until the dough forms a ball.
4. Dust your work surface with whole wheat flour.
5. Roll the dough out to a ¼-inch thickness.
6. Cut out with the cookie cutter and place an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. They won't spread.
7. Press holes into the cookie using a fork or a skewer.
8. Bake for 18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. This will depend on the size of your cookie cutter. Mine was 3¼-inch long.
9. Store in an airtight container. The cookies freeze well after being baked and will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Method for the drizzle:

1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, add in the peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir to combine. It should be a runny consistency but thick enough so it doesn't thin out and not hold its shape.
2. Lay the dog bones out on wax paper.
3. Use a spoon or add the drizzle to the sandwich bag and cut a small hole in the corner, drizzle the glaze over top of each dog treat.

4. Peanut butter cinnamon molasses dog treats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsweetened and unsalted xylitol-free peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce
• ½ cup filtered water
• 1 tbsp unsulphured molasses
• ¾ cup chickpea flour
• ½ cup + 2 tbsp millet flour
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, apple sauce, water, and molasses.
4. Add in the chickpea and millet flours, ground flaxseed, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir until well-combined.
5. Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes.
6. Using a cookie dough scoop (about 1½ – 2 tablespoons), spoon the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the treats for 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
8. Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
9. Give your dog a cookie and a big hug. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

These DIY vegan dog treats are so darn delicious that your hound will have no idea that they’re also super healthy! 

While the best dog treats are a convenient way to reward your pooch for good behavior, some brands come loaded with fillers and known allergens that dogs with sensitive stomachs might find difficult to digest. 

If you’re worried about your dog’s nutrition, or just wanting to show them a little extra love, whipping up some homemade dog treats can be a great way to go. And before you panic that doing some doggy baking is going to take up tons of time, we promise you that the recipes below are quick and easy, not to mention nutrient-dense.

All of our favorite DIY vegan dog treats are free from milk and eggs, and come packed with protein and fiber. There are even vegetables in there to get those all-important vitamins and minerals in. They’re great to use as a supplement alongside the best dog food as a reward for good behavior, or when training.

• Nine frozen dog treats and ice-cream recipes to make for your pooch
• How to make your own homemade dog treats
• Three delicious diabetic dog treat recipes

PetsRadar's favorite DIY vegan dog treats...

1. Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree 
• ¼ cup peanut butter 
• 2 tbsp ground flax meal
• 1 ⅓ cup oat flour 
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F.
   
2. Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, flax meal, and cinnamon (if using) into a food processor, and blend until combined.
   
3. Add in the oat flour, and process until a dough forms
   
4. Lightly flour a cutting board, and roll out the dough until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out as many pieces as you can.
   
5. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
   
6. Gather the remaining dough and re-roll, continuing to cut shapes out until you’ve run out of dough.
   
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
   
8. Allow the treats to cool on a rack and then store in the fridge for 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Note: If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can use rolled oats and blitz them into a flour in your food processor.

2. Spinach, Carrot, and Courgette Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2 ½ tbsp hot water (to replace the 2 large eggs usually used in this recipe)
• ½ cup oats
• 3 cups wholewheat flour
• 1 cup carrot, shredded
• 1 courgette, shredded
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Pop ground flaxseeds in a bowl, and add in the water. Stir well to mix – a small whisk is great for this. Put the bowl in the fridge for 10-20 minutes.
   
3. Mix the pumpkin and peanut butter together. Remove your ‘flax egg’ from the fridge, and add that in until the three ingredients are fully combined.
   
4. Gradually add the oats and flour until a dough is formed – it must not be sticky.
   
5. Add the carrot, courgette, and spinach until all the vegetables are incorporated.
   
6. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough, and then roll out to roughly 1/4 inch thickness.
   
7. Cut into your desired treat shape, and place on the baking tray.
   
8. Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats start to turn golden brown.
   
9. Remove from oven, and allow to cool before serving.

3. Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• ½ cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 1 large ripe banana or 2 medium ones, mashed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Blitz the oats in a blender or food processor until you have a fine flour – you can also substitute oat flour if you’d prefer to save yourself a job!
   
3. In a large mixing bowl, smash the peanut butter and banana. Add in the oat flour, and continue to smash with a fork until you have a thick dough that’s well combined. If it’s crumbly, add 2-4 more tbsps of peanut butter. You want a dough that’s firm, sticky, and pliable.
   
4. Roll the dough out into a thin slab of about ¼ inch in thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. If you don’t have a cutter, roll bits of dough into 1 tbsp balls, and then flatten with your fingers.
   
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly brown underneath.
   
6. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before sharing with your pup.
   
7. You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

4. Carrot and Custard Pie Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wholewheat pastry flour
• 2 tbsp wheat germ
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup carrot juice
• ¼ cup applesauce
• 2 tbsp soy milk
• 1.5 tbsp powdered starch

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease a dozen muffin tins.
   
2. Mix the flour, wheat germ, oil, and vinegar.
   
3. Once the mixture becomes dough-like without any dry pockets, roll into walnut-sized balls.
   
4. Use these balls to line the muffin tins, and bake for roughly 15 minutes until they are a golden brown color and dry in texture.
   
5. Whilst the cases are cooling you can create the filling. Start by mixing the carrot juice, apple sauce, soy milk, and starch in a pan over a medium heat until the mixture is smooth.
   
6. Allow the mixture to come to the boil, still stirring all the time.
   
7. Once the mixture has thickened remove it from the heat.
   
8. Pour the mixture into the cases, and allow to cool.
   
9. Once cooled, put in the fridge until they set. They will then be ready to serve.

Whip up a batch of any of these diabetic dog treat recipes and we have a feeling you’re going to have one happy and healthy hound on your hands. 

If you have a pooch who’s recently been diagnosed with diabetes and you’re wondering what the difference between doggy diabetes and human diabetes is, they’re pretty much the same thing. 

Both dogs and humans aren’t able to properly use the energy they get from food because of a lack of insulin or an inability to respond to it. They also have the same excessive need to pee, are constantly thirsty, and may have a voracious appetite.

While it can be tempting to respond to that hunger by giving them more of the best dog treats in between meals, diabetic dogs require the same caution as diabetic humans when it comes to what they’re being fed.

The good news is, pet food manufacturers and retailers are beginning to cotton on to the fact that around 1 in 300 dogs have diabetes and we’re starting to see some of the best diabetic dog treats coming onto the market. 

But sometimes you just can’t beat a bit of homemade goodness, so we’ve found three easy and delicious dog treat recipes that you can make at home. Get ready to tie up that apron and hit the kitchen because it’s baking time!

Three lip-smacking diabetic dog treat recipes

1) Beef liver treats

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ pounds beef liver, cut into pieces
• Parchment paper
• Jellyroll pan
• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Pizza cutter
• Storage container

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Line a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper.

3. Place the liver into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. If you have room, add the flour and eggs, and process until smooth. Otherwise, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the flour and eggs using a wooden spoon. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

4, Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is firm. Cool, and cut into squares using a pizza cutter. The treats will have a consistency similar to a sponge. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

2) Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats

What you’ll need:

• 4 cups oat flour (more if needed)
• ⅔ cup unsweetened apple sauce
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• Large bowl
• Cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Storage container

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Combine the oat flour, peanut butter, applesauce and eggs in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. If the dough is sticky, add a little oat flour until you can handle the dough without it sticking to your hands.

3. Transfer dough to a flat surface and roll out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out your shapes. I use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter and get about 12 large cookies from this recipe.

4. Transfer onto a baking sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes until the cookies are dry and starting to darken at the edges.

6. Cool completely on a wire rack and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Note: Make sure your Peanut Butter does not contain a sweetener called Xylitol, it can be poison to dogs!

3) Pumpkin dog treats

What you’ll need:

• ½ cup pureed pumpkin (canned or fresh)
• 2 Tbsps coconut oil, softened
• 4 Tbsps water, plus more if needed
• 2 cups wholewheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Storage container

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Mix the pumpkin, softened coconut oil, and water together in a large bowl.

3. Then mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder until combined.

4. Stir in the egg.

5. Continue to stir until everything is well combined. Add more water if needed until you have a mixture that will come together as one slightly sticky ball.

6. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about ¼ in thickness.

7. Using a cookie cutter, cut out the treats – these can be as small or as large as you want them depending on the size of your dog.

8. Place the prepared dog treats on a lined or greased baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes (depending on the size) or until the treats have hardened.

9. Leave to cool.

10. Store in the refrigerator.

There are few fruits as fragrant as the sweet-smelling orange but while humans consume them by the bucket loads can dogs eat oranges? 

If you’ve been wondering whether oranges are among the human foods dogs can eat then you’ll be pleased to know that the answer is a big fat juicy yes! While not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for dogs, small amounts of orange flesh can be a lovely snack for your pup and a healthy addition to their diet.

Packed full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, oranges can give your furkid’s immune system a boost and help the digestive system to function smoothly. Let’s dip into the fruit bowl and peel back the layers of the humble orange to get the lowdown on whether this sweet treat is good for your furkid and how much of the orange stuff is too much. 

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How much of an orange can dogs eat?

Oranges aren’t toxic for dogs so you don’t have to worry about letting them have a taste of this juicy fruit. But as with everything, moderation is key. 

Fruit is classed as a treat food and shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet - one segment of orange flesh for a small dog and up to three for a large dog is ample, provided they have no underlying health conditions. 

Some dogs aren’t keen on the tart taste and strong smell of oranges, so pop a segment down in front of them and let them have a sniff before you incorporate orange into any doggy recipes. Have some of the best dog treats in reserve should they not be keen.

Is the vitamin C in oranges good for dogs?

While some pet parents like to add oranges to their dog’s diet due to their high vitamin C content, healthy dogs are able to produce their own amounts of this vitamin so it’s not a must for them from a nutritional point of view - unless they’re highly active.

Although most vets and nutritionists have long considered added vitamin C to be unnecessary for dogs, there is a growing consensus that it may be beneficial for exceptionally active dogs.

“In some dogs, extreme exercise or stress can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to make vitamin C,” explains Dr. Christine Keyserling, a New York-based vet. “In these cases, it may be beneficial to provide additional vitamin C supplementation. However, for most pets, it’s not required.”

Can eating oranges be dangerous for my dog?

For most dogs, a daily dose of orange is fine if they enjoy it but it’s a no-no for dogs with certain health conditions.

At around 9% sugar, oranges aren’t suitable for overweight dogs or those that suffer from diabetes. While the sugar in oranges is natural, it can still cause fluctuations in the blood sugar levels of diabetic dogs and the excess calories can cause already portly pups to pile on more pounds.

Oranges are also high in acid and while the fiber content can help with the formation of healthy stools in many dogs, for those with sensitive digestive systems the extra acid can lead to gastrointestinal upsets and have the reverse effect, causing diarrhea. 

It’s important if you’re feeding your dog oranges that you only give them the flesh and never the peel or white pith. Both of these parts can contain toxic compounds and the peel can cause blockages in the bowel or cause your canine companion to choke. The oils in the peel also upset the digestive system, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. 

DIY orange dog treat

If you want to give your pup a break from store-bought dog treats, these mouth-watering recipes are sure to please.

Homemade dog treats are a great way to show your hound some love by incorporating some of their favorite flavors into a special snack. 

Here’s one of our favorite orange dog treat recipes that’s quick and easy to make at home, courtesy of The Honest Kitchen...

Orange Pro Bloom Dog Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 tablespoon goats milk
• 2 cups spelt flour
• ½ cup ground pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, grind sunflower seeds to a meal or powder consistency.
3. Combine flours, ground sunflower seeds and goat's milk in a large bowl.
4. Add egg, vanilla extract and honey to dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Slice orange in half. Squeeze juice into bowl – don’t worry if pulp gets into the dough.
6. Knead dough into ball. Split the dough into four or five smaller balls. Roll each ball onto a flat countertop covered with parchment paper and roll to ¼ to ½ inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and place on cookie sheets.
7. Place in oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on racks for 1 to 2 hours.
9. Place in an airtight container or bag and keep in refrigerator or freezer until needed.

Recipe notes

If any orange seeds fall into your mix, remove them from the dough as they can pose a choking hazard for smaller dogs.

Food is love and we love our dogs, so healthy dog treats are often at the top of many owners’ shopping lists! Lots of us use treats as a way to show our dogs just how much we love them, but treats also make great rewards during positive reinforcement training and are a convenient distraction when we need to keep our dogs occupied. But with so many options available in every pet store and online shop, how do you know which are the best dog treats for your dog? You could try them all, but that would certainly have an impact on your dog’s waistline! Before you purchase your next bag of dog treats, take a look at these tips for choosing healthy dog treats and avoiding the common pitfalls in the pet food aisle.  

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Low-calorie dog treats

These are perhaps the healthiest treats for your dog, and best of all, these snacks come right from your own refrigerator! Whole food fruits and vegetables are a great low-calorie snack that’s high in essential nutrients. While they may not look or smell like the typical dog treat, many dogs still love them just as much as those crunchy bone-shaped snacks. Try offering your dog slices of sweet potato, baby carrots, or frozen blueberries as a treat. Not only are these snacks healthy, but your dog can eat a larger number of them for the same amount of calories when compared to the typical commercial dog treats. Fresh, home-cooked meat or bits of cheese can also make great high-value treats, particularly when you are training some more difficult tasks, but these are higher in calories and should be given in more careful moderation. 

Although many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, be aware of those that may be toxic. Onions, garlic, and grapes are highly toxic to dogs and should never be given as treats. If you’re ever unsure about whether your dog can safely consume a particular food, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first. You can also consult our guide to what human foods dogs can eat.

Rawhide dog treats, pig ears and bones

Rawhide dog treats and similar products such as pig ears and bully sticks have faced a lot of controversy over the years. Although some dogs eat rawhide treats regularly without issue, many pups experience digestive upset such as diarrhea after consuming rawhide. There are also concerns about bacterial contamination in rawhide treats and the risks of choking with smaller pieces of rawhide. Ultimately, many veterinarians recommend avoiding rawhide, including pig ears and bully sticks, especially if your dog is prone to digestive issues.

Rawhide treats and bones are also often too hard for a dog’s teeth, which can cause damage to the enamel and even break the teeth. Once a tooth is broken, expensive professional veterinary dental care performed under anesthesia is necessary to address the problem. For this reason, it’s best to avoid hard treats like bones, hooves, antlers, and hard rawhide. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot indent the bone or treat with your thumbnail, it’s too hard for your dog’s teeth and could cause a fracture.

Freeze-dried dog treats 

Freeze-dried dog treats are a favorite among many dog owners because they are portable, shelf-stable, easily broken into pieces, and highly palatable to many dogs. Many freeze-dried treats are also made from a single ingredient, such as fresh chicken or beef liver, which makes them a great option for dogs with food sensitivities such as allergies or digestive issues. However, many freeze-dried treats are made from raw meat, which poses high risks for bacterial contamination because the freeze-drying process does not kill most bacterial contaminants. If you do decide to use freeze-dried treats, look for products that have been cooked prior to freeze-drying to limit the risk of bacterial contamination.

Jerky treats for dogs

Jerky style treats are a favorite for many dogs because they are highly palatable. However, over the past few years the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) has been tracking reports of dogs becoming sick after eating jerky dog treats.  The majority of cases have been linked to chicken jerky treats and products made in China, but other varieties and sources have also been implicated. To date, the organization has been unable to identify the cause of illness in dogs eating these treats. If you do decide to give your dog jerky treats, it’s best to look for products made locally out of an abundance of caution. However, the FDA notes that manufacturers are not required to the list country of origin on the product label. If your dog shows signs of illness after eating jerky treats, particularly symptoms such as increased drinking and urination, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, stop giving the treats and contact your veterinarian right away.

Crunchy, soft, chewy, and everything in between!

Commercial dog treats – the ones you find at every pet store – come in a dizzying array of flavors, textures, shapes, and sizes. What you choose for your dog largely depends on your own preferences, budget, and your dog’s personal tastes. Unfortunately, there’s no regulatory oversight on dog treats and very little required labeling, so it can be difficult to determine which products are safe and healthy for your dog. To be safe, it’s best to stick with brands you recognize and ingredients that you know your dog tolerates well. Your veterinarian may also be able to recommend brands and products that they trust.

The bottom line: Everything in moderation!

Almost every dog loves treats, but they aren’t necessary as part of a healthy diet and they can be a significant source of extra calories. As with everything in life, it’s best to give treats in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If your dog is overweight or obese, you may need to cut out treats entirely for his health. Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to show your dog love, too!

It's not uncommon for a dog to need special dog treats for sensitive stomachs. In the same way humans can experience digestive issues, dogs can suffer from these too, whether it’s intolerances to certain foods or flare-ups relating to existing conditions. This can also extend to meal times as well as treat times and we offer some solutions to these problems too. If your dog experiences issues even after eating the best dry dog food then it might be a good idea to consider the best dog food for allergies instead.

The good news is that there are dedicated dog treats for sensitive stomachs in pooches – they’re more digestible than ever, thanks to better formulations, more sophisticated production processes and extensive research into ingredients that can benefit your dog in a variety of ways.

All of these developments mean it’s now easier than ever to treat your trusted canine companion without risking adverse side effects, and we’ve found five delicious dog treats perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

If you find your dog's digestion improves, then take a look at our round-up of the best dog treats available today.

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1. Pooch and Mutt’s Natural Treats for Digestion and Wind

Is your pooch having a pongy moment? While some species are more prone to flatulence than others, (yes, French bulldogs, we’re looking at you), all dogs have windy days, which is why it’s a good idea to keep some digestion-easing snacks to hand. 

These mini-bones from Pooch and Mutt are the perfect treats for dogs with flatulence. They include parsley, which has been used as a remedy for flatulence and bloating for hundreds of years, and charcoal, which helps dogs digest food, thereby reducing the risk of excess gas. 

Finally, there’s chicory. “This herbaceous plant contains a prebiotic dietary fiber which nourishes the friendly gut bacteria,” explains Cam Wimble, aka The Dog Nutritionist. “It helps to ensure your dog’s gut microbiome is balanced and working as it should be.”

To find out how prebiotics and probiotics for dogs work, a vet explains all in this feature. 

2. Yakers Himalayan Yak Milk Dog Chew

Discerning doggies will love these satisfyingly chompable chews. Yak milk is the main ingredient, used alongside a pinch of salt (under 0.1%) and a few drops of lime juice. The last two ingredients are used to harden these all-natural dog chews, which are made in the Himalayas, where they’ve been chewed by both locals and their canine companions for hundreds of years. 

These tasty dog treats from Yakers are gluten-free and have a low-fat content too – the yak milk is skimmed, leaving a fat content of just 5%. Don’t worry about lactose intolerances either – both the cream and whey are removed, so the lactose content is less than 1%. 

The chews are especially ideal as a treat for dogs that have recently been unwell – the all-natural roster of ingredients will give their tummies time to settle.

3. ProDog Tripe Bone

What dog doesn’t love a bone? ProDog’s delicious (at least from your dog’s point of view) treat isn’t just any bone either – it’s an all-natural boredom buster made with tripe, which is packed with naturally occurring probiotics and digestive enzymes. Prone to squeamishness? You might want to skip this next bit. 

Tripe is the stomach of ruminating (grazing) animals such as cows and sheep – creatures with stomachs divided into four chambers, and the ability to break down their food with a potent mix of digestive enzymes, gastric juices and amino acids. In a nutshell, these are the best bones for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The bad news is that tripe stinks, which is why we love these air-dried treats – your four-legged friend will reap all of the benefits of tripe, and you won’t have to hire a fumigator every time you give them one. 

4. Skinner’s Salmon and Rice

If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, it’s important to try and single out which food is causing the problem. 

“Digestive upsets can be influenced by a number of factors,” points out Zoe Russell, a dog nutritionist who has spent years studying animal nutrition, genetics and welfare. “These include including infection, over-supplementation, health issues and breed predispositions.” 

If your pet’s diet includes a wide range of treats and different types of dog food, treating them to one created specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs will help eliminate potential irritants while giving their tummies some time-out. 

Skinner’s Salmon and Rice is a great example. Although not a dog treat in the traditional sense, this top-quality, hypoallergenic dog food is worth splurging out on – especially if you’re giving your dog’s diet a temporary upgrade in order to work out which foods don’t agree with him, or to simply give an irritated tummy a rest. 

It is gluten-free and free from maize and barley (all of which can irritate sensitive stomachs), and when it comes to food for dogs with digestive issues, salmon is a brilliant choice – proteins such as beef can be harder for their tummies to process.

5. The Golden Paste Company’s Turmeric Chicken Slices

Canines and curry certainly don’t mix, but you’ll probably be surprised to hear that turmeric, a bright yellow spice often used in curries for its aromatic qualities, is regarded by many as a superfood for dogs, due to its ability to support the naturally-occurring micro-flora which aids doggie digestive systems. 

“There’s ongoing research looking into its potential as an anti-ulcer and as a gastroprotective agent, because of its amazing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,” says dog nutritionist Cam Wimble. “A small amount will help settle your dog’s stomach, but don’t give them too much – if overconsumed, it could work to clear your dog out, fast!”

The Golden Paste Company’s Turmeric Chicken Slices have been formulated to increase the bio-availability of turmeric, which basically means it’s easier for dogs to benefit from the spice’s soothing qualities, without the risk of any side effects.

Canine conclusion

In summary, although natural, simple ingredients are best for dogs with digestive problems, it’s important not to write off ingredients on the assumption that they’re more likely to compound existing issues. 

Sophisticated formulations mean that ingredients that dog owners once steered clear of – such as salmon or milk-based treats – can now be easily digested, which means it’s easier than ever to reward your dog with a delicious, digestible treat. 

If you'd like to take complete control over canine reward time, we can show you how to make your own homemade dog treats too. 

Every year, dog owners gift their pooches with Christmas dog treats - and it’s not surprising considering how much we humans over-indulge on our favorite foods over the festive season.

From advent calendars and “doggy beer” to pigs in blankets and “pupcakes”, the market for festive dog treats has never been bigger. However, vets are warning owners (and their friends and families) to be cautious when treating their favorite four-legged friends with these products.

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It’s believed that some of these festive treats pose a huge risk to our pets due to the chemicals used, such as sodium sulphide and hydrogen peroxide, to clean, color, and rid them of any rancid smells.

There is also concern that these cheery-looking festive products may lead to intestinal blockages or become a choking hazard.  

Another of the main concerns is the amount in which dogs may be fed over the Christmas period.

As the resident PetsRadar vet, Catherine Barnette DVM, explains, “In general, treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake,” in order to provide your dog with a well-balanced diet. 

“Treats are an important component [in] bonding and training,” says Catherine, but it’s crucial to ensure that they are safe for your beloved pooch.

For help with treating your dog the right way, check out our guide to the best dog treats on the market, the 5 top treats for sensitive stomachs, and our guide on how to make your own homemade dog treats from scratch. 

Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers are an all-round healthy dog treat. They’re not tailored to any particular dog or need, but they seem to go down particularly well with dogs who have a sensitive tummy. Lily’s Kitchen says they’re the perfect snack for training, in-between meals or ‘just because’.

The vet-approved recipe contains an impressive 80% beef, with other ingredients including healthy kale and fiber-rich chia seeds, and with no nasty filler or meat meal.

They’re suitable for all pups aged four months and over, and the pouch they come in is described by Lily’s Kitchen as ‘pocket-sized’. It’s perfect for popping in your pocket alongside the poop bags for long dog walks.

They’re so good, we’ve crowned these mini beef burgers as our choice for the best overall dog treat in our round-up of the best dog treats available today.

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Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers: Features

Each little, round Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers is made up of 80% freshly prepared beef, which is a good source of protein, iron and zinc. A lack of iron in a dog’s diet can cause poor growth, weakness and diarrhoea, while zinc is important for dogs' immune systems.

Other ingredients include pea protein, kale – which is packed with protein, fibre, vitamins A, C and K and omega-3 fatty acids – and chia seeds, which are also high in omega 3. Omega 3 has been found to reduce the signs of osteoarthritis in dogs, which is a progressive disease that affects up to one in every five dogs.

Each treat is made up of 43% crude protein and 2.5% crude fibres, with 383 calories per 100g – and the recipe is grain-free. Some studies have shown that dogs who eat a low-carb diet (meaning fewer grains, such as wheat, rice, rye and oats) digested nutrients better, however, there are concerns that some totally grain-free diets can be associated with heart disease in dogs, so these will just need to be part of a balanced diet (as with all treats).

Tell your dog they’re oven-baked, too – for better taste, according to Lily’s Kitchen. And the ingredients are sustainably sourced, although that’s more of a bonus for humans, admittedly.

Luckily for dogs, Lily’s Kitchen says they can have up to five of these treats a day. But if you’re unsure, the product page has a handy online guide at the bottom, where you can find out how many treats you should be feeding your dog, according to its age and weight.

These mini burgers are suitable for dogs four months and older, and are available in 70g bags that are resealable for freshness, as well as multipacks of eight.

Lily's Kitchen has a range of dog treats. As well as the mini beef burgers, its range of dog treats also features chicken jerky, duck and venison sausage, duck mini jerky, and chicken bites.

There are other beef dog treats on the market, of course, but Lily’s Kitchen seems to have an edge. Nature’s Menu beef treats only contain 50% beef, while Webbox Meaty Chomping Chews Beef Dog Treats only have 15% beef. On the other hand, if your dog is sniffing around for something even beefier, Natural Instinct beef jerky contains 100% beef.

Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers: User reviews

These beefy treats seem to go down well with customers – and their many different dog breeds.

One customer says they have to ration them from their springer spaniel, another says they’re ‘a hit with our fussy beagle’. They’re the ‘perfect size’ for one customer’s French bulldog, while another happily points out that they don’t add anything to their chihuahua’s waistline. Beagles and Schnauzers and Belgian Shepherd puppies love them, too, according to reviews.

Someone else notes that the treats are easy to break into smaller pieces to give to dogs as a reward when training them.

The treats appear to go down especially well with dogs who have sensitive tummies. A German Shepherd with digestive issues won’t eat any other treats apart from these, according to one review, while a Pomeranian with a sensitive tummy loves these and other flavors in the Lily’s Kitchen range.

And that’s not the only health concern these mini beef burgers cater to. One dog parent writes: ‘I have an elderly mini poodle cross and she's recently had some teeth removed so I wanted something soft for her. I messaged Lily's kitchen asking for advice and they got back to me straight away. I soak the little burgers in a bit of water for a few minutes and she absolutely loves them.’

However, not every review is glowing. One common complaint is that it’s a shame there aren’t more treats to a bag. One customer writes: ‘The packets contain about 25% dog treats and 75% air. Incredibly wasteful and a disappointing number of treats in each packet.’ Some customers also wish the price was a bit lower.

Should you buy Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers?

These mini burgers are an all-round tasty snack for dogs. Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers may especially be worth giving a go if your dog is a fussy eater, or has a sensitive tummy. You’re not going to get the absolute best value for money with these treats, but you will have a guilt-free conscience knowing that they’re full of healthy ingredients for your dog, from a brand that prioritizes sustainability.

And if you’re training your dog, they’re ideal for stuffing into your pocket and breaking up for smaller treats as a little reward (or bribe).

According to the brand, Lily's Kitchen Dog Treats Mini Beef Burgers are the ‘best ever’, While only a dog can be a true judge of that, it seems these treats go down a storm with most dogs and their owners.