Every dog deserves tasty treats—but here’s the catch: most store-bought chews are overpriced, loaded with preservatives, and not always the healthiest choice. If you’re looking for healthy, budget-friendly, and vet-approved homemade dog treats, you’re in the right place!

In this guide, I’ll share 6 DIY dog chew treats that are simple to make, full of natural ingredients, and totally pup-approved. Plus, I’ll give you nutritional benefits, storage tips, and advanced tricks so you can spoil your furry friend without guilt. 🐾

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Bliss Sticks

Ingredients (Makes 12 sticks):

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1½ cups rolled oats (or oat flour)

How to Make It:

1. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl.
2. Add peanut butter and mix until creamy.
3. Stir in oats until a dough forms.
4. Roll into stick shapes or use a cutter.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Bananas: potassium & natural sweetness
• Peanut butter: protein & healthy fats
• Oats: fiber, gentle on digestion

Storage: Keep in an airtight jar for 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

2. Sweet Potato Chewies

Ingredients (Makes 10-12 chews):

• 2 large sweet potatoes

How to Make It:

1. Wash and slice into ¼-inch thick strips.
2. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3 hours, flipping halfway.
3. Cool before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C & fiber
• Supports shiny coat & healthy digestion

Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

3. Frozen Yogurt & Berry Bites

Ingredients (Makes 16 bites):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup fresh blueberries or strawberries

How to Make It:

1. Mix yogurt with berries.
2. Spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for 3–4 hours.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Yogurt: probiotics for gut health
• Berries: antioxidants for immunity

Storage: Keep frozen for up to 1 month.

4. Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Ingredients (Makes 20 crunchies):

• 1 apple (seeds removed, diced)
• 1 large carrot (grated)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup water

How to Make It:

1. Mix apple, carrot, flour & water into dough.
2. Roll out & cut into small bites.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Carrots: natural toothbrush effect
• Apples: fiber & vitamins

Storage: Airtight container, up to 1 week.

5. Cheesy Pumpkin Biscuits

Ingredients (Makes 15 biscuits):

• ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1½ cups oat flour

How to Make It:

1. Mix pumpkin, cheese & egg.
2. Add oat flour to form dough.
3. Shape into small biscuits.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Pumpkin: digestion support
• Cheese: protein & calcium

Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days.

6. Chicken Jerky Strips

Ingredients (Makes 12 strips):

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

How to Make It:

1. Slice chicken into thin strips.
2. Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2–2.5 hours until fully dried.
3. Cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

• High-protein snack
• Zero fillers or preservatives

Storage: Refrigerate for 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

🌟 Why Homemade Dog Chews Are Better

✅ Control over ingredients – No fillers, no preservatives.
✅ Cheaper – Costs a fraction of store-bought treats.
✅ Dental health – Chewing reduces plaque and tartar buildup.
✅ Bonding time – Making treats is a love language your pup understands.

🐕 Pro Tips for Next-Level Treats

• For Senior Dogs: Make softer versions (use less baking time or add extra banana/yogurt).
• For Puppies: Start with gentle options like frozen yogurt bites.
• For Allergies: Swap wheat flour for rice or coconut flour.
• For Enrichment: Freeze treats inside a Kong toy for mental stimulation.

❓ FAQ: Chew Treats Edition

1. How often can I give my dog these treats?
Treats should be less than 10% of daily calories.

2. Can I store these long-term?
Yes—most baked chews last 5–7 days at room temp or 2 months in the freezer.

3. My dog has a sensitive stomach, which is best?
Pumpkin biscuits & yogurt berry bites are the gentlest.

4. Are these safe for all breeds?
Yes! Just adjust portion size depending on your dog’s weight.

5. Can I eat these too?
Absolutely. They’re made from human-grade ingredients. (But your dog may not share 😅).

🎯 Final Thoughts

Making your own DIY dog chew treats isn’t just healthier—it’s fun, affordable, and a great way to show love to your pup. Whether you bake peanut butter bliss sticks, dehydrate sweet potato chews, or whip up frozen yogurt bites, your dog will drool with happiness.

So ditch the pricey pet aisle and grab your apron—because a healthy, tail-wagging treat is just a recipe away! 🐾