Easy Homemade Dog Treats

These two recipes for easy homemade dog treats are so easy that you'll never be faced with an empty dog treat jar again!

If you're a busy dog parent, you'll love how quick and easy these dog treats come together. In fact, we all like things that are easy, and dog treat recipes are no exception.

These easy homemade dog treats are great to make for those with little baking experience, for kids or anyone who is short on time.

Peanut Butter Oat Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk, low or fat free
• 1 cup peanut butter, natural or organic
• 3 cups rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Stir vigorously to combine the first two ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Slowly stir (and mash) in the oats, about a 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture will be very thick.
3. Scoop out the peanut butter balls with a cookie scooper. Then roll with damp hands until you create a uniform ball shape.
4. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Storing & Yield: These peanut butter dog treats will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can freeze them for up to 4 months. Learn more about dog treat and dog food storage. The yield is approximately 32, 1" balls.

Tips & Techniques

• Natural Peanut Butter - Regular peanut butter does not have as much moisture as the natural and organic varieties. So, if you choose to use a regular peanut butter, you may need to add more milk to help the mixture hold together.
  
  
• Milk - If your dog is sensitive to dairy products, you can use soy or other nut milks in place of the cows milk.
  
  
• Sheet Pan - You will need to fit these homemade dog treats in the refrigerator, so be sure to use a sheet pan, or other flat pan with a ridge, to cool these treats.

Coconut Clusters

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour (see note below)
• 1/4 cup, plus 1 tablespoon applesauce, unsweetened
• 1/4 cup milk, low or fat free (see note above about milk substitutions)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, sweetened
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Mix the first four ingredients together in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add the rolled oats, about a 1/2 cup at a time. The mixture may be too loose (or dry) to clump together. If that is the case, gradually add one tablespoon of applesauce at a time. Check the mixture by squeezing a small cluster in your hand. If it does not stick together, add one more tbsp of applesauce.
3. Scoop coconut clusters with a cookie scooper. Then, with damp hands, press into a cluster shape.
4. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Storing & Yield: This easy homemade dog treats recipe for coconut clusters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 3 months. For more tips on dog treat and dog food storage, be sure to review our page of helpful hints. The yield is 32, 1 1/2" flat clusters.

Tips & Techniques

• Wheat Flour - If your dog has a wheat allergy, you can make your own oat flour. You can do this by using a food processor. Grind approximately 1/4 cup of rolled oats to make at least 3 tablespoons.
  
  
• Cookie Cutters - You can make these coconut clusters into shapes by using a dog cookie cutter. Pack the mixture tightly into your choice of cookie cutters and place them on a lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.
  
  
• Sheet Pan - You will need to fit these homemade dog treats in the refrigerator, so be sure to use a sheet pan, or other flat pan with a ridge, to cool these treats.
  
  
• Toasting Coconut - Decorate your coconut clusters with a light sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Heat your oven to 350° F. Spread a thin layer of coconut on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. It may need longer, but be careful, coconut goes from white to dark brown very quickly. Just check it often after the first 5 minutes.

Easy homemade dog treats are such a fun way of showing your dog how much you care. And since they're so easy, you can make several batches for your dog, and give some away as gifts!