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How to Make Dog Training Treats

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated August 14, 2026 · 5 min read

Why Make Your Own Dog Training Treats?

Making your own dog training treats can be a game-changer for your training sessions. They allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring your pup gets healthy, all-natural rewards. Furthermore, homemade treats tend to be much more enticing than store-bought options, giving your dog an extra reason to engage during training.

Key Ingredients for Dog Training Treats

When deciding how to make dog training treats, it’s essential to focus on simple, dog-friendly ingredients. Here are a few popular choices:

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a favorite among many dogs. It’s high in protein and very palatable. Ensure you choose a natural peanut butter without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins. They can be cooked and mashed or dehydrated into chewy slices that dogs love.

Chicken or Beef Broth

Using low-sodium broth can enhance the flavor of your treats, making them irresistible. You can use it as a flavor base in recipes.

Whole Wheat Flour

Whole wheat flour serves as the primary ingredient in many homemade treats, providing structure. If your dog is sensitive to grains, alternatives like oat flour or almond flour can be used.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent binding agent and add additional protein content. They help your treats hold together well.

Recipes for Easy Homemade Dog Training Treats

Here, we’ll dive into a few easy recipes to get you started on making dog training treats. Each of these recipes will yield small, easy-to-handle treats that are perfect for training, and you can always adjust the ingredient ratios according to your dog’s preferences.

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (no xylitol)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the flour and canned pumpkin.
3. Mix in the peanut butter, water, and egg until well combined.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out shapes.
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let them cool before serving.

2. Sweet Potato Chews

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash and cut the sweet potato into 1/4 inch thick slices.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours until chews are dry and chewy.
5. Let cool before offering to your dog.

3. Chicken Liver Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken liver (raw or cooked)
• 1/2 cup oat flour or whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blend chicken liver until smooth.
3. In a bowl, combine blended liver, flour, and egg until it forms a dough.
4. Spread dough in a thin layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes until firm.
6. Cool, then cut into small bite-sized pieces.

Storing Your Homemade Treats

To keep your freshly baked treats at their best, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:

• Cooling: Always let treats cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Storing: Keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator or freeze them in baggies for up to three months.

Tips for Using Training Treats Effectively

Now that you know how to make dog training treats, using them effectively is crucial for successful training sessions. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Start Small

Use treats that are small and easy for your dog to consume quickly. This helps maintain the training momentum and keeps the dog engaged.

Use Treats Sparingly

Save treats for training and reward moments to keep them special. Overusing treats during other times can diminish their value in training.

Mix it Up

Change up the treats to maintain your dog’s interest. Different flavors and textures can keep your pup excited about training!

Timing is Critical

Ensure that you give your treat immediately after your dog successfully completes the desired behavior. This helps them make the connection between the action and the reward.

Incorporating Brain Games with Treats

Using treats for positive reinforcement opens the door to engaging brain games. Strategies to incorporate treats into playtime include:

• Puzzle Toys: Place treats inside interactive puzzle toys that challenge your pup to think and work for their rewards.
• Scavenger Hunts: Hide treats around the house or yard, encouraging your dog to find them using their nose.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make dog training treats and several recipes, you’re well on your way to enhancing your dog training experience. Using your homemade treats during training sessions will help reinforce positive behaviors and make learning fun for your dog. For more training tips and techniques, check out our detailed guide on how to train your dog. Happy training!