Make your own dog biscuits: easy recipes

Dogs are more than just pets – they are loyal companions, family members and, above all, our best friends. We want to spoil them, and what could be more fun (and delicious) than homemade dog biscuits? By baking your own dog biscuits, you know exactly what is in them and can tailor them to your dog’s taste and health. Plus, it’s a fun, relaxing activity that doesn’t have to take up much time.

In this blog you will learn:

• Why making your own dog biscuits is a good idea

• What to look for in terms of ingredients

• And of course: several easy recipes that you can try at home!

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Why make your own dog biscuits?

There are many types of dog treats available in stores, but not all of them are healthy or suitable for your dog. Some contain:

• Unnecessary sugars

• Excessive preservatives

• Salt or artificial colors

• Ingredients that may cause allergies

By making your own cookies, you have complete control over the ingredients, you can cater to dietary needs or restrictions, and you avoid unwanted additives. Plus, it's often cheaper and fun to do - alone or with your kids.

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What should you pay attention to?

Before you get started, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Choose safe ingredients

Not everything that is healthy for humans is healthy for dogs. Avoid these ingredients at all costs:

• Chocolate

• Onion, garlic, chives

• Grapes and raisins

• Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

• Macadamia nuts

• Avocado

• Caffeine

2. Use simple, pure ingredients

For dogs, simple snacks are often the tastiest. Think of:

• Whole wheat flour or oat flour

• Peanut butter without salt or sugar

• Pumpkin puree (no added sugars)

• Carrot, apple (without core), banana

• Lean meat or fish (in some recipes)

3. Be aware of allergies or dietary restrictions

If your dog has a grain allergy, choose alternatives like coconut flour or buckwheat flour. If your dog has kidney problems or is overweight, talk to your vet before starting home-baked treats.

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Supplies

• Oven

• Cookie cutters (optional, but fun!)

• Mixing bowl

• rolling pin

• Baking paper

• Airtight storage jar or bags for storage

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Recipe 1: Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 250 grams whole wheat flour

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (100% peanut butter, without salt/sugar)

• 2 tablespoons water (if needed to make the dough more pliable)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C.

2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until firm.

3. Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick.

4. Cut out fun shapes with cookie cutters.

5. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.

6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until lightly browned.

7. Let them cool completely.

Storage: In an airtight container they will keep for about 1 week. You can also freeze them.

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Recipe 2: Pumpkin and oatmeal cookies

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of oatmeal (possibly grind finer in a blender)

• 150 grams pumpkin puree

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed (optional for extra fiber)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C.

2. Mix all ingredients into a dough.

3. Make small balls and flatten them on a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until firm to the touch.

5. Let cool before serving.

Tip: Pumpkin is good for your dog's digestion.

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Recipe 3: Savory Chicken Cakes

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of cooked and finely chopped chicken fillet

• 150 grams whole wheat flour

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons stock (without onion/garlic or salt)

Preparation:

1. Mix the ingredients into a smooth dough.

2. Roll out to 0.5–1 cm thick and cut into small squares.

3. Bake for 15–20 minutes at 175°C until lightly crisp.

Please note: Only use salt-free broth or broth powder specifically for dogs.

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Recipe 4: Cookies with apple and cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 1 apple (grated, without core/seeds)

• 200 grams of oatmeal

• 1 egg

• Pinch of cinnamon (not too much!)

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients well.

2. Make flat cookies from the mixture.

3. Place them on baking paper and bake for 20–25 minutes at 170°C.

Did you know? A little cinnamon can help with blood sugar levels and joint pain. Don't overdo it: too much is not healthy for dogs.

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Recipe 5: Grain-free cookies (grain-free alternative)

Ingredients:

• 150 grams of coconut flour or chickpea flour

• 1 banana

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1 egg

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients into a sticky dough.

2. Add a little water if it is too dry.

3. Make small cookies and bake at 160°C for 20–25 minutes.

Ideal for dogs with a grain allergy.

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General baking and storage tips

• Let the cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Otherwise they may go moldy.

• Freeze? No problem! You can store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• Soft or hard cookies? The longer you bake (at a lower temperature), the drier and crispier they become. For older dogs, soft cookies are more pleasant.

• Test small amounts first. Every recipe is different, and dogs can have their own taste preferences.

• Do not overfeed. Healthy biscuits are also snacks – feed in moderation and adjust your daily feeding amount if necessary.

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Make it fun: personalize your cookies!

• Use a cookie stamp with your dog's name.

• Decorate them with a little yogurt as “frosting” (only if your dog tolerates dairy).

• Create different colors with natural ingredients (like beetroot for pink or spirulina for green).

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Conclusion

Making your own dog treats is a great way to treat your dog in a healthy, personal and conscious way. With simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboard, you can bake something your dog will love in no time. Plus, you have control over what you give your dog, which is a big advantage over many commercial snacks.

Whether you choose savory chicken biscuits, pumpkin bites or peanut butter treats – your dog will thank you!