15 Tasty DIY Dog Treat Facts to Spoil Your Pup!

The way to a dog’s heart is through tasty treats! Every happy pup, ever.

If you’re a dog parent, you already know: dogs don’t just like treats they live for them! Those tail wags, happy dances, and excited barks? All for one thing yummy bites made with love. But wait… what if those treats came right from your kitchen?

Let’s dive into 15 fun, surprising, and tasty facts about DIY dog treats that will make your pup love you even more and trust us, they already think you’re amazing!

1. Dogs Can Taste Sweetness

Just like us, dogs can taste sweet flavors! Their taste buds are fewer in number than ours, but they can still pick up on the natural sweetness in things like bananas, apples, and peanut butter. That’s probably why every time I start mashing a banana for my dog’s treats, he appears out of nowhere like he has a sixth sense. If you’re wondering why your dog seems to go crazy for fruits, this is why!

Not only is it adorable to watch, but it also means that some of your pup’s favorite fruits can be the perfect base for homemade treats.

2. Homemade Treats Put You in Control

The best part about making treats for your dog at home? You’re the one who decides what goes in them! When you buy treats from the store, it’s hard to know exactly what you’re giving your pup especially with all the weird-sounding ingredients.

But when you make your own, you have total control. You can use healthy, safe ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, or carrots, and skip all the preservatives and unnecessary additives. It’s all about knowing exactly what’s in the treats you’re feeding your dog, and that peace of mind is priceless.

3. You Only Need a Few Ingredients

One of the reasons homemade dog treats are so great is that they don’t require a long list of ingredients. Many recipes only call for three to five simple ingredients. Take my favorite recipe: oats, mashed banana, and peanut butter. It’s quick, easy, and my dog absolutely loves it!

All you need to do is mash everything together, scoop it onto a tray, and bake. Before you know it, you have a batch of soft, chewy, dog-approved treats. And let’s face it simpler is always better!

4. Pumpkin Is a Secret Super Ingredient

If you’ve ever heard that pumpkin is a superfood for dogs, you heard right! Plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) is packed with fiber, which helps regulate your dog’s digestion. It’s the perfect natural remedy if your pup’s tummy’s feeling off.

I always have a can of it in my pantry.it’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dog treat recipes. Plus, the warm, earthy flavor adds something extra to their snacks that they absolutely adore.

5. Treat Shapes Can Be Fun (For You!)

Sure, your dog doesn’t care what shape their treats are in but you’ll probably find it fun to get creative with cookie cutters! I love using bone-shaped or paw-shaped cutters, especially for holidays or when I’m handing out treat bags to my fellow dog-parent friends.

It just makes baking feel extra special, even if the treats are just as delicious in any shape. It’s a simple way to make your baking a little more festive and thoughtful.

6. Your Dog Will Want to Be the Sous-Chef

Whenever I bake treats, my dog is always by my side. There’s something about the kitchen that gets his attention! He watches, sniffs, and even “helps” by licking the spoon (as long as the ingredients are safe, of course). It becomes more than just a cooking task; it’s a bonding experience. I make a few extra pieces just for him to try, and seeing his wagging tail while I bake makes the whole experience that much sweeter.

7. Treats Should Stay Small in Daily Diet

I know it’s tempting to spoil your dog with treats all day, but did you know treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calories?

For a dog that eats around 600 calories a day, that means treats should only be about 60 calories. I often break larger treats into smaller pieces to make them last longer. This way, I can give my dog more frequent treats without overfeeding him. It’s a small change, but it helps keep him healthy and happy.

8. Oats Make a Great Alternative to Flour

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or just want to keep things simple, oats are a fantastic alternative to regular flour. I like to blend rolled oats into a fine powder to use in my dog treat recipes.

They’re easy on your dog’s digestive system and naturally gluten-free. The texture is chewy and soft, making treats that are easy for your dog to chew and digest. Plus, oats are a whole grain, so they provide a healthy boost to your dog’s snack time.

9. Frozen Treats Are a Summer Lifesaver

When the weather gets hot, I like to skip the oven and make frozen treats instead. My dogs go wild for frozen peanut butter and yogurt pops or frozen banana bites.

I’ll blend plain yogurt with peanut butter and freeze it in silicone molds, or I’ll mash bananas with a little water and freeze them for a cool treat that keeps them refreshed on hot days. It’s an easy, mess-free way to pamper your dog during the summer heat.

10. Dogs Remember Who Bakes

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and they can absolutely recognize the scent of fresh-baked treats. My dogs have learned to associate the smell of baking with me, which makes them even more excited to be around when I’m cooking. The best part?

They remember that you’re the one who made the treats. Every time I walk into the kitchen, I get a few happy barks and wagging tails, reminding me that this time together is special.

11. Carrots Are an Easy, Crunchy Treat

If you don’t have time to bake, carrots are an easy, healthy alternative. I give my dogs baby carrots as a snack they’re naturally crunchy and packed with vitamins. Not only do carrots help with digestion, but they also help clean your dog’s teeth.

I’ll often cut them into bite-sized pieces to use as treats during training sessions. They’re inexpensive and always a hit!

12. Check Peanut Butter for Xylitol

Before you grab that jar of peanut butter, always check the label for xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. It’s found in some brands of peanut butter, so I always make sure to choose natural peanut butter with just peanuts and maybe a little salt. It’s simple, safe, and perfect for dog treat recipes.

13. You Can Use Leftovers Wisely

Why waste food when you can turn your leftovers into dog treats? Things like cooked sweet potatoes, plain rice, or even leftover chicken can be reused to make dog-friendly snacks.

I mash up some leftover sweet potatoes with a little oat flour, shape them into bite-sized pieces, and freeze them. Not only is this a great way to reduce waste, but it also gives your dog an extra special treat without any extra effort.

14. You Don’t Need Special Tools

Don’t worry about fancy equipment or baking experience. I’ve made dog treats with nothing more than a simple mixing bowl, spoon, and my hands. The first batch I ever made was on a whim, and I didn’t even roll out the dough I just scooped it into little mounds with a spoon. No stand mixers, no rolling pins, just simple tools and a little love.

15. Homemade Treats Mean More Than Just Food

The best part of making treats is the joy and connection it creates. When I give my dog a homemade treat, he looks at me like I’ve just handed him the best thing in the world. It’s not just about the treat itself it’s about the love and effort you put into making it. Every homemade snack is a reminder that you care. And in return, your dog will show you just how much they appreciate the effort, whether it’s with a tail wag, a happy bark, or an affectionate nuzzle.