Homemade Cat and Dog Treats: Easy DIY Pet Snack Recipes
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Time to read 6 min
Want to spoil your furry family with healthy homemade pet treats? Making cat and dog treats at home lets you control every ingredient , avoid preservatives, and even address allergies. DIY treats are “surprisingly super easy and safe to make at home,” and since you choose all the ingredients, you can ensure they “won’t trigger” your pet’s food sensitivities. Plus, learning to bake and prepare pet snacks is a fun, bonding project – and a creative way to reduce waste (you can use leftover ingredients instead of tossing them). In this guide, we share easy-to-follow recipes and tips for baked and no-bake treats that are safe for both cats and dogs, along with expert advice on allergies, ingredient safety, and storage.
Homemade Cat and Dog Treats
15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Around 20–24
Homemade Dog Treats: Easy Recipes for Your Pup
Want to give your dog healthy, homemade treats that are packed with flavor and nutrition? These DIY dog treat recipes are based on top-performing blogs and are all easy to make — some baked, some no-bake, and all tail-waggingly good.
2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Biscuits (Baked)
Ingredients:
1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
1 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
2 cups oat or whole wheat flour
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix pumpkin and peanut butter.
Add flour and stir into a dough.
Roll out, cut into shapes.
Bake for 15–20 minutes.
These biscuits are crunchy, easy to make, and ideal for allergy-prone pups.
Note:
Ingredients:
1 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
2 ripe bananas
2 cups oats
Instructions:
Mash bananas, mix with peanut butter.
Add oats and stir.
Roll into small balls.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Perfect for hot days or when you're short on time.
If your dog starts itching, licking their paws, getting ear infections, or having soft stool after eating wheat or oats , that’s your dog’s way of saying: “Something’s not right.” These grains aren’t toxic, but not every dog’s system agrees with them.
✅ Wheat allergies are more common—watch for signs like scratching, red skin, or chronic ear issues.
✅ Oats are gentler and often used in hypoallergenic treats, but some dogs can still react.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Oat Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
2 ripe bananas
2 cups oats
Instructions:
Mash bananas, mix with peanut butter.
Add oats and stir.
Roll into small balls.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.
Perfect for hot days or when you're short on time.
When a dog reacts with scratching, paw licking, soft stools, or ear infections after eating wheat or oats, it’s not a coincidence. Their energy tells you what’s wrong. Not all dogs tolerate grains—pay attention, stay calm, and adjust their diet as a strong, mindful pack leader.
Bacon & Cheddar Dog Biscuits (Baked)
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 egg
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix all ingredients.
Roll out, cut into shapes.
Bake 15–18 minutes.
Dogs love the smell — and the crunch!
Every dog is different. If your pup shows signs like itching, ear infections, or digestive issues after eating wheat or oats, it may be their way of saying, “This doesn’t feel good.” Trust their signals and try a gentler, grain-free option.
Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Cubes
Ingredients:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
Silicone mold or ice cube tray
Instructions:
Mix yogurt and peanut butter.
Pour into mold.
Freeze overnight.
Pop out and serve.
Ideal as a cool treat in summer!
Tuna Puffs for Dogs (Baked)
Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water
1 egg
1 cup rice or oat flour
Instructions:
Mix tuna, egg, and flour.
Roll out dough and cut.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Cool and store airtight.
Grain-free, simple, and perfect for dogs who love fish.
Not all dogs do well with wheat, oats, or grains in general. If yours starts scratching more, gets gunky ears, or has runny poop, their belly might be saying “No thanks.” Try removing grains for a while—you might be surprised how quickly things clear up.
Homemade Cat Treats: Tasty, Simple Recipes for Feline Friends
Cats can be picky — but they love these savory, protein-rich treats made just for them. Inspired by top pet food blogs and designed to be safe, delicious, and easy to prepare.
Tuna & Catnip Balls (No-Bake)
Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water, drained
1 tbsp oat flour
1 tsp dried catnip
Instructions:
Mash tuna, mix with flour and catnip.
Form small balls.
Refrigerate before serving.
Fun, fishy, and irresistible to most cats!
Note: Wondering why your cat is itchy or gets tummy trouble after meals? It could be a food allergy. Cats are often allergic to chicken, beef, dairy, or even grains like wheat and corn. Learn the common signs and how to spot the hidden triggers in your cat’s food.
Baked Tuna-Pumpkin Bites
Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water (drained)
1/3 cup plain pumpkin puree
1/2 cup oat flour
1 tsp dried catnip (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix all ingredients into a dough.
Shape into small bites.
Bake ~15 minutes.
Cool and refrigerate.
Pumpkin aids digestion and tuna offers protein + flavor.
Salmon Cat Biscuits (Grain-Free, Baked)
Ingredients:
1 can (14.75 oz) boneless salmon with liquid
1 egg
2 cups rice or oat flour
Instructions:
Blend salmon.
Mix in egg and flour.
Roll out and cut.
Bake 20 min at 350°F.
Flip halfway. Cool and refrigerate.
Omega-rich and easy to chew.
Chicken & Egg Cat Treats (Baked)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
1 egg
2 tbsp oat flour
Instructions:
Mix ingredients to form dough.
Shape into tiny patties.
Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Great for using leftover chicken!
Final Tips for Both:
Making homemade treats for your dog or cat?
👉 For dogs: Stick to xylitol-free ingredients, and avoid dairy, garlic, onion, wheat, flour, grains and salt—these can upset their system or be toxic. Store in the fridge (1 week) or freeze (2–3 months). Watch for signs like itching, ear infections, or licking paws—these may signal a food sensitivity.
👉 For cats: Choose clean proteins and avoid common allergens like fish, dairy, grains, or additives. Skip onions and garlic completely—they're toxic to cats. Store the same way, and monitor for signs like excess grooming, soft stool, or red ears.
Pet Treat Questions & Ingredient Tips
Can dogs and cats eat the same treats?
Sometimes, but not always. Dogs and cats are built differently. Cats need more meat, more protein. Some ingredients good for dogs are not great for cats. Lead with awareness — know who you're feeding.
Are oats okay for pets?
Yes — if your pet’s system agrees. Oats can be good for digestion and energy, but if your dog or cat gets itchy or gassy, pull back. Pay attention to their body language.
What about cheese or yogurt?
A little bit for dogs is okay. But cats? Most can’t handle dairy. Keep it simple. If it doesn’t growl their stomach, you're good. If it does, remove it.
My pet has allergies — what now?
Simplify. Start fresh. Stick to one protein and one base. Watch them. Are they scratching, licking, acting strange? Their body tells you everything.
Is peanut butter or pumpkin safe?
Yes, but only the right kind. Natural, plain, xylitol-free peanut butter. Pumpkin is great for the tummy — just make sure it’s not the pie-filling kind.
How long do these treats last?
Baked ones can stay on the counter for about a week. Soft or no-bake ones go in the fridge. Want it to last longer? Freeze it. Easy.
Can I use fish like tuna or salmon?
Absolutely. Fish is instinct food for many pets — especially cats. Just make sure it’s plain, no salt, no spice. Let their nose guide them.
