DIY Dog Treats: 10 Simple, Healthy & Indian-Kitchen Friendly Recipes for Dogs
Homemade dog treats are a great way to control ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and use foods that are already part of an Indian kitchen. These recipes are easy, affordable, and nutritionally sensible—perfect for occasional healthy snacking, training rewards, or enrichment.
Important note: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Introduce one new treat at a time and observe digestion.
1. Banana & Peanut Butter Bites (No-Bake)
Why it works: Energy-dense, tasty, and great for quick rewards.
Ingredients
Ripe banana – 1
Unsweetened peanut butter (no xylitol) – 1 tbsp
Roasted oats (powdered) – 2–3 tbsp
Method
Mash everything, roll into tiny balls, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Best for: Training treats
Avoid if: Dog is overweight (use sparingly)
2. Pumpkin & Rice Crackers
Why it works: Pumpkin is excellent for gut health.
Ingredients
Cooked pumpkin (kaddu) – ½ cup
Rice flour – ½ cup
Coconut oil – 1 tsp
Method
Mix into dough, roll thin, cut shapes, bake at 170°C for 25–30 mins.
Best for: Dogs with sensitive digestion
3. Curd & Oats Soft Treats
Why it works: Natural probiotics + gentle fibre.
Ingredients
Thick curd (plain, unsalted) – ½ cup
Oats (powdered) – ½ cup
Method
Mix, spoon small portions onto tray, bake at 160°C for 20 mins.
Texture: Soft
Best for: Puppies & senior dogs
4. Chicken & Coconut Laddoos
Why it works: High protein, aromatic, very palatable.
Ingredients
Boiled shredded chicken – ½ cup
Fresh coconut (grated) – 2 tbsp
Method
Blend lightly, roll into small balls, refrigerate.
Shelf life: 2–3 days refrigerated
Best for: High-value rewards
5. Sweet Potato Chew Coins
Why it works: Natural chew + beta-carotene.
Ingredients
Sweet potato – 1 large
Method
Slice thin, bake at 140°C for 1.5–2 hours (flip halfway).
Texture: Chewy
Best for: Teething puppies, boredom chewing
6. Apple & Carrot Crunch Cookies
Why it works: Antioxidants + crunch without frying.
Ingredients
Grated apple (no seeds) – ½ cup
Grated carrot – ½ cup
Whole wheat flour – ½ cup
Method
Mix, roll, cut, bake at 170°C for 30 mins.
Best for: Occasional crunchy snack
7. Egg & Spinach Mini Muffins
Why it works: Protein + iron-rich greens.
Ingredients
Egg – 1
Finely chopped spinach – 2 tbsp
Oats flour – 2 tbsp
Method
Mix, pour into mini moulds, bake at 170°C for 15–18 mins.
Best for: Active dogs
Avoid if: Egg allergy
8. Fish & Rice Training Cubes
Why it works: Omega-3 rich and highly motivating.
Ingredients
Cooked deboned fish (sardine/mackerel) – ½ cup
Cooked rice – ¼ cup
Method
Blend, spread thin, bake at 160°C for 25 mins, cut cubes.
Smell alert: Very tempting for dogs 😄
Best for: Recall & obedience training
9. Turmeric & Coconut Oil Biscuits (Anti-Inflammatory)
Why it works: Turmeric supports joints and immunity.
Ingredients
Rice flour – ½ cup
Coconut oil – 1 tbsp
Turmeric – a pinch
Warm water – as needed
Method
Form dough, shape biscuits, bake at 170°C for 25 mins.
Best for: Senior dogs (tiny quantities)
10. Frozen Curd & Fruit Pops (Summer Treat)
Why it works: Cooling + hydration.
Ingredients
Plain curd – ½ cup
Mashed banana or papaya – 2 tbsp
Method
Mix, freeze in ice tray, serve one cube at a time.
Best for: Hot Indian summers
Avoid if: Lactose-sensitive dog
Ingredients to Always Avoid
🚫 Onion, garlic
🚫 Grapes & raisins
🚫 Chocolate
🚫 Sugar, jaggery, honey
🚫 Salt & masalas
🚫 Xylitol (common in peanut butter)
How to Use DIY Treats Smartly
Keep treat size thumbnail-small
Reduce meal quantity slightly on heavy treat days
Use high-value treats only when needed
Store baked treats in airtight containers (5–7 days)
Final Thought
DIY dog treats aren’t about fancy recipes—they’re about intentional, safe nutrition using familiar Indian ingredients. When made thoughtfully, they can support training, bonding, and enrichment without compromising health.