There is something satisfying about making your own dog treats at home, and at ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we love seeing customers get creative in the kitchen for their pups. You do not need fancy equipment or complicated techniques. These simple, widely known recipes use everyday ingredients you can find at any Australian supermarket, and they make a great addition to your dog's regular diet without any guesswork about what is going into the mix.
Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
This is one of the easiest treats to make and a firm favourite with dogs of all sizes. Mash half a banana with a tablespoon of plain, unsweetened peanut butter until smooth. Spoon small amounts into an ice cube tray or silicone mould and freeze for three to four hours until set. The result is a cool, creamy treat that is perfect for hot Sydney afternoons or as a gentle reward during training.
Always double check the peanut butter label before using it. Some brands use xylitol as an artificial sweetener, which is toxic to dogs, so plain and unsweetened is essential.
Dehydrated Liver Treats
Liver is a favourite among dogs for good reason, its strong smell and flavour make it an irresistible high value treat. Slice liver thinly, around three to five millimetres, and place the slices on a lined baking tray or dehydrator rack. If using an oven, bake at a low temperature, around 80 to 100 degrees Celsius, for two to three hours, turning halfway, until the slices are firm and dry rather than moist in the centre. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or the freezer for longer storage.
Because liver is rich, use these as a training reward or occasional treat rather than a large daily addition to your dog's diet.
Simple Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potato makes a naturally sweet, chewy treat that most dogs love. Wash and slice a sweet potato lengthwise into strips around half a centimetre thick. Lay the strips on a lined baking tray and bake at a low oven temperature, around 120 degrees Celsius, for two to three hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dried out and slightly chewy. Cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.
These treats store well in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks or in the freezer for a few months, making them easy to prepare in a batch.
Yoghurt and Berry Freezer Bites
Plain, natural yoghurt combined with a few berries makes a refreshing, probiotic-friendly treat that is especially popular in warmer months. Scatter a few blueberries into a silicone mould, then pour plain yoghurt over the top to fill each cavity. Freeze for at least five hours, or overnight, then pop the treats out and serve straight from the freezer.
Choose plain yoghurt without added sugar or artificial sweeteners, and introduce dairy gradually if your dog has not had it before, as some dogs are more sensitive to it than others.
Simple Pumpkin and Oat Biscuits
Combine one cup of plain rolled oats, half a cup of plain canned pumpkin and one beaten egg in a bowl until you have a workable dough. Roll the mixture out and cut into small shapes, then bake at 180 degrees Celsius for around 20 minutes until firm. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving. These biscuits store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
Getting the Kids Involved
Homemade dog treats are a great low-mess project to do with children, especially the no-bake options like the frozen peanut butter and banana bites or the yoghurt and berry freezer bites. Measuring ingredients, filling moulds and waiting for treats to set in the freezer are simple tasks that keep younger family members engaged while teaching them a bit about safe food handling for pets along the way.
Baked options like the sweet potato chews and pumpkin oat biscuits are also approachable for slightly older kids under supervision, given the oven is involved. Either way, treat-making is a nice weekend activity that the whole family, dog included, can enjoy together.
Storing and Batching Treats
Making a larger batch and freezing portions is the easiest way to keep a steady supply on hand without treat-making becoming a weekly chore. Silicone moulds are particularly handy because they make portioning consistent and treats easy to pop out without sticking. Label containers with the date made so you can keep track of freshness, particularly for the fridge-stored options that do not last as long as their frozen counterparts.
If you have a multi-dog household, batching also saves time. Making one large tray of dehydrated liver or sweet potato chews means everyone gets treats without you needing to repeat the process multiple times in a week.
Adjusting Recipes for Dog Size
Treat size matters as much as ingredients. Small breeds do best with treats broken into smaller pieces or made in smaller moulds, while larger breeds can handle bigger portions without needing more frequent treat breaks. If you are making treats for a multi-dog household with a range of sizes, consider using a couple of different mould sizes so portioning stays appropriate for each dog without extra effort at treat time.
Keeping Treats in Balance
Homemade treats are a wonderful addition to your dog's routine, but they should complement, not replace, a balanced main diet. As a general guide, treats should make up no more than around ten percent of your dog's daily food intake, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced meal. If your dog is on a raw diet, our beef, chicken and duck ranges provide that complete nutritional foundation, while these homemade treats add variety and fun on top.
If you are new to raw feeding generally and want to see how it fits alongside treat time, our sample pack is a great low-commitment way to start, and our meal planner quiz can help you work out how much main food your dog needs once treats are factored in.
Ingredients to Always Avoid
However tempting it is to experiment in the kitchen, some ingredients are strictly off limits for dogs. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and anything containing xylitol should never make it into a homemade treat. The RSPCA maintains a helpful list of foods that are unsafe for pets, which is worth bookmarking before you start experimenting with your own recipes.
We love seeing what our Sydney and wider Australian customers come up with in their own kitchens. Homemade treats are a lovely way to add a personal touch to your dog's routine alongside their regular balanced meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homemade dog treats healthier than store bought ones?
Homemade treats let you control exactly what goes in, avoiding fillers, preservatives and added sugar often found in some commercial treats.
Can I use any peanut butter for dog treats?
Always choose plain, unsweetened peanut butter and check the label for xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
How long do homemade dog treats last?
Most homemade treats last one to two weeks in the fridge or several months in the freezer, depending on the ingredients used.
Can puppies eat homemade dog treats?
Simple treats made from plain, dog-safe ingredients are generally fine for puppies in small amounts, but always introduce new foods gradually.
What ingredients should I avoid in dog treats?
Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Are dehydrated liver treats safe for dogs?
Yes, dehydrated liver is a popular, simple treat that most dogs enjoy, though it should be given in moderation due to its richness.
How many homemade treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than about ten percent of your dog's daily food intake to keep their overall diet balanced.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
