Want Your Pup to Listen Better? Try These Easy Dog Training Treat Recipes!

Jun 17, 2025

Training your dog doesn’t have to be a battle of wills—or a drain on your wallet. One of the best ways to reinforce positive behavior is by using homemade treats that are both healthy and irresistible to your furry friend. In this guide, we’re dishing out easy dog training treat recipes that you can whip up in your own kitchen—no fancy ingredients or chef skills needed!

Whether you're teaching your dog to sit, stay, or fetch your slippers, the right treat can make all the difference. Let’s get cooking!

Why Use Homemade Dog Training Treats?

Store-bought treats may be convenient, but many contain unnecessary fillers, preservatives, and even allergens. Homemade treats offer several benefits:

Control over ingredients
Healthier for your dog
Tailored to your dog’s taste preferences
Budget-friendly and fun to make

3 Easy Dog Training Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love

1. Peanut Butter & Oat Bites

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 ripe banana

Instructions:
Mash the banana and mix it with oats and peanut butter. Roll into small bite-sized balls. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

2. Cheesy Chicken Bits

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded cooked chicken
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp flour

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix all ingredients, form small balls, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.

3. Sweet Potato Coins

Ingredients:

1 large sweet potato
1 tsp coconut oil

Instructions:
Slice the sweet potato into thin rounds, coat lightly with coconut oil, and bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours or until crispy.

Helpful Notes

Always use dog-safe ingredients (no xylitol, onions, chocolate, etc.).
Keep portion sizes small—training treats should be bite-sized.
Store treats in airtight containers. Refrigerate or freeze when needed.
Introduce new treats slowly to ensure your dog doesn’t have sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use these treats for puppies?
Yes! Just ensure the ingredients are puppy-safe and break them into even smaller pieces to avoid choking.

Q2: How many treats should I give during training?
Use the "tiny but tasty" rule. Give just enough to motivate without overfeeding—roughly 2–5% of daily caloric intake.

Q3: How long do homemade treats last?
Most last up to a week in the fridge or 1–2 months in the freezer, depending on the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Homemade training treats are a simple yet powerful tool to build trust, reward good behavior, and keep your pup motivated. With these easy dog training treat recipes, you’re not only saving money—you’re also giving your dog something made with love (and way fewer preservatives!).

Ready to level up your dog training? Start with one of these recipes and see how quickly your dog tunes in.