Making dog treats at home gives you full control over what goes into your pet’s snack bowl—from fresh ingredients to portion size. In a city like Dubai where commercial dog treats can be pricey, baking or freezing your own is both rewarding and cost-effective. Here are proven recipes, safe-ingredient tips, and portion-control guidelines to get you started.
Why DIY Dog Treats Are Worth the Effort
- Full ingredient transparency: you know exactly what your dog eats.
- No unnecessary additives, preservatives or hidden sugars.
- Cost savings compared to premium commercial treats.
- Ability to adapt for dietary sensitivities or special needs.
- Combine treat time with activity, for example link treat use with your dog walk routine—check your Essential Gear for Dog Walks for inspiration.
What to Keep in Mind Before You Begin
- Avoid common toxins: chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts. For reference see the AKC’s safe-fruits guide.
- Use dog-safe flour alternatives (e.g., whole wheat if no gluten issues, or oat flour).
- Monitor calorie intake: treats should not exceed ~10% of the daily caloric intake.
- For dogs with medical conditions (allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease), select low-fat, low-sodium recipes and check with a vet if unsure.
- Keep compliance with your province’s pet food laws (Dubai/UAE), even for homemade treats intended for personal use.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe banana, mashed
– ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
– 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
– 1 egg
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 175 °C (350 °F).
- Mix banana, peanut butter and egg until smooth.
- Gradually stir in flour until dough forms.
- Roll out to ~5 mm thickness, cut shapes (bone, circle).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
- Cool fully before serving; store in airtight container for up to a week.
Portion: For small breeds, one biscuit; medium breeds, two; large three. Adapt to caloric needs.
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato & Salmon Frozen Cubes
Ingredients:
– 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
– ½ cup cooked flaked salmon (unsalted)
– ¼ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Instructions:
- Combine sweet potato, salmon and yogurt.
- Spoon into ice-cube tray; freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Pop out cubes; serve one or two as a refreshing snack.
Tip: Ideal for hot Dubai afternoons when your dog returns from the park. Use in conjunction with staying cool using Keep Pets Cool in Summer.
Recipe 3: Pumpkin & Chicken Training Treats
Ingredients:
– ½ cup plain pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
– ½ cup cooked, finely chopped chicken breast
– 1½ cups whole wheat flour
– 1 egg
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 180 °C (356 °F).
- Mix pumpkin, chicken, and egg.
- Add flour gradually to form dough.
- Roll to 3 mm thickness; cut miniature pieces.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until crisp.
- Let cool. Store in fridge and use during training sessions (see how on Train Dogs to Walk on a Leash).
Adjusting for Dubai Conditions
- Keep batches small: indoor air-conditioning and cooling means humidity varies—store treats in airtight containers to maintain texture.
- Freeze portions where possible: makes sense in hot weather for both cooling and flavour.
- Bonus tip: After a walk, offer water first, then treat after five minutes of rest to avoid digestive upset in heat. Use guidance from Nine Signs of Heatstroke to monitor your dog.
When Commercial Makes Sense
If you’re short on time or dealing with a dog who has a medical diet, select limited-ingredient commercial treats from trusted stores. For local options, see our Best Pet Stores in Dubai list. Always check labels: minimal ingredients, no hidden sugars or odd additives.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve treats in shaded, cool places.
- Keep fresh water available at all times.
- Use puzzle feeders or lick-mats with frozen treats for mental stimulation and cooling.
- For walking routines, integrate treat rewards with your Dog Walking Service or training schedule.
- Monitor calories to avoid weight gain — adjust regular meals accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog treats doesn’t require specialised equipment or obscure ingredients. Simple, fresh, and safe recipes help you nurture your dog’s health, enjoyment, and engagement — especially under Dubai’s climate. Use these recipes, adapt to your pet’s needs, and turn treat time into reward time without compromising nutrition or safety.
For further reading:
– How to safely exercise dogs in UAE heat
