Why Homemade Dog Treats Are the Best Choice for Your Pup
As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry companions. Store-bought dog treats often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers that may not be the healthiest option. By making homemade dog treats, you control the ingredients, quality, and nutritional benefits—ensuring your pup gets a wholesome, crunchy snack that’s both tasty and nutritious!
These crunchy chicken and green bean dog treats are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Not only will your dog love the savory flavor, but you’ll also feel great knowing you’re feeding them all-natural, dog-friendly ingredients.
Benefits of This Crunchy Dog Treat Recipe
✔ High in protein – Chicken provides essential amino acids for strong muscles.
✔ Rich in fiber – Green beans aid digestion and keep your pup satisfied.
✔ Gentle on sensitive stomachs – Oat flour is a great wheat-free option.
✔ No artificial additives – 100% natural, homemade goodness!
Ingredients for Crunchy Chicken & Green Bean Dog Treats
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (boiled, baked, or steamed)
- ½ cup chopped green beans (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour)
- 1 egg (for binding)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (adds flavor and moisture)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil (for healthy fats)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed (for omega-3s)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (anti-inflammatory benefits)
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken and Green Beans
How to Cook and Shred Chicken for Dog Treats
- Boil, bake, or steam a boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked.
- Let it cool, then shred it into small, fine pieces using two forks.
- Why shredded? It mixes better into the dough and creates an even texture in the treats.
Prepping the Green Beans for Dog Treats
- Wash and trim the ends of the green beans.
- Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch long).
- Lightly steam or blanch them for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly but keep some crunch.
- Let them cool before adding to the dough.
🔹 Pro Tip: Green beans are a low-calorie vegetable that provide fiber, vitamins, and a satisfying crunch dogs love!
Step 2: Mixing the Dough for Crunchy Dog Treats
Now that the ingredients are ready, it’s time to create the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded chicken
- Chopped green beans
- Oat flour
- Egg
- Chicken broth
- Coconut oil or olive oil
- Stir the mixture until a dough starts to form. If it feels too dry, add a little more chicken broth (1 tablespoon at a time). If it’s too wet, sprinkle in extra oat flour.
- The dough should be sticky but moldable, making it easy to roll and shape.
🔹 Texture Tip: If you want softer dog treats, use less flour and slightly more broth for a chewier consistency.
Step 3: Rolling and Cutting Homemade Dog Treats
- Lightly flour a clean surface with oat flour to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough on the surface and gently press it down with your hands.
- Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
- For crunchier treats: Roll the dough slightly thinner (⅛ inch).
- For softer treats: Leave the dough a bit thicker (⅜ inch).
🔹 Pro Tip: If the dough is too sticky, dust a little more oat flour on top while rolling.
Step 4: Cutting Fun Shapes for Dog Treats
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like bones, paws, hearts, or circles.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, simply cut the dough into squares or strips using a knife or pizza cutter.
- Place each piece on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each treat.
🔹 Creative Idea: Make bite-sized pieces for small dogs or training treats!
Step 5: Baking the Dog Treats for Maximum Crunch
Oven Temperature & Baking Time
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and slightly firm.
How to Make Extra-Crunchy Dog Treats
- After the initial bake, reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake for another 10-15 minutes to dehydrate the treats and make them extra crunchy.
- Turn off the oven and let the treats cool inside the oven for an additional 10 minutes—this helps remove moisture for longer shelf life.
🔹 Why Crunchy? Dry, crunchy treats last longer and help clean your dog’s teeth while chewing!
Step 6: Cooling and Storing Homemade Dog Treats
- Remove the treats from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Let them cool for at least 30 minutes—this helps them firm up for that perfect crunch.
- Test one by breaking it in half—if it snaps cleanly, it’s perfectly crunchy!
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats for Freshness
Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 Weeks)
- Place treats in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
- This keeps them fresh while maintaining their crunchy texture.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months)
- Freeze the treats in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- To serve, thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before giving to your dog.
🔹 Storage Tip: Always check treats for mold or staleness before feeding. Since homemade treats don’t have preservatives, keeping them stored properly is key!
Step 7: Serving Your Crunchy Chicken & Green Bean Dog Treats
Now that your homemade dog treats are baked, cooled, and stored, it’s time for the fun part—serving them to your pup! Even though these treats are made with healthy ingredients, they should be fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Small dogs: 1-2 small treats per day
- Medium dogs: 2-3 treats per day
- Large dogs: 3-5 treats per day
🔹 Tip: These treats are great for training rewards—just break them into smaller pieces!
Customizing the Recipe: Variations & Add-Ins
Want to switch up the flavors or make adjustments for your dog’s dietary needs? Here are some easy modifications:
Flour Alternatives
- Whole wheat flour – More fiber but contains gluten.
- Coconut flour – Grain-free and high in fiber.
- Brown rice flour – A good gluten-free alternative.
Protein Alternatives
- Turkey or lean beef – Swap chicken for ground turkey or lean beef.
- Salmon or tuna – For a fish-based version packed with omega-3s.
Vegetable Add-Ins
- Carrots (shredded or finely chopped) – Adds sweetness & vitamins.
- Pumpkin purée – Helps digestion and gives a soft texture.
- Spinach (chopped fine) – Boosts iron and antioxidants.
🔹 Customization Tip: Keep all ingredients dog-safe and avoid toxic foods like onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate!
FAQs: Common Questions About Homemade Dog Treats
1. Can I Make These Treats Softer for Older Dogs?
Yes! To make softer treats:
- Bake for less time (15-20 minutes instead of 25-30).
- Add extra chicken broth (about 1-2 tbsp) for more moisture.
- Store in an airtight container to retain softness.
2. How Long Do Homemade Dog Treats Last?
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months in a sealed bag.
To extend shelf life, bake them longer for maximum crunch and store in a cool, dry place.
3. Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Yes, but choose low-sodium, unseasoned canned chicken and rinse it well before shredding.
4. My Dough Is Too Sticky or Too Dry—What Do I Do?
- Too sticky? Add more oat flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
- Too dry? Add a little extra chicken broth until it holds together.
🔹 Texture Fix: Dough should be sticky but easy to roll—not crumbly or overly wet.
Final Thoughts: Treat Your Pup to Homemade Goodness!
Making your own homemade dog treats is a wonderful way to give your furry friend healthy, natural snacks without artificial additives. By using wholesome ingredients like chicken, green beans, and oat flour, you’re providing a treat that is nutritious, delicious, and beneficial for your dog’s overall well-being.
The crunchy texture not only makes these treats more satisfying but also helps with dental health, keeping your pup’s teeth clean while they enjoy their snack. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients to suit your dog’s specific dietary needs.
If you decide to try these homemade crunchy dog treats, we’d love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments—did your dog love them? Did you experiment with any fun add-ins?
For more healthy homemade dog treat recipes, plus expert advice on pet nutrition, wellness, and fun DIYs, be sure to visit Sweet Purrfections—your go-to blog for all things dogs, cats, and pet health! 🐾
Meet Sean, a fintech whiz with a penchant for pet purrs and blockchain buzz. After a decade of fintech feats, Sean’s tech talents leaped from ledger lines to litter lines, driven by a passion for pets and a vision for a more connected pet care community. With three critter companions as co-pilots, Sean launched this blog to share a treasury of pet-friendly tech tips and tales.
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