Homemade Dog Biscuits: 5 Easy Vet-Approved Recipes

Why Make Your Own Dog Biscuits?

Store-bought treats are convenient, but many contain artificial colours, preservatives, and fillers that your dog simply doesn't need. Making your own dog biscuits gives you complete control over what goes into your pup's snacks.

Homemade biscuits are surprisingly easy to make, require just a few pantry staples, and they last for weeks when stored properly. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing — and your dog will camp out by the oven in eager anticipation.

Here are five tried-and-tested recipes that dogs absolutely love.

Recipe 1: Classic Peanut Butter Biscuits

The crowd-pleaser. Dogs go crazy for the smell of peanut butter baking, and these biscuits have a satisfying crunch that keeps them coming back.

Ingredients

• 2 cups wholemeal flour (or oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs)
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C (350F)

Mix peanut butter and eggs until smooth

Gradually add flour, mixing well. Add water as needed to form a workable dough

Roll out to 1cm thickness on a floured surface

Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or knife

Place on a lined baking tray

Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and firm

Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving

Makes: About 30 biscuits | Storage: Airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months

Recipe 2: Pumpkin and Oat Biscuits

Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and adds natural sweetness without any sugar. These are perfect for dogs with sensitive digestion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats (blended into flour)
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 170C (340F)

Blend oats in a food processor until they form a fine flour

Mix pumpkin puree, egg, and coconut oil together

Add oat flour and stir until a dough forms

Roll out to 1cm thickness and cut into shapes

Bake for 25 minutes until firm and dry to the touch

Turn the oven off and leave biscuits inside for another 15 minutes for extra crunch

Makes: About 25 biscuits | Storage: Airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months

Recipe 3: Sweet Potato Chew Biscuits

These have a slightly softer, chewier texture that many dogs prefer. Sweet potato provides beta-carotene, fibre, and a naturally sweet flavour.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato (cooked and mashed, about 1 cup)
• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 175C (345F)

Boil or bake the sweet potato until soft, then mash thoroughly (let it cool first)

Mix mashed sweet potato, egg, and olive oil

Gradually add flour until a firm dough forms

Roll out to 1.5cm thickness for a chewier biscuit (or thinner for crunchier)

Cut into shapes and place on a lined baking tray

Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden

Cool completely before serving

Makes: About 25 biscuits | Storage: Refrigerate for up to 1 week (the moisture content means these don't keep as long at room temperature), or freeze for up to 3 months

Recipe 4: Apple Cinnamon Biscuits

A fragrant, autumn-inspired treat. The tiny amount of cinnamon is safe for dogs and adds warmth without any sugar.

Ingredients

• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 1 medium apple (peeled, cored, and grated)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is preferred)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons water (if needed)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C (350F)

Combine flour and cinnamon

In a separate bowl, mix grated apple, egg, and applesauce

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until a dough forms. Add water if too dry

Roll out to 1cm thickness and cut into shapes

Bake for 20-22 minutes until firm and lightly browned

Cool on a wire rack

Makes: About 30 biscuits | Storage: Airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months

Recipe 5: Carrot and Parsley Biscuits

Carrots provide crunch and sweetness, while parsley is a natural breath freshener — a win-win if your dog's breath could use some help.

Ingredients

• 2 cups wholemeal flour (or rice flour for grain-free)
• 1 large carrot (finely grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180C (350F)

Mix flour, grated carrot, and parsley

In a separate bowl, whisk egg with coconut oil

Combine wet and dry ingredients, adding water gradually until a smooth dough forms

Roll out and cut into shapes

Bake for 20 minutes until golden and hard

Cool completely — these get crunchier as they cool

Makes: About 30 biscuits | Storage: Airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months

Ingredients to NEVER Use in Dog Biscuits

Before you get creative with your own variations, make sure you avoid:

• Xylitol — found in some peanut butters and sugar-free products; extremely toxic to dogs
• Chocolate or cocoa powder — contains theobromine, which is toxic
• Raisins or grapes — can cause kidney failure
• Onion or garlic powder — damages red blood cells
• Nutmeg — contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs in larger amounts
• Macadamia nuts — cause weakness and vomiting

Always double-check peanut butter labels for xylitol (also listed as "birch sugar" or "birch xylitol").

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

• Room temperature: Most biscuits keep 1-2 weeks in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Extends life to 3-4 weeks, especially for softer or moisture-rich recipes
• Freezer: All recipes freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving
• Dehydrator trick: After baking, dehydrate biscuits at 65C for 4-6 hours for an extra-crunchy, shelf-stable treat

Track What Your Dog Loves

Not every dog will love every recipe. Keeping notes on which treats your dog enjoys (and which ones get politely ignored) helps you refine your baking over time. Pet Capsule lets you log treats, track ingredients, and even note any sensitivities — so you always know what works for your pup.

Get Baking

Homemade dog biscuits are one of the simplest ways to show your dog you care. Five ingredients, twenty minutes of baking, and you have a jar full of treats that are healthier, fresher, and tastier than anything on a store shelf.

Your dog is already drooling.

Want more ways to give your pet the best? Join the Pet Capsule waitlist for personalised nutrition insights, treat tracking, and AI-powered care tools.