7 Grain-Free Dog Biscuits That Are Better Than Store-Bought

Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about why homemade is so much better. It’s about more than just avoiding grains; it’s about taking control of your dog’s nutrition in a simple, rewarding way.

Key Benefits of Homemade Treats:

• Total Ingredient Control: You know exactly what’s going into each biscuit. This is a game-changer for dogs with allergies or specific dietary needs. No more mystery meats or unpronounceable additives!
• No Nasty Preservatives: Commercial treats need a long shelf life, so they’re often packed with artificial preservatives. Homemade treats are fresh, meaning you can skip the chemicals altogether.
• Cost-Effective: High-quality, grain-free commercial treats can be pricey. Baking a large batch at home often costs a fraction of the price and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
• Customizable for Your Pup: Is your dog crazy for carrots but hates bananas? You can easily tweak recipes to cater to your dog’s specific tastes and nutritional needs. You can also make them softer for senior dogs or extra crunchy for plaque control.
• A Fun Bonding Experience: The act of baking for your dog is an expression of love. And let’s be honest, having a furry sous chef waiting patiently for a crumb to drop is a pretty great way to spend an afternoon.

Get ready to become your dog’s personal baker! These recipes are simple, use minimal ingredients, and are packed with flavor and nutrients. Remember to use 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) and xylitol-free peanut butter.

1. Classic Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Biscuits

This is a timeless classic for a reason. Pumpkin is fantastic for digestion, and what dog can resist peanut butter?

• Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, 2 large eggs, 2 1/2 cups coconut flour (or almond flour), plus more for dusting.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Gradually add the coconut flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms.
  4. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  5. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. Let cool completely.

2. Sweet Potato & Turmeric Treats

These vibrant orange treats are packed with antioxidants and the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric.

• Ingredients: 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted), 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine the mashed sweet potato, melted coconut oil, and egg in a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the chickpea flour and turmeric.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to form a dough.
  5. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place on a prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before serving.

3. Blueberry & Banana Bites

A fruity, antioxidant-rich cookie that tastes like a treat you’d want to eat yourself!

• Ingredients: 1 ripe banana (mashed), 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 egg, 1 1/2 cups almond flour.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana and egg. Gently fold in the blueberries.
  3. Stir in the almond flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Drop teaspoon-sized spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly with a fork.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden.

4. Apple & Carrot Crunchers

These biscuits have a wonderful texture and are full of vitamins from fresh fruits and veggies.

• Ingredients: 1 cup grated carrot, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 egg, 2 cups coconut flour.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the grated carrot, applesauce, and egg together.
  3. Slowly add the coconut flour until you have a workable dough.
  4. Roll, cut, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and dry to the touch.

5. Savory Salmon & Flaxseed Wafers

Perfect for a shiny coat, these treats are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids.

• Ingredients: 1 (5 oz) can of salmon (drained), 1/2 cup ground flaxseed, 1 egg.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a food processor, combine the drained salmon, ground flaxseed, and egg. Pulse until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out very thin (about 1/8-inch).
  4. Remove the top sheet of parchment and score the dough into small squares with a pizza cutter.
  5. Slide the parchment onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Break apart once cooled.

6. Cheesy Chickpea Crackers

A savory, crunchy cracker that’s sure to be a hit with cheese-loving canines.

• Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until a ball of dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out very thin between sheets of parchment paper.
  4. Cut into small cracker shapes and place on a baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

7. No-Bake Coconut & Banana Pupsicles

A cool and refreshing treat for a hot day, with no oven required!

• Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup plain yogurt (ensure it’s xylitol-free).
• Instructions:
  1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth.
  2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds (paw or bone shapes are fun!).
  3. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
  4. Pop them out of the molds and serve frozen!

You’ve got the recipes, now here are a few tips to ensure baking success and keep those treats fresh for your deserving pup.

• Dough Help: Grain-free flours can be a bit sticky. Don’t be afraid to lightly dust your hands, rolling pin, and work surface with a little extra flour to prevent sticking.
• Crunchy vs. Chewy: For a crunchier biscuit, roll the dough thinner and bake it a little longer. For a softer treat (great for seniors or dogs with dental issues), roll the dough thicker and bake for a shorter time.
• Storage is Key: Since these treats have no preservatives, they won’t last for weeks in a cookie jar like the store-bought kind. Here’s how to store them:
  

  For crunchy treats, let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For softer treats, or for longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to three months.

While it’s fun to get creative, it’s critically important to know which human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these ingredients in your dog’s treats or food. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian.

Foods to Always Avoid:

• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, yogurts, and baked goods. It is extremely toxic to dogs.
• Chocolate, Coffee & Caffeine: These contain substances called methylxanthines, which are very dangerous for pets.
• Onions, Garlic & Chives: These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.
• Grapes & Raisins: These can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.
• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
• Alcohol: Should never be given to pets, as it can cause serious intoxication and health problems.

Stick to pup-approved ingredients, and you’ll have a safe and happy baking experience!