Homemade Dog Treats That Last: 3 DIY Long-Lasting Dog Treats

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! 🐾 If you’re anything like me, you want to spoil your furry friend with treats they’ll actually get excited about—without worrying about artificial additives or preservatives. But let’s be real: store-bought snacks can get pricey, and they don’t always stay fresh for long.

That’s why I’m sharing three homemade dog treat recipes that are not only tail-waggingly delicious but also designed to last. These goodies stay crunchy for weeks, making them perfect for training sessions, stuffing into chew toys, or just doling out as “good dog” rewards. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Let’s get baking!

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Oat Biscuits

Why dogs love them: Creamy peanut butter meets earthy pumpkin in these chewy-then-crunchy biscuits. They’re gentle on tummies and loaded with fiber!

Ingredients (simple pantry staples!):

• 2 ½ cups rolled oats (blitzed into flour)

• ½ cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

• ¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)

• 1 egg (for binding)

How to make them last:

• Bake low and slow (40–50 minutes at 300°F) to remove moisture.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks!

Full Recipe:

1. Blend oats into flour. Mix with pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until dough forms.

2. Roll out, cut into fun shapes (bone-shaped cutters = instant pup joy), and bake until golden and crisp.

3. Let them cool completely—this ensures maximum crunch!

2. Dehydrated Chicken & Liver Bites

Why dogs love them: These protein-packed bites are like puppy crack—smelly, savory, and irresistible. Great for training or senior dogs who need soft-but-durable treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked chicken livers (no seasoning!)

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or coconut flour for grain-free pups)

• 1 egg

How to make them last:

• Bake at 250°F for 2–3 hours until rock-hard. Let them dry in the turned-off oven overnight for ultimate preservation.

• Refrigerate for 4 weeks, or freeze for months!

Full Recipe:

1. Blend cooked livers and broth into a smooth paste.

2. Mix with flour and egg to form a dough, then roll into tiny training-sized balls or thin strips.

3. Bake until they’re dry and crumbly (your kitchen will smell… interesting).

3. Apple-Carrot Crunchy Chews

Why dogs love them: Sweet apples + earthy carrots = a vitamin-packed crunch fest. Think of these as your dog’s daily “salad” (but way tastier).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated apple (remove seeds!)

• 1 cup grated carrot

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 cup oats

• 1 egg

• A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional pup-safe spice!)

How to make them last:

• Squeeze excess moisture from the apple and carrot to prevent sogginess.

• Bake thin slices at 300°F for 50–60 minutes until crisp. They’ll stay fresh for 3 weeks in a sealed jar!

Full Recipe:

1. Wring out grated apple and carrot in a clean towel (trust me, this step is key!).

2. Mix all ingredients into a stiff dough, roll ultra-thin, and cut into strips or tiny bones.

3. Bake until golden and let cool—these get crunchier as they sit!

Why These Treats Stay Fresh So Long 🕰️

• Low-and-slow baking: Removing moisture = no mold!

• Natural preservatives: Pumpkin, apple, and oats help inhibit spoilage.

• Airtight storage: Keep them in jars or reusable silicone bags.

Pro Tips for Success 🐶

• Grain-free? Swap wheat flour for oat, coconut, or chickpea flour.

• Size matters: Smaller treats dry faster and last longer.

• Double batches: These freeze beautifully! Just thaw at room temp.

Final Woof

There’s nothing like the pride of handing your pup a treat you made—especially when it stays fresh for weeks! Whether your dog is a peanut butter fanatic, a meat lover, or a veggie enthusiast, these recipes are sure to earn a paws-up.