19 Healthy Treats for Dogs: Tasty & Nutritious Snacks

Treats are one of the easiest ways to show your dog love, but not all snacks are good for them.

Picking healthy, natural, and low-calorie treats keeps your dog fit, active, and happy while still giving them something delicious to enjoy.

From crunchy carrots and sweet blueberries to protein-packed homemade bites, there are many nutritious options your furry friend will love.

Healthy treats help manage your dog’s weight and digestion without harmful chemicals or added sugars.

Whether you like to buy ready-made treats or prefer baking your own, there’s always a perfect option for every dog’s taste and every special occasion, making treat time both fun and healthy.

Benefits of Healthy Treats for Your Dog

Giving your dog healthy treats can help keep them happy and healthy. Nutritious snacks support their overall health by providing essential vitamins and minerals that keep their fur shiny, teeth strong, and body functioning well.

Low-calorie treats help your dog maintain a healthy weight, which in turn lowers the risk of problems such as joint pain or heart issues.

Healthy treats also give your dog natural energy to play, run, and enjoy life. Over time, these good choices can help your dog live a longer, healthier life and feel better every day.

Choosing treats that are both tasty and healthy is an easy way to show your dog love while keeping them healthy.

Healthy Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

Treating your dog doesn’t have to mean unhealthy snacks. These healthy treats are easy, tasty, and made to keep your dog happy and healthy.

1. Peanut Butter Banana Bites

I like these treats because they’re simple and full of healthy ingredients. You’ll just need a ripe banana, some natural peanut butter, and oat flour.

Bananas add natural sweetness and potassium, while peanut butter gives protein and healthy fats that boost your dog’s energy and coat health. These treats are soft, tasty, and perfect for training or a quick snack.

Recipe:

• Mash one ripe banana in a bowl.
• Add 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter (no xylitol).
• Mix in 1 cup of oat flour until the dough forms.
• Roll into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes and let cool completely.

2. Sweet Potato Chews

If your dog loves to chew, these are a great option. You’ll only need one large sweet potato, which is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and supports healthy digestion and vision.

These chews are chewy, naturally sweet, and much healthier than store-bought ones. I make a big batch once a week to keep handy for treats.

Recipe:

• Wash and slice one large sweet potato into thin strips.
• Lay slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake at 250°F for about 2½ hours, flipping halfway through.
• Let them cool completely before storing or serving.

3. Apple Cinnamon Cookies

These treats smell so good while baking that you might want to eat one yourself. You’ll need a grated apple, whole wheat flour, a bit of cinnamon, and an egg.

Apples give fiber and antioxidants that support your dog’s heart, while cinnamon adds flavor and helps with inflammation. These crunchy cookies make great occasional snacks.

Recipe:

• Grate one apple and mix it in a bowl.
• Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 egg.
• Stir until the dough forms.
• Roll out and cut into small shapes.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and cool before serving.

4. Carrot and Oat Biscuits

I like making these biscuits when I want a quick, healthy snack for my dog. You’ll need rolled oats, shredded carrots, and an egg.

Carrots help with your dog’s eye health, and oats keep their digestion smooth. These biscuits come out crunchy and satisfying, perfect for a light breakfast treat or mid-day snack.

I also like that they don’t have added sugar or preservatives, so I know exactly what my dog is eating.

Recipe:

• Mix 1 cup rolled oats with ½ cup shredded carrots.
• Add 1 egg and stir until the mixture forms a dough.
• Scoop small portions onto a baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.

5. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bars

These bars are one of the easiest and healthiest treats I make. You’ll need canned pumpkin, peanut butter, and oat flour.

Pumpkin helps your dog’s digestion and adds moisture to their diet, while peanut butter gives protein for energy and muscle health. The bars come out soft and chewy, making them easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.

I like storing them in the fridge so they stay fresh and ready whenever my dog deserves a little reward.

Recipe:

• Combine ½ cup canned pumpkin and 2 tablespoons peanut butter in a bowl.
• Stir in 1 cup of oat flour until a thick dough forms.
• Spread evenly into a lined baking pan.
• Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
• Let cool completely, then cut into small bars.

6. Frozen Yogurt Drops

I love making these on hot days because they keep my dog cool and happy. You’ll need plain yogurt and mashed fruit, like a banana or berries.

Yogurt provides probiotics that help your dog’s digestion, and fruit adds vitamins and flavor.

They’re refreshing, light, and easy to store in the freezer. I often give these after walks or playtime as a special cool-down treat that feels like ice cream but is completely healthy.

Recipe:

• Mix ½ cup plain yogurt with ¼ cup mashed banana or berries.
• Spoon small drops onto a parchment-lined tray.
• Freeze for at least 2 hours or until solid.
• Store in a container in the freezer.

7. Chicken and Sweet Potato Bites

These are protein-packed treats that always get my dog’s tail wagging. You’ll need cooked, shredded chicken, mashed sweet potato, and an egg.

Chicken provides lean protein that supports strong muscles, while sweet potato adds fiber, vitamins, and a hint of sweetness. I like making a batch and keeping them in the fridge for a few days.

They’re great for training or rewarding good behavior without the junk found in store-bought treats.

Recipe:

• Mix ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken with ½ cup mashed sweet potato.
• Add 1 egg and combine well.
• Shape into small bite-sized pieces.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Cool before serving.

8. Blueberry Oat Treats

These treats are packed with antioxidants and natural sweetness. You’ll need fresh or frozen blueberries, rolled oats, and plain yogurt.

Blueberries help support your dog’s immune system and brain health, while oats aid digestion.

I like these because they’re soft and easy to chew, even for older dogs. They’re a perfect mix of healthy and delicious, and you can make a bunch at once to store in the fridge for quick snacks.

Recipe:

• Mash ½ cup blueberries in a bowl.
• Add 1 cup rolled oats and ¼ cup plain yogurt.
• Mix until sticky and well combined.
• Spoon onto a baking tray and flatten lightly.
• Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes and cool before serving.

9. Tuna and Parsley Bites

I make these when I want a high-protein snack for my dog. You’ll need canned tuna, fresh parsley, an egg, and oat flour.

Tuna gives omega-3s that help with your dog’s coat and joints, while parsley freshens their breath and supports kidney health. These bites are soft and flavorful, great for training or as a small reward.

They also smell irresistible to dogs, which makes them extra effective for getting attention during practice.

Recipe:

• Drain one can of tuna and place it in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 egg, and ½ cup oat flour.
• Mix until combined and form into small balls.
• Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Cool before serving or refrigerate for freshness.

10. Spinach and Cheese Biscuits

These biscuits are a great way to sneak in greens. You’ll need fresh spinach, shredded cheese, and whole wheat flour.

Spinach provides iron and vitamins that support your dog’s immune system, while cheese adds calcium and flavor that dogs love.

I like how crunchy they turn out, they’re satisfying to chew, and easy to store. These biscuits make a fun, wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks that often contain unnecessary fillers.

Recipe:

• Finely chop ½ cup spinach and mix with ¼ cup shredded cheese.
• Add 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 egg.
• Stir until the dough forms, then roll and cut into small pieces.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until firm.
• Cool completely before serving.

11. Zucchini and Carrot Treats

These treats are packed with vitamins and fiber that keep your dog’s digestion smooth. You’ll need grated zucchini, grated carrots, and oat flour.

Both vegetables are light on calories but full of nutrients that support healthy skin and coat. I like making these when I have leftover veggies; they bake beautifully and smell great, too.

The texture comes out soft yet chewy, perfect for dogs of all ages.

Recipe:

• Grate ½ zucchini and ½ carrot into a bowl.
• Add 1 cup of oat flour and 1 egg.
• Mix until evenly combined.
• Scoop small amounts onto a lined baking sheet.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then cool before serving.

12. Salmon and Sweet Potato Bites

These treats are rich in omega-3s, making them great for your dog’s coat and joints. You’ll need cooked salmon, mashed sweet potato, and an egg.

I love how these come together quickly and provide a boost of healthy fats and fiber.

They’re soft, flavorful, and ideal for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. I usually bake a small batch and refrigerate the leftovers for a week’s worth of healthy snacks.

Recipe:

• Mix ½ cup cooked flaked salmon with ½ cup mashed sweet potato.
• Add 1 egg and stir until smooth.
• Spoon small portions onto a baking tray.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
• Let cool completely before serving.

13. Coconut Apple Chews

These chews are naturally sweet and full of fiber. You’ll need shredded coconut, grated apple, and oat flour. Coconut supports skin and coat health, while apples help clean teeth and freshen breath.

I love how chewy these are; they keep my dog busy while still being easy to digest. They’re also a great choice if you want to avoid artificial flavors and stick with natural ingredients.

Recipe:

• Combine ½ cup shredded coconut with ½ cup grated apple.
• Add ½ cup oat flour and mix until sticky.
• Roll into small logs or flat discs.
• Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.
• Cool before serving or store in an airtight container.

14. Turkey and Carrot Meatballs

These meatballs are one of my dog’s favorites because they’re full of protein and easy to chew. You’ll need ground turkey, shredded carrots, and an egg.

Turkey helps build lean muscles, while carrots add fiber and vitamin A for better digestion and vision.

I like making a big batch and freezing half for later. They’re also a great treat for training since they can be cut into smaller pieces without crumbling.

Recipe:

• Mix ½ pound ground turkey with ½ cup shredded carrots.
• Add 1 egg and stir until well combined.
• Roll into small balls and place on a lined baking tray.
• Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until cooked through.
• Cool before serving or refrigerate leftovers.

15. Banana Oat Cookies

I make these cookies when I want a quick, two-ingredient snack for my dog. You’ll only need ripe bananas and rolled oats. Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness, while oats add fiber for healthy digestion.

These cookies are chewy and gentle on the stomach, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities.

I like how simple they are, no added sugar or fat, just wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Recipe:

• Mash 2 ripe bananas in a bowl.
• Stir in 1½ cups rolled oats until well mixed.
• Scoop small portions onto a parchment-lined tray.
• Flatten slightly and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
• Cool before storing in an airtight container.

16. Broccoli and Cheese Bites

These bites are packed with flavor and nutrients. You’ll need chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, and oat flour.

Broccoli gives vitamins and fiber that support your dog’s immune system, while cheese adds protein and makes them extra tasty.

I like making these when I want a savory treat that smells delicious while baking. They’re small, crunchy, and perfect for rewarding good behavior or using during short training sessions.

Recipe:

• Steam ½ cup broccoli until soft and chop finely.
• Mix with ¼ cup shredded cheese and ½ cup oat flour.
• Add 1 egg and stir to form a dough.
• Shape into small balls or discs.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and cool before serving.

17. Carrot Apple Muffins

These muffins make a hearty snack for dogs who love fruity flavors. You’ll need grated carrots, grated apple, whole wheat flour, and an egg.

Carrots give fiber and vitamin A, while apples add natural sweetness and antioxidants.

I like baking them in mini muffin tins so they’re perfectly portioned. They’re soft and moist, making them great for dogs who don’t enjoy hard treats.

Recipe:

• Mix ½ cup of grated carrot and ½ cup of grated apple in a bowl.
• Add 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 egg.
• Stir until combined and spoon into mini muffin cups.
• Bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
• Cool completely before serving.

18. Oatmeal and Pumpkin Bites

These bites are chewy, filling, and full of fiber. You’ll need canned pumpkin, rolled oats, and a bit of peanut butter.

Pumpkin supports digestion, and oats keep your dog full longer.

I like how these come together fast, no fancy prep needed. They’re soft enough for all dog sizes and make a perfect post-walk reward.

Recipe:

• Combine ½ cup canned pumpkin with 1 cup rolled oats.
• Add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter and stir until thick.
• Shape into small balls.
• Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.
• Let cool before storing.

19. Cheesy Spinach Twists

These crunchy twists are both nutritious and fun to make. You’ll need fresh spinach, shredded cheese, and whole wheat flour.

Spinach gives vitamins and antioxidants, while cheese makes them irresistible.

I like shaping them into twists; they look fancy but are easy to make. These treats store well and keep their crunch for several days.

Recipe:

• Chop ½ cup spinach and mix with ¼ cup shredded cheese.
• Add 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 egg to form a dough.
• Roll into ropes, twist them, and place on a baking tray.
• Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
• Cool before serving.

Choosing Healthy Ingredients for Your Dog’s Treats

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial to maintaining your dog’s happiness and health. Some ingredients provide nutrition and energy, while others can be harmful.

Below is a simple guide to help you choose safe and beneficial treats:

Choosing treats with the right ingredients ensures your dog stays safe, energetic, and happy while enjoying tasty snacks.

Tips for Feeding Healthy Treats

Giving your dog treats can be fun and helpful, but it’s important to do it the right way. Healthy treats support your dog’s well-being, but too much can lead to weight gain or stomach problems.

• Portion control and frequency: Give small amounts and limit the frequency of treats to prevent overfeeding. Treats should be only a small part of your dog’s daily diet.
• Using treats for training without overfeeding: Use tiny pieces as rewards during training sessions. This keeps your dog motivated while avoiding extra calories.
• Monitoring your dog’s reaction to new treats: Watch for allergies, upset stomachs, or unusual behavior when introducing a new treat.

Feeding treats wisely helps your dog stay healthy, happy, and eager for snack time without any health risks.

Store-Bought vs Homemade Healthy Treats: Which Is Better?

When it comes to treating your dog, both store-bought and homemade options have their pros and cons. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and your dog’s needs.

Both options can be healthy and enjoyable, but what matters most is choosing safe, nutritious treats your dog will love!

Conclusion

Healthy treats are more than just a tasty snack for your dog-they’re a way to show love while keeping them happy and strong.

Low-calorie, natural treats help manage weight, aid digestion, boost energy, and supply key nutrients.

Whether you choose high-quality commercial options or try making homemade recipes, you can find treats that are safe, nutritious, and delicious.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients your dog enjoys, like carrots, pumpkin, or lean proteins.

Paying attention to portions and your dog’s individual needs makes treat time both fun and healthy.

With the right choices, you can turn snacks into a way to care for your dog’s health, energy, and overall happiness every single day.