High Protein Dog Treat Recipe Your Pup Will Love
Finding a snack that’s both healthy and super tasty for my dog has always felt like a fun little experiment in the kitchen. Over time, I’ve landed on a high protein dog treat recipe that’s always a hit with my furry buddy. These treats are packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about, plus they’re so easy to make at home. No fancy gadgets or hard to track down stuff required.
This recipe works well whether your dog lounges on the sofa or has the zoomies every time you grab the leash. Making treats from scratch means I know exactly what’s going into them. You can also customize each batch for your pet’s taste and needs, and it’s really easy to switch things up.
Why These High Protein Dog Treats Are Worth Trying
- Simple prep, no fuss. Just mix, shape, and bake. You only need basic kitchen tools for this.
- Loaded with protein. Lean meats and eggs help build muscle and keep your dog energized and happy.
- Wholesome ingredients. No artificial flavors or weird fillers, just pure, dog friendly stuff.
- Easy to adapt. Switch up proteins or addins if your dog has any sensitivities or favorite flavors.
- A good source of mental stimulation. Homemade treats make awesome training rewards and give your dog a fun treat to look forward to.
Beyond just being fun to make, these treats are a great opportunity to get your dog involved in your daily routine. My dog is always curious when I pull out his special mixing bowl and tends to supervise until the last treat is baked.
Ingredients
Everything here is easy to find at most grocery stores. If your dog has specific allergies or dislikes, you can swap out some of the main ingredients to suit their needs.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast (no seasoning)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup pea protein powder (unsweetened and plain)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no salt or xylitol)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for breath freshening)
- 2 tablespoons water (if needed to make the dough stick together)
A lot of these ingredients double up as great kibble toppers, so if you have leftovers, there’s no waste. Make sure the peanut butter you pick is free from xylitol, since that can be harmful to your dog.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prep and Set Up
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the treats from sticking and make cleanup simple.
2. Mix the Good Stuff
In a large bowl, toss in the cooked chicken, pumpkin, oats, egg, peanut butter, and pea protein powder. Add parsley if you’re using it for a fresh taste. Mix everything together really well. If the dough seems dry, add water a spoonful at a time until it feels like playdough.
3. Shape the Treats
Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls, or flatten into discs. If you want to make them extra fun, roll the dough and use cookie cutters to create cool shapes. Place the treats on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the treats look firm and are just turning golden. Let them cool down completely before inviting your dog for a taste test.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make a double batch and freeze the extras. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to two months.
- Switch chicken for lean ground turkey or salmon if your pet prefers a different protein or has allergies.
- For a treat without grains, swap out rolled oats for finely ground chickpea flour. This keeps them gluten free and easy to digest for sensitive pups.
- Always doublecheck that your peanut butter contains no xylitol, since it’s dangerous for dogs.
- Add a pinch of turmeric or a splash of low sodium bone broth to give a boost of flavor and nutrition.
For a little extra crunch, leave the treats in the turned off oven to cool slowly after baking. This dries them further and gives your dog a satisfying munch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are high protein treats good for dogs?
High protein treats can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, especially for active dogs or those who need more muscle support. Protein helps build lean muscle and supports their overall energy. As with any treat, start with moderation and keep it as a small addition to their complete diet. It’s best to ask your vet if you’re unsure or your dog follows a special meal plan.
What is the healthiest homemade treat for a dog?
Healthiest treats use simple, wholefood ingredients and skip out on salt, sugar, or weird additives. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and eggs work very well for homemade goodies. Even steamed carrots, cooked sweet potato, or plain green beans make super healthy, easy options that most dogs love.
What is the best protein for homemade dogs?
Stick to lean, cooked meats like chicken or turkey as a safe bet. Eggs are great for a protein boost and are easy for most dogs to digest. If you’re dealing with allergies, try mixing in salmon, duck, or plant based protein powder, as long as your dog enjoys and digests it well.
How do you make high quality dog treats?
Great treats start with fresh, human grade ingredients and simple techniques. Use real meats, keep everything cooked and clean, and skip the extras. Store finished treats in an airtight container in the fridge and make smaller batches so they’re always fresh and tasty for your dog.
Try This Recipe with Your Dog!
My dog’s tail starts wagging as soon as he catches a whiff of these treats baking. It’s super rewarding to make something for your pet that looks after their health and makes them happy. These treats are much healthier and fresher than most store bought options. If you try this recipe or come up with a favorite addin, I’d love to hear about it. Happy baking, and enjoy the excited smiles from your pup!