5 Irresistible Natural Dog Treats You Can DIY Today

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll learn in this post:

In this guide, you’ll get step-by-step recipes for 5 irresistible natural dog treats you can DIY today, using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. We’ll also cover what ingredients to avoid, safe storage tips, and how to complement your homemade creations with our Australian natural dog treats from Bark with Buster. Let’s get into it!

🐾 Why DIY Natural Dog Treats?

If you’re the kind of pet parent who checks the label before buying anything for your dog—welcome, you’re in the right place.

Natural dog treats are growing in popularity for good reason. They’re made with real ingredients, contain no artificial fillers or preservatives, and support your dog’s health in ways standard many supermarket snacks just can’t.

And when you make them yourself? You get total control. You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body, you can tailor recipes for allergies or sensitivities, and (bonus!) it’s way more budget-friendly.

Here’s why Aussies are switching to natural dog treats, whether DIY or store-bought:

• 🐶 Fewer synthetic additives

• 🍖 Grain-free treats for dogs with food sensitivities

• 🥕 More vitamins, fibre, and nutrients from real whole foods

• 🇦🇺 Support for Aussie-grown and ethically sourced ingredients

If you’re after something quick and wholesome between baking sessions, check out our Treat Packs — made in Australia, 100% natural, single ingredient and always grain-free.

🍠 5 Irresistible Natural Dog Treats You Can DIY Today

These recipes are simple, affordable, and made with ingredients that are safe and beneficial for your dog. Each one includes instructions, tips, and why it’s a winner for your pup’s health.

1. Sweet Potato Chews

Perfect for: chewy, single-ingredient grain-free treats for dogs

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 120°C.

2. Wash and slice the sweet potato into thin strips or rounds.

3. Lay them on a lined baking tray.

4. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, flipping halfway through.

5. Let cool and store in an airtight container.

Why it’s great:
These are naturally sweet, packed with fibre, and ideal for dogs that love to chew. A brilliant single-ingredient snack with no added anything.

2. Zucchini & Pumpkin Bites

Perfect for: sensitive tummies and allergy-friendly snacking

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out the water)

• 1 cup mashed cooked pumpkin

• 1 egg

• 1 cup oat or rice flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.

2. Mix everything in a bowl to form a thick dough.

3. Spoon into bite-sized drops or flatten into small patties.

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

5. Cool completely before serving.

Why it’s great:
Pumpkin and zucchini are gentle on digestion and naturally low in fat. These soft bites make ideal puppy training treats or senior-friendly snacks.

3. Pumpkin & Oat Training Treats

Perfect for: daily training and soft reward treats

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed pumpkin

• 2 cups rolled oats

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Blend oats into a rough flour.

2. Mix with pumpkin and egg into a dough.

3. Shape into tiny training treats.

4. Bake at 160°C for 25 minutes.

Why it’s great:
These are low-fat, easy to chew, and perfect for high-frequency training. No added sugars, colours, or preservatives—just pure reward power.

4. Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Perfect for: crunchy snacks loaded with fibre and vitamins

Ingredients:

• 1 grated apple (seeds removed)

• 1 grated carrot

• 1 egg

• 1 cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Spoon onto a lined tray in small rounds.

3. Bake at 160°C for 25–30 minutes.

4. Let cool before storing.

Why it’s great:
These crisp treats are full of natural sweetness and crunch. Great as a mid-morning or after-walkie snack—and a sneaky way to boost your dog’s fibre intake.

5. Frozen Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Perfect for: hot summer days and Kong-style toys

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter

• 1 cup plain Greek yoghurt

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients together.

2. Pour into silicone moulds or ice cube trays.

3. Freeze for at least 4 hours.

4. Pop one out and serve chilled.

Why it’s great:
Cool, creamy, and packed with potassium and protein. A fun enrichment tool and a relief for hot-weather pups.

⚠️ Common Risks of DIY Natural Dog Treats

Making your own natural dog treats at home is a rewarding experience—but it’s important to keep safety front of mind.

🚫 Ingredients to Avoid

Some common kitchen foods can be dangerous for dogs. According to RSPCA Australia, avoid:

• Chocolate

• Xylitol (often in peanut butter)

• Grapes or raisins

• Onions and garlic

• Macadamia nuts
  

🧊 Storage Tips

Homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, so:

• Keep soft or meat/dairy-based treats in the fridge for up to a week

• Freeze in airtight containers for longer storage (1–3 months)

• Toss anything that smells off or grows mould

🐕 Allergy Awareness

Even natural ingredients can cause sensitivities. That’s why many of our recipes (like the Zucchini & Pumpkin Bites) are ideal as dog treats for allergies—grain-free, gentle, and free of common triggers like chicken or wheat.

Need 100% peace of mind? Our natural treat range is made for even the fussiest or most sensitive pups.

🐾 How Homemade Treats Fit With Bark with Buster

DIY is great—but let’s be real, we’re not always up for baking a batch of dog treats between work, walks, and weekend trips.

That’s where Bark with Buster’s Australian natural dog treats come in.

Use DIY snacks for training or casual enrichment, and supplement with our range of grain-free treats for dogs, dental chews, and single-ingredient bones for dogs that support health and happiness long-term.

👉 Shop Now
👉 Or Join the Treat Hustlers Club for exclusive recipes, product drops, and VIP discounts

🙋♀️ FAQs About Natural Dog Treats You Can DIY Today

Q: Can I freeze all of these treats?
Yes! Most can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.

Q: How long do homemade treats last?
Fridge: around 5–7 days. Freezer: up to 12 weeks. Store in airtight containers.

Q: What if my dog has food allergies?
Stick with recipes like the Zucchini & Pumpkin Bites or Sweet Potato Chews—they’re naturally low-allergen and grain-free. Or try our allergy-friendly treats.

Q: Is DIY better than store-bought?
Both have their place. Homemade gives you flexibility; premium natural dog treats from brands like Bark with Buster give you convenience and quality assurance.

🐶 Treat Your Dog the Natural Way

There you have it—5 irresistible natural dog treats you can DIY today, plus all the info you need to make them safely and store them smart.

Homemade treats are a beautiful way to bond with your dog, but when you need reliable, ready-to-go options, our Aussie-made range has your back.

🦴 Explore Bark with Buster’s Natural Dog Treats
🎁 Or Join the Treat Hustlers Club to get recipes like these, exclusive discounts & first dibs on new treats!