Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on store-bought dog treats and wondered what half of those unpronounceable words even mean? It's time to take matters into your own hands and whip up some homemade goodies for your furry best friend! 

Making your own dog treats not only allows you to control the quality of ingredients, but it also gives you the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into those delicious little morsels. Plus, watching your pup's tail wag with excitement as they gobble up a treat made with love is a feeling like no other.

Try these three recipes that are beginner-friendly and offer nutrition and taste without the fillers.

1. Peanut Butter Banana Pupcakes

What You’ll Need:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

How to Make:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, mix mashed banana, peanut butter, applesauce, and egg until well combined. Add the whole wheat flour and baking soda, stirring until just combined. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

2. Sweet Potato Chews

What You’ll Need:

• 1 large sweet potato (yes, that’s all!)

How to Make:

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the sweet potato, then slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds or strips. Place the sweet potato slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potato slices are dried and crispy. Let the chews cool completely before serving to your pup.

3. Pumpkin and Oatmeal Cookies

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cups rolled oats

How to Make:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin, Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth. Stir in the rolled oats until well combined. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture onto the baking sheet, flattening each cookie slightly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are golden and firm. Give these treats sparingly, as dogs shouldn’t have too much honey.

Stock Your PetLuv Pet Carrier with Premium Treats!

After you make these gourmet homemade dog treats, stash a few in your PetLuv carrier. Our premium carriers give your pet the royal treatment, featuring plush pillows, panoramic views, and space galore. Every carrier includes a large storage compartment for food, treats, leashes, or whatever your pet needs while on the go. 

Give them the full gourmet experience — because your pet deserves the best!