5 Homemade Chicken Dog Treats

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Looking for healthy treats to make for your pup? Chicken dog treats are a great option! Chicken is a high-quality protein source for dogs and contains beneficial compounds like chondroitin and glucosamine, which support strong bones and joints.

In this article, we’ll share five delicious and nutritious chicken dog treat recipes that you can add to your cookbook. Your pup will love them!

Cheesy Mini Patties Chicken Dog Treats

These homemade soft chicken dog treats are perfect for dogs with sensitive and fragile teeth.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped yellow squash
• ¼ cup sliced spinach
• ¼ cup quinoa flakes
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pound diced boneless chicken thighs

Instructions:

1. Place the diced chicken thighs into the food processor and blend until thoroughly minced.
2. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Use parchment paper to line a baking sheet.
4. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients, except the panko breadcrumbs, until properly combined.
5. Using a small teaspoon, scoop small balls out of the batter. Then firmly press a spoon on them to create small patties.
6. Dredge the cheesy chicken patties for dogs in panko breadcrumbs.
7. Lightly grease the lined baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Place the patties on the sheet at least an inch apart to keep them from sticking to each other.
9. Bake at around 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes on one side. Then flip to the other side and bake for an extra 4 to 6 minutes or until they are lightly browned around the edges.
10. Take the patties out of the oven and allow them to cool down completely before feeding them to your dog.

Note:

• These cheesy chicken patties for dogs can be placed in a ziplock bag and left in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tender Chicken Salad Dog Treats

Are you in search of safe snacks for a dog with gluten or grain allergy? These homemade chicken dog treats without flour are what you are looking for.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Simmer 1 cup of water in a skillet.
2. Put the chicken breasts inside the skillet and cover. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes, and then turn the heat to low.
3. Cover the chicken breasts again and let them cook for around 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Turn off the heat and transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Shred them into pieces by pulling the meat apart using 2 forks.
5. Place all ingredients, except plain Greek yogurt, in a large bowl. Stir until they are properly mixed.
6. Add 3 to 5 spoons of plain Greek yogurt and toss until all the ingredients are fully coated with it.

Notes:

• Before cooking, remove the chicken skin if the chicken breast has any. Chicken skin contains too much fat, which may cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
• If this homemade chicken treat for dogs is too dry, continue adding 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt at a time until it has a creamy consistency.
• Place uneaten tender chicken salad for dogs in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Dog-Friendly Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Sneak nutritious vegetables into your furry pal’s snacks with the help of this ground chicken dog treats recipe.

Ingredients:

• Lettuce leaves

For the lettuce wrap filling:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• ½ cup diced shiitake mushroom caps
• 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 pound lean ground chicken

For the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon all-natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a large frying pan, heat the sesame oil on medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground chicken and let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
3. Add the remaining chicken lettuce wrap filling ingredients to the frying pan.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce. Stir until it has a smooth consistency.
5. Pour the sauce on the chicken lettuce wrap filling. Toss and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken lettuce wrap filling from the pan and let it fully cool.
7. Place a spoonful of the filling on each lettuce leaf and serve these homemade chicken dog treats to Fido.

Note:

If there are leftovers, place the lettuce and its filling in separate airtight containers. These healthy dog treats can be stored in the fridge for around 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Freeze-Dried Chicken Dog Treats

Try a hand at freeze-drying chicken liver at home to create longer-lasting treats for your dog.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tub chicken livers
• Water for boiling

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the chicken livers and turn the heat to low.
3. Let them boil for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
4. Use a colander to strain the water from the boiled chicken livers.
5. Wait for them to cool completely before slicing them into small pieces.
6. Place the sliced chicken livers on a lined baking sheet and put them in the freezer to freeze-dry for 1 week.
7. Thaw 1 chicken liver to check if any moisture remains. Continue freezing for 2 to 3 weeks if it retained moisture.
8. Once these homemade chicken dog treats are devoid of moisture, transfer them to an airtight mason jar. Place them in the freezer to increase their shelf life.

Note:

• Slice the chicken livers into uniform pieces so that all of them will consistently freeze-dry at the same time.

Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mashed sweet potato
• 1½ cups shredded boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup sodium-free chicken broth
• 2½ cups brown rice flour
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the shredded chicken breast, mashed sweet potato, and eggs in the food processor. Blend until no large chunks are left.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, then add the flour and chicken broth. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to ¼-inch thickness.
5. Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut out shapes from the flattened dough.
6. Grease a lined baking tray with nonstick cooking spray and place the treats on it.
7. Bake them for around 20 minutes. Then, flip them over and bake again for another 20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Remove the chicken dog treats from the oven and allow them to cool down before letting your dog snack on them.

Notes:

• The biscuits can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for around 1 week. Keeping them in the freezer prevents spoilage for up to 6 months.
• Defrost these chicken dog treats for at least 10 to 20 minutes before serving. Otherwise, they will be too tough to chew and might damage your dog’s teeth.

Frozen Fruity Chicken Dog Treats

Add flavor to your dog’s water using chicken broth ice cubes to help increase his liquid intake.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• ¼ cup coconut water
• 1 cup sodium-free chicken broth
• 1 cup all-natural xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 whole kiwis

Instructions:

1. Slice the kiwis into small bite-size pieces and arrange them on the ice cube tray.
2. Combine the chicken stock, coconut water, and raw honey in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated.
3. Fill the tray halfway with the chicken stock and coconut water liquid.
4. Place inside the freezer and freeze for 1 to 2 hours or until solid.
5. Take out the tray and fill the remaining space with peanut butter.
6. Put the tray back inside the freezer and let these homemade dog treats freeze for 1 to 2 hours or until set.

Notes:

• If the peanut butter is too thick, heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds twice. Make sure to stir in between intervals so it has a smooth consistency. Let the melted peanut butter cool down completely before pouring it into the tray.
• Store any leftover fruity chicken broth ice cubes for dogs in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.

FAQs About Chicken Dog Treats

1. Are Chicken Treats Good for Dogs?

Yes, chicken treats are good for dogs. Chicken is one of the most affordable and best protein sources. It also contains nutrients that are necessary for keeping dogs healthy such as niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.

You must also know that many commercial chicken dog treats have harmful additives in them. So if you have enough time on your hands, making a homemade version would be better since it is safer and healthier for your dog.

2. How Should I Store Chicken Dog Treats?

Store the chicken dog treats in an airtight jar or ziplock bag. Exposure to light, oxygen, and heat causes them to spoil quickly. Thus, avoid leaving the treats at room temperature. Place them in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.

3. How Long Do These Treats Last?

Most chicken dog treats can stay fresh for up to a week if refrigerated. Freezing them will help them last for around 3 months or more.

However, keep in mind that some chicken dog treats get rancid easily due to the ingredients used, such as dairy. So be sure to check for spoilage before feeding them to your dog. A foul odor, the formation of molds, and the presence of worms are indicators of food spoilage.

4. What’s a Good Serving Size for My Dog?

A good serving size for your dog is 1 to 2 chicken dog treats per day. Do not let him indulge too much, as it can contribute to obesity. Moreover, constantly eating them may make your pooch a picky eater.

5. Can Humans Eat These Dog Treats?

Yes, humans can eat these dog treats. But slight tweaking of the measurements of the ingredients is needed to accommodate your taste preference.

Summary

Feeding your furry pal homemade chicken dog treats provides him with an extra dose of protein and other body-nourishing nutrients like glucosamine, niacin, and selenium.

If you’re looking to help your dog gain some healthy weight, consider adding weight-gainer treats to their diet. Our article, “Satin Balls for Dogs” provides a recipe and instructions on how to make these homemade treats.