Picture this: you open the oven door and a warm, nutty-sweet aroma drifts through the kitchen—your dog’s tail is already wagging at turbo speed. But these aren’t your average biscuits; they’re grain-free, low-carb, and packed with functional superfoods that support joint health, glossy coats, and balanced digestion. Making homemade grain-free dog treats isn’t just a Pinterest-worthy hobby; it’s one of the fastest-growing health trends among pet parents who want full control over ingredients, calories, and allergens.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to become a confident canine “pastry chef” in 2025—from choosing the right flour substitutes to mastering proper hydration ratios, storage hacks, and veterinary safety guidelines. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s ditch the fillers—no wheat, corn, soy, or mystery meals—while keeping tails wagging and wallets happy.
Top 10 Grain Free Dog Treats Homemade
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview: Portland Pet Food Company’s grain-free pumpkin biscuits promise bakery-level goodness for dogs of every size. Baked in the USA with just seven pronounceable, human-grade ingredients, the 5-oz pouch delivers crunchy, snap-able cookies that suit training, rewarding, or everyday spoiling.
What Makes It Stand Out: The brand’s “people could eat these” ethos shows—organic pumpkin purée, Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon are double-baked for a light, aromatic crunch free of grain, dairy, preservatives, and artificial anything.
Value for Money: At roughly $32/lb you’re paying artisan-bakery prices, but the human-grade sourcing, USA craftsmanship, and allergy-friendly formula justify the premium for pet parents who prioritize clean labels.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: ultra-limited ingredient list ideal for sensitive stomachs; easy to break for small mouths; vegan recipe appeals to eco-conscious households. Cons: high cost-per-treat; 5-oz bag empties fast with big dogs; pumpkin scent may tempt counter-surfing.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows, these are among the cleanest, most fragrant biscuits available—perfect for picky or allergy-prone pups and owners who don’t mind paying bakery prices for bakery quality.
2. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Chicken & Carrots, 8 oz Bag
Overview: Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals combine the science of the vet-recommended brand with the indulgence of a cookie. Each 8-oz resealable bag contains pillowy squares of real chicken and carrots designed for puppies to seniors alike.
What Makes It Stand Out: Soft texture means dogs with dental issues can still enjoy a meaty treat, while the grain-free, naturally preserved formula keeps health-focused owners comfortable—plus the Hill’s name carries serious veterinary trust.
Value for Money: About $18/lb sits mid-pack; you’re buying research-backed nutrition plus palatability that even fussy eaters accept, so the slightly higher price than grocery brands feels fair.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: gentle on teeth and gums; USA-made with globally sourced ingredients; resealable bag maintains moisture. Cons: chicken is primary protein—not for allergic pups; squares crumble if over-handled; calorie count requires portion watching for dieting dogs.
Bottom Line: A reliable, vet-endorsed option for households that want soft, meaty rewards without grains or artificial additives; ideal for seniors, training sessions, or any dog who prefers tender to crunchy.
3. Three Dog Bakery Grain Free Wafers Baked Dog Treats, Sweet Potato, 13 oz
Overview: Three Dog Bakery’s sweet-potato wafers bring dessert-for-dogs vibes in a 13-oz, resealable box. Small-batch baked in the USA, these grain-free, soft cookies blend cinnamon, potato flour, and real sweet potato into an aromatic, chewy disc.
What Makes It Stand Out: The bakery heritage shows in both presentation—wafers look like chunky tea cookies—and texture: pliable enough for tiny jaws yet hearty enough for large breeds, all without wheat, corn, or soy.
Value for Money: At under $9/lb this is the cheapest grain-free option reviewed; you get boutique aesthetics and trustworthy ingredients without boutique prices.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: budget-friendly; resealable box beats crumby bags; gentle for puppies and seniors; irresistible bakery smell. Cons: softness offers no dental scraping benefit; sweet-potato scent can stain light fabrics if chewed on sofa; calorie-dense—easy to overfeed.
Bottom Line: A wallet-wise choice that still feels gourmet; perfect for multi-dog homes, training pockets, or any pet parent who wants bakery-level indulgence without the artisan price tag.
4. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness P-Nuttier ‘N Nanners Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Peanut Butter & Banana Flavor, Mini Size, (16 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard’s P-Nuttier ’N Nanners mini biscuits distills 95-plus years of baking tradition into a 16-oz, grain-free, peanut-butter-and-banana crunch. The petite size suits toy to giant breeds and makes portion control simple.
What Makes It Stand Out: Classic oven-baking creates a crispy texture that helps scrub teeth during chew sessions, while the nostalgic flavor combo smells like Saturday-morning sandwiches—enticing even finicky dogs.
Value for Money: Roughly $5.50/lb makes this the most economical pick reviewed; you receive a pound of USA-made, North-America-sourced biscuits for less than a gourmet coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: teeth-cleaning crunch; mini size ideal for repetitive training; resealable bag; no artificial preservatives. Cons: peanut aroma may tempt allergenic dogs; crunchy texture too hard for severe dental issues; ingredient list slightly longer than ultra-limited brands.
Bottom Line: A classic, cost-effective staple that balances dental benefits with crowd-pleasing flavor; keep a bag on hand for everyday rewarding, teeth freshening, or stuffing puzzle toys without denting your budget.
5. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness All the Fixins Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Turkey & Sweet Potato Flavor, Mini Size (16 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard Wellness “All the Fixins” turkey & sweet-potato mini biscuits deliver holiday-dinner flavor in a grain-free, oven-baked crunch. The 16-oz pouch supplies tiny, teeth-friendly cookies suitable for training or casual snacking across all life stages.
What Makes It Stand Out: Turkey provides novel protein for dogs tired of chicken, while sweet potato adds fiber and a subtle sweetness; slow baking locks in aroma without artificial preservatives, wheat, or soy.
Value for Money: Price was unavailable at review time, but historically the line matches Product 4’s bargain tier—expect roughly $5–$6/lb for USA-crafted treats.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: novel protein reduces allergy risk; crunchy texture aids dental hygiene; mini shape perfect for portion control; generous 1-lb bag lasts. Cons: exact price fluctuates; harder biscuit not suited for toothless seniors; turkey can crumble into meal dust at bag bottom.
Bottom Line: Assuming similar wallet-friendly pricing, this is a smart rotational flavor for pet parents already buying the P-Nuttier variety; the turkey formula keeps allergic or bored dogs engaged while maintaining the dental perks of a classic crunchy biscuit.
6. Buddy Biscuit Softies 5 oz Pouch, Grain-Free Soft & Chewy, Natural Grilled Beef Flavor Dog Treats, Oven Baked in the USA
Overview: Buddy Biscuit Softies are grain-free, oven-baked treats designed for small to medium dogs who prefer a tender texture. Each 5 oz pouch delivers natural grilled beef flavor in adorable ginger-kid shapes.
What Makes It Stand Out: The ultra-soft texture makes these ideal for puppies, seniors, or any dog with dental issues. The simple ingredient list—free from corn, soy, and artificial additives—means you’re basically handing your pup a bite of homemade comfort food.
Value for Money: At $19.17 per pound these are premium-priced, but the softness and USA baking justify the tariff if your dog struggles with crunchy biscuits. Think of it as paying a little extra for a specialized, gentle snack.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Soft & chewy, grain-free, USA-made, cute shape, minimal ingredients.
Cons: Small pouch size runs out fast, price-per-pound is steep, stronger smell than crunchy versions.
Bottom Line: If your dog needs—or simply adores—soft treats, Buddy Softies are worth keeping in the pantry. Buy a box of crunchy buddies for everyday use and keep this pouch for training or senior rewards.
7. Buddy Biscuits 14 oz. Box of Grain-Free Crunchy Dog Treats Made with Natural Peanut Butter
Overview: Buddy Biscuits’ 14 oz box offers crunchy, grain-free peanut-butter cookies shaped like tiny gingerbread kids. The larger package and crisp texture cater mainly to medium and large power-chewers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Only nine ingredients appear on the label—none of them mysterious chemicals—so you can literally count what’s in your dog’s mouth. The peanut-butter aroma is irresistible to most pups without being overpowering to human noses.
Value for Money: Six dollars for nearly a pound of USA-baked, clean treats is mid-range value; you’re paying a few cents more than grocery-aisle brands but dodging fillers and artificial colors.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Short ingredient list, cute shape, sturdy crunch helps clean teeth, affordable per ounce.
Cons: Can splinter into sharp shards for aggressive chewers, peanut scent may tempt counter-surfing, box isn’t resealable.
Bottom Line: A solid everyday biscuit for households that want grain-free simplicity without gourmet prices. Keep the box closed in a zip-bag and you’ll have happy tails for weeks.
8. Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Starter Kit – Easy, Homemade Frozen Dog Treat Kit – Healthy, Delicious Dog Ice Cream Mix – Make Your Own Treats – Grain Free
Overview: Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Starter Kit lets you whip up frozen, protein-packed “dog ice cream” at home—just add water, freeze, and serve on sweltering days.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike sugary freezer-section pupsicles, these mixes use US-sourced freeze-dried meat as the first ingredient, delivering high protein instead of empty calories. The kit format removes measuring guesswork and oven hassles.
Value for Money: Thirty-three dollars feels steep until you realize each jar makes 40–50 frozen cubes; that’s about sixty cents per pupsicle—cheaper than coffee-shop alternatives and far healthier.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Real meat protein, grain-free, easy prep, customizable molds, dogs go bonkers for frozen texture.
Cons: Up-front cost, requires freezer space, must plan a few hours ahead, some flavors smell gamey while mixing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for hot climates or post-walk cool-downs. Buy once, keep the molds, and reorder refill packs; your dog will lobby for “pupsicle o’clock” every summer afternoon.
9. Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Crunchy Grain Free Dog Treats, Assorted Flavors, 14 oz. Box
Overview: Cloud Star’s Wag More Bark Less box mixes three crunchy flavors—PB & apple, beef-bacon-cheese, and turkey-cranberry—into one 14 oz grain-free assortment.
What Makes It Stand Out: Variety prevents treat fatigue; one minute your dog tastes Thanksgiving, the next it’s brunch. Each biscuit holds just 27–36 calories, so trainers can reward generously without blowing daily calorie budgets.
Value for Money: At $9.70/lb you’re paying slightly above mid-range, but you effectively get three bags in one—handy for multi-dog households with different favorites.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Flavor rotation keeps dogs interested, low calorie, USA small-batch baked, clean ingredients.
Cons: Box can settle—some flavors may be under-represented, biscuits shatter if stepped on, reseal tab loses stickiness.
Bottom Line: A crowd-pleasing sampler for finicky pups or as a gift to new pet parents. Dump the biscuits into an airtight jar and enjoy the tail-wag variety show.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Crunchy Dog Biscuits, Grain-Free and High-Protein Dog Treats Made with Natural Ingredients, Salmon Recipe 24-oz Bag
Overview: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats deliver high-protein, salmon-first crunchy biscuits in a hefty 24-oz bag aimed at active, meat-driven dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Salmon leads the ingredient list—not salmon meal—followed by a short, grain-free roster. Omega-rich fish supports skin, coat, and training motivation alike, while the crunchy texture helps reduce tartar.
Value for Money: $9.32/lb is excellent for a premium, protein-forward treat; you’re bagging almost a pound-and-a-half that stays fresh for multi-dog or large-breed households.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Real salmon, high protein, grain-free, large resealable bag, widely available.
Cons: Distinct fishy smell (store in a cupboard), biscuits are hard—small senior dogs may struggle, color can stain light carpets if drooled on.
Bottom Line: If your dog craves meaty flavor and you want functional dental benefits, this big bag of salmon crunchies offers pro-level nutrition without gourmet-shop pricing.
Why Go Grain Free? The Science Behind the Trend
Grains aren’t inherently evil, but modern dogs often face obesity, itchy skin, and gut dysbiosis linked to high-glycemic fillers. Removing grains lowers inflammatory markers, reduces yeast overgrowth, and stabilizes post-prandial glucose. A 2023 veterinary nutrition meta-analysis showed 38 % of dogs on grain-free, whole-food diets experienced measurable improvements in coat quality and stool consistency within eight weeks.
Nutritional Foundations: Building a Balanced Treat
Treats should never exceed 10 % of daily calories. Start by calculating your dog’s resting energy requirement (RER): 70 × (ideal kg body weight)^0.75. Then multiply by life-stage factor (1.6 for typical adults). Allocate 10 % of those calories to treats and divide by the kcal per gram of your recipe—voilà, portion control without guesswork.
Key Macronutrients Dogs Need in Grain-Free Recipes
Prioritize animal-based protein (30–40 %), low-glycemic fiber (5–7 %), and healthy fats (15–20 %). Balance omega-6 : omega-3 ratios to roughly 5:1 using fish oil, flax, or chia. Keep net carbs under 15 % to mimic ancestral macronutrient profiles and reduce insulin spikes.
Choosing Safe & Functional Flour Substitutes
Coconut flour is ultra-absorbent and rich in MCTs; use it at 15–20 % of total flour weight. Almond flour adds vitamin E but can be calorie-dense—blend it with leaner tigernut or green-banana flour for prebiotic resistant starch. Cassava flour offers elasticity for chewy textures, yet spikes GI; limit to 10 % and pair with blood-sugar moderators like cinnamon.
Power-Packed Proteins: From Novel to Traditional
Rotate proteins to minimize food sensitivities. Traditional chicken and beef work, but novel sources—kangaroo, rabbit, or sustainably sourced fish—reduce antigenic load. Always cook meats to safe internal temps: 165 °F for poultry, 145 °F for whole-muscle red meats.
Healthy Fats & Superfood Add-Ins
Think beyond salmon oil. Add ground hemp hearts for gamma-linolenic acid, blueberries for polyphenols, and turmeric paste (with 0.1 % black pepper for piperine bio-enhancement). Freeze-dried green-lipped mussel powder lends ETA and EPA omega-3s that support cartilage—ideal for senior pups.
Natural Sweeteners Dogs Can Enjoy
Skip xylitol, erythritol, and stevia glycosides—they can trigger hypoglycemia or GI distress. Instead, use mashed banana, pumpkin purée, or date paste at ≤ 5 % of recipe weight for palatability without sharp glucose spikes.
Texture Tricks: Crunchy vs. Soft-Bake Techniques
Crunchy treats need low moisture (8–10 %) and longer dehydration (200 °F convection for 2 hours post-bake). Soft treats rely on pumpkin, applesauce, or gelatin—aim for 20–25 % moisture and store refrigerated for up to seven days.
Batch Sizes & Scaling Tips for Multi-Dog Households
Calculate “dough yield” after dehydration loss (roughly 12 %). A 1 kg wet dough batch yields 880 g finished treats. For three large dogs receiving 30 g treats daily, bake 2.6 kg finished product every month—about four standard half-sheet pans.
Storage, Shelf Life & Travel-Friendly Solutions
Vacuum-sealed, fully dehydrated treats last eight weeks pantry-stable. Add food-grade silica gel packs to absorb residual moisture. For camping or dog-sport events, pack in UV-blocking mylar pouches; oxygen absorbers extend shelf life to six months.
Ingredient Safety: Foods to Never Feed Your Dog
Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic (> 0.5 % of BW), macadamia nuts, chocolate, caffeine, hops, and raw bread dough containing yeast are absolute no-gos. Nutmeg and high-salt stock cubes can also trigger neurotoxicity or sodium ion poisoning.
Allergy Awareness & Elimination Protocols
Introduce single-ingredient “gold standard” treats for two weeks. Log pruritus scores, ear odor, and stool quality on a 1–5 scale. If symptoms improve, add one new ingredient weekly. Should itching return, remove the latest addition for a confirmatory challenge.
Puppy vs. Senior: Age-Specific Adaptations
Puppies need higher calcium (1.2 % DM) and DHA—add algal oil at 30 mg combined DHA+EPA per kg body weight. Seniors benefit from L-carnitine (50 mg/10 kg) and collagen-rich bone broth powder to support lean muscle and joints.
Special-Diet Crossovers: Low Purine, Renal & Weight Control
For dalmatians or urate-stone formers, use eggs, cottage cheese, and white fish while limiting organ meat to < 5 %. Renal dogs need restricted phosphorus (< 0.4 % DM); swap bone meal for calcium carbonate powder. Overweight dogs appreciate fiber-boosted recipes using psyllium husk—add 1 % to increase satiety without calories.
Equipment Essentials: Mixers, Dehydrators & Sheet Pans
A 5-quart stand mixer handles 2 kg dough effortlessly. Silicone molds create uniform 5 g portions—crucial for calorie tracking. Invest in a stainless-mesh dehydrator tray for even airflow; rotate every 30 minutes to prevent case-hardening.
Troubleshooting: When Treats Go Wrong
Too crumbly? Increase binder: add 1 g gelatin per 100 g liquid. Won’t crisp? Lower oven temp to 175 °F andProp door open 2 cm for moisture escape. Mold in jars? Your water activity (aw) is > 0.65—re-bake 30 min at 250 °F, then cool with a fan to drop aw below 0.60.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are grain-free treats automatically low-carb?
Not always. Grain-free flours like cassava or tapioca are high in starch; balance with fiber and protein to keep net carbs under control.
2. Can I use essential oils for flavor?
Only under veterinary guidance. Many oils—tea tree, wintergreen, citrus—are neurotoxic to dogs even in tiny amounts.
3. How do I know if my dog is allergic to chicken if it’s in every commercial treat?
Feed a single-protein, chicken-free homemade treat for 4–6 weeks. If symptoms resolve, reintroduce chicken and monitor for itching or GI upset.
4. Is coconut flour safe for dogs with pancreatitis?
Yes, in moderation. Its medium-chain triglycerides are readily absorbed without bile salts, but fat content still counts toward daily allowance.
5. What’s the ideal treat size for training?
For rapid reinforcement, cut 5 mm “fingernail” cubes—about 0.3 g each—so ten rewards equal only 3 g and minimal calories.
6. Can homemade treats replace a meal?
No. Complete-and-balanced diets require precise vitamin-mineral premixes. Treats lack these ratios and should stay below 10 % of daily calories.
7. How can I ship homemade grain-free treats without spoilage?
Dehydrate to ≤ 10 % moisture, vacuum-seal, add oxygen absorbers, and choose 2-day shipping under 80 °F to prevent rancidity.
8. My dough is insanely sticky—what gives?
Coconut flour is hydrophilic. Let it rest 10 minutes to fully hydrate, then dust with tigernut flour rather than adding more liquid.
9. Are raw eggs in no-bake recipes safe?
Pasteurized shell eggs eliminate Salmonella risk. Alternatively, use dehydrated egg white powder rehydrated 1:2 with water.
10. What’s the quickest test for freshness?
Smell: rancid fats give a cardboard or paint-like odor. Snap: a crisp treat should audibly crack; if it bends, moisture is too high—re-dehydrate immediately.