Is your dog’s tummy doing back-flips after every cookie? You’re not alone—grain-related itchiness, gas, and ear infections are among the top reasons pet parents storm veterinary clinics each year. The good news: swapping to homemade grain-free dog treats is easier (and cheaper) than you think, and you don’t need culinary school or a specialty pet store to pull it off. By controlling every ingredient that goes into the bowl, you can reward your sensitive pup without triggering food intolerances or filler-induced energy crashes.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to craft safe, drool-worthy goodies—from science-backed ingredient swaps to pro-level baking techniques—plus troubleshooting tips straight from board-certified veterinary nutritionists. Grab a mixing spoon and let’s ditch the grains for good.
Top 10 Homemade Grain Free Dog Treats
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 Pumpkin Dog Treats are artisanal, grain-free biscuits baked in the USA with human-grade, organic pumpkin and just seven pronounceable ingredients. The 5 oz pouch targets allergy-prone, vegan-minded, or ingredient-discerning households that want bakery-level quality without wheat, dairy, or preservatives.
What Makes It Stand Out: The treats are double-baked like gourmet cookies, use Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo flour for plant-powered protein, and arrive in certified BPA-free packaging. Their snap-able texture lets one biscuit serve Chihuahuas through Great Danes, while the cinnamon-molasses aroma appeals to notoriously picky seniors.
Value for Money: At $25.57/lb you’re paying boutique-cookie prices, yet the human-grade organic pumpkin, small-batch production, and hypoallergenic profile justify the premium for dogs with food intolerances—especially when vet bills from flare-ups can dwarf the cost delta.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-short clean label; USA-sourced; crunchy yet breakable; strong门户 aroma dogs love.
Cons: high per-pound cost; 5 oz bag empties fast with big breeds; molasses adds unnecessary sugar for very diabetic dogs.
Bottom Line: If your pup suffers from grain itchies or you simply want the cleanest possible reward, these fragrant pumpkin wafers earn pantry space—budget permitting.
2. Healthy Homemade Dog Treats: More than 70 Simple & Delicious Treats for Your Furry Best Friend
Overview: “Healthy Homemade Dog Treats” is a 176-page softcover cookbook promising 70+ vet-approved recipes you can whip up with everyday pantry staples. Chapters cover training bites, birthday cakes, grain-free crunchy cookies, and even frozen pupsicles, each recipe noting calories and suggested storage life.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike many internet recipes, every formula was nutrition-reviewed by veterinary dietitians and includes substitution tables for allergies—think chickpea flour instead of wheat or carob instead of chocolate. Step-by-step photos, bone-shaped cookie-cutter templates, and a “treat size chart” by dog weight remove guesswork for new bakers.
Value for Money: At $17.63 the book costs less than two premium store-bought pouches. A single batch of pumpkin-oat biscuits (≈$3 ingredients) yields 80 mini treats—repaying the cover price after one Sunday afternoon bake, then saving money for years.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: nutritionally balanced recipes; cost-saving bulk baking; full control over allergens; fun family project.
Cons: requires time, oven energy, and container storage; tempting to over-treat when a fresh batch sits on the counter.
Bottom Line: For owners committed to ingredient transparency and wallet-friendly rewards, this guide quickly becomes the most used title on your cookbook shelf.
3. 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 pair real chicken with carrot chunks in an 8 oz resealable pouch designed for mouths of all life stages. The semi-moist squares stay tender without artificial preservatives and carry the brand’s ubiquitous “#1 Veterinarian Recommended” badge.
What Makes It Stand Out: The soft texture suits puppies, seniors, and training scenarios where a quick gulp prevents choking hazards; meanwhile grain-free formulation helps dogs with suspected corn or wheat sensitivities. Chicken is the first ingredient, delivering a protein punch often missing from veggie-heavy soft treats.
Value for Money: $17.98/lb sits mid-pack—cheaper than boutique indie brands yet pricier than grocery staples. Given Hill’s science-backed reputation and the avoidance of allergy flare-ups, the cost differential acts like inexpensive health insurance.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: soft, aromatic, and easily torn into micro-rewards; no corn, soy, or artificial colors; USA-made trusted supply chain.
Cons: carrots visible but minimal fiber contribution; still calorie-dense—overfeeding risks weight creep; pouch could be larger for multi-dog homes.
Bottom Line: A reliable, vet-endorsed soft treat for training, pill-hiding, or senior snacking—just measure portions to protect the waistline.
4. Three Dog Bakery Grain Free Wafers Baked Dog Treats, Sweet Potato, 13 oz
Overview: Three Dog Bakery Grain-Free Wafers mimic human sandwich cookies—slow-baked, sweet-potato-packed discs delivered in a 13 oz stay-fresh box. The soft crumb suits dogs from teething puppies to denture-wearing seniors and contains zero grains, artificial flavors, or fillers.
What Makes It Stand Out: Each wafer is hand-scooped in small batches, yielding bakery-case aroma and a texture gentle on stomachs. The resealable box prevents staleness far better than pouches, and cinnamon adds anti-inflammatory flair without added sugar.
Value for Money: $8.85/lb undercuts most grain-free competitors, giving boutique bakery vibes at grocery-store pricing. One box lasts a 40-lb dog roughly one month when used as a daily dessert.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: wallet-friendly boutique taste; soft enough to hide pills; ingredients you can pronounce; generous 13 oz quantity.
Cons: sweet-potato smell may not entice die-hard carnivores; softness means they can crumble in treat pouches during active hikes.
Bottom Line: For owners seeking bakery-style softness on a budget, these sweet-potato wafers dish out tail-wagging indulgence without grain-related itch.
5. 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 Wellness P-Nuttier ’N Nanners presents miniature crunchy biscuits marrying peanut butter and banana in a 16 oz value sack. The mini size allows calorie-conscious training while the crunchy lattice scrubs teeth, all baked without grains, artificial preservatives, or fillers since 1926.
What Makes It Stand Out: Classic oven-slow baking locks in peanut aroma dogs find irresistible, while banana supplies potassium. The tiny ¾-inch form means you can dole dozens during obedience sessions without ruining dinner, and the resealable bag keeps crunch for months.
Value for Money: $5.47/lb is among the lowest prices in the natural channel. Given the 16 oz fill, one bag equals roughly 300 treats—costing about two cents each, cheaper than kibble per piece.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: unbeatable price-to-treat ratio; grain-free; retro brand trust; crunchy texture aids dental hygiene; few calories per piece.
Cons: peanut scent may tempt nut-allergic humans; biscuit hardness too tough for tiny senior jaws unless soaked.
Bottom Line: Old Mother Hubbard delivers nostalgic, budget-friendly crunch perfect for high-frequency training—just break pieces for delicate mouths.
6. 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 are grain-free mini biscuits that combine turkey and sweet-potato flavor in a crunchy, teeth-cleaning format. Baked in North America since 1926, the 16-ounce bag delivers nostalgic, oven-fresh aroma dogs recognize instantly.
What Makes It Stand Out: The miniature size makes them perfect for repetitive training rewards without overfeeding, while the crunchy texture provides natural dental scrubbing. Being grain-free and free from artificial preservatives caters to sensitive stomachs and allergy-prone pets.
Value for Money: Without a listed price, value hinges on ingredient quality and versatility. The generous 16 oz volume yields hundreds of tiny biscuits, stretching further than soft treats. Globally sourced yet North-American-baked production suggests mid-tier pricing that aligns with premium grocery biscuits rather than boutique brands.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include irresistible vintage recipe, clean ingredient panel, and dual-purpose training/dental function. Cons are unspecified price, potential crumble dust at bag bottom, and turkey meal smell that some humans find off-putting.
Bottom Line: If you want a classic, crunchy, grain-free reward that doubles as a tooth polisher and training tidbit, these mini turkey biscuits deserve a spot in your pantry. Just confirm the price fits your budget before stocking up.
7. The Authentic Homemade Dog Treats Cookbook: Nutritious, Allergy and Dental-Friendly Recipes With Pantry Staples For Puppies to Seniors (Healthy Homemade Dog Food Cookbook Series)
Overview: The Authentic Homemade Dog Treats Cookbook is a 170-page guide packed with allergy-aware, dental-friendly recipes using everyday pantry staples. From puppy teething rings to senior joint-support bites, the book spans life-stage nutrition without specialty ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike internet recipes, each formula is veterinary-reviewed for safety and includes substitution charts for common allergens like chicken, beef, or wheat. QR codes link to demo videos, ensuring even novice bakers nail texture and portion size.
Value for Money: At $19.99 it costs less than two premium store-bought bags yet yields hundreds of treats. Bulk-bin ingredients and freezer-friendly doughs cut ongoing treat expenses by 70%, paying for itself within the first month for multi-dog households.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: safe, customizable recipes, cost savings, and nutritional guidance. Cons: requires time and oven use, initial pantry stocking for obscure flours, and no treat storage-life calculator.
Bottom Line: For owners of allergic, diabetic, or senior dogs—or anyone tired of mystery ingredients—this cookbook is a wallet-friendly path to healthier, cheaper rewards. Keep it on the shelf beside your human cookbooks; you’ll reach for it weekly.
8. Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Mix – Make Your Own Dog Treats – 4.3oz Grain Free Beef and Cheddar – Pupsicle Refills, Pup Ice Cream, Pupicle Dog Treat Kit
Overview: Cooper’s Treats Pupsicle Mix transforms into frozen beef-and-cheddar pops when you simply add water, stir, and freeze. The 4.3-ounce jar uses US-sourced freeze-dried beef for protein-rich refreshment on sweltering days.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real meat sets it apart from sugar-heavy, dairy-based “dog ice creams.” The grain-free formula suits sensitive systems, while silicone paw-print molds (sold separately) create perfect single-serve portions that pop out cleanly.
Value for Money: At $13.49 the jar makes roughly 30 one-ounce pupsicles, costing about 45¢ each—cheaper than Frosty Paws cups and far healthier. Freeze-dried beef retains nutrition without refrigeration until mixing, reducing waste.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: minimal prep, high palatability, and clean ingredient list. Cons: molds not included, two-hour freeze wait, and beef smell can linger on plasticware.
Bottom Line: If your dog worships ice cubes but you want nutrition plus novelty, this mix is summer’s best four-dollar splurge. Buy two jars before Memorial Day; you’ll go through them faster than your own popsicles.
9. 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 gingerbread-man-shaped, grilled-beef chews baked in USA facilities. The 5-ounce pouch offers soy-, corn-, and artificial-free softness ideal for tiny jaws, seniors, or medication stuffing.
What Makes It Stand Out: The whimsical “Buddy” shape doubles as a pill pocket—simply press a tablet into the belly. Each piece stays pliable without crumbling in pockets, making them sidewalk-friendly training bait during walks.
Value for Money: At $5.99 you pay boutique prices ($19.17/lb), yet the resealable pouch prevents staleness better than bulk boxes. For seniors or dogs with few teeth, the premium is justified over harder biscuits they can’t consume.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: cute shape, USA sourcing, minimal ingredients, and soft texture. Cons: higher per-pound cost, strong beef aroma, and 5 oz disappears quickly among large breeds.
Bottom Line: Pick up Buddy Softies when your dog’s mouth needs TLC or pills need smuggling. They’re treats first, healthcare helpers second—budget accordingly and everybody’s tail stays wagging.
10. 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 bundles two 4.3-ounce flavor jars, silicone paw & bone molds, and a mixing scoop—everything required to craft 60 protein-packed frozen treats at home. Grain-free recipes rely on US freeze-dried meats.
What Makes It Stand Out: The kit eliminates guesswork: pre-portioned mix plus professional-grade molds yield Instagram-ready pupsicles that release effortlessly. A recipe card suggests swirl combos, letting pet parents become canine gelato artisans without extra groceries.
Value for Money: At $32.99 upfront cost feels steep, yet it replaces repetitive single-serve ice-cream purchases. Break-even arrives after the second dozen treats versus buying premade frozen cups, with continued savings thereafter.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: complete hardware included, real meat nutrition, and freezer-ready entertainment for bored dogs. Cons: large molds unsuitable for toy breeds, freezer space required, and silicone traps meaty odor if not washed promptly.
Bottom Line: For households that endure hot summers or sport power-chewing pups, this kit turns downtime into tail-wagging enrichment. Gift it at summer barbecues; both dogs and budget will thank you by August.
Why Go Grain-Free for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
Grains aren’t inherently evil, but for a subset of dogs they’re hard to digest and can overstimulate the immune system. Eliminating common triggers like wheat, corn, rice, and barley can reduce inflammation, improve stool quality, and calm itchy skin within weeks.
How Grains Can Trigger Food Intolerances
Gluten proteins and lectins in many cereal grains can punch tiny holes in intestinal lining, allowing partially digested particles to leak into the bloodstream—an aptly named “leaky gut.” The immune system flags these particles as invaders, sparking chronic ear infections, paw licking, or colitis.
Veterinary Insight: When Grain-Free Is Medically Necessary
True grain allergies are less common than chicken or beef allergies, but when they do occur, symptoms are often severe—think hives, vomiting, or anaphylaxis. A vet-supervised elimination diet remains the gold standard for diagnosis; treats made at home streamline that process because every ingredient is traceable.
Key Nutrients Missing in Grain-Based Treats (and How to Replace Them)
Wheat and corn supply B-vitamins, manganese, and fiber. Replace them with nutrient-dense whole foods: spinach or kale for folate, almond flour for vitamin E, and blueberries for manganese. Rotate colors weekly to cover the micronutrient spectrum.
Grain-Free Flours 101: Almond, Coconut, Chickpea & More
Each flour behaves differently. Almond flour adds healthy fats but burns quickly. Coconut flour is super absorbent—use ⅓ cup for every cup of wheat flour and increase eggs. Chickpea flour packs plant protein but can taste chalky; balance it with banana or pumpkin.
Bind It Together: Eggs, Chia, and Other Natural Binders
Without gluten, doughs crumble. Eggs provide structure plus complete amino acids. Chia or flax gel (1 tbsp seed + 3 tbsp water) offers vegan binding and omega-3s. For extra elasticity, add ½ tsp gelatin per cup of flour—great for roll-and-cut cookies.
Safe Fruits & Veggies That Sensitive Dogs Love
Blueberries, zucchini, green beans, and butternut squash rank low on the glycemic index and rarely trigger intolerances. Skip grapes, onions, and avocados, which can be toxic even in tiny amounts.
Protein Power: Choosing Novel and Hypoallergenic Meats
“Novel” simply means your dog hasn’t eaten it before—think venison, rabbit, or sustainably sourced kangaroo. Rotate proteins every 2–3 months to minimize new sensitivities. Always cook meats to safe internal temps to knock out pathogens like salmonella.
Healthy Fats: Omega Ratios That Soothe Skin
A 5:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 calms inflamed skin. Combine avocado or olive oil (omega-9) with wild-caught salmon oil (EPA/DHA). Avoid seed-heavy diets that skyrocket omega-6 and actually worsen itch.
Calculating Calories: How Many Treats Are Too Many?
Treats—grain-free or not—should stay below 10% of daily calories. A 20-lb dog on 600 kcal/day gets 60 kcal maximum from snacks. One tablespoon of almond flour alone is 40 kcal, so measure diligently if your pooch is prone to weight gain.
Batch Cooking & Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Bake, cool completely, then freeze individual portions on a sheet pan before transferring to airtight bags. This “flash-freeze” prevents clumping and locks in nutrients for up to three months—no preservatives needed.
Avoiding Common Kitchen Toxins: Xylitol, Raisins, Nutmeg, Etc.
Read labels on peanut butter—many “sugar-free” brands swap sugar for xylitol, a sweetener that causes life-threatening hypoglycemia in dogs. Likewise, spice blends can hide nutmeg (hallucinogenic) or garlic powder (Heinz-body anemia).
Texture Tricks: Crunchy Biscuits vs Soft Chews
Crunchy treats help scrape plaque, but older dogs with dental disease need softer bites. Pull soft chews 5 minutes earlier or add applesauce for moisture. Conversely, for extra crunch, drop oven temp to 200°F and dehydrate for 2 hours post-bake.
Introduction Strategies: How to Safely Rotate New Treats
Offer one new recipe at a time for three consecutive days, watching for soft stools, ear debris, or itching. Keep a food diary—your vet will thank you if issues arise. Space introductions at least a week apart to pinpoint culprits.
Signs of an Ingredient Flare-Up and When to Call the Vet
Acute symptoms (facial swelling, hives, vomiting) warrant an immediate vet visit. Subtle signs—recurrent hotspots, yeasty ears—may take 2–4 weeks to surface. Bring your treat journal; it speeds up diagnostics and saves you costly repeat exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can puppies eat homemade grain-free treats?
Yes, but ensure recipes meet AAFCO growth requirements—add calcium carbonate at 1 gram per 1,000 kcal if treats exceed 5% of daily caloric intake.
2. Will going grain-free cause heart disease in dogs?
The FDA continues to investigate diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The issue appears linked to nutritional imbalance, not the absence of grain. Rotate legumes and add taurine-rich proteins like salmon or heart meat.
3. What’s the cheapest grain-free flour?
Coconut flour stretches furthest: one 2-lb bag yields roughly 8 cups because you use so little per batch. Shelf life is 18 months refrigerated.
4. How do I make festive colors without dyes?
Use turmeric for gold, beet powder for pink, spirulina for green—all are dog-safe in small quantities and add antioxidants.
5. My dog has pancreatitis—can he still have grain-free treats?
Choose ultra-low-fat recipes: lean turkey breast, cooked sweet potato, and a touch of blueberry. Limit fat to <5% DM (dry matter) and clear any recipe with your vet first.
6. Is raw egg safe as a binder?
While many dogs tolerate raw egg, Salmonella and avidin (which blocks biotin) are valid concerns. Lightly scramble or pasteurize eggs for safety without compromising binding power.
7. How long do dehydrated treats last at room temp?
When dried to a crisp (<10% moisture), treats keep 2–3 weeks in a dark pantry. Add food-grade silica packs to absorb residual humidity and extend shelf life another month.
8. Are legumes inflammatory for dogs?
In moderate amounts, no—lentils and chickpeas offer low-glycemic fiber and phytonutrients. Rotate with other carb sources to avoid overexposure, especially if your breed is genetically prone to DCM.
9. Can I add CBD oil to homemade treats?
Yes, but stir it into already-baked and cooled treats; oven heat degrades cannabinoids. Use a vet-approved canine formulation and start at 0.2 mg/kg twice daily.
10. What if my dog hates coconut flour’s texture?
Blend flours: substitute 50% coconut with finely ground rolled oats (if tolerated) or tapioca starch for a smoother, less gritty mouthfeel while maintaining a grain-free label.