Making homemade dog treats is a great way to spoil your furry friend while knowing exactly what goes into their snacks. With just a few wholesome, organic ingredients, you can create delicious treats without unnecessary preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sugars.
And the best part? You don't need to be an experienced baker to make something your dog will enjoy.
Coconut works well in all kinds of homemade dog treats, from crunchy biscuits to soft, chewy bites. Add a little CocoTherapy Coco-Gold, and you've got an easy way to include organic coconut oil, turmeric, and ginger in your dog's treats.
In this post, we'll share five simple organic dog treat recipes that are easy to prepare and fun to make. So, let's get baking!
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats with Coconut and Coco-Gold?
If you've ever looked closely at the ingredient list on a package of commercial dog treats, you may have noticed ingredients you don't recognize. While plenty of store-bought treats are perfectly suitable for dogs, making your own gives you more control over what your furry friend eats.
You can choose organic ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and adjust the size of each treat to suit your dog. Homemade recipes also allow you to try different flavors and textures, especially if your pup has particular preferences.
Coconut is a popular ingredient in homemade dog treats because of its natural flavor and versatility. Unsweetened shredded coconut adds texture and fiber, while coconut oil provides healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). A little goes a long way, so you only need small amounts in your recipes.
CocoTherapy Coco-Gold combines organic virgin coconut oil with organic turmeric, ginger, and black pepper. These ingredients contain natural plant compounds, including curcumin from turmeric, which has been studied for its potential health benefits.
Ready to get started? Here are five easy homemade dog treat recipes to try:
1) Coconut Banana Bites
These soft, chewy coconut banana bites combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the slightly nutty flavor of shredded coconut. They require just three ingredients and are easy to make whenever you want to whip up a quick batch of homemade treats.
Bananas provide fiber and nutrients such as potassium, while unsweetened coconut adds a little texture. Coco-Gold brings everything together with a touch of coconut oil, turmeric, and ginger.
Ingredients:
- 1 organic ripe banana
- 1/4 cup organic unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon CocoTherapy Coco-Gold
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the banana and mash it thoroughly in a mixing bowl.
- Gently melt the Coco-Gold over low heat if needed, then stir it into the mashed banana.
- Add the shredded coconut and mix until everything is well combined.
- Drop teaspoon-sized portions onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each one slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are set and lightly golden.
- Let the treats cool completely before offering one to your dog.
Tip: These bites will stay soft and slightly chewy inside, making them a nice alternative to crunchy biscuits. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 3-4 days.
2) Coco-Gold Coconut Apple Chews
Apples are another naturally sweet ingredient that works well in homemade dog treats. These simple apple chews combine thinly sliced apples with shredded coconut and a light coating of Coco-Gold. The result is a tasty, fruity snack that doesn't require flour, eggs, or added sweeteners.
Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, while coconut adds flavor and texture. Slow baking helps remove moisture from the fruit, giving these treats a chewy texture that many dogs enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 organic apple
- 1-2 teaspoons CocoTherapy Coco-Gold
- 1 tablespoon organic unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the apple thoroughly, remove the core and seeds, and slice it into thin rings or strips.
- Gently melt the Coco-Gold over low heat until it's easy to brush.
- Lightly brush the apple slices with Coco-Gold, using just enough for a thin coating.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the slices.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 1/2-2 hours, turning occasionally, until the apples have dried to your preferred texture.
- Let the chews cool completely before serving.
Tip: Thin slices will dry more quickly, while thicker slices will be softer and chewier. Cut the finished chews into pieces that are suitable for your dog's size and store them in the fridge.
3) Pumpkin Coconut Oat Biscuits
If your dog enjoys crunchy treats, these pumpkin coconut oat biscuits are worth trying. They're made with just four simple ingredients and have a mild, naturally sweet flavor that many dogs find appealing.
Pumpkin provides fiber and beta-carotene, while oats add extra fiber and carbohydrates. Shredded coconut and a little Coco-Gold give these homemade dog biscuits a tasty coconut twist without adding sugar, salt, or artificial flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup organic rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons organic unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon CocoTherapy Coco-Gold
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the rolled oats in a food processor and blend until they resemble coarse flour.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, ground oats, and shredded coconut.
- Gently melt the Coco-Gold if needed, then stir it into the mixture until a dough forms.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more ground oats. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
- Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper until it's about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into small shapes using a cookie cutter or knife, then place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits feel firm and are lightly golden around the edges.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
Tip: Make smaller biscuits if you plan to use them as training rewards. Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which may contain added sugar and spices. The biscuits will firm up as they cool, although they may remain slightly soft in the middle.
4) Frozen Blueberry Coconut Yogurt Bites
Looking for a refreshing treat your pup will love? These frozen blueberry coconut yogurt bites are easy to prepare and don't require any baking. Just mix the ingredients, spoon them into small molds, and let the freezer do the rest.
Blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants, while plain yogurt contains protein and calcium. A little shredded coconut and Coco-Gold adds extra coconut flavor to these creamy frozen treats. Just remember that some dogs don't tolerate dairy well, so this recipe may not be suitable for every pup.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1/4 cup organic blueberries
- 1 tablespoon organic unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon CocoTherapy Coco-Gold
Instructions:
- Wash the blueberries thoroughly and mash them with a fork or blend them until smooth.
- Place the yogurt in a mixing bowl and stir in the mashed blueberries.
- Add the shredded coconut and mix well.
- Gently melt the Coco-Gold, let it cool slightly, then stir it thoroughly into the mixture.
- Spoon the mixture into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for 4-5 hours, or until completely solid.
- Remove a bite from the mold and offer it to your dog under supervision.
Tip: Mini silicone molds are great for making small, easy-to-serve portions. Choose plain yogurt without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavorings. Store the remaining treats in a covered freezer-safe container.
5) No-Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oat Balls
Want to make your dog something special without turning on the oven? These no-bake peanut butter coconut oat balls are a great option.They're quick to make, need just a few ingredients, and turn into tasty little snacks for your furry friend.
Peanut butter is a favorite flavor for many dogs, and it pairs well with oats and coconut. A little Coco-Gold adds even more coconut goodness to these easy homemade treats.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons organic unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon organic unsweetened shredded coconut (plus a little extra for coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon CocoTherapy Coco-Gold
- 1-2 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions:
- Place the rolled oats in a food processor and blend until finely ground.
- Transfer the oats to a mixing bowl and add the peanut butter and shredded coconut.
- Gently soften the Coco-Gold if needed, then mix it into the other ingredients.
- Add water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture holds together.
- Scoop out small, teaspoon-sized portions and roll them into balls.
- Lightly roll each ball in extra shredded coconut, pressing gently so the coconut sticks.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tip: Always check the peanut butter label before using it in dog treats. Choose unsweetened peanut butter without xylitol (also called birch sugar), which is toxic to dogs. Since peanut butter and coconut oil are both rich in fat, keep these treats small and serve them in moderation.
Tips for Making Safe and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade treats are a fun way to add variety to your dog's diet, but it's important to choose ingredients that are suitable for your pup. Some dogs have food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or special dietary needs, so what works for one dog may not work for another.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when making homemade organic dog treats.
- Choose dog-safe ingredients. Use fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible, and choose coconut products without added sugar or sweeteners. Always check labels, especially on peanut butter and yogurt, to make sure they don't contain xylitol or other ingredients that aren't safe for dogs.
- Use a little Coco-Gold. You don't need much Coco-Gold to add coconut flavor to homemade treats. Start with small amounts, and if your dog needs a low-fat diet, check with your veterinarian first.
- Introduce new treats slowly. New foods can sometimes upset your dog's stomach, even when they're made with natural ingredients. Start with a small piece and see how your dog responds before offering more.
- Store treats properly. Homemade treats don't usually last as long as store-bought ones because they don't contain preservatives. Keep moist baked treats and no-bake snacks in the refrigerator, use them within 3-4 days, or freeze extra portions for later. Throw away any treats that develop mold or an unusual smell.
- Keep portions small. Treats should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced diet, so adjust treat sizes based on your dog's age, weight, activity level, and needs.
Short on Time? Try CocoTherapy Treats
Love the idea of homemade dog treats but don't always have time to make them? Our coconut treats are a fantastic alternative. Made with high-quality, organic ingredients, they're a convenient way to give your furry friend something delicious and wholesome without spending time in the kitchen.
Whether you're looking for everyday rewards, training treats, or a special snack, we have a variety of tasty options your pup will love. They're perfect for busy pet parents who want to treat their dogs to something special while keeping ingredients simple and natural.
Ready to Try These Homemade Organic Dog Treat Recipes?
Making homemade organic dog treats doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether your dog loves chewy coconut banana bites, crunchy pumpkin biscuits, or refreshing frozen blueberry treats, these five simple recipes offer plenty of ways to make snack time more interesting. You can even make small batches to find out which flavors and textures your pup likes best.
With a few wholesome ingredients and a little CocoTherapy Coco-Gold, you can make delicious homemade treats your furry friend will look forward to. So, pick a recipe, gather your ingredients, and have fun making something special for your four-legged family member!
