Soft dog treats are easier to chew, gentler on teeth, and ideal for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with dental issues. When you make them at home, you control the ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives.
Below are five simple and healthy homemade soft treat recipes. Each one includes oven and air fryer options.
1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Soft Bites
These are soft, slightly chewy, and easy to shape for training treats.
Ingredients
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1 cup whole wheat flour
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½ cup rolled oats
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½ cup plain pumpkin puree
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¼ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
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1 egg
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix all ingredients until dough forms.
Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until set but still soft.
Cool completely.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat to 320°F (160°C).
Place shaped dough in single layer.
Cook for 8–10 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.
2. Sweet Potato & Oat Soft Chews
Great for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
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1 cup mashed sweet potato
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½ cup rolled oats
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¼ cup plain yogurt
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1 egg
Oven Method
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Mix ingredients until thick.
Drop spoonfuls on lined tray.
Bake 15 minutes.
Cool fully.
Air Fryer Method
Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Storage: Keep refrigerated.
3. Banana & Oat Soft Drops
Naturally sweet and simple.
Ingredients
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1 ripe banana (mashed)
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
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1 egg
Oven Method
Preheat to 350°F.
Mix until thick batter forms.
Scoop onto tray.
Bake 15 minutes.
Cool before serving.
Air Fryer Method
Cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 1 week.
4. Blueberry Yogurt Soft Treats
Good option for variety.
Ingredients
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1 cup blueberries
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½ cup plain yogurt
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1½ cups oat flour
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1 egg
Oven Method
Preheat to 350°F.
Mix ingredients thoroughly.
Shape into small drops.
Bake 12–15 minutes.
Air Fryer Method
Cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes.
Storage: Store chilled.
5. Cheesy Apple Soft Biscuits
Sweet and savory mix.
Ingredients
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1 cup grated cheddar (low-fat preferred)
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1 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1½ cups whole wheat flour
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1 egg
Oven Method
Preheat to 350°F.
Mix into soft dough.
Roll to ¼ inch thick.
Cut shapes.
Bake 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer Method
Cook at 320°F for 6–8 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days.
Are Soft Dog Treats Better?
Soft treats are often better for:
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Senior dogs
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Puppies
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Dogs with dental problems
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Dogs in training (easy to break into small pieces)
They are easier to digest when made with simple ingredients.
Feeding Guidelines
Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calorie intake.
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Small dogs: 1–2 small treats
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Medium dogs: 2–3 treats
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Large dogs: 3–4 treats
Adjust based on activity level.
Tips for Making Soft Dog Treats
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Use unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter.
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Avoid garlic, onion, and artificial sweeteners.
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If dough is too dry, add small amount of water or applesauce.
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For softer texture, slightly reduce baking time.
Final Thoughts
These five homemade soft dog treat recipes are simple, affordable, and made with recognizable ingredients. They work well for training or occasional rewards.
Store them properly, feed in moderation, and adjust ingredients to fit your dog’s needs.
