Why Making Your Own Dog Treats Can Save You Money and Improve Your Dog’s Health

As a dog owner, you likely already know that caring for a four-legged friend comes with joy, loyalty — and a hefty price tag. From quality food and regular vet visits to the endless parade of toys, accessories, and tasty treats, it all adds up. But what if we told you there’s a simple, rewarding way to cut costs and boost your dog’s wellbeing?

Making your own dog treats at home is not only budget-friendly — it also gives you control over exactly what goes into your dog’s diet. In this article, we’ll explore how homemade treats can save you money, improve your dog’s health, reduce waste, and introduce you to one of the best ingredients you can add to your dog’s treat routine: pumpkin powder.

Visit any UK supermarket or pet store and you’ll quickly notice how expensive dog treats have become. Premium “natural” treats can cost anywhere from £3 to £7 per bag, and often contain just a small number of snacks. If you’ve got a larger breed or multiple dogs, you’ll be going through several bags a month — a hidden cost that can add up to hundreds of pounds per year.

When you make your own treats at home, the savings can be significant. Using ingredients like oats, eggs, mashed banana, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and herbs you already have in your cupboard, you can whip up large batches of healthy snacks for a fraction of the cost.

One of the biggest concerns with shop-bought dog treats is the lack of transparency around ingredients. While many treats claim to be “natural” or “grain-free,” a closer look at the label often reveals:

• Artificial preservatives and colourings
  

• Meat derivatives and by-products
  

• High sugar or salt content
  

• Unnecessary fillers like corn or soy

These can be harmful to your dog’s health over time, particularly if your dog has allergies, sensitivities, or a sensitive stomach.

By making your own treats, you choose exactly what goes into your dog’s body. You can cater to specific dietary needs, avoid allergens, and use real food ingredients that you trust.

Homemade treats also give you the chance to include functional, health-boosting ingredients that your dog might not otherwise get in their daily meals. A great example of this is pumpkin powder — a powerful, natural supplement that more and more UK dog owners are turning to.

Ingredients:

• 160g oat flour (or blitz 160g of oats in a food processor)

• 1 medium egg

• 125g natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• 30g pumpkin powder (approx. ¼ cup)

• A splash of water if needed (1–2 tbsp)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4 .

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, egg, peanut butter, and pumpkin powder.

3. Mix until a stiff dough forms. Add a splash of water if the dough is too dry.

4. Roll out the dough to about ½ cm thickness on a lightly floured surface.

5. Cut into shapes using biscuit or bone-shaped cutters.

6. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes , or until lightly golden.

7. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Storage:

• Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Beyond the cost and health benefits, making dog treats can also be a fun, family-friendly activity. Children love helping to mix, shape, and bake treats for their furry companions. And for your dog? It’s a treat to smell the snacks baking — and an even bigger reward when they get to taste-test your efforts!

This type of interactive care helps deepen the bond you have with your dog, reinforcing trust and companionship.

Many commercial dog treat packets are wrapped in non-recyclable plastics, contributing to landfill waste. Making your own treats at home not only cuts down on unnecessary packaging but also gives you a more sustainable way to care for your dog.

You can use reusable jars, compost your food scraps, and source ingredients locally or in bulk to further reduce your carbon pawprint.

Making your own dog treats at home might seem like a small gesture, but it can have a big impact — not only on your finances, but on your dog’s overall wellbeing. In a world where so many pet products are filled with unclear ingredients and come with high price tags, creating your own treats offers peace of mind and a deeper connection with your dog. You’ll know exactly what you’re feeding them, and you can customise recipes to suit their individual needs — whether they have allergies, sensitive stomachs, or are simply fussy eaters.

By using natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin powder, you’re not just baking something tasty — you’re actively contributing to your dog’s digestive health, coat condition, and energy levels. And let’s not forget the joy your dog will feel when they see (and smell!) a fresh batch of homemade biscuits coming out of the oven.

For dog owners trying to balance quality pet care with everyday costs, homemade treats are a sustainable, affordable, and genuinely rewarding solution. You save money, reduce packaging waste, and most importantly, offer your beloved pet something made with care and love.

So next time you're reaching for a bag of shop-bought snacks, pause and ask: Could I make something better myself? With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, the answer is almost always yes. And your dog will love you even more for it.