How long do homemade dog treats keep?

Crisp biscuits keep 3-4 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Softer treats: 7-10 days in the fridge, 3 months frozen. The drier you bake them, the longer they last.

Can I give my dog homemade treats every day?

Yes, in moderation. Maximum 10% of daily calories should come from treats. When training intensively, reduce your dog's main meal proportionally to avoid weight gain.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Only if it contains no xylitol (also labelled as birch sugar or E967). Most UK brands like Whole Earth, Meridian, Pip & Nut Original are safe. Always read the label — some "sugar-free" peanut butters are deadly.

What flour can I use for dog biscuits in the UK?

Porridge oats (blitzed), wholemeal flour, rice flour, chickpea flour all work well. Avoid plain wheat flour if your dog has a known sensitivity. Self-raising flour fine in small amounts. No flour with added salt or sugar.

Homemade dog treats — UK pantry ingredients only

Why bake your own?

Shop-bought UK dog treats often contain sugar, glycerin, artificial colours, vague meat percentages and preservatives. Homemade treats: three to five ingredients, total transparency, a fraction of the price. And most dogs prefer them.

The non-negotiable safety list

Chocolate, cocoa — toxic (theobromine).
Grapes, raisins, sultanas — can cause kidney failure even in small amounts.
Onion, garlic, leek, chive — haemolytic anaemia.
Xylitol — extremely toxic, hidden in many "sugar-free" products including some UK peanut butters (Whole Earth and Meridian are xylitol-free; always check labels).
Avocado pit and skin — persin.
Macadamia nuts, walnuts — toxic.
Alcohol, caffeine, raw yeast dough.

Recipe 1: Liver cake (the classic UK training treat)

Ingredients

500g chicken or ox liver (from any UK butcher or supermarket fresh counter)
250g porridge oats (blitzed to flour) or wholemeal flour
2 large eggs
1 tbsp olive oil

Method

Blitz the liver smooth with a hand blender or food processor.
Mix in eggs, flour and oil to a thick batter consistency.
Spread thinly (5mm) on a lined baking tray.
180°C (fan 160°C) for 25-30 minutes until firm.
Cool, then cut with a pizza wheel into training-size squares.

Storage

7-10 days in the fridge. Freeze in portions for 3 months. Dehydrated further (50°C, 2h) keeps up to 4 weeks at room temperature.

Recipe 2: Pumpkin chicken biscuits

Ingredients

200g cooked chicken, finely chopped (leftover roast works)
150g cooked pumpkin or butternut squash, mashed
250g porridge oats (blitzed) or wholemeal flour
1 large egg
1 tsp dried parsley

Method

Mix all ingredients to a dough.
Wrap and rest in the fridge 30 minutes.
Roll to 2mm thickness and cut with small biscuit cutters.
175°C (fan 155°C), 18-22 minutes until crisp.

Pumpkin is brilliant for dogs with mild digestive issues — soluble fibre helps both constipation and loose stools.

Recipe 3: Apple and carrot bites

Ingredients

1 carrot, finely grated
1 apple (core removed), finely grated
200g porridge oats
2 tbsp natural peanut butter (CHECK label — must be xylitol-free; Whole Earth, Meridian or Pip & Nut Original are safe)
1 large egg

Method

Mix everything by hand.
Roll into walnut-sized balls.
Flatten on a lined baking tray.
170°C (fan 150°C), 20-25 minutes.

Critical peanut butter check: in 2026 the UK market still includes brands using xylitol as a sweetener. Always read the label — xylitol can kill a dog within hours.

Portion size and training treats

Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. For a 20kg dog: about 120-150 kcal, or 4-6 medium homemade treats per day. If you're training intensively, reduce the main meal by an equivalent amount.

Cost comparison

Option	Monthly cost (small dog)
Premium shop-bought treats	£15-30
Organic / artisan treats	£25-50
Homemade (liver / pumpkin)	£4-10

How CanAI helps

Ask the AI chat to generate a treat recipe from whatever you have in the pantry — e.g. "I have tinned tuna and oats, what can I bake?". CanAI gives quantities adjusted for your dog's weight. In health, log your dog's daily calorie target and check that treats stay within the 10% limit.