If you’ve ever wanted a homemade dog treat recipe that’s fast, budget-friendly, and practically impossible to mess up… welcome.
I discovered this recipe on a sleepy Sunday afternoon when I realized I had baby food in the pantry and no dog treats left.
Fifteen minutes later, I had warm, soft cookies cooling on the counter—and my dog staring at me like I’d just given him the best day of his life.
These treats are:
- Perfect for seniors
- Easy for puppies to chew
- Made with real ingredients
- Ready in under 20 minutes
Let’s bake!
Why This Recipe is Brilliant
✔ Baby Food = Built-In Quality
Baby food is already:
- Cooked
- Smooth
- Gentle
- Made to high standards
So it’s perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and teeth.
✔ Just Two Ingredients
No complex steps, no strange additives—just clean, real food.
✔ No Mess, No Hassle
One bowl, one tray, one spoon.
Exactly what we love on bus
Two-Ingredient Baby Food Dog Cookies
Makes: 15–20 tablespoon-sized treats (more if smaller)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stage 2 or 3 baby food (meat/veg or fruit) | 2 × 4 oz jars |
| Oats (rolled or quick cooking) | 1½ cups |
Baby Food Notes:
Pick baby food containing simple ingredients only such as:
- Turkey + sweet potato
- Chicken + vegetables
- Beef + carrot
- Plain pumpkin
- Sweet potato
Avoid:
Garlic, onions, seasoning, added salt, grapes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grind the Oats
Pulse oats in a food processor until they resemble coarse flour.
Small pieces are fine—this gives texture.
Step 2: Add the Baby Food
Spoon in the baby food and blend until everything becomes a thick dough.
Step 3: Scoop onto a Baking Sheet
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops onto a lined tray.
Smaller dogs? Use a teaspoon.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at:
350°F (180°C) for 20–22 minutes
Treats should be:
- Firm to the touch
- Slightly darker around the edges
Step 5: Cool Completely
They’ll firm up more while cooling.
Storage & Freshness
In the Refrigerator – 2 Weeks
Store in an airtight container.
In the Freezer – 3 Months
Freeze in layers with parchment between cookies.
Do not store at room temperature.
There’s too much moisture and they may spoil.
Serving Guide
| Dog Weight | Treat Size | Daily Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5–15 lbs | ½ tbsp | 2–3 |
| 16–30 lbs | 1 tbsp | 3–4 |
| 31–50 lbs | 1 tbsp | 4–5 |
| 51–70 lbs | 1–2 tbsp | 5–6 |
| 71+ lbs | 2 tbsp | 6–8 |
Perfect For:
✔ Senior dogs
✔ Dogs with weak or missing teeth
✔ Puppies 8 weeks+
✔ Picky eaters
❓ FAQ
Can I skip the food processor?
Yes—use oat flour and mix by hand.
Can I make them crunchier?
Bake:
- At 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or
- At 300°F for 35–40 minutes
Cool completely—they crisp up more once cooled.
How many flavors can I use?
As many as you like!
Just avoid foods containing:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Seasonings
- Grapes
- Chocolate
- Salt
Final Thoughts
Short on time?
Short on budget?
Short on ingredients?
These treats have your back.
They’re soft, wholesome, fast to make, and they taste like you spent way more effort than you actually did—which is always a win in the dog-mom world.
Make a batch this week and keep them on hand for when your pup deserves a little something special… which, let’s be real, is pretty much every day.
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