If you want to pamper your furry friend with something healthy, delicious, and homemade, you’ve come to the right place. Chicken is one of the best lean proteins for dogs—easy to digest, low in fat, and packed with essential nutrients. But busy schedules often make homemade dog treats seem like a hassle. That’s why we’ve put together 7 fast and easy dog treats with chicken that you can make in a flash. These recipes are perfect for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply showing your pup some love.
Why Homemade Chicken Treats Are a Great Choice
You may wonder: Why not just buy treats at the store? There are several reasons why homemade chicken treats can be better:
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Control over ingredients: No preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers.
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Freshness: You know exactly what goes into each bite.
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Customization: Allergies or dietary needs? You can adjust the recipe.
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Cost-effective: Homemade treats are often cheaper than store-bought alternatives.
Homemade chicken treats are also a great way to bond with your dog. Plus, the smell of freshly cooked chicken will have them following you around the kitchen in no time!
Benefits of Chicken for Dogs
Chicken is a staple in many commercial dog foods—and for good reason. Here’s why it’s a fantastic ingredient for homemade treats:
1. High-Quality Protein
Protein is essential for muscle development and overall health. Chicken provides lean protein without excess fat.
2. Easy to Digest
Dogs with sensitive stomachs often tolerate chicken better than beef or pork.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Chicken contains B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus—all crucial for energy and immune support.
4. Versatile and Flavorful
Dogs love the taste of chicken, making it an ideal base for a wide variety of treats.
Things to Keep in Mind When Making Chicken Dog Treats
Before we dive into the recipes, here are a few safety tips:
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Cook thoroughly: Raw chicken can carry bacteria like Salmonella. Always cook chicken fully before adding it to treats.
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Avoid seasoning: Garlic, onion, salt, and other spices are toxic to dogs. Keep it plain.
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Cut appropriately: Size treats according to your dog’s breed and chewing ability.
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Moderation is key: Treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
7 Fast & Easy Dog Treats With Chicken
Here’s the star lineup of chicken-based treats your dog will adore. Each recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients.
1. Chicken & Sweet Potato Bites
Soft, chewy, and ideal for training or small snacks.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
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1 mashed sweet potato
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix chicken, mashed sweet potato, and egg in a bowl until combined.
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Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 minutes.
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Let cool completely before serving.
Why It Works: Sweet potatoes add fiber and beta-carotene while the chicken keeps it protein-rich.
2. Crunchy Chicken Jerky Strips
High-protein, low-fat, and irresistibly chewy.
Ingredients:
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Chicken breast slices (thin)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
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Slice chicken breasts into very thin strips.
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Place strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Bake for 2 hours or until fully dried and chewy.
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Cool completely before giving to your dog.
Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer.
3. Chicken & Rice Mini Meatballs
Gentle on sensitive stomachs and perfect for small dogs.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked chicken
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½ cup cooked rice
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Mix all ingredients until combined.
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Shape mixture into mini meatballs.
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Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
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Cool before serving.
Why It Works: The rice adds easy-to-digest carbohydrates, and the egg binds everything together.
4. Chicken & Pumpkin Training Cubes
Soft, low-calorie, and freezer-friendly—ideal for training sessions.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked chicken
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½ cup canned pumpkin purée
Instructions:
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Blend chicken and pumpkin until smooth.
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Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
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Freeze for 2–3 hours.
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Pop out cubes and serve as needed.
Why It Works: Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and provides fiber, while the chicken keeps it protein-packed.
5. Chicken & Carrot Patties
Crunchy outside, soft inside, and packed with vitamins.
Ingredients:
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1 cup shredded chicken
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½ cup grated carrot
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Mix chicken, carrot, and egg in a bowl.
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Form into small patties.
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Lightly pan-fry with a drop of olive oil or bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
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Cool before serving.
Tip: Great for dogs who like a bit of crunch with every bite.
6. Chicken Broth Ice Pops
Refreshing and hydrating for warm days.
Ingredients:
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Low-sodium chicken broth
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Small pieces of cooked chicken
Instructions:
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Add chicken pieces to an ice cube tray.
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Fill with chicken broth.
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Freeze until solid.
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Serve as a cold treat.
Why It Works: Perfect for keeping pets hydrated and entertained during hot weather.
7. Chicken & Oat Dog Biscuits
Crunchy, high-fiber, and a favorite for dogs who love to chew.
Ingredients:
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1 cup cooked chicken
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1 cup oat flour
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1 egg
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix chicken, oat flour, and egg into a dough.
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Roll out and cut into small shapes using cookie cutters.
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Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
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Let cool before serving.
Tip: Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for long-term storage.
Tips for Making Chicken Dog Treats Faster
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Cook chicken in bulk: Boil or bake multiple breasts and freeze portions.
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Use food processors: Speeds up mixing and shredding.
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Prep in advance: Mix dough, shape treats, and freeze for later.
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Batch baking: Make multiple recipes at once to save time.
Storage and Shelf Life
| Treat Type | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerky Strips | 2 weeks | N/A | 3 months |
| Mini Meatballs | 2–3 days | 1 week | 1 month |
| Training Cubes | N/A | 3 days | 3 months |
| Patties & Biscuits | 5 days | 2 weeks | 3 months |
| Ice Pops | N/A | N/A | 2 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can puppies eat these chicken treats?
Yes, but avoid jerky strips and crunchy biscuits for very young puppies. Soft or frozen treats are better.
2. Can I use raw chicken in these recipes?
No. Always cook chicken thoroughly to prevent bacterial contamination.
3. Can I add seasoning or spices?
No. Garlic, onion, salt, and many spices are toxic to dogs.
4. Are these treats safe for dogs with allergies?
You can modify recipes to use rice or oat flour instead of wheat and avoid eggs if necessary.
5. How many treats should I give my dog per day?
Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust size and frequency according to breed and weight.
Key Takeaways
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Chicken is a lean, digestible protein perfect for homemade dog treats.
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These 7 recipes are fast, easy, and beginner-friendly.
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Treats can be baked, frozen, or dehydrated depending on texture preference.
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Homemade treats allow control over ingredients, portion size, and nutrition.
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Proper storage ensures treats stay fresh and safe.
Making fast & easy dog treats with chicken is not only rewarding but also a fun way to bond with your pet. Whether it’s chewy meatballs, crunchy biscuits, or frozen training cubes, your dog will thank you with every wag of the tail.