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Bacon Dog Treats Recipe
These homemade bacon dog treats are made with real thick-cut smoked bacon, creamy peanut butter, and wholesome oats. Simple to make, free of preservatives, and guaranteed to empty a room the second the bacon hits the pan.
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Something people would never guess about me is that I never had dogs growing up, and large dogs absolutely terrified me for most of my life.
But then I met my husband, and everything changed.
At the time, he had an 80-pound silver lab, and overtime, I grew to absolutely love that dog. Fast forward a few years, and now we share 3 black labs that are awkwardly heavy, but think they're lap dogs. And me? I'm totally obsessed with these snuggly pups, so of course - they get spoiled rotten!
I started making homemade treats because I wanted to know exactly what was going into their food. Our vet confirmed that the ingredients in this bacon dog treats recipe are safe for my dogs, and I love that there are no preservatives, artificial colors, or mystery additives. Just real, wholesome ingredients my labs actually go crazy for.
And go crazy they do. The moment the bacon hits the pan, all three of them plant themselves in the kitchen and refuse to move until every last treat is cooled and handed out.
These bacon dog treats are made with real thick-cut smoked bacon, creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and savory beef broth. The bacon grease goes right into the dough, which gives these treats a depth of flavor that store-bought biscuits just can't touch. This recipe makes up to 84 treats, so it's perfect for big households, or for packaging up a jar to give to another dog mom who deserves a break from the pet store aisle.
We give treats in moderation because keeping our labs healthy is the whole point, but when treat time comes, these ones get a huge reaction.
Ingredients For Bacon Dog Treats
To make bacon dog treats, you'll need:
You'll need just a handful of wholesome, simple ingredients to make these bacon dog treats. The bacon grease is my secret weapon, so try not to skip it.
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 2 extra-large eggs
- 2 cups whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled (for the dough)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled (for dusting)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled - reserve the bacon grease
- Cookie cutters of your choice
Substitutions and Additions
Always check ingredient labels before using any substitution in homemade dog treats. Some human food products contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs and can be found in certain brands of peanut butter, nut butters, and flavored broths. When in doubt, check with your vet.
Peanut butter: If your dog has a peanut allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter both work well. Just make sure the label is xylitol-free.
Beef broth: Chicken broth or low-sodium vegetable broth are easy swaps if that's what you have on hand.
Bacon: Turkey bacon works great as a lower-fat option. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits as long as they're real bacon, not imitation.
Bacon grease: If you don't have bacon grease, a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil can substitute.
Bacon Dog Treat Recipe Pro Tips
If your dough gets sticky: This dough usually comes together easily, but if the dough is too sticky to roll out, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Trying to make cutouts with sticky dough is really frustrating, so it's easier to just wait and let the dough chill.
Rolling: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. It's just easier and saves you the headache of the dough sticking to the rolling pin.
Size: Small bone-shaped cutters are perfect for smaller dogs. If you have a bigger breed (like our three labs), larger cutters work just as well.
Storing Your Bacon Dog Treats
Make ahead: You can mix the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to roll and bake.
Refrigerator: Once baked and fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. We don't recommend leaving these out at room temperature for more than a few hours since they contain bacon and eggs.
Freezer: These freeze really well, for up to about three months. Pop them in a Ziploc bag. You can pull a few days' worth out of the freezer at a time and keep them in a container in the fridge. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to three months.
FAQ
How many treats does this recipe make?
This recipe makes up to 84 treats using a 1.5-inch cookie cutter, or about 56 treats with a 3-inch cutter. It's a big batch, which makes it great for households with multiple dogs or for gifting.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, although commercial peanut butter works best. If you use natural peanut butter, keep in mind your treats might be oilier and may not bake as evenly. Make sure you stir the natural peanut butter thoroughly before measuring, since the oil tends to separate. Also, confirm the label is xylitol-free before using it in this recipe.
How do I know when the treats are done baking?
The treats should feel firm to the touch and look lightly golden when they're ready. Remember to flip them halfway through for even baking on both sides.
Can I make these without bacon grease?
You can substitute a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil, but the bacon grease is what gives these treats their deep, savory flavor. I really recommend keeping it if you can.
What if I don't have a cookie cutter?
No cookie cutter? No problem. Just roll the dough out and slice it into small squares with a knife or a pizza cutter. Your dog won't mind the shape one bit.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Bacon Dog Treats Recipe
These homemade bacon dog treats are made with real thick-cut smoked bacon, creamy peanut butter, and wholesome oats. Simple to make, free of preservatives, and guaranteed to empty a room the second the bacon hits the pan.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 2 extra large eggs
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (spooned and leveled (for the dough))
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (spooned and leveled (for dusting))
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 3 slices thick cut smoked bacon (cooked and crumbled (reserve the bacon grease))
- Cookie cutters of your choice
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Add the peanut butter, beef broth, eggs, and reserved bacon grease to a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in the whole wheat flour one cup at a time until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the oats half a cup at a time until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Dust your work surface with the reserved half cup of whole wheat flour.
- Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out to ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using your cookie cutter of choice and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheets about one inch apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each treat with a spatula and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow the treats to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to roll out, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before continuing.
- Rolling the dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transferring easier.
- No cookie cutter? Slice the dough into small squares with a knife or pizza cutter instead.
- Small cutters are ideal for smaller dogs. Larger cutters work great for bigger breeds.
- Always allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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