Store-bought chicken dog treats come with long ingredient lists and the occasional recall headline. Making your own is easier than it sounds: plain chicken breast, an egg and a little oat flour bake into soft, high-value chicken dog treats in about 30 minutes. Below are two homemade chicken dog treats recipes, a baked chicken bite and a flour-free chicken and sweet potato ball, plus calories per treat, how many to give by weight, and the food-safety steps that matter most with raw poultry.
Recipes: baked chicken bites, flour-free chicken and sweet potato balls • Prep: 15 minutes • Cook: 20–25 minutes • Yield: about 48 bites or 30 balls • Difficulty: easy • Storage: fridge 4 days, freezer 3 months
Key rule: cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and never add garlic, onion or seasoning salt.
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Why Chicken Makes Great Dog Treats
Skinless chicken breast is lean, highly digestible and something almost every dog will work for. Per 100 grams cooked, it has about 165 calories, 31 grams of protein and only 3.6 grams of fat, according to USDA FoodData Central. That makes cooked chicken dog treats a smart choice for training, for picky eaters, and for dogs that need lower-fat rewards.
Two cautions. Chicken is also one of the more common food allergens in dogs, so skip it if your dog has a known chicken allergy (see our dog food allergies guide). And never feed cooked chicken bones, which can splinter.
Recipe 1: Baked Chicken Dog Treats (Soft Bites)
Baked Chicken Dog Treat Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch pan with parchment.
- Pulse the chicken in a food processor until finely ground.
- Add the egg, pumpkin and oat flour and pulse into a thick paste.
- Spread evenly in the pan about 1/2 inch thick and smooth the top.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until firm and the center reads 165°F (74°C).
- Cool completely, then cut into about 48 squares, or smaller for training.
Notes
The batch totals about 850 calories, so each bite is roughly 18 calories. Wash your hands, board and processor with hot, soapy water after handling raw chicken.
Recipe 2: Chicken and Sweet Potato Balls (No Flour)
A good option for dogs that can’t have grains, and a great way to use plain leftover chicken.
Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Treat Balls
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a tray with parchment.
- Mix everything into a sticky dough.
- Roll into about 30 small balls and flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until set and lightly golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
Each ball has about 14 calories.
How Many Chicken Treats Can My Dog Have?
Treats should stay under about 10% of your dog’s daily calories, the guideline in the WSAVA treat guide. Here’s what that means for these recipes:
| Dog’s Weight | Daily Treat Budget | Baked Bites (18 kcal) | Sweet Potato Balls (14 kcal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | ~35 kcal | 1-2 | 2 |
| 25 lb (11 kg) | ~70 kcal | 3 | 4-5 |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | ~115 kcal | 6 | 8 |
| 75 lb (34 kg) | ~160 kcal | 8-9 | 11 |
Our estimates for typical neutered adults (70 × body weight in kg0.75 × 1.6). Count all other treats and chews in the same budget. Cut treats into smaller pieces to stretch them over a training session.
Storage and Shelf Life
These are moist, fresh-meat treats with no preservatives, so treat them like leftovers:
- Fridge: in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: spread on a tray to freeze, then bag; they keep about 3 months. Thaw a day’s worth in the fridge.
- Room temperature: not more than 2 hours, including in your treat pouch on a warm day.
Want a shelf-stable option? Dried chicken lasts much longer; our chicken jerky for dogs guide shows how to make it safely in the oven or a dehydrator.
Swaps and Variations
| Instead of | Try | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Oat flour | Rice flour or chickpea flour | Grain-free or oat-sensitive dogs |
| Pumpkin | Grated carrot or mashed sweet potato | Variety, extra fiber |
| Chicken | Lean ground turkey (see ground turkey for dogs) | Dogs allergic to chicken |
| Baking | Air fryer at 330°F for about 12–15 minutes, checking the temperature | Small batches |
Looking for a lower-fat or liver-based option? Try our low fat dog treats or liver treats.
Are homemade chicken treats a good choice? Yes, plain cooked chicken is lean and well liked, unless the dog has a chicken allergy.
The biggest safety mistake? Undercooking, or adding garlic, onion or seasoning. Cook to 165°F and keep it plain.
How long can they be stored? About 4 days in the fridge, or freeze them for longer.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Chicken Dog Treats: Quick Guide
✓ Do
- Use plain, skinless, boneless chicken
- Cook to 165°F in the center
- Refrigerate and use within 4 days
- Keep treats under 10% of daily calories
✕ Don’t
- Add garlic, onion or seasoning
- Include cooked bones or skin
- Leave treats out in a warm pouch
- Use chicken if your dog is allergic
Every dog is different. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis or kidney disease should get their vet’s okay first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken dog treats without flour?
Yes. Recipe 2 uses only chicken, sweet potato and egg. You can also bake thin strips of plain chicken breast until firm, or dry them as jerky.
Are cooked chicken dog treats healthy?
Plain cooked chicken is lean and high in protein, which makes it a healthy treat in the right amount. Keep portions within the treat budget so your dog’s complete food stays the main diet.
Can I use canned chicken?
Only if it’s packed in water with no added salt. Drain and rinse it well. Fresh chicken breast is usually lower in sodium.
Can puppies have chicken treats?
Yes, once they eat solid food. Cut the treats into tiny pieces and count them toward your puppy’s daily calories.
Why are store-bought chicken treats sometimes recalled?
Recalls usually involve bacteria such as Salmonella or problems with imported jerky products. Making treats at home lets you control the ingredients and cooking temperature.
Can I make these chicken treats in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook small batches at around 330°F for 12–15 minutes, then check that the center reaches 165°F.
Want more ideas? See the full collection of homemade dog treat recipes.
The Bottom Line
Homemade chicken dog treats are simple: plain chicken, an egg and a little flour or sweet potato, baked until the center reaches 165°F. Keep them in the fridge, count them toward your dog’s daily calories, and skip seasonings and bones. Find more easy recipes in our Homemade Treats section. This article is general information, not veterinary advice; see our Veterinary Disclaimer.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- WSAVA — WSAVA treat guide
- foodsafety.gov — FoodSafety.gov temperature chart