Homemade dog food and dog treats
Homemade dog food and dog treats is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 50 calories per serving. Recipe by Muddy Creek Poodles on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 70 min
Cost: $3.25 total, $0.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking, processed in food processor)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 lb Beef Liver (trimmed, fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (neutral oil, can use canola or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (optional, adds flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Peanut Butter (ensure no xylitol or added sugar; optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9‑inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Process Oats
Add the rolled oats to the food processor and pulse for 10‑15 seconds until finely chopped.
Time: PT1M
Blend Liver
Add the trimmed beef liver to the processor and run for 10‑15 seconds until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Combine Eggs and Oil
Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and optional olive oil to the liver puree. Process for another 10 seconds until fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed oats and the all‑purpose flour.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the liver‑egg mixture into the oat‑flour bowl and stir with a spoon or spatula until a uniform batter forms. If using, fold in the peanut butter at this stage.
Time: PT3M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30‑40 minutes, or until the top is firm to the touch but not hard or overly crisp.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 325°F
Cool
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Cut into Pieces
Once cooled, lift the parchment paper and cut the slab into small, dog‑sized squares or rectangles.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 50
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 2 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: dog‑friendly, high protein, no artificial additives
Allergens: wheat (flour), egg, oats
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rolled Oats: ground oats, oat flour
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole wheat flour, rice flour (grain‑free option)
- Instead of Beef Liver: chicken liver, turkey liver
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer (not recommended for dogs)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil, melted coconut oil
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: omit or use more vegetable oil
- Instead of Unsweetened Peanut Butter: pumpkin puree, plain Greek yogurt (small amount)
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Large Spoon or Spatula
- 9‑Inch Square Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Wire Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Processing the liver until completely smooth to avoid gritty texture.
- Baking only until firm, not hard, to keep treats chewable for dogs.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, toast the oats lightly before processing.
- Add a pinch of dried parsley for a fresh scent that many dogs enjoy.
- Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment for easier release.
Troubleshooting
Treats are too hard after cooling.
Reduce baking time by 5‑10 minutes and check firmness earlier.
Bites are gritty or have liver chunks.
Process the liver longer or slice it finer before adding to the processor.
Batter is too sticky to spread.
Lightly oil your hands or the spatula, or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Room temperature: Not recommended; treats may spoil quickly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the entire batch, cool, and freeze individual portions for later use.
- If you need a softer texture, store treats at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog liver bites in American pet cuisine?
Homemade dog treats have become popular in the United States as owners seek healthier, preservative‑free alternatives to commercial snacks. Liver bites are prized for their high protein and iron content, reflecting a tradition of using organ meats to provide nutrient‑dense meals for working dogs and farm animals.
What are the traditional regional variations of liver‑based dog treats in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, farmers often baked liver treats with cornmeal, while coastal regions may incorporate fish or seaweed. Some Southern recipes add sweet potato or pumpkin for extra fiber, whereas the Pacific Northwest favors quinoa or barley as a grain base.
How is the authentic traditional way to serve homemade dog liver bites in the United States?
Traditionally, the bites are served at room temperature as a reward during training or as a supplement to a balanced homemade diet. They are usually cut into palm‑sized pieces and given one or two at a time, depending on the dog’s size.
What occasions or celebrations are homemade dog liver bites traditionally associated with in American pet culture?
Dog birthdays, adoption anniversaries, and holiday gatherings (especially Thanksgiving) often feature special homemade treats like liver bites. Many owners also bake them for “Gotcha Day” celebrations when a rescue dog joins the family.
What makes homemade dog liver bites special or unique in American canine cuisine?
They combine high‑quality organ meat with simple pantry staples, delivering a nutrient‑dense snack without fillers, artificial flavors, or excessive sodium. The ability to control ingredients makes them ideal for dogs with sensitivities.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade dog liver bites?
Common errors include over‑baking, which makes the treats too hard, and under‑processing the liver, resulting in a gritty texture. Also, adding sweeteners or xylitol‑containing peanut butter can be toxic to dogs.
Why does this recipe use a food processor instead of hand‑chopping the liver?
A food processor creates a uniformly smooth liver puree, ensuring the final treat has a consistent texture and no hard liver chunks that could be difficult for dogs to chew.
Can I make homemade dog liver bites ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, bake the full batch, let it cool, then store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for up to two months. Thaw frozen treats at room temperature before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Muddy Creek Poodles specialize in?
The YouTube channel Muddy Creek Poodles focuses on homemade pet food, treats, and wellness tips for dogs, especially poodles. The creator shares step‑by‑step recipes, nutrition advice, and DIY grooming tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Muddy Creek Poodles' approach to homemade dog food differ from other pet cooking channels?
Muddy Creek Poodles emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, budget‑friendly meals, and detailed safety practices, often incorporating the creator’s own dogs in taste‑tests. Unlike many channels that use commercial pet food bases, this channel builds recipes from scratch.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
