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

  1. 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

  2. Process Oats

    Add the rolled oats to the food processor and pulse for 10‑15 seconds until finely chopped.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Blend Liver

    Add the trimmed beef liver to the processor and run for 10‑15 seconds until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  4. 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

  5. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed oats and the all‑purpose flour.

    Time: PT2M

  6. 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

  7. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon.

    Time: PT2M

  8. 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

  9. Cool

    Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  10. 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

Last updated: March 17, 2026

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Homemade dog food and dog treats

Recipe by Muddy Creek Poodles

A simple, nutritious homemade dog treat made with rolled oats, flour, and fresh beef liver. Baked until firm but not hard, these bites are perfect for rewarding your pups while providing protein and flavor.

EasyAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.25
Total cost
$0.27
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Processing the liver until completely smooth to avoid gritty texture.
  • Baking only until firm, not hard, to keep treats chewable for dogs.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw liver with care; wash hands and sanitize all surfaces.
  • Ensure the treats are fully baked to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
  • Do not add sweeteners or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of homemade dog liver bites in American pet cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of liver‑based dog treats in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve homemade dog liver bites in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are homemade dog liver bites traditionally associated with in American pet culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes homemade dog liver bites special or unique in American canine cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade dog liver bites?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a food processor instead of hand‑chopping the liver?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make homemade dog liver bites ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Muddy Creek Poodles specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Muddy Creek Poodles' approach to homemade dog food differ from other pet cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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