I never imagined I’d be making homemade gummies for my dog.
It all started last winter, during one of those cold, cozy afternoons when everyone in the house was inside.
The kids were building a blanket fort in the living room, my husband was working at the kitchen table, and I was sipping tea, watching our dog, Charlie, wander from window to window, clearly bored.
He had a bowl of treats, of course, but they were the store-bought kind that I never felt completely comfortable giving him every day.
Too much sugar, too many preservatives, ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.
I sighed, thinking maybe I could find a better solution. That’s when I remembered seeing a simple, three-ingredient dog gummy recipe in a pet newsletter months ago.
I laughed at myself—me, making gummies? But the idea stuck.
If I could make a quick, healthy, and safe snack for Charlie, it would be worth a try.
Why I Chose These Ingredients
When I thought about making homemade dog treats, I wanted ingredients that were healthy, safe, and simple.
- Blueberries: These little berries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. Charlie loves the sweet-tart taste, and I love that they’re so good for him.
- Coconut milk: It’s creamy, digestible, and adds healthy fats. I even use coconut milk in my smoothies, so I knew it was gentle and wholesome.
- Unflavored gelatin: This is what makes the treats gummy and chewy. It’s also great for joints and digestion, which is important for Charlie as he’s getting older.
Keeping it simple with three ingredients made me feel confident. No unnecessary extras, just wholesome food that would make him happy.
My Step-by-Step Process
Making these gummies ended up being a fun little project that I could do while the kids played or worked on crafts nearby. Here’s how I made them:
- Purée the Blueberries
I started by washing a cup of fresh blueberries and blending them until smooth. I loved how vibrant the color was—it instantly reminded me of blueberry muffins we bake for the kids, except this batch was for Charlie. - Warm the Coconut Milk
I poured half a cup of unsweetened coconut milk into a small saucepan and warmed it gently. It didn’t need to boil, just enough to dissolve the gelatin. I stirred occasionally and enjoyed the faint, creamy aroma. - Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkling two tablespoons of gelatin over the coconut milk, I let it sit for a minute. Then I stirred until fully dissolved. Watching the liquid thicken slightly was satisfying—it reminded me of making jello when I was a kid. - Combine Blueberries and Coconut Mixture
Next, I added the puréed blueberries to the coconut-gelatin mixture. Stirring it all together, the mixture turned a deep, inviting purple. I couldn’t resist tasting a tiny bit—safe for me, too! - Pour Into Molds
I used silicone molds in fun shapes—bones, hearts, and paw prints. I poured carefully, thinking about how excited Charlie would be when he saw them. - Refrigerate Until Firm
I let the molds chill in the fridge for about two hours. During that time, I cleaned up and watched the kids peek into the molds, curious about what was happening.
The Moment of Truth
When I finally popped the gummies out of the molds, Charlie’s eyes lit up. He sniffed the first one, nudged it gently with his nose, and then eagerly ate it in one bite.
I’ll admit—I felt a little proud. Not because it was perfect, but because it was mine, made with love, and completely safe for him.
The kids were fascinated, too. They each got a chance to feed Charlie a treat, and it became a little game for them, teaching them about making something for someone else, even if it’s a pet.
Why I Keep Making These Gummies
This recipe has become part of our weekly routine. On Sundays, when the house is calm, I make a batch for the week ahead.
I store them in a small container in the fridge. The kids help, Charlie is always nearby, and it feels like a small ritual that connects our family.
I love knowing exactly what’s in his snacks. I no longer worry about sugar, preservatives, or harmful ingredients. Plus, seeing Charlie’s excitement and wagging tail makes it all worth it.
Tips for Perfect Dog Gummies
- Choose fresh or frozen blueberries: Sweetened berries aren’t necessary.
- Ensure gelatin fully dissolves: This prevents lumps and gives a smooth texture.
- Use the right mold size: Small molds for little dogs, larger molds for bigger dogs.
- Store in the fridge: They stay firm for about a week.
- Optional add-ins: Unsweetened peanut butter or mashed banana works well for variety, but always ensure it’s safe for dogs.
Why Homemade Treats Are Special
There’s something magical about making food for someone who can’t tell you they love it with words. The wag of a tail, the excited hops, the soft nuzzles—they say everything.
Making these gummies taught me patience, creativity, and how rewarding it is to care for my pet in a tangible way.
It’s also become a family activity, something the kids and I look forward to doing together.
It’s not just a snack. It’s love you can see, taste, and feel.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever hesitated to make homemade treats for your dog, start small. A simple, three-ingredient recipe like these blueberry and coconut gummies is a perfect place.
It’s quick, healthy, and safe—and the smiles (and tail wags) you’ll get are worth every minute.