Blueberry Dog Treats
Blueberries have a way of disappearing fast whenever they’re on the counter, and it turns out my dog is just as enthusiastic about them as I am.
These treats fold mashed blueberries right into the dough, giving every bite little bursts of natural sweetness and a subtle purple tint that makes them look just as fun as they taste.
I like keeping a batch of these around during blueberry season, when they’re easy to find and usually already in my fridge.
The berries do most of the sweetening here, so this recipe skips any added sugar entirely.
Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Dog Treats
A few reasons these are worth adding to your rotation.
Naturally sweet. Blueberries provide plenty of flavor without any added sugar.
Antioxidant rich. Blueberries are often praised for their antioxidant content.
Fun color. The natural purple tint makes these treats stand out from a plain biscuit.
Simple ingredients. A short list of pantry staples plus fresh or frozen blueberries.
Freezer friendly. A batch keeps well, so you can bake once and have treats ready for weeks.
Are Blueberries Safe for Dogs?
Blueberries are a popular, well tolerated ingredient in homemade dog treats.
Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well in this recipe. If using frozen, let them thaw first and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Wash fresh blueberries thoroughly before using them, the same way you would for your own consumption.
Moderation still applies, since blueberries do contain natural sugar, though generally in smaller amounts than many other fruits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple, naturally sweet dough.
Blueberries, mashed, add natural sweetness, moisture, and that signature purple tint.
An egg helps bind the dough together.
Whole wheat flour or oat flour gives the dough enough structure to roll and hold a firm shape once baked.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed and mashed if frozen
- 1 egg
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
How to Make Blueberry Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the blueberries with a fork until mostly broken down, leaving a few small chunks for texture.
- Whisk in the egg until combined.
- Add the flour a half cup at a time, stirring until a firm dough begins to form.
- Once the dough holds together and isn’t too sticky to handle, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about a minute, adding a bit more flour if the dough feels sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife, then place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the treats feel firm and the edges look lightly golden.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Getting the Right Texture
A few notes on texture for this recipe.
If the dough feels too sticky to roll, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes workable, since blueberries can vary in moisture.
If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a few extra mashed blueberries or a small splash of water.
For a firmer, crunchier treat, roll the dough slightly thinner and let the treats cool completely before storing.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Blueberry and yogurt treats. Stir in a tablespoon of plain yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor.
Blueberry and oat flour version. Use oat flour in place of wheat flour for a gentler option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Mini training treats. Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite sized training rewards.
Blueberry and banana treats. Replace a portion of the blueberries with mashed banana for a different flavor combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using blueberries with any added sugar coating. Stick to plain fresh or frozen blueberries.
Not draining thawed frozen blueberries. Excess liquid can make the dough too wet, so drain well before mashing.
Adding too much flour at once. This can lead to a dry, crumbly dough that’s hard to work with. Add it gradually instead.
Rolling the dough too thick. Thicker treats take longer to bake through and may stay soft in the center.
Storing them before fully cooled. Warm treats sealed in a container can trap moisture and soften the texture faster than expected.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
As with any homemade treat, these should stay a modest part of your dog’s overall diet, generally under about ten percent of daily caloric intake.
A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog. If you’re unsure how these fit into your dog’s routine, checking with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
How to Store Blueberry Dog Treats
Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
Always check treats before serving, and discard any that show signs of mold or an unusual smell.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing works well for keeping a larger batch on hand.
- Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
- Yogurt Banana Dog Treats Recipe
- Watermelon Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Homemade Apple Crisp Cracker Dog Treats
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes, blueberries are generally considered safe for dogs in moderation and are a popular ingredient in homemade treats.
Can I use frozen blueberries? Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the dough.
Why is my dough purple? That’s expected, since the blueberries naturally tint the dough as they’re mashed in. It’s purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the flavor or safety of the treat.
Can I add other fruit to this recipe? Yes, mashed banana or a small amount of plain pumpkin puree can be blended in alongside the blueberries.
How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy blueberries, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour? Yes, both work well in this recipe, so you can choose whichever suits your dog’s needs.
Blueberry Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the blueberries to a mixing bowl and gently mash them with a fork.
- Add the egg and pumpkin puree and stir until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the oat flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add the water a little at a time if the dough feels too dry.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small bite sized shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
- Blueberry Tip: Use fresh or plain frozen blueberries without added sugar, syrup, or sweeteners. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Pumpkin: Use plain pumpkin puree without added sugar, spices, or pie filling ingredients.
- Texture Tip: For firmer treats, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake until completely set. Let the treats cool fully before judging their final texture.
- Storage: Store cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze them in small portions for longer storage.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not add sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, or flavored ingredients. The natural blueberry flavor is enough.
- Serving: Serve small pieces as occasional rewards or training treats. Treats should complement, rather than replace, your dog’s complete and balanced diet.
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
These have become one of my favorite ways to use up extra blueberries before they go bad, and there’s something satisfying about a treat that comes together with so few ingredients.
Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a naturally sweet, colorful reward ready whenever your dog earns one.
