Chicken Broth Dog Treats Recipe
Chicken broth has a way of getting a dog’s attention almost instantly, and baking it into a biscuit turns that reaction into a treat you can actually hand over on a regular basis.
These treats use chicken broth in place of water or eggs to bring a savory flavor to a simple dough, giving you a biscuit that smells just as good as it tastes to your dog.
I like keeping a batch of these around as an easy, flavorful option for dogs who might not be as interested in a sweeter treat.
The broth does a lot of the work here, so the ingredient list stays short and simple.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broth Dog Treats Recipe
A few reasons these are worth adding to your rotation.
Savory flavor dogs love. Broth brings a rich, meaty taste that works well for dogs who prefer savory over sweet.
Simple ingredients. Just broth and flour, with nothing complicated involved.
Sturdy, crunchy texture. These hold up well for everyday treating or travel.
Great for picky eaters. The strong broth flavor can help win over a dog who’s less interested in typical treats.
Freezer friendly. A batch keeps well, so you can bake once and have treats ready for weeks.
Is Chicken Broth Safe for Dogs?
Broth is a popular ingredient in homemade dog treats, but a few points are worth knowing.
Always choose a low sodium broth, completely free of onion or garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs. Read labels carefully, even on broths marketed toward pets, since ingredients vary between brands.
Homemade broth is the safest option if you’re ever unsure about a store bought version, since it lets you control exactly what goes into it.
Avoid broth with added seasoning blends, bouillon cubes with high sodium content, or any broth containing artificial flavoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple, savory dough.
Low sodium chicken broth, free of onion and garlic, provides the main flavor and moisture for the dough.
Whole wheat flour or oat flour gives the dough enough structure to roll and hold a firm shape once baked.
An egg, optional, can be added for extra binding and a bit of additional protein.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth, no onion or garlic
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
- 1 egg, optional
How to Make Chicken Broth Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the broth and egg, if using, 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, or a small splash of broth if it feels dry.
- 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 25 to 30 minutes, until the treats are firm and golden, with the edges starting to darken slightly.
- Turn off the oven and let the treats sit inside with the door slightly open for another 15 minutes to crisp up further.
- 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.
If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small splash of broth until it comes together smoothly.
For an extra crunchy biscuit, roll the dough slightly thinner and don’t skip the extra drying time in the turned off oven.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Beef broth version. Use low sodium beef broth in place of chicken broth for a different flavor.
Chicken broth and carrot treats. Stir in a small amount of finely grated carrot along with the broth.
Mini training treats. Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite sized training rewards.
Bone broth version. Use a homemade bone broth instead of store bought stock for extra depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a broth with onion or garlic. Always check the label carefully, even on broths marketed for pets.
Using a high sodium broth. Stick to a low sodium variety to keep this treat appropriate for regular use.
Adding too much liquid at once. This can make the dough overly sticky and harder to roll. Add it gradually instead.
Rolling the dough too thick. Thicker treats take longer to bake through and may not reach the same satisfying crunch.
Storing them warm. Let the treats cool fully before sealing them in a container to preserve their crunch.
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 Chicken Broth Dog Treats
Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to three 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.
- Homemade Dog Biscuit
- Homemade Dog Gravy
- Carrot Brothsicle Frozen Dog Treats
- Homemade Beef and Vegetable Chew Sticks
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store bought broth? Yes, as long as it’s low sodium and free of onion and garlic.
Do I need to add an egg? No, the egg is optional and mainly helps with binding. The broth alone is usually enough to bring the dough together.
Can I use beef broth instead of chicken? Yes, beef broth works well as a substitute if your dog prefers that flavor.
Why did my dough turn out crumbly? This usually means it needs a bit more broth. Add it gradually until the dough holds together smoothly.
How long do these treats last? About a week at room temperature, up to three 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 these, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for young or small breed puppies.
Is homemade broth better than store bought for this recipe? Homemade broth lets you control every ingredient, which can be reassuring if you’re ever unsure about a store bought brand, though a good quality, low sodium store bought broth works well too.
Chicken Broth Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the oat flour to a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, pumpkin puree, and egg until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the oat flour and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Let the dough sit for about 2 to 3 minutes so the oat flour can absorb some of the moisture.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of oat flour. If it is too dry, add a teaspoon of chicken broth at a time.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a small cookie cutter to cut the dough into bite sized treats.
- Transfer the treats to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- 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.
- Broth Safety: Use only unsalted chicken broth made without onion, garlic, seasoning blends, or other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs. Always check the ingredient label if using prepared broth.
- Texture Tip: For crunchier treats, roll the dough thinner and bake until completely firm. The treats will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Storage: Store completely cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze extra treats for longer storage.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not use regular seasoned chicken broth simply because it is convenient. Onion and garlic are common ingredients in commercial broths and should not be included.
- Serving: These treats should be given as an occasional snack and should not replace your dog’s complete and balanced regular food.
- Portion Tip: Make the treats small enough for your dog’s size. They can also be broken into smaller pieces and used as training rewards.
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
These have become a reliable option whenever I want a treat with a strong, savory flavor, especially since my dog tends to go for broth based recipes faster than anything sweet. Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a simple, flavorful biscuit ready to go.
