Homemade Chicken Waffle Dog Treats
Breakfast for dinner is a fun idea for people, so why not for dogs too. These chicken waffles use a waffle iron to turn a simple savory batter into a treat with all those familiar little pockets, perfect for breaking into pieces or just handing over whole as a fun, playful reward.
The waffle iron also means these cook fast, with no need to wait on a long oven bake.
I started making these on a whim after wondering if a waffle iron would work for a dog treat the same way it does for pancake batter, and it turned out to be one of the easiest, quickest recipes I’ve added to my rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Chicken Waffle Dog Treats
A few reasons these are worth trying.
Fast cooking time. A waffle iron cooks these in just a few minutes, much faster than a full oven bake.
Fun, playful shape. The classic waffle pockets make these feel a little different from a typical biscuit.
Savory flavor. Made with real chicken, these appeal to dogs who prefer a meaty treat over something sweet.
Easy to portion. Simple to break into smaller pieces for training or snacking.
Simple ingredients. A short list of basics you likely already have.
Is This Recipe Safe for Dogs?
This recipe uses simple, savory ingredients, but a few points are worth understanding.
Plain cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded, should be used with no seasoning, salt, or added fat.
Low sodium broth, if used to adjust the batter’s consistency, should always be free of onion and garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs.
Skip any waffle toppings meant for human waffles, like syrup, butter, or whipped cream, none of which belong on a dog treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple, savory batter.
Plain cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded, adds protein and flavor throughout the batter.
An egg helps bind everything together.
Oat flour or whole wheat flour provides the structure for the batter.
A small amount of low sodium broth or water helps thin the batter to a pourable consistency.
Ingredient List
- 1/2 cup plain cooked chicken, finely chopped or shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 cup oat flour or whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup low sodium broth or water, no onion or garlic
How to Make Homemade Chicken Waffle Dog Treats
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and broth or water until combined.
- Add the flour and stir until a thick batter begins to form.
- Fold in the chopped chicken, distributing it evenly throughout the batter.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed, then spoon a small amount of batter onto the iron, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Close the waffle iron and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the waffle is firm and lightly golden, checking your specific waffle iron’s typical cook time as a guide.
- Carefully remove the waffle and let it cool completely on a wire rack before breaking it into pieces or serving.
- Repeat with the remaining batter until it’s all been used.
Getting the Right Consistency
A few notes on texture for this recipe.
If the batter feels too thick to spread easily in the waffle iron, add a small splash of broth or water until it loosens up.
If it feels too thin, stir in a bit more flour a tablespoon at a time.
Since waffle irons vary by brand, the first waffle is a good test run, adjusting batter thickness or cook time slightly based on how it turns out.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Pumpkin chicken waffles. Stir in a small spoonful of plain pumpkin puree for extra moisture and a slightly different flavor.
Cheddar chicken waffles. Fold in a small amount of shredded cheddar along with the chicken.
Turkey waffles. Use plain cooked turkey in place of chicken for a different flavor.
Mini waffle bites. Once cooled, break the waffles into smaller pieces for easy training rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using seasoned chicken. Keep the chicken entirely plain, with no salt, garlic, onion, or seasoning blends.
Overfilling the waffle iron. Too much batter can overflow, so start with a smaller amount and adjust as needed.
Skipping the cooling time. Let the waffles cool fully before breaking them apart or storing, since they firm up as they cool.
Using a broth with onion or garlic. Always check the label if using broth to thin the batter.
Adding human waffle toppings. Syrup, butter, and whipped cream aren’t appropriate for a dog treat.
How Many Waffle Pieces Can a Dog Have?
Since this treat contains real chicken, it’s a bit more calorie dense than a plain biscuit, so portions should stay modest, generally under about ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake overall. A few small pieces is a reasonable serving for most dogs on a given day.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Waffle Dog Treats
Refrigerator. Since these are made with real chicken, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the waffle pieces in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
Always check treats before serving, and discard anything that shows signs of spoilage.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing is a convenient way to keep a batch on hand.
- Let the waffles cool completely before freezing.
- Break them into smaller pieces, if desired, before freezing.
- Arrange the pieces in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw a few in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Chicken Broth Dog Treats Recipe
- Chewy Cheddar Puppy Puffs
- Easy Homemade Dog Treats in Air Fryer
- Homemade Dog Biscuit
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular waffle iron for this recipe? Yes, a standard waffle iron works fine, though a mini waffle iron can be a nice option for smaller, more portion friendly pieces.
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooking my own? Yes, as long as it’s plain with no added salt, broth, or seasoning.
Why is my batter too thick to spread? Add a small splash of broth or water until it reaches a pourable, spreadable consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, finely grated carrot or a small spoonful of pumpkin puree can be folded into the batter for extra nutrition.
How long do these treats last? Up to five days in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer, since they’re made with real chicken.
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.
Do I need a dedicated waffle iron for this, or can I use my regular one? Your regular waffle iron works fine. Just be sure to clean it well afterward if you also use it for human food.
Homemade Chicken Waffle Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken, egg, oat flour, and pumpkin puree to a mixing bowl.
- Stir everything together until a thick batter forms.
- Add the water gradually and mix until the batter is thick but easy to spoon.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed.
- Spoon a small amount of batter into the waffle iron without overfilling it.
- Close the waffle iron and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the waffles are firm and lightly golden.
- Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a wire rack.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving.
- Break the waffles into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or training treats.
- Chicken: Use fully cooked, plain chicken with no onion, garlic, salt, or seasoning. Remove all bones before using.
- Texture: Cook the waffles a little longer if you prefer a firmer, crispier texture.
- Serving: Break each waffle into smaller pieces based on your dog’s size.
- Storage: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze extra treats for longer storage.
- Common Mistake: Adding too much water can make the batter too thin and difficult to cook properly in the waffle iron.
- Safety: These treats are meant to be an occasional snack and should not replace your dog’s complete and balanced diet.
A Final Note on Making These Treats
These have become one of the more fun treats I make, mostly because the waffle iron makes the whole process feel a little playful compared to rolling and cutting dough. Quick, savory, and easy to portion, they’ve earned a spot in my regular rotation.
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