How to Make Bacon Dog Biscuits
My dog can hear a bacon pan from two rooms away, so it was only a matter of time before I turned that obsession into a biscuit.
These bacon dog biscuits are crunchy, simple, and packed with the smell dogs go wild for, but they’re made with a small amount of crumbled bacon rather than a mountain of grease. A little goes a long way in flavor.
They use pantry staples, one bowl, and a basic roll and cut method, so even a first time baker can pull them off. The whole batch is ready in about an hour, and the house smells amazing the entire time.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Dog Biscuits
A few reasons these are worth baking.
Big flavor, small amount of bacon. Finely crumbled bacon spreads through the dough so every bite tastes savory.
Simple ingredients. Flour, egg, water, and bacon, with nothing hard to find.
Crunchy and long lasting. A slow finish in the oven dries them out for a biscuit that keeps well.
Great for training. Cut them small and they make high value rewards.
Easy to customize. Use any cookie cutter shape you like.
Freezer friendly. Bake a big batch and keep extras on hand.
Is Bacon Safe for Dogs?
Bacon needs a little care, so here’s how this recipe handles it.
Bacon is high in salt and fat. Too much can upset a dog’s stomach and may trigger pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. That’s why these biscuits use only a small amount, spread across the whole batch, and why they’re an occasional treat rather than a daily snack.
Choose low sodium bacon when you can. Plain, uncured, low sodium bacon is the better pick.
Cook it well and drain it. Bake or pan fry until crisp, then blot away the grease with paper towels. Don’t add the drippings to the dough.
Skip flavored bacon. Maple, pepper, or garlic bacon can contain ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs.
Turkey bacon works too. It’s often leaner, though it can also be salty, so check the label.
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, a sensitive stomach, or needs to watch their weight, check with your veterinarian before offering bacon treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the dough and what each ingredient contributes.
Whole wheat flour forms the base and gives the biscuits a sturdy, crunchy bite.
Cooked bacon, finely crumbled is the flavor star. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly the flavor spreads.
One egg helps bind the dough and adds a little protein.
Water or low sodium broth brings the dough together. Use broth with no onion or garlic for an extra flavor boost.
Unsweetened applesauce, optional, adds a touch of moisture so the dough rolls smoothly.
Ingredient List
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for rolling
- 6 slices cooked bacon, drained, blotted, and finely crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup water or low sodium broth with no onion or garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce, optional
How to Make Bacon Dog Biscuits
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon until crisp, then blot it well with paper towels to remove the grease. Let it cool, then crumble it into very small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and crumbled bacon.
- Add the egg, water or broth, and applesauce if using. Stir until a stiff dough forms.
- Knead the dough a few times on a floured surface. Add a splash of water if it’s too dry, or a spoonful of flour if it’s sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the biscuits feel firm.
- Turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside for 1 hour with the door closed, for extra crunch.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Getting the Right Texture
For a very crunchy biscuit, roll the dough a little thinner and use the oven off drying step.
For a slightly softer, chewier biscuit, skip the oven off step and pull them out as soon as they’re cool.
If the dough crumbles, add water one tablespoon at a time. If it sticks to the rolling pin, dust with more flour.
Crumble the bacon as finely as you can. Large chunks can make the biscuits break apart when you cut them.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these are fun to try.
Bacon and cheddar biscuits. Stir in a few tablespoons of finely shredded cheddar, kept small since many dogs are sensitive to dairy.
Bacon and peanut butter biscuits. Add 2 tablespoons of xylitol free peanut butter for a classic combination.
Bacon and pumpkin biscuits. Swap the applesauce for plain pumpkin puree.
Mini training bites. Cut the dough into small squares for tiny rewards.
Oat flour version. Replace some of the whole wheat flour with oat flour for dogs who do better with less wheat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using too much bacon. More isn’t better here. Too much salt and fat can upset your dog’s stomach.
Adding the bacon grease. Always blot the bacon and leave the drippings out.
Using flavored or cured bacon with seasonings. Stick with plain bacon.
Rolling the dough unevenly. Thick and thin spots bake at different speeds.
Storing them while still warm. Cool completely so the biscuits stay crisp.
Giving too many. These are a treat, not a meal.
How Many Bacon Biscuits Can a Dog Have?
Because of the salt and fat in bacon, keep these as an occasional treat. One biscuit is plenty for a small dog, and one or two for a larger dog.
Treats should make up only a small portion of your dog’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet.
How to Store Bacon Dog Biscuits
Room temperature. Store fully cooled biscuits in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, since they contain real bacon and egg.
Freezer. Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Check biscuits before serving and discard any that smell off or show signs of mold.
Can You Freeze Bacon Dog Biscuits?
Yes, and freezing is the best way to keep a big batch fresh.
- Let the biscuits cool completely.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for about an hour.
- Transfer to a labeled freezer bag or container.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
- Homemade Dog Biscuit
- Peanut Butter Bacon Doggie Donuts
- Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe
- Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
- Simple Carrot Based Dog Treat Recipes for Beginners
For a wider look at feeding your dog well, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat bacon? In small amounts, occasionally, most healthy dogs can. Bacon is salty and fatty, so it should never be a regular snack.
Can I use bacon bits from a jar? Most jarred bacon bits are very high in sodium and may contain flavorings, so freshly cooked plain bacon is the better choice.
Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, plain turkey bacon works. Check the label for added seasonings like onion or garlic.
Can I skip the egg? Yes, replace it with an extra 2 tablespoons of applesauce or pumpkin puree.
Why are my biscuits soft? They were likely rolled too thick or skipped the oven off drying step. Roll thinner and let them dry in the cooling oven.
How long do these biscuits last? About 5 days at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, and 3 months in the freezer.
Can puppies have bacon biscuits? Puppies have sensitive stomachs and specific nutritional needs, so check with your veterinarian first.
How to Make Bacon Dog Biscuits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon thoroughly in a skillet. Avoid adding oil or seasonings, then drain away the excess fat and allow the bacon to cool.
- Finely crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg to a mixing bowl and stir until combined.
- Add the oat flour and crumbled bacon. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add the water gradually 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 biscuit shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and cooked through.
- Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
- Bacon Safety: Use fully cooked, plain bacon in a small quantity. Bacon is high in fat and sodium, so it should be an occasional flavoring rather than a major ingredient.
- Pumpkin Tip: Use plain pumpkin puree without added sugar, spices, or pie filling ingredients.
- Texture Tip: For crunchier biscuits, roll the dough thinner and bake until fully set. Let the biscuits cool completely before judging their final texture.
- Storage: Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze extra portions for longer storage.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not add salt, onion, garlic, seasoning cubes, or extra bacon grease. Excess fat can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Serving: Offer 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 Biscuits
There’s something special about watching my dog sit perfectly still while I take a tray of these out of the oven.
A little bacon goes a long way, so keep them as an occasional reward, and you’ll have a batch that feels like a real treat without overdoing it.
