Homemade Cheesy Dog Treats Recipe: A Tail-Wagging Treat for Your Pup

A picture of a warm and inviting white modern farmhouse kitchen. The central focus is on a white marble countertop displaying a batch of freshly baked homemade cheesy dog biscuits / treats in fun bone and paw print shapes. The biscuits, with a golden-brown, slightly rough texture and small flecks of cheddar cheese, sit prominently. A small wooden bowl filled with shredded cheddar cheese and a rolling pin are positioned nearby. In the background, slightly blurred to add depth, a happy golden retriever with perked-up ears sits, eagerly awaiting a treat. The lighting is soft and natural, casting a cozy, homemade ambiance.

If there’s one thing dog owners can agree on, it’s that our pups deserve only the best—especially when it comes to treats! This homemade cheesy dog treat recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients and rich cheddar flavor, making it an irresistible snack for your four-legged best friend. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dog treat recipe or just want to spoil your pup with a homemade dog treat/biscuit, this one is sure to be a winner!

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats / Biscuits?

Let’s be honest—our dogs love treats. But store-bought options can be filled with unnecessary additives and preservatives. By making your own homemade dog treats, you know exactly what’s going into them. Plus, baking for your pup is a fun way to show them extra love!

These cheesy dog treats are:
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Crunchy and satisfying, perfect for snack time or training rewards
Made with real cheddar cheese, giving them that irresistible, tail-wagging flavor

A golden retriever eagerly licks its lips while a hand offers it a bone-shaped, cheesy homemade dog biscuit in a soft-focused, white farmhouse kitchen setting.

The Perfect Crunchy & Cheesy Dog Treat

Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked dog treats straight from the oven. The rich aroma of melted cheese combined with a hint of garlic will have your pup sitting patiently (or not-so-patiently) by your side. Each biscuit bakes up to a golden brown perfection, offering just the right amount of crunch.

These treats are ideal for:

Rewarding your dog after a training session
Adding a special homemade touch to their snack time
Gifting to fellow dog lovers (because who doesn’t love a homemade surprise for their pup?)

Wholesome Ingredients You Can Trust

When it comes to your dog’s health, quality ingredients matter. That’s why this recipe sticks to simple, dog-safe ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious.

What’s Inside These Cheesy Dog Biscuits?

Whole Wheat Flour – A hearty, fiber-rich base for the biscuits
Cheddar Cheese – The ultimate cheesy goodness that makes tails wag
Margarine (or Corn Oil) – Keeps the biscuits rich and satisfying
Garlic (optional) – Adds flavor (in small amounts, garlic is safe for dogs, but you can omit it if preferred)
A Pinch of Salt – Enhances the flavors (just a little!)
Milk – Helps bring the dough together for the perfect consistency

A close-up top-down view shows hands rolling out dough on a floured butcher block, using a bone-shaped cookie cutter for homemade dog biscuits. The dough features visible bits of cheddar cheese, with a small pile of biscuits ready for baking nearby. The setting includes a wooden rolling pin and a small bowl of flour, with soft, natural lighting enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere.

How to Make Cheesy Dog Biscuits

These homemade healthy dog treats are as simple as they are delicious! Follow these easy steps to whip up a batch:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 pound margarine (or corn oil)
1 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
1 pinch salt
1/4 cup milk (or as needed)

Instructions:

1️⃣ Prep the Cheese – Grate the cheddar cheese and let it sit until it reaches room temperature.
2️⃣ Mix the Dough – In a mixing bowl, combine the softened margarine (or corn oil), grated cheese, crushed garlic (if using), salt, and whole wheat flour. Mix well.
3️⃣ Add Milk – Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until a dough ball forms.
4️⃣ Chill the Dough – Cover the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (this helps enhance the flavors and makes rolling easier).
5️⃣ Roll & Cut – Roll the chilled dough onto a floured surface and cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
6️⃣ Bake – Place the cut shapes onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve – Allow the biscuits to cool completely before treating your pup!

A picture of freshly baked, bone-shaped cheesy dog biscuits cooling on a wire rack. The biscuits are perfectly golden with a slightly crispy texture. Surrounding the rack are scattered ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese and whole wheat flour, adding context to the baking process.

Serving & Storage Tips for Homemade Cheesy Dog Biscuits

Serving: Give these treats in moderation—after all, they’re delicious, but we don’t want our pups overindulging! At approximately 50 calories per biscuit, they make a perfect snack or training reward.

Storage: Keep the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Why Your Dog Will Love These Cheesy Treats

Dogs are all about flavor and texture, and these cheesy dog biscuits deliver both! With their crunchy bite and rich, cheesy aroma, these treats are practically irresistible. Plus, they’re made with real food ingredients—so you can feel great about giving them to your furry friend.

So, grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and get baking! Your pup will definitely thank you with extra tail wags and happy barks. 🐾

The image features a glass jar filled with homemade cheesy dog biscuits, adorned with a rustic twine bow and labeled "Homemade Dog Treats." A few biscuits are artistically scattered on a marble countertop beside a small dish of shredded cheddar cheese. In the background, a fluffy dog sits patiently, watching eagerly. The scene exudes a warm, cozy atmosphere, ideal for showcasing pet treats in a Pinterest-worthy style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Cheesy Dog Biscuits

Get all your questions answered here. If you have a question that isn’t covered, be sure to let us know, and we’ll get it answered asap.

Yes! While whole wheat flour is a great option for homemade dog treats, you can substitute it with oat flour, brown rice flour, or even coconut flour if your dog has a wheat sensitivity. Keep in mind that different flours absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk slightly.

In very small amounts, garlic is generally safe for dogs and even has some health benefits. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or you prefer to err on the side of caution, you can simply leave it out of the recipe without affecting the overall taste or texture.

Absolutely! Cheddar cheese gives these treats a classic, rich flavor, but you can swap it for Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a mild goat cheese. Just be sure to use low-sodium, dog-safe cheeses with minimal additives. Avoid blue cheese and other moldy varieties, as they can be toxic to dogs.

These cheesy dog biscuits will stay fresh for:
1 week at room temperature in an airtight container
2 weeks in the refrigerator
Up to 3 months in the freezer
For longer shelf life, consider freezing the treats in a zip-top bag and thawing them as needed.

Yes! If your dog has a dairy intolerance, you can try using lactose-free cheese or substitute the cheese entirely with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Instead of regular milk, use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even water to help bind the dough.

If your dog has dental issues or prefers softer treats, you can:
Bake them for a shorter time (about 10 minutes) so they remain slightly soft.
Add more milk to create a wetter dough, which results in a softer texture.
Use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour for a less dense biscuit.

You can use any dog-themed cookie cutters to make cute bone or paw shapes, but a simple knife or pizza cutter works just as well to cut them into small squares or rectangles. If you have a small dog, consider making bite-sized biscuits for easier chewing.

Yes! To make training treats, simply roll out the dough thinner and cut it into tiny pieces before baking. The smaller the treat, the easier it will be to use for positive reinforcement training.

Yes, but with a few considerations! Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so it’s best to introduce small amounts first to ensure they tolerate the ingredients well. Also, if your puppy is under 8 weeks old, stick to soft treats or moisten these biscuits with a bit of water before serving.

Absolutely! Feel free to customize these dog treats with dog-friendly ingredients such as:
– Mashed banana (adds natural sweetness and potassium)
– Pumpkin puree (great for digestion)
– Unsweetened applesauce (a good binding agent)
– Flaxseeds (adds omega-3s for a shiny coat)
Just be mindful of portion sizes and always check that new ingredients are safe for dogs before adding them to the mix.