Create a moment of calm for your furry companion with these soothing, homemade dog treats crafted with love and packed with gentle, relaxing ingredients.
There’s something truly comforting about making treats from scratch, especially when you know they’ll help your pup unwind after a long, overstimulating day. These Homemade Calming Dog Treats blend simple, wholesome staples nutty peanut butter, tender oats, and naturally sweet applesauce with the mellowing aromas of chamomile and lavender. Over the years, I’ve spent many afternoons experimenting with homemade dog snacks, and I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully chosen blend of herbs and whole ingredients can turn a restless dog into a blissfully relaxed cuddle buddy. My beagle, Luna, used to tremble through every thunderstorm, but once we introduced these treats into her routine, evenings became quieter, cozier, and much less stressful for both of us.
These treats are wonderfully beginner friendly no fancy tools, no complicated techniques. Just mix, roll, cut, and bake. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping, 25 minutes baking, and another 10 letting them cool. A single batch comes in at about 350 calories total, making them perfect for occasional use as a calming reward. Whether you’re an experienced pet parent or new to homemade dog snacks, this recipe offers a comforting, approachable way to treat your pup with something special.
Key Ingredients in Homemade Calming Dog Treats
Before you dive in, here’s what each ingredient brings to your dog’s snack and why this blend works so well for relaxation.
Whole Wheat Flour
Provides structure and a warm, nutty undertone. It’s rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps create a satisfying texture.
Rolled Oats
Soft, chewy oats give the treats body and a touch of natural sweetness. They’re gentle on the stomach and help stabilize energy levels.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Adds moisture and a light fruity flavor while binding the dough. It also contributes vitamin C and fiber without added sugars.
Peanut Butter (Xylitol Free)
A classic dog favorite, offering healthy fats and creamy richness. Make absolutely sure your peanut butter is free of xylitol.
Dried Chamomile
A calming herb known for its mild, soothing qualities. When crushed, it blends beautifully into the dough.
Dried Lavender
Adds a subtle floral note that promotes relaxation. Just a small amount goes a long way.
Honey
A touch of sweetness that helps bind the dough while offering antioxidants.
Water
Brings everything together and helps adjust the dough to the right consistency.
How to Make Homemade Calming Dog Treats
Get your ingredients ready and a baking sheet lined these treats come together easily and fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and rolled oats until well combined.
- Add the applesauce and peanut butter. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Crush the dried chamomile and lavender with a spoon or mortar and pestle, then fold them into the mixture to infuse the dough with calming herbal notes.
- Pour in the honey and water, stirring until a thick, workable dough forms. Add more flour if it’s sticky, or a touch of water if it’s dry.
- Lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness for even baking.
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, then place each piece on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are a soft golden brown. Check after 20 minutes to prevent over baking.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let the treats cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Once your treats are cooled, here are a few creative ways to make snack time extra comforting:
- Pair with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein rich bonus.
- Use them as rewards during calm behavior exercises or relaxation training.
- Crumble a treat over your dog’s kibble for a fragrant, soothing topper.
- Wrap a few in a small goodie bag as a thoughtful gift for fellow dog parents.
How to Store Homemade Calming Dog Treats
To keep your treats fresh and flavorful, try one of these storage methods:
Room Temperature – Up to 2 Weeks
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Refrigerator – Up to 1 Month
Keeps the texture slightly firmer and the herbs more potent.
Freezer – Up to 3 Months
Freeze on a baking tray, then store in a freezer safe container. Thaw before serving.
Vacuum Seal
Great for long-term storage reduces air exposure and preserves freshness.
Conclusion
Making these Homemade Calming Dog Treats is a small act of love that can bring big comfort to your pup. With simple ingredients, gentle herbs, and easy steps, this recipe offers a nourishing way to help your dog relax whether after a storm, a stressful day, or a busy outing. With just a bit of mixing and rolling, you’ll create something truly special that your dog will happily look forward to.
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out whether your pup has a new favorite shape, if you made any custom tweaks, or if these treats brought a little extra peace to your home. Your stories and questions are always welcome!
Naturally Calming Dog Treats You Can Make at Home
Create a moment of calm for your furry companion with these soothing, homemade dog treats crafted with love and packed with gentle, relaxing ingredients.
There’s something truly comforting about making treats from scratch, especially when you know they’ll help your pup unwind after a long, overstimulating day. These Homemade Calming Dog Treats blend simple, wholesome staples nutty peanut butter, tender oats, and naturally sweet applesauce with the mellowing aromas of chamomile and lavender. Over the years, I’ve spent many afternoons experimenting with homemade dog snacks, and I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully chosen blend of herbs and whole ingredients can turn a restless dog into a blissfully relaxed cuddle buddy. My beagle, Luna, used to tremble through every thunderstorm, but once we introduced these treats into her routine, evenings became quieter, cozier, and much less stressful for both of us.
These treats are wonderfully beginner friendly no fancy tools, no complicated techniques. Just mix, roll, cut, and bake. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping, 25 minutes baking, and another 10 letting them cool. A single batch comes in at about 350 calories total, making them perfect for occasional use as a calming reward. Whether you’re an experienced pet parent or new to homemade dog snacks, this recipe offers a comforting, approachable way to treat your pup with something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup peanut butter (xylitol free)
- ¼ cup dried chamomile
- ¼ cup dried lavender
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and rolled oats until well combined.
- Add the applesauce and peanut butter. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Crush the dried chamomile and lavender with a spoon or mortar and pestle, then fold them into the mixture to infuse the dough with calming herbal notes.
- Pour in the honey and water, stirring until a thick, workable dough forms. Add more flour if it’s sticky, or a touch of water if it’s dry.
- Lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness for even baking.
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, then place each piece on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are a soft golden brown. Check after 20 minutes to prevent over baking.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let the treats cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chamomile and lavender are gentle, dog-safe herbs often used to promote relaxation, making them perfect additions to calming treats.
- Always choose xylitol-free peanut butter, since xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and must be avoided completely.
- Store your finished treats in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or pop them in the freezer for up to three months to keep them fresh longer.
- When offering any new treat, introduce it slowly to make sure your dog tolerates the ingredients well.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10Amount Per Serving: Calories: 350