How to make your own DIY pet treats

Treats are a fantastic way to keep your pets engaged, to get their attention, and as rewards for listening. They're also a great way to complement your pet's diet, with lots of health benefits.

Shop-bought treats can be expensive, but they're easy to make yourself for a fraction of the price. Our DIY treat recipes only use a few ingredients which you may already own.

Plus, it's a fun, cheap, family-friendly activity.

'No bake' banana and peanut butter DIY dog treats

Why not treat your dog to a tasty snack? Our simple two-ingredient recipe is sure to be loved while being low effort and strictly 'no bake' to save on oven costs!

You'll need

1 x banana
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (check it contains no xylitol)
Heart shape ice cube tray
Mixing bowl and spoon

How to make

Mush banana into the mixing bowl
Stir in peanut butter
Mix together until well combined
Add a drop of water if required
Spoon the mixture carefully into the mould
Freeze overnight

DIY fish cake treats for cats

Spending more time at home this cosy season? Our cat-friendly food treat is sure to keep all of the family happy. All you'll need are three household ingredients and a keen taste-tester or two!

You'll need

2 cups of whole wheat flour
280g of chopped RSPCA Assured salmon
1 large RSPCA Assured egg

How to make

Preheat your oven to 180c.
Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir well to form a dough.
Mould your dough into a ball and roll out the mixture to 1/4 inch thick. Flour your worktops for this to stop the dough from sticking!
Cut out your treat shapes using cookie cutters, or freehand with a knife.
Place your treats on an ungreased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

DIY guinea pig sushi

If you have guinea pigs in your home, why not make their day with low-effort, low-cost, homemade guinea pig sushi? You may already have the ingredients in your fridge!

You'll need

Courgette
Yellow bell pepper
Apple
Strawberries
Mint
Leafy greens
A knife

How to make

Cut your courgette in half and then cut off the bottom
Cut out the middle so that it's hollow
Slice some paper (remember to de-seed)
Slice some apple (deseed and peel)
Slice some strawberry, leafy greens and mint
Pack in your sushi by adding your sliced ingredients into the centre of your hollow courgette)
Cut the courgette length-way to make round disc-shaped treats with yummy centres!
If you (and your guinea pigs) enjoyed this home recipe, why not try our alternative 'guinea pig sushi treat' recipe next? It uses all of the same ingredients so you could even make a new portion with your leftovers!

DIY cookies for horses

Are you looking for a way to treat your horse without spending unnecessary money? Our homemade horse cookie recipe is easy to make and a tasty favourite!

You'll need

A bowl
Spoon
Rolling pin
Knife
Fork
Cookie cutter (we use a heart-shaped one but you can use any style you like!)
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
3/4 cups of molasses
A baking tray

How to make

Combine the flour and cinnamon in your mixing bowl
Add the molasses
Stir the mix
Mould into a dough
Roll the dough out to be 1/4 inch thick
Cut the dough into rectangles
Use a fork to crimp the edges
Imprint your design in the centre of each cookie with your cookie cutter
Bake at 160c for 25 minutes

Happy baking!

Find out more about keeping your pet happy

For more information on the best diet for your pet as well as guidance on environment, behaviour, company and more, you can read our expert pet care advice.