If you’re anything like me, you’ve definitely been in the middle of a walk or training session with your dog, only to realize…the treats you brought are crumbly, messy, sticky, or just downright boring.
Not fun.
Especially when your pup is looking up at you like, “Really? This is what we’re working for?”
That’s why I started making my own dog trail mix. Yes, trail mix for dogs. It’s a total game-changer for training sessions, hikes, car rides, and just general “good boy/girl” rewards. It’s simple, healthy, totally customizable, and your dog will love it.
Let’s dive into how you can make a batch of this snack for your furry friend.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the basic ingredient list for this homemade dog trail mix:
- 1 small sweet potato – peeled and diced into tiny dog-safe bites
- 1 apple – cored and chopped (be extra sure there are NO seeds)
- ¼ cup plain popcorn – air-popped, unsalted, and definitely no butter
- ¼ cup liver jerky – either homemade or store-bought, chopped up
- 1 tsp olive oil – for popping the popcorn (optional)
Everything here is safe for dogs (yep, even popcorn as long as it’s plain), easy to prep, and can be adjusted depending on what you’ve got on hand.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a quick checklist of tools that’ll make this recipe go smoother:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven or dehydrator
- Airtight container for storage
That’s it. No special gadgets required.
Pro Tips
Here are a few helpful things I’ve learned after making way too many batches of this stuff:
1. Size Matters Cut your sweet potatoes, apples, and jerky into small, uniform pieces. Think training-treat size. This makes them easier for your dog to eat and ensures even dehydration.
2. Dehydrate the Right Way If you have a dehydrator, use it. But if not, the oven works just fine. Just make sure to rotate everything halfway through baking so it dries out evenly.
3. Go Easy on the Popcorn Popcorn is fine for dogs in small amounts, but make sure you remove any unpopped kernels. They’re a serious choking hazard, especially for smaller breeds.
4. Make It Your Own This recipe is flexible. Don’t feel stuck with one combo. You can swap in dog-safe fruits or protein options depending on what your dog likes and what’s in your fridge.
5. Store it Right Once your trail mix is fully cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. It should last about 10–14 days, depending on how dry your ingredients are.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few swap ideas in case your dog has specific preferences or sensitivities:
- Instead of sweet potatoes: Use pumpkin cubes or butternut squash
- Instead of apples: Try pears or bananas (slice thinly for better drying)
- Instead of liver jerky: Use chicken, beef, or turkey jerky (just make sure it’s unseasoned and dog-safe)
- Instead of popcorn: Sub puffed brown rice or leave it out entirely
You can even toss in some dog-safe dehydrated green beans, carrots, or blueberries if you’re feeling fancy.
Just make sure every ingredient is safe for dogs. No raisins, onions, grapes, or anything with artificial sweeteners. (Especially xylitol — it’s toxic to dogs.)
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to batch this recipe for the whole month? Here’s how to prep ahead:
- Dehydrate your fruits and veggies ahead of time. They’ll store well for up to two weeks in the fridge or even longer in the freezer.
- Pre-chop your jerky so it’s ready to toss in.
- Pop your popcorn and let it fully cool, then portion it into little baggies for quick assembly when you’re ready to mix.
Instructions: How to Make Dog Trail Mix
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Set it to 200°F (about 93°C). You want a low temp to gently dry things out.
Step 2: Prep Your Produce Peel and dice the sweet potato into small, even chunks. Core the apple (remove all seeds — they’re not safe for dogs) and dice it too.
Step 3: Dry the Fruit and Veggies Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out your diced produce in a single layer. Bake for 3 to 4 hours, flipping every hour or so, until they’re dried and slightly chewy. (If you have a dehydrator, use that and follow the manual’s instructions.)
Step 4: Pop the Popcorn If you’re using olive oil, heat it in a pot over medium. Add kernels, cover with a lid, and shake occasionally until popping slows. Remove from heat and let cool. Make sure to discard unpopped kernels.
Step 5: Chop the Jerky If you’re using homemade or store-bought jerky, cut it into small, soft pieces that are easy to chew.
Step 6: Mix It All Up Once everything’s cool and dried, toss it all together in a large bowl. Boom — you’ve got dog trail mix.
Step 7: Store It Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Extra Notes and Details
Nutritional Info
This trail mix offers:
- Carbs and fiber from the sweet potato and apple
- Lean protein from the jerky
- A light, low-fat crunch from the popcorn
Of course, it’s meant to be a treat — not a meal replacement. Keep it to about 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Ingredient Tips for Special Diets
- Low-fat diets: Skip the jerky or use lean meats like turkey
- Grain-free diets: Ditch the popcorn or sub with puffed quinoa
- Allergy-friendly: Avoid common allergens like chicken or beef, and use hypoallergenic proteins like rabbit or fish
Pairing Ideas
This mix is awesome for:
- Rewarding good behavior during long walks
- Road trips
- Vet visits
- Distracting your dog during thunderstorms or fireworks
Basically, it’s the emergency snack you’ll be glad you have on hand.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container
- Freeze: Lasts up to 3 months — just let it thaw before use
- Portion It: Store it in small zip-top bags for easy grab-and-go treating
- Keep it Dry: Moisture = mold. Make sure everything is fully cooled and dry before storing.
FAQ
Can dogs eat popcorn? Yes, in small amounts. Just make sure it’s plain, air-popped, and completely free of salt, butter, or any flavorings.
What if I don’t have a dehydrator? No worries — your oven works just fine. Just keep the temp low and check often to avoid burning.
Can I use store-bought jerky? Yes, but make sure it’s made for dogs. Human jerky often contains spices, sugar, and preservatives that aren’t safe for pets.
How long does this trail mix last? Up to 2 weeks in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer, as long as it’s stored properly.
Can I give this to puppies? Yes, but stick to very small amounts and make sure the pieces are tiny and soft enough for puppy teeth.
Wrap Up
That’s it! Your dog is officially about to live their best snack life.
This trail mix is healthy, simple, and packed with ingredients your pup will actually enjoy. Plus, it’s way better than spending $15 on a tiny bag of who-knows-what at the pet store.
Try it out, make it your own, and let me know how it goes. I’d love to hear if your dog loved it, if you tried new variations, or if you’ve got tips to share with other dog parents.
