Ok, first things first… yes, this is a recipe for your dog. Yes, it involves cheese. And no, I’m not ashamed of how excited I am about it.
Because let’s be honest—our dogs deserve some love in the form of little bite-sized, tail-wag-worthy treats. And when you’ve got leftover blackberries and some cheese lying around, why not mix them up into something awesome for your pup?
So if you’ve ever looked at your dog mid-zoomie and thought, “You deserve something special,” then this recipe is 100% for you.
Also, it’s so easy. Like “I barely need to measure stuff” easy. And when something is easy and cute and healthy-ish, that’s a triple win in my book.
Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these cheesy, berry-loaded dog treats that are gonna make your pup think you’re a five-star chef.
- 1/4 cup chopped blackberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar is the classic go-to here)
- 3 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (or a safe dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup spelt flour
That’s it. Super simple, right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Basil? Really? But trust me on this one—just a little adds some fresh, herby flavor without overpowering anything. Plus, it makes you feel like you’re making something gourmet. For your dog. Which is kind of adorable.
Let’s Talk About Why These Are Awesome
Before we get into the instructions, let me just hype these up for a second. Because this is not your average “throw-together-some-dog-biscuits” kind of thing.
These are:
- Rich in fiber from the berries and flour
- Full of flavor (cheese is a dog’s best friend, obviously)
- Made with love (which is honestly the secret ingredient here)
- And honestly… they smell good enough that you might accidentally try one. No judgment.
Oh, and they look kinda fancy too. Like if your dog had a little treat board at brunch, these would definitely be on there.
The Tools You’ll Need
Not a lot, I promise.
- One mixing bowl (the bigger the better, especially if your dog likes to “help”)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper (unless you like scrubbing hardened dough off a pan… which I assume you don’t)
- A spoon or cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
- An oven
Done. You’re already halfway there.
How to Make These Treats (Step-by-Step)
Alright, let’s get you baking.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (about 175°C if you’re fancy). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. That’s it. The boring prep step is done.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients
In a big ol’ bowl, dump in the blackberries, shredded cheese, parmesan, basil, milk, and flour. Stir it all up until it starts to come together into a dough.
If the dough is too dry, add just a little more milk. If it’s too wet and sticky, sprinkle in a tiny bit more flour. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just scoopable.
Step 3: Scoop the dough
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to grab small portions of dough—about 1/2 teaspoon each—and plop them onto your lined baking sheet. No need to make them perfect. Your dog will not judge the aesthetics.
Step 4: Bake it up
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. The treats should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Note: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark.
Step 5: Cool down
Let them cool completely on the tray or a wire rack before feeding them to your dog. Hot cheese is no one’s friend—especially when you have no thumbs to fan your mouth.
And there you go. You’re officially a treat baker now.
Pro Tips from a Human Who’s Done This More Than Once
- Fresh blackberries > frozen, but both work fine. If using frozen, just thaw and pat them dry a bit. Too much moisture can throw off the dough.
- You can totally play with the cheese. Mild cheddar is great, but mozzarella, gouda, or even Colby Jack can be fun. Just avoid anything spicy or extra salty.
- Chop the basil nice and fine. We’re talking confetti-level fine. Your dog probably doesn’t care, but it helps the flavor distribute evenly (and you’ll feel very pro).
- Want smaller treats? Flatten them. If you have a small pup, flatten each scoop a bit with your finger so it bakes up a little thinner.
- Double the batch, freeze the extras. These go quick, and they freeze beautifully. I always regret not making more.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour swaps: Whole wheat flour works if you don’t have spelt. If your dog is grain-sensitive, try oat or coconut flour instead. (Just adjust the moisture as needed.)
- Milk: No dairy? No problem. Try unsweetened almond or oat milk. Just make sure there are no added sweeteners or xylitol (that stuff is a no-go for dogs).
- No basil? Use parsley instead. Or skip the herbs entirely if your dog is a picky eater.
- Feeling extra? Mix in a bit of pureed pumpkin or sweet potato for added nutrients and flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can totally make the dough a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temp for about 10 minutes before scooping so it softens up a bit.
Storage + Leftovers
You’ve got a few options here:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Keep them cold, especially in warm weather.
- Freezer: Let the treats cool completely, then lay them out on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container or bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 to 3 months.
You can thaw them as needed or even serve frozen on a hot day as a fun little pup popsicle.
Extra Notes for the Overachievers
If you’re the kind of person who likes the full breakdown (hi, I see you), here are a few extra nuggets:
- Nutrition: These are relatively low in fat, have a little protein from the cheese, and the blackberries bring in antioxidants and fiber.
- Doggie diet-friendly swaps: You can lower the cheese amount and up the fruit if your dog’s on a weight-conscious plan.
- Pairing ideas: These make a great follow-up treat after a walk, training session, or dog park adventure. Basically, any time your pup does something adorable. Which is always.
- Batch tip: If you’re already turning on the oven, make two trays. One for now, one for future you. You’ll thank yourself later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other berries instead of blackberries? Yep! Blueberries and raspberries are great choices. Just make sure they’re dog-safe and not sweetened or processed.
Can I leave out the cheese? You could, but the cheese is kind of what makes these super enticing for most dogs. If your pup can’t have dairy, consider using a small amount of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How many should I give my dog per day? That totally depends on your dog’s size, age, and activity level. But as a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily food intake.
Can humans eat these? Technically, yes. They’re made with real food. But they’re not seasoned like human snacks, so you probably won’t be impressed. Your dog, on the other hand, will think you’re a genius.
Wrap Up
So there you have it—your new go-to recipe for spoiling your dog with something homemade, delicious, and healthy-ish. These Blackberry Cheese Bites are easy to whip up, totally customizable, and full of wholesome ingredients your pup will love.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out for you (and more importantly, how your dog liked it). Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any swaps, what kind of cheese you used, or if your pup gave it a standing ovation with extra tail wags.
And hey, if you have any fun post-walk rituals or favorite homemade dog treats, I’m all ears.
