Ok, so before I say anything else, let me just get this out of the way.
Bacon. That’s it. That’s the post. 😂
But seriously, if you’ve got a pup who turns into a drooling tornado the moment you cook bacon, then this recipe is going to be a hit. We’re not talking about just one kind of bacon here—no no. We’re going double. Regular bacon and turkey bacon. Because why not go all out for the little furball who thinks you’re the center of the universe?
And let’s just be honest for a second—how many times have you looked down at your dog while eating something delicious and thought, “I wish I could make a version of this for you”?
So that’s what we’re doing today. We’re making a treat that’s easy, smells incredible, and has the kind of ingredients that’ll make your pup feel like they just hit the snack jackpot.
Also: no weird preservatives, no sketchy powders with unpronounceable names. Just good old-fashioned real food. For your real-deal, tail-wagging BFF.
Let’s do this.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list for the double bacon dog treats. If you’ve got a fridge and a pantry that regularly sees some breakfast action, you might already have everything on hand.
- 2 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 2 slices turkey bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar is a go-to, but we’ll talk options later)
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley (optional, but makes it feel fancy)
- ¼ cup water (you might need a tiny bit more)
- ½ cup spelt flour
That’s it. Simple, right?
These ingredients come together to make a treat that’s crunchy, cheesy, savory, and packed with all the things dogs love. And while you technically could try them yourself… I’m just going to say they’re meant for your pup. So maybe don’t snack on them unless you’re really desperate.
Let’s Talk About the Bacon Situation
I know someone’s already thinking it, so I’m going to say it.
“Isn’t bacon bad for dogs?”
Totally fair question. The short answer: a little bit, on occasion, is fine for most dogs. We’re not tossing them a whole plate of greasy strips here. This is cooked bacon, crumbled and baked into a treat, which gets some of the fat out and gives that amazing flavor in moderation.
And turkey bacon? It’s a solid low-fat option that still brings the flavor without as much guilt.
Just don’t go feeding your dog five treats a day. Or let them have the entire batch while you’re not looking. (Which they will try.)
Real Quick: Why Spelt Flour?
I like spelt flour for dog treats because it’s more nutritious than plain white flour and tends to be easier to digest than whole wheat for some pups. It’s got fiber, a slightly nutty flavor, and a good texture for baking.
But don’t stress if you don’t have it on hand. I’ll give you swap ideas a little later.
How to Make Double Bacon Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cook the bacon and turkey bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet or in the oven—whichever is easiest. Once cooked, drain them on a paper towel and let them cool. Then crumble them into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, turkey bacon, shredded cheese, and parsley.
- Add the water and flour. Mix everything together until it forms a dough. If it’s too dry, just add a splash more water—literally a teaspoon at a time. You’re aiming for a soft, pliable dough that holds together without being sticky.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch or less in size) and place them on the baking sheet. You don’t need to press them down—they’ll hold their shape.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
- Let them cool completely before offering one to your dog, who will probably be watching you like it’s the best episode of Food Network ever filmed.
Tools You’ll Need
No need to go full Iron Chef here. Just grab these basics:
- Skillet or oven-safe tray (for cooking the bacon)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or baking mat
- Cooling rack (optional, but helpful)
Pro Tips from a Dog Treat Enthusiast (Me)
- Cook your bacon low and slow if you want to keep it from burning. Crispy is good. Charred? Not so much.
- Let the bacon cool completely before mixing it into the dough—not just so it doesn’t melt the cheese, but also to avoid burning your fingers. Learned that the hard way. Twice.
- Roll the dough with wet hands if it starts sticking. Just a little water on your palms helps smooth things out.
- Store in the fridge. These are preservative-free, so they won’t last forever at room temp. More on storage in a sec.
- Make a double batch and freeze half if your dog’s a big fan. That way you’re not doing bacon rounds every other weekend.
Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is forgiving and flexible. Here are some ideas to mix it up or make it work with what you’ve got:
- Flour swaps: No spelt? Use whole wheat, oat flour, or even all-purpose if it’s all you have. Almond flour works, too, for a grain-free option, but the texture might be a little crumblier.
- Cheese options: Cheddar is a winner, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss. Avoid blue cheese or anything spicy (I mean… obvious, right?).
- No parsley? It’s just there for digestion support and a fresh flavor, but you can skip it if needed.
- Add-ins: Try mixing in a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato for extra vitamins and fiber.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can totally prep this dough ahead of time. Just wrap it up tight and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Or, make the treats, bake them, and store them in the freezer. That way, you’ve got a backup stash for dog birthdays, holidays, or just any day you want to make your pup’s tail do that full-body wag thing.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Because we’re keeping this natural, these treats don’t last forever. Here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Zip-top bag or container for up to 1 month.
- Room temp: Not recommended for longer than a day or two, especially if it’s warm in your kitchen.
Pro tip: label your freezer bag with the name and date. Because forgetting what those “weird little balls” are two weeks from now? Yep. Been there.
Extra Info (If You’re Into That)
These treats are protein-rich from the bacon and cheese, with a bit of fiber from the spelt flour and parsley. If your dog is on a restricted diet, you’ll want to adjust based on their specific needs.
These are not low-calorie treats, so they’re best used as rewards, training bites (broken in half), or occasional “I-love-you-so-much” snacks.
And they pair perfectly with… nothing. They’re dog treats. Don’t overthink it. 😅
FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon only? Absolutely. Just double the amount of turkey bacon and skip the regular.
Are these safe for puppies? If your pup is old enough to eat solid foods and doesn’t have dietary restrictions, yes. But always check with your vet.
How many should I give my dog? Depends on their size. One or two small treats a day is a good rule of thumb. These aren’t meant to replace meals.
Can I skip the cheese? Sure. The flavor will change, but the treats will still work.
Can humans eat these? Technically yes. But also… why would you? There are better bacon snacks out there for humans. 😂
Wrap Up
Alright, you made it. You’ve got bacon. You’ve got a recipe. And now, you’ve got one very excited dog who’s probably staring at you like you’re a five-star Michelin chef.
So go ahead—give this recipe a try. It’s quick, easy, and made with love (and bacon). Let me know in the comments how it turned out, what swaps you made, or just to brag about how much your dog loved them.
Because let’s be real. Your pup deserves it. And so do you.
Let’s bake.
