Homemade Cinnamon Sunflower Pear Dog Treats

Ok, so I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your dog could talk, they’d probably ask for snacks. Like right now. 😅

And not just any snacks. I’m talking about homemade, crunchy little bites of love that also happen to make you feel like a responsible dog parent (even though your pup just tried to eat a sock five minutes ago).

So let me introduce you to these Cinnamon Sunflower Pear Dog Treats — the perfect balance of healthy, tasty, and super simple. Whether you’re a weekend warrior baker or someone who usually burns toast (no judgment), this recipe has your back. Plus, it’s full of real ingredients you can actually pronounce.

Let’s dive in and treat your pup to something a little extra special today. ❤️🐾

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into these little guys. Just a handful of ingredients, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen.

• 1 ripe pear, pureed
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup unsalted sunflower seeds (shelled)
• A generous pinch of ground cinnamon
• ½ cup spelt flour (or another dog-safe flour of your choice)

That’s it. Nothing weird. No preservatives. Just clean, wholesome stuff your dog will actually want to eat.

Real Talk: Why These Ingredients Work

Let’s break it down a bit so you know why each ingredient pulls its weight:

Pear: Naturally sweet, full of fiber, and gentle on your pup’s tummy. It also gives the dough that soft, moist texture you want in a homemade dog treat.

Parmesan cheese: Ok, not all dogs tolerate dairy, but a little Parmesan? It adds just enough salty-savoriness to make your dog’s ears perk up. Also, it’s low in lactose compared to other cheeses, so it’s usually well tolerated in small doses.

Sunflower seeds: Healthy fats and vitamin E for shiny fur and happy hearts. Just make sure you’re using unsalted, shelled ones.

Cinnamon: Aside from smelling amazing (and triggering cozy fall vibes), cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with blood sugar regulation in dogs. But always just a pinch. Too much isn’t great for pups.

Spelt flour: A gentler flour option that’s often easier for dogs to digest than regular wheat flour. But honestly, feel free to sub based on what your dog tolerates.

What You’ll Need to Make These

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons + cups
• Baking sheet
• Fork (yes, it’s part of the fun)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Oven
• Spoon or small cookie scoop (optional but helpful)

Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Definitely Burned Treats Before

You can totally wing this recipe, but these tips will make your first go a lot smoother:

1. Don’t go too hard on the pear. If your pear is super ripe and juicy, you might end up with overly sticky dough. If that happens, just add a sprinkle more flour until it firms up a bit. It should be soft, but still rollable.

2. Crush the sunflower seeds (a little). This part is optional, but giving the seeds a quick chop or pulse in a food processor helps spread the flavor around better. Whole seeds are fine, but chopped gives a smoother texture.

3. Use a fork to flatten, not just for cuteness. Gently pressing with a fork makes sure the inside bakes evenly. Also, it makes them look very “I made this from scratch for my dog because I’m that person.” (And honestly? You are. 👏)

4. Don’t skip the cooling step. Letting them cool all the way helps them harden up. Straight-from-the-oven treats are too soft and can crumble. Plus, hot snacks = no-go for dog mouths.

5. Make a double batch. If you have freezer space, go ahead and double the recipe. You’ll thank yourself later when your dog starts giving you the side-eye because you ran out.

Substitutions and Variations That Actually Work

Not every dog handles every ingredient the same, so here are some swaps that still keep things tasty and safe:

• Flour options: Use oat flour, rice flour, or whole wheat flour if your dog does fine with those. Just keep an eye on texture and adjust as needed.
• No cheese? Totally fine. Leave it out or sub with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that savory vibe without the dairy.
• Other seeds: Flaxseed or pumpkin seeds (shelled) work here too. Just chop or grind first.
• Flavor twist: Add a tiny drizzle of honey or a dash of turmeric if your dog likes variety and you want to sneak in extra nutrients.

Can You Make These Ahead?

Yup. You’ve got options.

• Freeze the dough: Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them onto a tray and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Store unbaked in fridge: If you’re prepping these a day ahead, you can keep the dough chilled and covered in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temp before rolling and baking.

Let’s Make These Treats

Alright, you’ve got everything you need. Let’s do this.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. This keeps things from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
2. Mix all ingredients together. In a bowl, combine the pear puree, Parmesan, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and spelt flour. Mix until it forms a dough. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. Too dry? Add a splash of water or extra pear.
3. Form into balls. Scoop out small amounts (about ½ tablespoon) and roll into balls. Place on your baking sheet spaced about an inch apart.
4. Flatten with a fork. Give each one a gentle press so they bake evenly. Plus, it gives them that signature treat look.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes. They should be slightly golden around the edges but not too hard. Let cool in the oven with the door cracked open if you want them extra crunchy.
6. Cool completely. Let them sit out until fully cooled before giving them to your dog or storing. Warm treats can get mushy or spoil faster.

Bonus Tips for Storage + Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then move to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

Shelf: If your kitchen stays cool and dry, these can live in a jar on the counter for 3–4 days, but fridge is safer, especially if it’s warm out.

More Details (Because You Deserve to Know)

• Diet swaps: This recipe is wheat-free (if using spelt or oat flour), low-lactose, and can be made dairy-free if needed.
• Allergy tip: Always test new treats in small amounts first, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or known allergies.
• Pair it with: A good training session, a slow Sunday walk, or a photo shoot with your dog where you try to get them to sit still for one second. (Good luck.)
• Efficiency tip: Want to make this recipe in less than 20 minutes flat? Pre-puree the pear and measure your ingredients the night before. The rest is easy.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned pears instead of fresh? A: Yes, but make sure they’re unsweetened and packed in water (not syrup). Drain well before blending.

Q: Are these safe for puppies? A: Yes, in moderation. These are soft enough for small mouths but always consult your vet first if your pup is super young.

Q: My dog’s on a grain-free diet. What flour should I use? A: Try coconut flour or almond flour, but keep in mind these absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the pear amount.

Q: How many treats does this make? A: About 18–24 small treats depending on how big you roll them. You can scale up or down easily.

Wrap Up

So there you go. A dog treat recipe that’s easy, healthy, and honestly… kinda cute? You’re doing something good for your pup and getting to feel like a homemade-treat rockstar at the same time.

Try this out and let me know how it goes. Did your dog inhale the first one in 0.3 seconds? Any swaps you made that worked like magic? I want to hear it all.

Leave a comment below with your experience or questions — and definitely tag me if you post a pic of your pup enjoying them.