Ok, real talk. Ever catch your dog giving you that look when you’re cooking? You know the one. The “I’ve been a good boy, so where’s MY chicken?” kind of stare?
Yeah. Me too.
And honestly, I get it. Our dogs put up with a lot—chaotic Zoom calls, bath time betrayals, and being called “chonky” by your mom (rude). So when you’ve got a bit of time and you want to do something special for your furry BFF, this right here is a simple and wholesome treat they’re going to LOVE.
Enter: Creamy Chicken and Cilantro Dog Treats. They’re soft, flavorful, and super easy to make. You don’t have to be a pro baker or have some fancy-pants dog cookbook. If you’ve got a mixing bowl and a spoon, you’re basically 80% there.
But first, here’s the cool part. These treats aren’t just tasty—they’re actually GOOD for your pup. We’re talking real chicken, dog-safe yogurt, and a touch of fresh cilantro. That’s it. Minimal, healthy ingredients that pack a punch without any weird stuff you can’t pronounce.
So let’s get into it!
What You’ll Need
Here’s the super simple ingredient list for these creamy chicken dog treats:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, unflavored)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup brown rice flour
That’s all. Four ingredients. I mean, you could probably make these in your sleep. Please don’t, though. Knives are involved.
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing wild here. Just the basics:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Oven
Pro tip: If your dog’s tail turns into a weapon of mass destruction when excited, give yourself a little extra space in the kitchen. You’ve been warned.
How to Make These Treats
Let’s break it down step-by-step. You’ll be surprised how quick this comes together.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Chop or shred your chicken. Make sure it’s unseasoned. Salt, garlic, onion = big no-nos for dogs.
- Mix your chicken, yogurt, and cilantro together in a bowl. It’ll look a little like a dog-friendly chicken salad.
- Add in the flour. Start mixing until it forms a nice dough. If it’s too sticky, toss in a little extra flour. If it’s dry and crumbly, add a small spoon of yogurt at a time.
- Roll into small balls. About 1-inch is good for most dogs. You can flatten them slightly with a fork if you want a more biscuit-like texture.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes. You want them to be firm but not too hard.
- Let them cool completely before letting your pup taste test (and by “taste test,” I mean “inhale five in a row while giving you heart eyes”).
Boom. That’s it.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Here are a few things I’ve learned after testing these in my own kitchen (with a very enthusiastic taste tester on four legs).
- Use rotisserie chicken in a pinch. Just make sure it’s plain and you’ve removed the skin and seasoning.
- Chop the cilantro small. Dogs don’t love big leafy bites. Smaller pieces = better distribution + easier digestion.
- Don’t overbake. These are meant to be soft and creamy. If they get too crispy, your pup might not enjoy them as much—especially older dogs with sensitive teeth.
- Make a double batch. Seriously. These go fast, especially if you have more than one dog.
- Watch the yogurt. Always double check that it doesn’t contain xylitol or sweeteners. Plain Greek yogurt works great, too.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Wanna mix it up? Here are a few safe swaps and ideas:
- Chicken: You can swap in turkey or lean ground beef (cooked and unseasoned). Even canned tuna (in water, not oil) works if you’re feeling fancy.
- Cilantro: Not every pup loves it. You can sub in fresh parsley if needed. Just skip anything with essential oils or strong herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Flour: Brown rice flour is a solid choice for gluten-sensitive pups, but you can also use oat flour or whole wheat if your dog tolerates it.
Want to make it cuter? Use cookie cutters to shape these into bones, hearts, or little paw prints.
Or don’t. Your dog’s just going to destroy them in 3 seconds anyway. But hey, it’s the thought that counts.
Make Ahead Tips
You can totally prep the dough ahead of time. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Then, when you’re ready, roll and bake like normal. It’s actually easier to shape them when the dough is a little chilled.
Nutrition Info & Doggie Diet Tips
Let’s talk nutrition real quick. Here’s a rough idea of what each treat gives you (based on a 1-inch round size):
- Calories: ~40
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbs: ~3g
- Fat: ~1.5g
These treats are high in protein and low in sugar, which makes them a good reward for training or just a little afternoon pick-me-up. They’re not a meal replacement, obviously, but a great supplement to your dog’s normal diet.
And if your pup is on a special diet, here’s how you can tweak:
- Low-fat diet? Use plain nonfat yogurt and lean chicken breast.
- Grain-free? Sub rice flour with coconut flour or chickpea flour.
- Sensitive tummy? Leave out the cilantro and use boiled chicken with a little extra yogurt for moisture.
Leftovers & Storage
Once baked and cooled, you can store these in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5–7 days.
Want to keep them longer? Freeze them! They hold up great in the freezer for up to a month. Just let them thaw before serving.
Bonus: Cold treats = great for teething pups.
FAQs
Can I give these to my puppy? Yes! Just keep the pieces small and soft. Maybe cut back on the cilantro if they’ve never had it before.
Can I eat one myself? Well… technically, yes. All the ingredients are human-safe. But flavor-wise? Let’s just say you’re probably better off making a separate snack for yourself.
Do these work for training? You can cut them smaller and use them as training treats. Just make sure they’re not too soft if you’re keeping them in your pocket.
How many can I give per day? Depends on your dog’s size and diet. These are treats, so moderation is key. A couple a day is usually fine for most pups.
Wrap Up
So there you go! Homemade treats that are healthy, simple, and made with actual love (and chicken, which might as well be the same thing to your dog).
Making your own dog treats isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the joy of doing something special for the one who’s always excited to see you. Whether it’s for a birthday, a training reward, or just a regular ol’ Tuesday, these creamy chicken and cilantro bites are bound to be a hit.
Now it’s your turn.
Made the recipe? Let me know in the comments! Tell me what your dog thought, any fun substitutions you tried, or just come say hi. I’d love to hear from you (and your furry sous-chef, of course).
And hey—don’t be shy about sharing pics. There’s no such thing as too many dog photos.
