Dog staring longingly at your snack again? Yep. Happens a lot. But instead of handing over a bite of that salty, not-at-all-dog-friendly cracker, here’s something better: super simple, crunchy seed crackers made just for them. No weird additives, no mystery ingredients—just a wholesome treat that’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and totally tail-wag approved.
This one’s especially great for those trying to sneak in extra fiber and healthy fats without overcomplicating things.
What You’ll Need
- 5 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 5 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 10 teaspoons chia seeds
- 4 ounces beef bone broth (make sure it’s low sodium and onion-free)
Pro Tips
- Ease into it: New treats = new reactions. Start slow and watch for any sensitivities or upset tummies, especially for smaller pups.
- Break to size: These can be pretty sturdy, so snap them into bite-sized pieces that match your dog’s jaw strength.
- Batch-worthy: If a dehydrator is on hand, double the batch and make a big tray—it stores well and keeps for weeks.
- Flavor matters: Bone broth helps boost flavor naturally. If the dog’s picky, try warming it a little first to enhance the scent before mixing.
- Kid helper friendly: This mix-and-spread recipe is easy enough for little hands to get involved. Bonus points for kids who want to make something “for the dog.”
Tools Required
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Baking sheet or dehydrator tray
- Spatula or spoon for spreading
- Oven or dehydrator
Substitutions and Variations
- No beef? Chicken bone broth or veggie broth (without onions or garlic) works fine too.
- Out of flaxseed? Ground sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can fill in. Just keep it finely ground for digestion.
- Need a protein bump? A tablespoon of plain, unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free) adds protein and flavor.
- Want to add greens? A pinch of finely chopped parsley or spinach works, especially if they’re used to green bits.
Make Ahead Tips
The mixture can be prepped ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or dehydrating. The longer it sits, the more cohesive it gets thanks to those mighty chia seeds.
Instructions
- Combine ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, chia seeds, and broth in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Let sit for 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken as the chia and flax start to absorb the liquid.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread mixture into a thin layer—about ¼ inch thick.
- For oven: Preheat to 170°F (or as low as the oven allows). Bake for 1 hour, then check for dryness and flip if needed. Continue until dry and crisp—usually 1.5 to 2 hours total.
- For dehydrator: Spread on trays and dehydrate at 115°F for 5–7 hours until fully crisp.
- Cool completely, then break into pieces and store.
Additional Details
Nutritional Snapshot (approx. per cracker):
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Fiber: 1g
For dogs on restricted diets:
- Replace hemp with ground pumpkin seeds for lower fat.
- Use water or low-sodium broth if sensitive to protein.
- Skip peanut butter if there’s a risk of food sensitivities.
Pair with:
- Meal toppers (crumble over dinner for crunch)
- Frozen treats (a great texture contrast)
- Other homemade snacks for a DIY doggie snack board
Efficiency tip: Bake in large batches and freeze portions. Use an oven timer or a smart plug on the dehydrator to prevent over-drying overnight.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
- To freeze: Layer with parchment in a zip-top bag and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
FAQ
Can whole flaxseeds be used instead of ground? Not ideal. Whole flaxseeds often pass through undigested, which means less nutritional benefit.
How long do they keep? Up to a week in a pantry, two weeks in the fridge, and three months in the freezer.
What if no bone broth is available? Water works, but broth definitely improves palatability. Just make sure it’s dog-safe.
Are these okay for puppies? Yes—but in small amounts. Always consult a vet first when introducing new foods to young dogs.
Can the mixture be baked into other shapes (like cookie cutters)? Totally. Just keep the thickness even so everything bakes or dehydrates consistently.
Wrap Up
These homemade seed crackers are a low-effort, high-reward snack that brings real benefits to the dog’s diet—and total joy to treat time. With simple, wholesome ingredients and zero sketchy fillers, they’re an easy win for dog owners who want better-than-store-bought options.
Already made a batch? Drop a comment with how they turned out—or any fun variations that got the paws tapping. Got questions? Ask away below!
