So, first off—I just want to say if you’re here to make something homemade for your dog, you’re kind of awesome. Like, you’re out here searching up recipes, probably while your dog is watching you like “Is this snack for me? I saw cheese in your hand—don’t lie to me.”
Anyway, let’s get into it.
These honey cheesy zucchini dog treats are a little sweet, a little savory, and very good at making tails wag. And while zucchini might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of dog treats, trust me, it works. Plus, the added cheese? Game-changer. Even the pickiest pups (looking at you, Pomeranians who turn down bacon) won’t be able to resist.
Whether your dog’s been a very good boy today or just average (but trying their best), they’ll appreciate you making these for them.
Let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your short and sweet list of ingredients. If you’ve got a zucchini and a little bit of cheese, you’re already halfway there.
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out that extra moisture)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar is perfect, but more on that in a second)
- 2 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup spelt flour (easy on the digestion and full of fiber)
That’s it. Just five ingredients, and they all play a role.
Why This Combo Works (Yes, There’s a Tiny Bit of Science)
So here’s the deal. Zucchini is low in calories, high in fiber, and just weirdly versatile. It gives the treats structure and sneaks in some vitamins, too. Dogs don’t taste it much once the cheese is doing its job.
Cheese is… cheese. Dogs love it. And while you don’t want to go overboard (because, you know, doggy tummies), it’s totally fine in moderation and adds protein and calcium.
Honey brings a little natural sweetness and can even help with seasonal allergies in some dogs, depending on the type. Plus, it helps the dough stick together.
Mint = bonus breath freshener.
And spelt flour is a good alternative to wheat if your dog’s a bit sensitive. It bakes up nicely without making the dough heavy.
Pro Tips from a Recipe Veteran
- Squeeze That Zucchini Dry After grating your zucchini, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze. There’s more water hiding in there than you’d think. If you skip this step, you might end up with soggy treats that don’t bake up properly.
- Go for Mild Cheddar (Or Mix It Up) Sharp cheddar might be too much. Stick with mild or medium, or even swap in mozzarella or a low-salt cheese if your dog’s on a stricter diet.
- Roll It Thinner for Crunchier Treats If your pup likes crunchy snacks, roll the dough out a bit thinner and bake a couple extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
- Use Oil to Measure the Honey This is a small thing, but a lifesaver. Lightly oil your measuring spoon before scooping the honey. It’ll slide right out and you won’t be standing over the bowl poking at it with your finger forever.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time I know, your dog’s already hovering and trying to sneak one off the baking sheet. But treats need to cool completely before storage. Otherwise, you risk sogginess (and shorter shelf life).
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy. If you’ve baked anything before, you’ve probably got this covered.
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (any shape works, but bone-shaped is fun)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Optional: clean towel or cheesecloth for squeezing zucchini.
Substitutions and Variations
Got a few things missing? No problem.
Flour: You can sub whole wheat flour or oat flour in place of spelt. Just keep in mind that absorbency varies, so you may need to add a splash of water or an extra tablespoon of flour to get the dough consistency right.
Cheese: Goat cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, or mozzarella are all solid alternatives. Choose something your dog’s tummy handles well.
Add-ins: Feel like getting fancy? Add a bit of parsley for extra breath-freshening power. A pinch of turmeric can bring in anti-inflammatory benefits, and some dogs do really well with it.
Grain-Free: If your dog can’t handle grains, you can try almond or coconut flour, but these are trickier. They absorb liquid differently and may need extra moisture or egg to hold together.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dough is pretty chill. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge wrapped in cling wrap or a lidded container. It might be a little firmer when chilled, but that actually makes rolling it out even easier.
You can also freeze shaped, unbaked treats and bake them later. Just add a couple minutes to the baking time if you’re going straight from frozen.
How to Make These Treats
Let’s make this simple.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Grate your zucchini, then wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze out all the extra water. You want it as dry as you can get it.
- In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, cheese, mint, honey, and spelt flour. Mix it up with a spoon or spatula until you’ve got a soft dough. It should come together without being too sticky.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick (or thinner for crispier treats).
- Cut out shapes using your cookie cutters and place them on the lined baking sheet, leaving just a little space in between.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. If you want them crunchier, leave them in for a couple more minutes, but don’t let the edges get too dark.
- Cool completely before handing one over to your very impatient dog.
Leftovers and Storage
- Room Temperature: Once cooled, these can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Fridge: Keeps them fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost on the counter or in the fridge.
They’ll firm up more once refrigerated, so if your dog prefers softer treats, try one warm from the oven (once it’s cooled down enough, obviously).
FAQs
Can I give these to my puppy? Yep, just make sure your pup is old enough for solids and doesn’t have allergies to any of the ingredients. Always start with a small piece.
Is honey safe for dogs? In small amounts, yes. Just don’t overdo it. One tablespoon across the whole batch is totally fine for most dogs.
What kind of mint is safe? Stick to spearmint or peppermint from the grocery store, but use a tiny amount. Some ornamental mints or wild varieties can be harmful.
Can I use a food processor instead of grating by hand? Definitely. Just pulse it a few times—you don’t want zucchini mush.
Can I eat one? Honestly, yes. It might taste a little bland without salt, but everything in here is safe for humans too. (No judgment if you try it.)
Extra Tips (If You’re Into That Sort of Thing)
- These pair well with homemade chicken broth if you want to serve a mini “meal” style treat.
- Making a double batch? You can bake on two racks—just switch racks halfway through baking to get even browning.
- If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, try keeping a little treat journal with the recipe and their response. It’s weirdly helpful.
Wrap Up
That’s it! You officially have a new treat recipe in your back pocket that your dog will absolutely love. There’s something really fun about making snacks for your pup—especially when their whole face lights up the second they smell the cheese coming out of the oven.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes. Did your dog inhale it in one bite? Did you try one yourself and feel weird about how good it was?
Drop your experience (or questions) in the comments—I’d love to hear how it went.
And hey, if you’ve got your own twist on this recipe, I’m all ears. Let’s make treat time even better.
