7 Easy Sourdough Discard Dog Treats Your Pup Will Devour

You can’t go wrong with peanut butter when it comes to dog treats! This classic recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any pup. It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and results in a crunchy, satisfying bone that your dog will beg for. The sourdough discard adds a lovely depth that complements the rich, nutty flavor of the peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
• 1/2 cup natural, unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon honey or molasses (optional)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (plus more for rolling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the sourdough discard, peanut butter, and optional honey. Mix until well combined. It will be thick and sticky.
3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a stiff dough forms. You might need to use your hands to bring it all together.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out. Knead it a few times until it’s smooth.
5. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you like!) to cut out the treats.
6. Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. For a crunchier treat, turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door cracked open.
8. Let the treats cool completely before sharing with your eager pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is the perfect starting point for any pet parent new to baking with sourdough discard. It’s a no-fail option for even the pickiest of pups and a fantastic way to use up a large amount of discard.

Does your dog have a sensitive stomach? This recipe is for them! Pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber and is known to help with digestive regularity, while ginger is a natural anti-nausea remedy. These treats are soft, chewy, and gentle on the tummy, making them a healthy and comforting snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or blend rolled oats into a flour)
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, pumpkin purée, ginger, and egg until smooth.
3. Stir in the oat flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
4. Drop teaspoon-sized dollops onto the baking sheet, or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into squares.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm to the touch. They will be softer than a traditional biscuit.
6. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for senior dogs, pups with sensitive stomachs, or any dog who prefers a softer, chewier treat. These are a go-to for when your dog’s tummy seems a little off-kilter.

For the dog who appreciates the finer, more savory things in life! These cheesy crackers are packed with flavor and have an amazing crunch. We’ve added parsley, which is not only safe for dogs but can also help freshen their breath. These small, snappy crackers are perfect for training sessions or as a special, high-value reward.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the sourdough discard, shredded cheese, parsley, and olive oil.
3. Gradually add the flour and mix until a cohesive dough forms. It will be quite stiff.
4. Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out as thinly as you can – about 1/8-inch thick for maximum crispiness.
5. Remove the top sheet of parchment. Use a pizza cutter or knife to score the dough into small, 1-inch squares.
6. Slide the parchment with the scored dough onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly.
8. Let them cool completely. Once cooled, snap the crackers apart along the score lines.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

These crackers are the ultimate high-value treat for the discerning pup. They’re fantastic for training because they’re small, not too crumbly, and deliciously motivating.

Like a little bite of apple pie for your pup! This recipe uses unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture, paired with a dash of cinnamon, which has anti-inflammatory properties. These treats have a pleasant, slightly sweet aroma and a firm but chewy texture that dogs adore.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat or oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough discard, applesauce, cinnamon, and egg. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Slowly add the flour, mixing until you have a soft, workable dough.
4. On a floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into your desired shapes. Small circles or squares work well.
5. Arrange the treats on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned and the tops are dry to the touch.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

A wonderful choice for dogs who are watching their weight or for owners who prefer giving treats without a lot of fat or savory flavors. The gentle sweetness makes them a lovely, wholesome reward.

Pack a punch of antioxidants with these delicious blueberry and oat squares! Blueberries are a well-known superfood for both humans and dogs, and rolled oats add fiber and a wonderful chewy texture. This is a ‘pan bake’ recipe, which means less fuss with rolling and cutting—just press it into a pan, bake, and slice!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to lift it out later.
2. In a bowl, combine the sourdough discard, rolled oats, flour, and egg. Mix until a thick, batter-like dough forms.
3. Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to mash them too much, especially if they are fresh.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden.
6. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Once cool, slice into small, bite-sized squares.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect recipe for busy pet parents who want to provide a super-healthy, tasty treat without a lot of effort. The chewy texture and fruity bursts make it a unique and exciting snack for any pup.

Give your dog’s joints some love with these vibrant, health-boosting treats. Sweet potato provides vitamins and fiber, while turmeric is a powerhouse anti-inflammatory. A pinch of black pepper is added to help increase the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. This is a treat that’s as good for them as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• A pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups brown rice flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the sourdough discard, mashed sweet potato, melted coconut oil, turmeric, and black pepper.
3. Gradually add the brown rice flour, starting with 1 1/2 cups, until a firm but not dry dough forms. Brown rice flour can be very absorbent, so add the last 1/2 cup slowly.
4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
5. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be firm and dry.
6. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let them sit inside to harden as it cools.
7. Cool completely before storing.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for the health-conscious pet owner, especially those with senior dogs, very active breeds, or dogs prone to inflammation. It’s a treat that truly doubles as a wellness supplement.

Need something extra special to keep your dog’s attention during training? These salmon and dill tidbits are your answer. The strong, fishy aroma is irresistible to most dogs, making them a super high-value reward. Salmon is also full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for their coat and skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 1 (5 oz) can of salmon, drained well
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups rye flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the sourdough discard, drained salmon, dill, and egg. Pulse until the salmon is broken down and the mixture is relatively smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the rye flour. The dough will be thick and sticky.
4. Spread the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin, even layer (about 1/4-inch thick). A spatula dipped in water can help.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and score the dough into tiny, pea-sized squares for training.
6. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until dry and lightly browned.
7. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the treats dry out completely inside.
8. Once cool, break apart the tidbits.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

When you need to capture and hold your dog’s full attention, these are the treats to reach for. They are perfect for puppy classes, agility training, or working on difficult commands.

Baking for your best friend is incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to do it safely. Here are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re turning your sourdough discard into doggy delicacies.

Is Sourdough Discard Safe for Dogs?

Yes, in moderation! Sourdough discard is simply a mixture of flour and water that contains yeast and bacteria from your starter. When baked, the alcohol produced during fermentation cooks off, and the acidity is generally well-tolerated by most dogs. It’s essentially cooked flour. However, you should never feed your dog raw sourdough starter or dough, as the active yeast can cause severe bloating and alcohol poisoning. Always bake the treats thoroughly!

Choosing Dog-Safe Ingredients

The golden rule of baking for your pup is to know what’s safe and what’s not. Stick to ingredients you know are beneficial or neutral for dogs.

• Safe Flours: Whole wheat, oat, rye, brown rice, and chickpea flour are all great choices.
• Safe Binders & Fats: Eggs, pumpkin purée, sweet potato, natural peanut butter, and coconut or olive oil work well.
• Safe Fruits & Veggies: Blueberries, apples (no seeds), carrots, and bananas are good options.
• Safe Herbs & Spices: Parsley, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are safe in small quantities.

Ingredients to AVOID

This is critical. Some human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters and baked goods. It is extremely toxic to dogs.
• Chocolate, Coffee, & Caffeine: All are toxic.
• Onions, Garlic, & Chives: These can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.
• Grapes & Raisins: Highly toxic and can cause kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Very toxic.
• Excessive Salt & Sugar: Not healthy for dogs and can lead to health problems.

Storing Your Homemade Masterpieces

Because these treats are made without preservatives, they won’t last as long as store-bought ones.

• Crunchy Treats: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
• Soft/Chewy Treats: These have more moisture and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. They also freeze beautifully.

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog has known allergies or health conditions. Happy and safe baking!

Is sourdough discard really safe for dogs?

Yes, once it has been thoroughly baked. The baking process cooks off any alcohol from fermentation and neutralizes the active yeast. Raw sourdough discard or starter, however, is very dangerous and should never be given to a dog.

How long will these homemade treats last?

It depends on the recipe! Very crunchy, dry treats can last for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. Softer, more moist treats (like those with pumpkin or fruit) should be kept in the fridge and eaten within 5-7 days. For longer storage, all of these treats freeze wonderfully!

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! Most recipes are flexible. If your dog has a wheat sensitivity, you can easily substitute oat flour, brown rice flour, or chickpea flour. Just be aware that different flours absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right dough consistency.

My dog has allergies. What can I do?

The beauty of homemade treats is that you have complete control over the ingredients. If your dog is allergic to peanut butter, skip that recipe. If they can’t have wheat, use a different flour. If they are allergic to eggs, you can often substitute with a ‘flax egg’ (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or more pumpkin/applesauce. Always introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any reactions.