7 Homemade Beggin Strips Recipes (Smoky & Safe Alternatives)

Let’s start with the classic! This recipe is the closest you’ll get to that iconic flavor profile, but with a wholesome twist. We’re using real bacon for that authentic smoky taste and rolled oats to bind it all together and add some healthy fiber. These are the quintessential ‘I love you’ treat.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 strips of quality bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tbsp of the grease)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the rolled oats until they have a coarse, flour-like consistency.
3. In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, whole wheat flour, and crumbled bacon. Mix well.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, the reserved tablespoon of bacon grease, and the water/broth together.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
6. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into long, thin strips, mimicking the shape of Beggin’ Strips.
8. Carefully transfer the strips to your prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm. For a crispier treat, you can turn off the oven and let them sit inside as it cools.
10. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before treating your pup.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is a guaranteed winner for the ultimate bacon fanatic. It’s perfect as a high-value reward for training or for those special occasions when your dog deserves the absolute best. Just be mindful of the fat content and serve in moderation, especially for smaller or less active dogs.

Looking for a slightly healthier but equally delicious option? These twists are it! We swap pork bacon for leaner turkey bacon and use nutrient-rich sweet potato as the base. It provides a fantastic chewy texture and a natural sweetness that dogs love, plus a healthy dose of vitamins.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, baked or boiled until very soft
• 4 strips of turkey bacon, cooked and finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour or whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of parsley, finely chopped (for fresh breath!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel the cooked sweet potato and mash it in a large bowl until smooth.
3. Add the chopped turkey bacon, flour, egg, and parsley to the mashed sweet potato.
4. Mix everything together until a cohesive dough forms. The dough will be soft.
5. Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into thin ‘snakes’ about 6 inches long.
6. For a fun look, you can gently twist two snakes together or simply lay them flat as strips.
7. Place the twists or strips on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are firm and lightly browned.
9. For a chewier texture, bake for less time. For a crunchier treat, bake a little longer.
10. Cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is perfect for the health-conscious pet owner who still wants to give their dog a savory, bacon-y treat. The chewy texture is great for dogs of all ages, and the added nutritional benefits of sweet potato make it a treat you can feel great about giving.

If your dog goes wild for fishy flavors, this salmon jerky will be their new obsession. It’s packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are fantastic for skin, coat, and joint health. A tiny drop of liquid smoke provides that signature flavor without any actual bacon.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless salmon fillet
• 1/4 teaspoon of dog-safe liquid smoke (ensure it contains no harmful additives)
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce (optional, for color and flavor)

Instructions:

1. You can make this in an oven or a dehydrator. For the oven, preheat to its lowest setting, usually around 170-200°F (75-95°C).
2. Place the salmon fillet in the freezer for about 30-60 minutes. This makes it much easier to slice thinly.
3. Remove the partially frozen salmon and slice it as thinly as possible (less than 1/4-inch thick) into long strips.
4. In a bowl, gently toss the salmon strips with the liquid smoke and coconut aminos, if using. Make sure each piece is lightly coated.
5. Lay the strips in a single layer on a dehydrator tray or on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet (for oven use). Ensure there is space between each strip for air to circulate.
6. Dehydrate for 3-5 hours, or bake in the oven for 2-4 hours, flipping halfway through. The treats are done when they are dry and leathery. They will become crispier as they cool.
7. Let them cool completely before storing.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This is the ultimate healthy treat for dogs who need a boost in their skin and coat health or those with common protein allergies. The chewy, jerky-like texture provides a satisfying snack, making it a fantastic and functional alternative to store-bought strips.

For the dog that loves a deep, rich, meaty flavor, these beef and molasses strips are a home run. We use lean ground beef for a protein punch and a touch of blackstrap molasses for natural color and a hint of sweetness. Smoked paprika brings the smokiness to the party!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, oat flour, applesauce, molasses, and smoked paprika.
3. Using your hands (it’s the easiest way!), mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined.
4. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the parchment paper, pressing it down into a thin, flat rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
5. Using a pizza cutter, score the mixture into long strips. This will make them easy to break apart after baking. Don’t cut all the way through yet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and now cut all the way through along your score lines.
7. Flip the strips over and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is ideal for active dogs who need a high-protein snack. The rich flavor makes it a super high-value treat. It’s a fantastic way to give your dog a hearty, satisfying chew that feels substantial and is packed with savory goodness.

Chicken is a go-to for many dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs. This recipe uses ground chicken to create a lean, easy-to-digest treat. The smoked paprika provides that desirable smoky flavor without any added fats or artificial ingredients, making it a wonderfully guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour or rice flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill (optional, good for digestion)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, flour, smoked paprika, and dill, if using. Mix until it forms a very sticky paste.
3. This mixture is too sticky to roll. The easiest way to form strips is to put the mixture into a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off.
4. Pipe long, thin strips onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for them to be about 1/2-inch wide.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, then gently flip them over with a spatula.
6. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden, firm to the touch, and cooked through.
7. Let them cool completely. They will get chewier as they sit.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This is the perfect recipe for dogs who are watching their weight or have sensitive digestive systems. They are light, chewy, and flavorful without being overly rich. The piping method, while a bit messy at first, results in perfectly shaped strips every time.

What’s better than bacon? Bacon and peanut butter! This recipe combines two of the most-loved dog flavors into one irresistible treat. We’re using natural peanut butter and real bacon crumbles for a bar that is packed with flavor and texture. It’s a true classic with a smoky, homemade upgrade.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1/2 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 2 strips of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour and bacon crumbles.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter, egg, and water until smooth. If your peanut butter is very thick, you may need to warm it slightly.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick, workable dough forms.
5. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Cut into strips or bar shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
7. Place the bars on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before sharing with your eager pup.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This one is for the dog who loves the classics. If your pup’s favorite treats involve peanut butter, this smoky, bacony version will blow their mind. It’s a fantastic, energy-boosting snack for after a long walk or a fun day at the park.

Who says smoky treats have to be meat-based? This clever recipe is for our plant-based pups or those with common meat protein allergies. Cooked lentils provide a hefty dose of protein and fiber, while carrots add natural sweetness and smoked paprika delivers that all-important smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a ‘cheesy’ flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, bring the lentils and water/broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are very soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Transfer the cooked lentils to a food processor or use an immersion blender. Add the grated carrot, oat flour, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika.
4. Blend until you have a thick, smooth paste.
5. Spread the paste onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin, even layer (about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick).
6. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a pizza cutter to slice into strips.
7. Flip the strips and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are dry to the touch and slightly crispy on the edges.
8. Let them cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

Pros & Cons

The Verdict

This recipe is a lifesaver for pet parents dealing with food allergies. It provides a safe, healthy, and flavorful way to give your sensitive dog a special smoky treat without any of the common allergens. It’s a fantastic, crunchy snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Baking for your dog is a blast, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your treats are both delicious and safe. Think of this as your cheat sheet for becoming a canine culinary master!

Choosing Safe Ingredients

• Flours: Whole wheat, oat, almond, coconut, and chickpea flours are all great choices. Avoid all-purpose white flour as it has little nutritional value.
• Fats & Oils: A little bit of bacon grease is okay for most dogs, but you can also use coconut oil or olive oil.
• Sweeteners: Never, ever use artificial sweeteners, especially Xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Stick to natural options like a small amount of molasses, pure maple syrup, or unsweetened applesauce.
• Flavorings: Spices like smoked paprika, turmeric, ginger, and parsley are safe and beneficial. Avoid onion powder, garlic powder (in large amounts), and excessive salt.
• Peanut Butter: Always read the label! Choose a natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts (and maybe a little salt). Double-check that it does not contain Xylitol.

Getting the Right Texture

The final texture of your treat depends on bake time and thickness. For a chewier strip, roll the dough a little thicker (about 1/4 inch) and bake for the minimum recommended time. For a crunchier, more biscuit-like treat, roll the dough thinner and bake a little longer. You can also leave the treats in the oven after you turn it off to let them dry out and harden further.

Proper Storage

Because these treats contain no preservatives, they won’t last as long as store-bought varieties. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Countertop: Very dry, crunchy treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Refrigerator: Chewier treats or those with meat/fish should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.
• Freezer: This is the best option for long-term storage! All of these recipes freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. You can pull them out one at a time to thaw.

Is liquid smoke safe for dogs?

In very small quantities, yes, most commercially available liquid smoke is safe for dogs. It’s made from condensing actual smoke from burning wood. The key is moderation and choosing a brand with minimal ingredients—ideally just water and smoke concentrate. Avoid any with added corn syrup or other additives. When in doubt, a pinch of smoked paprika is an even safer bet!

How long will these homemade treats last?

It depends on the recipe and how you store them. Drier, crunchier treats will last longer at room temperature (up to a week in an airtight container). Softer, meat-based treats should be refrigerated and consumed within 5-7 days. For the longest shelf life, pop them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute different flours in the recipes?

Absolutely! Most recipes are quite forgiving. You can often substitute whole wheat, oat, or rice flour at a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that grain-free flours like coconut or almond flour are more absorbent and may require you to add a bit more liquid to get the right dough consistency. Start with a little less flour and add more as needed.

My dog has allergies. What are the best options?

The Vegan Lentil & Paprika Strips are specifically designed for dogs with common meat allergies. The Savory Salmon Jerky is another excellent choice for dogs allergic to poultry or beef. When making any recipe, you can easily swap the flour for a gluten-free option like oat or almond flour to accommodate grain sensitivities.