7 Crunchy Homemade Dog Cereal Recipes For A Fun Breakfast

You can’t go wrong with this classic combination! Most dogs are obsessed with peanut butter, and oats provide a wonderful source of fiber. This recipe is incredibly simple and results in delightful little puffs that are perfect for sprinkling over kibble or serving as a standalone snack. They are easy to make in big batches and store well for a quick and easy treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour (you can make your own by blending rolled oats)
• 1/2 cup creamy, all-natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 2-3 tablespoons of water, as needed

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 oat flour and peanut butter. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and mix until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
4. Roll the dough into tiny, pea-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can also roll the dough out and use a small bottle cap to cut out little circles.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and firm to the touch.
6. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. They will get crunchier as they cool.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the perfect starter recipe for any pet parent new to homemade treats. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for picky eaters who need a little encouragement to finish their breakfast.

This recipe smells as good as it tastes! Apples provide natural sweetness and vitamins, while a dash of cinnamon adds warmth and can help with inflammation. Creating the ‘O’ shape is a fun little project, and the result is a healthy, crunchy treat that mimics human cereal in the best way possible.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water, if needed

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 flour and cinnamon.
3. Add the applesauce and egg, and mix until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a little water until it’s workable but not sticky.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. To create the ‘O’ shape, use a small round cookie cutter or a bottle cap to cut out circles. Then, use a straw or a smaller piping tip to poke a hole in the center of each circle.
6. Carefully transfer the O’s to the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are hard and lightly browned. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door cracked open.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This recipe is excellent for dogs who enjoy fruity flavors. It’s a great low-fat option and a fun way to add some extra fiber and vitamins to their diet. The delightful aroma that fills your kitchen is a bonus!

Perfect for the fall season, but great all year round, this recipe is a tummy-soothing superstar. Pumpkin is famously good for a dog’s digestive system, helping with both constipation and diarrhea. Ginger is a natural anti-nausea aid, making this cereal a fantastic choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Gradually add the brown rice flour, mixing until you have a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
4. You can either roll the dough into very small balls or place the dough in a piping bag with a small round tip. Pipe tiny dots onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be hard and dry.
6. Allow them to cool completely. They will become crunchier as they sit.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the go-to recipe for any dog that experiences occasional tummy troubles. It’s gentle, nutritious, and a great way to support their digestive regularity while giving them a tasty treat.

Want to give your dog’s coat a little extra shine? This recipe is for you. Blueberries are a well-known superfood, packed with antioxidants, while coconut flour and a touch of coconut oil provide healthy fats that are fantastic for skin and coat health. The result is a slightly sweet, wonderfully crunchy cereal bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, mashed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the coconut flour, mashed blueberries, eggs, and coconut oil.
3. The coconut flour will absorb a lot of moisture, so add the water and mix until you have a thick, workable dough.
4. Pinch off tiny pieces of dough and roll them into small, irregular ‘nugget’ shapes. Place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until firm and lightly golden on the bottoms.
6. Let them cool completely to achieve maximum crunch.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ideal recipe for owners looking to boost their dog’s skin and coat health. It’s a grain-free powerhouse of antioxidants and healthy fats, perfect for dogs with dry skin or dull fur.

This recipe is a little powerhouse of anti-inflammatory goodness, making it a fantastic choice for older dogs or very active pups. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and add a natural sweetness, while turmeric is a celebrated spice known for its ability to help reduce joint inflammation. A pinch of black pepper is added to help increase the absorption of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• A tiny pinch of ground black pepper
• 3-4 tablespoons of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the oat flour, grated carrot, turmeric, and black pepper.
3. Add the egg and mix. The dough will be very stiff.
4. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is manageable.
5. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness and use a knife or pizza cutter to score it into tiny squares. You don’t need to separate them fully.
6. Transfer the entire sheet of dough to the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are brown and the center is dry.
8. Let it cool completely, then break the squares apart along the score lines.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

An excellent choice for senior dogs, sporting dogs, or any pup that could benefit from some natural joint support. This recipe turns their breakfast treat into a functional, health-boosting bite.

For the dog who prefers savory over sweet, this recipe is a home run. Using canned salmon makes it incredibly easy, and it provides a huge boost of Omega-3 fatty acids for brain, skin, and joint health. Sweet potato acts as a binder and adds fiber and vitamins. These are more like crispy flakes than puffs, making them a unique and delicious food topper.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz) of salmon packed in water, drained well
• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the drained salmon, mashed sweet potato, chickpea flour, and egg.
3. Blend until a thick, smooth paste is formed.
4. Spread the paste as thinly and evenly as possible across the parchment-lined baking sheet using an offset spatula. Aim for a cracker-thin layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching it closely. You want it to be dry and crispy, but not burnt. The edges will cook faster than the center.
6. Let the sheet cool completely. Once cooled, it will be very brittle. Break it up into small, cereal-sized flakes.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

This is the ultimate savory cereal for the discerning canine palate. It’s perfect for adding a protein and Omega-3 punch to any meal and is especially beneficial for dogs needing extra support for their coat and joints.

This recipe creates more of a granola-style cluster cereal, which is fantastic for adding texture and crunch. Banana provides natural sweetness and potassium, while ground flaxseed is a wonderful source of fiber and alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3). This is a great recipe for promoting digestive health and giving your active dog some extra energy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon of water (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the rolled oats and ground flaxseed.
3. Add the mashed banana and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until all the oats are coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
4. Spread the mixture thinly on the baking sheet. It will look like a lumpy granola.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is dry and lightly toasted.
6. Let it cool completely on the pan. It will crisp up as it cools. Break apart any large clumps into cereal-sized pieces.

Pros & Cons

Verdict:

Perfect for active dogs who need a little extra fiber and energy in their diet. The granola texture is a fun change of pace, making it an excellent meal topper for dogs who get bored easily.

Venturing into the world of homemade dog treats is exciting! To ensure your creations are both safe and delicious, keep these key points in mind.

Choosing Dog-Safe Flours

Not all flours are created equal. While all-purpose white flour isn’t toxic, it offers little nutritional value. Opt for healthier alternatives like:

• Oat Flour: A great gluten-free option that’s easy to make by simply blending rolled oats.
• Whole Wheat Flour: A good choice if your dog isn’t sensitive to gluten. It’s high in fiber.
• Coconut Flour: A grain-free, high-fiber option, but it’s very absorbent and requires more liquid.
• Chickpea or Brown Rice Flour: Excellent gluten-free alternatives that add protein and nutrients.

Healthy Binders and Add-ins

To hold your cereal together and add flavor, you’ll need binders and fun extras. Always choose dog-safe options:

• Binders: Eggs, pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, and sweet potato all work wonderfully.
• Fruits & Veggies: Finely grated carrots, mashed blueberries, and chopped parsley are great additions.
• Healthy Fats: A small amount of xylitol-free peanut butter, ground flaxseed, or coconut oil can boost nutrition.

CRITICAL: Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Some human foods are extremely toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters and baked goods. It is highly toxic.
• Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine: All are dangerous for dogs.
• Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage.
• Grapes and Raisins: Can cause acute kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Highly toxic.

Storage is Key

To keep your homemade cereal crunchy and fresh, proper storage is essential. Let the cereal cool completely—and I mean completely!—before storing. Any residual warmth will create steam and lead to soft, moldy treats. Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can my dog eat this cereal every day?

Homemade cereal should be considered a treat or a meal topper, not a complete meal replacement. A dog’s primary nutrition should come from a balanced, commercial dog food formulated to meet all their dietary needs. Sprinkling a tablespoon or two over their regular food is a great way to add fun and flavor without overdoing it on calories.

What kind of ‘milk’ can I serve with this dog cereal?

Many dogs are lactose intolerant, so regular cow’s milk is not a good idea. If you want to add a liquid, a splash of water or unsalted chicken or beef broth is a fantastic and flavorful option. Some people also use a small amount of goat’s milk, which is often easier for dogs to digest, or a dog-specific milk replacer as a special treat.

How do I know if an ingredient is safe for my dog?

When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants and foods. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Sticking to whole foods like plain meats, vegetables, and fruits (from the safe list) is always a good starting point.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! That’s the fun of homemade recipes. You can swap whole wheat flour for oat flour if your dog has a gluten sensitivity. You can exchange pumpkin for sweet potato. The key is to maintain similar consistencies. If you swap a dry ingredient for another dry one, or a wet one for another wet one, you should have good results. Just be sure any new ingredient you introduce is 100% dog-safe.