Make Your Chihuahua Happy and Healthy: DIY Treats Under $10

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Calling all Chihuahua lovers! If you’re determined to keep your tiny fur baby both delighted and healthy, and save some bucks while you’re at it, you’re in the right spot. We’re about to unleash some recipes so affordable, they might just make you bark with joy!

Welcome to your one-stop guide to crafting irresistible snacks for your Chihuahua. Tease those little tails with treats that speak to their very souls—all for under ten bucks!

Why DIY Treats?

Let’s face it: store-bought treats can become pretty paw-the-tic. Many contain preservatives and ingredients impossible to pronounce. Who needs that?

By making your own dog treats, you control the quality. You know exactly what’s in them. Not to mention, it’s a fun way to bond with your pup. Plus, your wallet will thank you!

Getting Started: Essential Ingredients

First things first: you’ve got to know what goes in these delightful morsels. Most DIY treats require simple pantry staples—many you’ll already have!

Think about ingredients like peanut butter (watch for Xylitol or Birch Sugar!), oats, and some chicken broth. These staples will become your new best friends.

A tip? Always check with your vet about safe ingredients. We want those tails wagging, not tucking!

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Pup Cookies

Who doesn’t love peanut butter? While Chihuahuas might not whip up a PB&J, these treats get pretty close!

Peanut Butter Pup Cookies

½ cup peanut butter (check for Xylitol, also known as Birch sugar, they are highly toxic to dogs)
1 cup flour
splash of chicken broth

Roll into balls.

Baking Instructions:

Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 12–18 minutes (depending on size)
Texture: Bake until lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Tips:

Size Matters: Smaller balls (~1 inch) bake faster (~12 min), while larger ones may need up to 18 min.
Check Early: Peanut butter can burn, so monitor after 10 minutes.
Cool Completely: Let them cool and harden before serving (they’ll crisp up as they cool).
Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer shelf life.

If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour. For crunchier treats, bake longer at a lower temp (e.g., 300°F for 20–25 min).

Simple, but heavenly!

Recipe 2: Cheesy Apple Dog Treats

Apples for the sweetness, cheese for the cheesy goodness—what’s not to adore?

Cheesy Apple Dog Treats

Ingredients:

½ cup grated cheddar cheese (low-sodium if possible)
½ cup grated apple (peeled, no seeds/core)
1 cup whole wheat flour (+ extra if dough is sticky)
1 egg (optional, for binding)
2–3 tbsp water or unsalted chicken broth (as needed)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine grated cheddar, grated apple, and whole wheat flour. Add the egg (if using) and mix. Gradually add water/broth until a thick, kneadable dough forms (like playdough).
Roll & cut: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into small shapes (or roll into tiny balls/flatten with a fork). For added flair, shape these into little bones.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and firm. Cool completely before serving.

Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for 2–3 months.

Notes:

No egg? Use 1 tbsp applesauce or extra broth to bind.
For crunchier treats: Bake longer (20–25 min) at a lower temp (300°F).
Dog-safe: Apples provide fiber, and cheddar is a high-value reward! Avoid if your dog is sensitive to dairy.

Recipe 3: Carrot and Oat Bars

For the health-conscious Chihuahua, these are winners. Carrots are full of vitamins—perfect for those glossy coats

Bonus: the smell while baking is a treat for the hoomans too!

Carrot & Oat Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

1 cup mashed cooked carrots (cooled, no seasoning)
1½ cups rolled oats (or oat flour for smoother texture)
1 tbsp honey (optional, omit for puppies under 1 year)
1 egg (optional, for binding—replace with 1 tbsp water if needed)
Extra oats or flour if dough is sticky

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine mashed carrots, oats, honey, and egg (if using). Stir until a thick dough forms. If too sticky, add a sprinkle of oat flour or whole wheat flour.
Shape treats:
- Option 1: Roll dough into ½-inch balls and flatten with a fork.
- Option 2: Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into small shapes (bones, hearts, etc.).
Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and slightly golden. Cool completely before serving.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2 months.

Why Dogs Love These:

Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and fiber.
Oats: Gentle on digestion and great for energy.
Honey: Adds sweetness (in moderation) and antioxidants.

Variations:

Add 1 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free) for extra flavor.
For crunchier treats, bake an extra 5–10 minutes at 300°F.

Recipe 4: Sweet Potato Chips

Yes, even pups crave chips! Sweet potatoes are a fantastic option—they’re delicious and diet-friendly.

Baked Sweet Potato Dog Chips

Ingredients:

1–2 medium sweet potatoes (organic if possible)
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional, aids digestion)

Instructions:

Prep:
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) for slow baking (keeps nutrients intact) or 350°F (175°C) for faster baking.
- Scrub sweet potatoes clean (peeling is optional—skin has extra fiber).
Slice:
- Cut into ⅛-inch thin rounds (uniform thickness ensures even baking).
- For variety, slice some into thin sticks (like fries).
Bake:
- Low & Slow (Best for Crispiness):
  - Toss slices lightly in melted coconut oil (optional).
  - Arrange on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer.
  - Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2–2.5 hours, flipping halfway, until dry and crisp.
- Quick Method:
  - Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until edges curl and chips are leathery/crisp.
Cool: Let chips cool completely—they’ll crisp up further.

Storage:

Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (no fridge needed).
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Why Dogs Love These:

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins A/C, and beta-carotene.
No additives—perfect for sensitive stomachs.
Great for teething puppies or senior dogs with soft teeth!

Variations:

Air Fryer: 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 mins, shaking occasionally.

Dehydrator: Dry at 165°F (74°C) for 8–10 hours until crisp.

Bonus: humans can snack on these too. Score!

Tips for Treat Storage

Nothing worse than preparing treats only to find them stale later. Boo to that!

Store treats in a cool, dry place, and use airtight containers whenever possible. This keeps them fresh and fabulous.

You can freeze these too for up to 3 months.

Friendly tip: label your containers. This is a PSA for all forgetful hoomans out there!

Safeguarding Against Allergies

Even our furry buddies have dietary limits. Some Chihuahuas may have allergies you don’t yet know about.

Keep an eye on new recipes and introduce them slowly. If you notice any adverse reactions, consult your vet immediately.

Knowledge is paw-er, and safety first always wins!

The Importance of Portion Control

We know your heart melts seeing those pleading eyes, but remember, moderation is key!

Over-treating can lead to an array of health problems. Measure portions suitable for your dog’s size and diet needs.

Healthy pups are happy pups—resist those eyes and let’s play the long game!

Bringing Your Chihuahua into the Kitchen Fun

Nothing says quality bonding time like baking with your beloved pup! (Or, let’s be real: you bake and they supervise!)

Include your Chihuahua—let them sniff ingredients and be part of the fun. This builds trust and brings joy.

Who knows, maybe there’s a canine chef hiding in there!

Praise from the Pup Clan: Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Our recipes have garnered rave reviews from the little woofers themselves.

Local dogs (mine) have given these DIY treats two paws up! Healthy, tasty, and full of tail-wagging goodness.

Prepare for compliments from fellow pet parents and some serious pup-ular demand.

With your newfound treat-making prowess, it’s time to flaunt those skills!

On your next trip to the dog park, pack some extra treats. Share them with other pups (with their owners’ permission) and wait for the admiration to pour in!

Be prepared—these treats could make you the bark park’s resident celebrity.