Homemade vs. Store-Bought Treats: What I Actually Use

One of the questions I get asked fairly often is whether I give Luna homemade treats, store-bought treats, or both.

The answer is simple:

Both.

I make homemade treats because I enjoy it, and Luna loves them. But I also keep store-bought treats on hand because sometimes convenience matters. Whether we’re training, heading to the vet, or rushing out the door for a walk, having ready-to-go treats makes life easier.

I’ve never felt like it has to be one or the other.

Homemade treats and store-bought treats both have a place in our routine, and which one I reach for usually depends on what we’re doing that day.

So if you’re wondering what I actually use with my own dog, here’s a realistic look at what works for us.

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Why I Make Homemade Dog Treats

Homemade treats are what inspired this blog in the first place.

What started as a simple way to make something fun for Luna turned into a hobby I genuinely enjoy. There’s something satisfying about making a batch of treats and watching her magically appear in the kitchen the second she realizes food is involved.

Most of the homemade treats I make fall into a few categories:

• Frozen treats
• Simple baked treats
• No-bake treats

I tend to use ingredients like:

• Pumpkin
• Peanut butter (always xylitol-free)
• Bananas
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Oats
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Sweet potatoes

If you’re curious about the ingredients I use most often, check out What Ingredients Are Safe for Dogs?

For me, homemade treats are less about replacing store-bought treats and more about adding variety and doing something fun for Luna.

I usually make homemade treats:

• As an everyday treat
• For enrichment activities
• As a frozen snack during warmer weather
• To use ingredients I already have at home
• When I feel like making something special for her

Most frozen treats and many no-bake treats aren’t especially practical for training because they’re larger, messier, or take longer to eat.

That’s usually where store-bought treats come in.

Why I Still Use Store-Bought Treats

As much as I enjoy making homemade treats, I’m also realistic.

Sometimes I need treats that are:

• Easy to grab
• Portable
• Less messy
• Quick to eat
• Small enough for repeated rewards

That’s where store-bought treats make life easier.

I rely on them most for:

• Training sessions
• Walks
• Vet visits
• Giving medication
• Puzzle toys
• Travel

When you’re rewarding your dog repeatedly during training, tiny soft treats are usually much more practical than homemade frozen treats or larger biscuits.

The Store-Bought Treats I Actually Use

These are some of the treats I’ve personally used with Luna (and previously with Morgan).

Zuke’s Mini Naturals

These are probably the treats I reach for most often during training.

I like that they’re:

• Small
• Soft
• Easy to carry
• Easy to break apart
• Quick for dogs to eat

When you’re doing lots of repetitions during training, those things matter.

You can find them on Amazon and Chewy.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Mini-Rewards

I’ve also had good experiences with these.

They’re another option I primarily use for:

• Training
• Walks
• Quick rewards

Available on Amazon and Chewy.

Merrick Power Bites

I used these for quite a while because both of my dogs loved them.

Morgan never had any issues with them. Honestly, she seemed capable of eating just about anything without consequences.

Luna was a different story.

She ate these treats for months without any problems, but eventually developed diarrhea. Following my veterinarian’s advice, I stopped all treats and switched her to a bland diet. Once her symptoms cleared up, I gradually transitioned her back to her regular food, and she did fine.

Later, when I reintroduced these treats, the diarrhea returned. After that, I decided to stop giving them to her.

To be fair, I can’t say with certainty that the treats were the cause. There were other factors at the time that may have played a role. Luna is an anxious dog, and our routine had changed around the same time as both episodes. She also underwent testing, and her veterinarian told us some of her results were very close to what they often see in dogs with IBS. While she doesn’t have an official diagnosis, she definitely has a sensitive stomach.

Still, when you notice the same issue appear, disappear, and then return after reintroducing something, it’s hard to ignore.

That experience was a good reminder that every dog is different. A treat that works perfectly for one dog may not work well for another, and sometimes you have to pay attention to what your own dog is telling you.

You can find these on both Amazon and Chewy.

Pedigree Dentastix

I’ve used Dentastix for years.

They’re convenient, easy to keep on hand, and both Morgan and Luna have enjoyed them.

Dental treats are one of those things I tend to prioritize convenience with because consistency matters more than perfection.

These are also available on both Amazon and Chewy.

BarkBox Treats and BarkBright

One thing I like about BarkBox treats is simple:

I don’t have to remember to buy them.

The automatic deliveries make it easy to keep treats stocked without adding another thing to my to-do list.

I’ve also used BarkBright dental chews for the same reason.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Which Is Better?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s one right answer.

I use different treats for different purposes.

I Usually Use Homemade Treats For:

• Everyday treats
• Enrichment
• Frozen snacks
• Special recipes
• Fun bonding activities

If you’d like to try making some yourself, Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes is a great place to start.

I Usually Use Store-Bought Treats For:

• Training
• Walks
• Medication
• Vet visits
• Travel
• Convenience

For us, both options work well together.

I don’t think you need to make every treat from scratch to be a great dog owner.

And I don’t think you need to avoid homemade treats because store-bought options are easier.

Sometimes the best option is simply the one that fits your life.

What I Look for in Any Dog Treat

Whether I’m buying treats or making them at home, a few things matter most:

• Luna tolerates them well
• They’re practical for what I’m using them for
• The ingredients work for her
• She actually enjoys them
• They fit realistically into our routine

I also introduce new treats gradually whenever possible, especially if there’s any chance they might upset her stomach.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, I use both homemade and store-bought treats regularly.

Homemade treats are something I genuinely enjoy making, and they’ve become a huge part of this blog. But store-bought treats make life easier in plenty of situations, especially when we’re training or on the go.

I don’t think you need to pick a side.

If you’re interested in homemade treats, start small. One simple recipe is enough to see if it’s something you and your dog enjoy.

And if you mostly use store-bought treats?

That’s perfectly fine too.

The best treat routine is the one that works for both you and your dog.