Homemade Dog Treats, Boundaries, and Why I Don’t Share

Let’s just get this out of the way right now:
Yes, I bake for my dog.
No, I don’t share.
And honestly? I’m not even a little sorry about it.

If you’re a woman over 40 who owns matching dog bowls, has Googled “Is this safe for dogs?” more times than you can count, and feels mild judgment when someone says, “You cook for your dog?” — pull up a chair. You’re among friends here.

Because baking for your dog isn’t extra. It’s intentional. It’s love. And it’s way more normal than people think.

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

How Did We Get Here? (A Very Familiar Story)

It usually starts innocently enough.

You buy a bag of treats.
You read the ingredients.
You pause.
You squint.
You Google half of them.

Next thing you know, you’re standing in your kitchen thinking, “I could make something better than this.”

And you can.

Dog moms don’t wake up one day and decide to become canine pastry chefs. We arrive here slowly — through love, concern, curiosity, and that quiet realization that our dogs depend on us for everything.

Including snacks.

Baking for Your Dog Is a Love Language

Here’s the thing people miss: baking for your dog isn’t about being fancy. It’s about being mindful.

When you bake for your dog, you’re choosing:

• Ingredients you recognize
• Flavors your dog actually enjoys
• Treats that support health, not just hype

It’s no different than swapping processed food for real food for yourself — except your dog doesn’t have a choice. You do.

And if your dog lights up when they smell peanut butter or pumpkin? That joy is real. That tail wag is feedback. That sit-stare combo while the oven’s on? Pure devotion.

“But Isn’t That… A Lot?”

Ah yes. The unspoken judgment.

Let me translate what’s usually behind it:
👉 I wouldn’t do that, so I don’t understand why you would.

And that’s okay.

But here’s the truth dog moms already know:
We don’t do this every day.
We don’t do it for Instagram.
We do it because it feels good.

Baking for your dog is:

• A cozy weekend ritual
• A birthday or gotcha-day tradition
• A way to feel connected
• A moment of joy in a busy life

Some people knit. Some people garden. Some people bake sourdough.
We bake dog treats. 🐾

What I Actually Bake (And What I Don’t)

Let’s clear up a big misconception: dog baking isn’t complicated or dangerous when you keep it simple.

Dog-Friendly Staples I Keep on Hand

• Pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
• Peanut butter (no xylitol — ever)
• Oats
• Eggs
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Apples (No seeds)
• other wholesome items

That’s it. No obscure ingredients. No gourmet nonsense.

Things That Never Make It Into My Dog’s Treats

• Sugar
• Chocolate
• Artificial sweeteners
• Grapes or raisins
• Nuts or seeds
• Anything I wouldn’t give my dog straight

If it wouldn’t pass the “Would I feel okay if this was the only treat today?” test — it’s out. Also, when in doubt, leave it out or check with your veterinarian.

Why I Don’t Share (And Neither Should You)

Let’s talk about the title for a second.

“No, I don’t share.”

Because dog treats are for dogs.

They’re not balanced for humans.
They’re not seasoned for humans.
They’re not meant to be snackable for humans.

Also?
Boundaries matter.

My dog doesn’t get my chocolate cake.
I don’t get his peanut butter pumpkin biscuits.
Everyone stays happy. Everyone stays safe.

That’s not selfish — that’s respectful.

The Unexpected Benefits of Baking for Your Dog

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Dog moms who bake often notice:

• Dogs excited for a new taste
• Fewer mystery tummy issues
• Less begging for random human food
• Stronger training motivation
• A calmer, more satisfied pup

Why? Because homemade treats tend to be simpler, softer, and more mentally satisfying.

And let’s not ignore the emotional benefit:
You feel good doing it.

In a world that constantly tells women we’re doing too much or not enough, baking for your dog is one thing you get to do purely because it brings joy.

Is This Necessary? No. Is It Worth It? Absolutely.

Your dog doesn’t need homemade treats to be loved.

But love shows up in different ways:

• A walk when you’re tired
• A vet visit you can’t afford but make work
• A warm bed
• A baked treat made with intention

If baking feels like too much — don’t do it.
If it feels nourishing — lean in.

There’s no dog mom scoreboard. 🐶✨

If You’re Curious but Hesitant, Start Here

You don’t need:

• Fancy molds
• Pinterest-perfect photos
• A stocked pantry

Start with:

• One recipe
• One batch
• One happy dog

That’s it.

And if it becomes your thing? Welcome to the club.

Final Woofy Wisdom 🐾

Baking for your dog isn’t about being “that dog mom.”
It’s about being your kind of dog mom.

The kind who pays attention.
The kind who cares deeply.
The kind who doesn’t apologize for loving out loud.

So yes — I bake for my dog.
And no — I don’t share.

And if that made you smile, nod, or feel a little seen…

If you’ve ever looked at your dog’s bowl and wondered,
“Is this really the best I can do?”

You’re not crazy for asking that.

There’s a reason more dog moms are moving toward simple, real, homemade meals — not complicated, not extreme — just better.

If you’re curious about creating balanced, vet-approved, chef-designed meals using ingredients you can actually pronounce, I found a cookbook that walks you through it step-by-step.

The REAL FOOD for Dogs  includes over 100 recipes plus bonus books for treats, care, and weight management.

You don’t have to switch everything overnight.
Even replacing one meal a week can make a difference.

👉 Take a peek at the recipes here and see if it feels right for you and your pup.

👇 Tell me in the comments:
Do you bake for your dog, buy treats, or do a mix of both?
Save this post for later or explore more dog mom life over at WoofyGuru.com — because honestly…

~~~

Time to Get Woofy. Go Ahead. Show Me Your Dog!

— Woofy Guru™

 

Recommended Reading

10 No-Bake Homemade Dog Treats for Busy Dog Moms

Dog Birthday Cakes That Look Fancy but Are Totally Beginner-Friendly

Barkuterie Boards: Because Your Dog Deserves a Charcuterie Too