HOW TO MAKE lickable dog treats (DIY)

Why should I make squeeze treats?

Lickable dog treats in a tube, which I also refer to as squeeze treats or squeezable treats, are the paw-fect way to show your pup some love when doing things they don’t like (i.e., nail trims, and vet visits). They’re also super convenient in the winter – you can squeeze some out without trying to find treats in your pockets with big gloves on.

Here are some reasons why you should consider either making or buying squeeze treats:

1. Woof-tastic taste: Even the pickiest of dogs will go mutts for lickable treats. They’re so delicious, they’ll distract your pup from the other dog across the street that they might usually lunge at.
2. Easy-peasy delivery: Simply squeeze the tube and let your dog lick up the yummy goodness. It’s the perfect distraction when getting their nails done, or getting a shot at the vet because they’re easy to consume.
3. Take it on the go: It’s small, lightweight, and fits easily in your pocket or purse. Great for transitioning away from your dog only listening when you have your treat pouch on.
4. Healthy: When DIY-ing you have 100% control over the ingredients. You can choose high-quality, nutritious ingredients that are good for your dog’s overall health.
5. Relaxing: Studies have shown that licking can help activate your dog’s parasympathetic nervous system – which is great for getting your dog through stressful events, or training sound-sensitive, reactive dogs.
6. Train ‘gentle’ eating – some dogs love to gobble down treats – even take down your hand! Squeeze treats can help train your dogs to take treats gently, as it reinforces them for licking.

ingredients I use for the LICKABLE DOG treats

What I LOVE about squeezable treats is that you can literally use any ingredient that is safe for dogs. I don’t want the consistency too watery so I try to do more protein than liquid. Here are some ingredient combinations I’ve found helpful:

• 1 can of Plain Tuna in Water + 1.5 Cups of Non-Fat Organic Cottage Cheese
• 1 can of Plain Chicken in Water + 1 Cup of Plain Organic Nonfat Yogurt
• 1 cup of boiled lean turkey meat + 1/2 Cup of Blueberries + 1/2 Cup of Organic Nonfat Yogurt

Every dog is different so always double-check with your vet whether each ingredient is safe for your dog.

What do I need?

1. Blender: You’ll need to have a blender (I personally use a separate blender from my own, so I don’t ruin my Vitamix). I used to use a cheap one from Amazon Basics, but after that one broke, I decided to go for this Baby Food Maker. It’s AMAZING because it steams/cooks your food, auto blends (it’ll blend until your mix is pureed), and it self-sanitizes, making it super convenient.
2. Squeeze Station OR reusable squeeze pouches: While the reusable ones sound great in theory, sometimes, the ziplock can come undone – especially if you overfill it (and makes a mess). I personally use the squeeze station because I don’t have to worry about the ziplock coming undone, and it feels a lot more secure in my pocket.

Step 1: Blend all ingredients

Use your blender to blend all the ingredients until they’re pureed. If the consistency is water, it’ll make a mess when your dog tries to lick – so make sure your consistency is nice and thick. At this point, if it looks too watery, I’ll add more protein to bulk it up a bit!

Step 2: Pour into your squeeze pouch

If you’re using reusable pouches, you can just spoon them into the pouch. Otherwise, you’ll put it into the squeeze station and push the ingredients into the pouch.

Step 2: Add any leftovers/extra to a lick mat

Have a tiny bit left (but not enough to fill another pouch)? In this case, I will put it onto a lick mat and freeze it for mental enrichment in the future.

Step 3: Clean Up

Personally, I like to allow my dogs to help clean up! I’ll let them lick the squeeze station tubes – just make sure you’re not leaving them unattended or they may end up chewing pieces of it. Just don’t let them lick the blender (obviously, we don’t want them licking anything sharp).

Step 4: Storage

The squeezable treats can be put into the refrigerator for a few days, OR the freezer if you don’t plan on using them all right away.

Don’t feel like DIY-ing?

You can always buy Baby Food (as long as you double check ingredients are dog safe). Bark Pouch is another amazing option – it can just get a little pricey!