Homemade Dog Treats vs. Store-Bought: Pros and Cons

There's a real satisfaction in baking for your dog — and a real convenience in tearing open a bag. Neither is "right." It comes down to your time and your dog's needs. Let's weigh them.

Homemade: Total Control

Pros: you control every ingredient, which is great for allergies or if you want zero additives. It's rewarding and can be budget-friendly in bulk. Cons: it takes time, homemade treats spoil faster, and getting the recipe safe and balanced takes care.

Store-Bought: Convenience and Consistency

Pros: grab-and-go ease, tons of healthy options now (freeze-dried, single-ingredient), quality control, and clear labels. Cons: some brands sneak in fillers, and premium natural treats cost more. The key is reading labels — the team at PetMD has good pointers.

The Best of Both

Many owners bake occasionally and keep clean store-bought staples on hand. Single-ingredient options like our freeze-dried beef liver give you homemade-level simplicity with zero prep — and no fridge required.

The Takeaway

Homemade gives control; store-bought offers convenience — and a mix of both is a perfectly great plan. Cover the store-bought side with our Sample Pack.

Sources: PetMD – Choosing Dog Treats; ASPCA – People Foods to Avoid.