Why I Stopped Buying Store-Bought Dog Treats (and What I Make Instead)

Why I Stopped Buying Store-Bought Dog Treats (and What I Make Instead)

Let me tell you something about loving a dog with a sensitive stomach: it changes everything. It changes how you shop. It changes how you cook. And in my case, it changed how I treat my pups—literally.

For years, store-bought treats were just what we did. Beggin’ Strips, Milk Bones, dental chews—you name it, we had it. I even bought them in bulk at Sam’s Club. But then Magnus, my sweet, stubborn boy, started getting sick. Not just once. Not just occasionally. Regularly.

At first, we were in triage mode. Maybe it was a food allergy? Maybe he ate something weird in the yard? We tried it all—cutting out different foods, switching brands, monitoring everything he ate. I even started putting a soft mesh muzzle on him for backyard potty breaks to make sure he wasn’t sneaking anything toxic. But nothing changed. It kept happening.

We finally took him in for x-rays, thinking maybe something was blocking his digestion. What we found out? Nothing was stuck. But his liver—his little liver—was abnormally small. The vet explained that it likely meant his body couldn’t process fat like it should, which would explain the constant vomiting. She said we needed to switch him to a low-fat to fat-free diet immediately.

And just like that, store-bought treats were out.

The First Homemade Treats We Tried

I had already started experimenting with a dehydrator. At first, it was curiosity. Then it became strategy. I threw in sweet potatoes and apples. They liked the sweet potatoes. They tolerated the apples.

But then? Bananas.

Oh, the bananas.

That was the moment. The way their tails wagged. The way their eyes lit up. The way they followed me like tiny fruit-obsessed shadows every time I even walked near the kitchen. Homemade banana chips became the treat to beat.

My Favorite Go-To: Dehydrated Bananas

Here’s how I make them:

What You Need:

• 2–4 ripe bananas (not overripe)
• A sharp knife (or mandoline if you’re brave)
• Dehydrator (I use the Hamilton Beach 5-Tray Digital Food Dehydrator — affordable, effective, and beginner-friendly)
• Silicone mesh mats (optional, but make cleanup a breeze)

How I Prep Them:

1. Peel and slice bananas into 1/4″ thick discs.
2. Place them evenly spaced on the dehydrator trays.
3. Set dehydrator to 135°F and dehydrate for 12–18 hours (depending on your humidity).
4. Check for doneness: they should be dry, not sticky, and have no moisture inside. If they bend or feel soft, keep them going.

Storage Tip: Once dried, I condition them in mason jars for 5 days (shaking them gently each day to ensure no clumping or moisture sneaks back in). After that, they’re ready for the pantry!

Why It Matters

The first time I handed Magnus one of my homemade treats and he gobbled it up without getting sick? It was everything. That moment felt like I was finally doing something right for him. Not because I’m a vet. Not because I have all the answers. But because I listened to his body and adapted.

Phoenix, his sister, is less picky. She’ll eat anything and everything—sometimes even things she shouldn’t. But Magnus is sensitive. And I want him to feel loved, protected, and safe. Always.

Tools That Helped Me Get Started

• Dehydrator: Mine was under $100 and has become one of the best pet-parent investments I’ve made.
• Silicone Mesh Mats: Game-changer for sticky fruits like bananas.
• Mason Jars: I use Ball mason jars in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz sizes.
• Magnet Cheat Sheet: A cute little fridge magnet with ideal dehydrating temps (fruits, veggies, herbs, even marshmallows!). Not necessary, but helpful.
• Knife & Cutting Board: Don’t underestimate how much easier this process is with a large wooden cutting board and a knife that actually cuts.

Final Thoughts

Dehydrating treats at home isn’t hard. It’s not even time-consuming once you get the hang of it. And it has completely changed how I feed my dogs. I know what’s in their food. I know what they love. And I know it’s safe.

If you suspect your dog might have food sensitivities, talk to your vet. But don’t be afraid to try simple, whole-food solutions in the meantime. Just make sure anything you try is safe for dogs (more on that in a future post).

Until then? I’ll be in the kitchen. With my dehydrator humming. My pups at my feet. And a jar full of banana chips ready to go.

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Let’s Hear It: Have you ever tried making your own dog treats? What’s your pup’s favorite snack? Drop it in the comments!