Looking for a fun homemade treat with a little fruity flavor? These Watermelon Strawberry Dog Treats combine fresh watermelon, ripe strawberries, oat flour, and egg to make colorful little biscuits your dog can enjoy occasionally.
They are easy to prepare, shaped into cute bone-shaped cookies, and baked until firm. There’s no added sugar, frosting, or artificial flavoring just a few simple ingredients.
Quick Answer
Watermelon Strawberry Dog Treats are homemade baked biscuits made with fresh seedless watermelon, strawberries, oat flour, and egg. Blend the watermelon, chop the strawberries, mix everything into a firm dough, cut into shapes, and bake until dry and lightly golden.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Baking time | 30–35 minutes |
| Cooling time | 20 minutes |
| Total time | About 1 hour |
| Yield | 18–22 small biscuits |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure each ingredient.
- Blender or fork: To puree the watermelon.
- Fine strainer: To remove excess watermelon liquid.
- Knife and chopping board: For preparing the strawberries.
- Rolling pin: To roll the dough evenly.
- Small cookie cutter: For cutting bone-shaped biscuits.
- Baking sheet: For baking the treats.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking.
- Cooling rack: To cool the finished biscuits.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups oat flour: Use plain, finely ground oats.
- ¼ cup seedless watermelon puree: Use fresh watermelon flesh with all rind and seeds removed. Strain excess liquid before measuring.
- ¼ cup fresh strawberries: Washed, hulled, and finely chopped.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough.
- 1–3 tablespoons extra oat flour: Keep nearby for adjusting the dough if needed.
Choose plain, fresh ingredients. Do not add sugar, honey, syrup, artificial sweeteners, or seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the watermelon
Remove the watermelon rind and all seeds. Cut the flesh into small pieces and blend or mash until smooth.
Strain the puree to remove excess liquid. Measure ¼ cup of the thicker puree for the recipe.
3. Prepare the strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove their green stems and leaves.
Finely chop the berries. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the dough and make the biscuits easier to shape.
4. Mix the ingredients
Add the oat flour to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the watermelon puree and egg.
Add the chopped strawberries and mix until the ingredients begin to form a dough.
5. Adjust the dough
The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll.
If it feels sticky, add oat flour one tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry or crumbly, add a little water, just enough to bring it together.
6. Roll out the dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it to approximately ¼ inch thick.
Try to keep the thickness even so the biscuits bake consistently.
7. Cut into shapes
Use a small bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the biscuits. You can also make simple circles or squares.
Gather the leftover dough, roll it again, and cut out additional treats.
8. Arrange and bake
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, checking toward the end. They should feel firm and look lightly golden around the edges.
For a drier finish, turn off the oven and leave the biscuits inside for another 10 minutes with the door slightly open, provided they aren’t browning too quickly.
9. Cool completely
Transfer the biscuits to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
They will become firmer as they cool. Their color may be pale pink or golden rather than bright red because the fruit naturally changes color during baking.
Watermelon Strawberry Dog Treat Safety Tips
Both watermelon and strawberries can be suitable occasional treats for many dogs, but preparation and portion size matter.
- Remove watermelon rind and seeds: The rind can be difficult to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage. Remove seeds before blending.
- Wash strawberries: Remove the stems and leaves, then chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Avoid added sweeteners: Never use products containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Watch natural sugar intake: Both fruits contain natural sugars, so these biscuits should be occasional treats.
- Introduce gradually: Start with a small piece if your dog hasn’t eaten these fruits before.
- Consider health conditions: Dogs with diabetes, weight concerns, or special dietary restrictions may need to avoid or limit fruit treats. Ask your veterinarian first.
The American Kennel Club recommends serving strawberries in moderation and preparing them by washing and cutting them into suitable pieces. PetMD also advises removing watermelon rind and seeds before offering the fruit to dogs.
Serving Size and Storage
Allow the biscuits to cool completely before serving. Break them into smaller pieces for little dogs, and start with a small portion to check how your dog tolerates the ingredients.
The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, daily calorie needs, and other treats they receive. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that treats make up less than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
Because these biscuits contain fresh fruit, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days as a conservative homemade storage guideline.
For longer storage, freeze completely cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Discard any treats that develop mold, an unusual smell, or signs of spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat watermelon and strawberries together?
Yes. Both fruits can be offered to most healthy dogs in moderation. Remove watermelon seeds and rind, wash the strawberries, and keep portions small.
Can I use frozen watermelon?
Yes. Use plain frozen watermelon without seeds or rind. Thaw it before blending and strain excess liquid so the dough doesn’t become too wet.
Can I use whole-wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, plain whole-wheat flour can work if your dog tolerates wheat. Add it gradually because different flours absorb moisture differently.
Why is my dough too sticky?
Watermelon contains a lot of water. Straining the puree before measuring helps, but you may still need to add extra oat flour until the dough is firm enough to roll.
Can I freeze these dog treats?
Yes. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
These Homemade Watermelon Strawberry Dog Treats are a fun way to turn two fresh fruits into colorful baked biscuits for your pup. With oat flour and egg to hold everything together, they’re simple to prepare and easy to shape at home.
Remember to remove watermelon seeds and rind, use fresh strawberries, keep portions small, and let the biscuits cool completely before sharing.
Editorial Note
This recipe is intended as an occasional treat for healthy dogs, not a complete or balanced meal. Fruit tolerance varies between dogs, and pets with medical conditions may need different ingredients or portions. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether these treats are suitable for your dog.
