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8 Homemade Probiotic Dog Treat Recipes

So what’s the deal with Probiotics for dogs?

Like humans, dogs also have beneficial gut bacteria that live in their digestive tract. Healthy gut bacteria families (called “phyla”) have fancy names like:

  • Proteobacteria
  • Actinobacteria
  • Firmicutes
  • Bacteroidetes
  • Spirochaetes
  • Fusobacteria

In each one of these families there’s thousands of different types of bacteria. Together these families make up your dog’s unique microbiome. A balanced microbiome can improve immune system, digestion, mood, and overall health. Probiotics are nutrients designed to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. These are commonly supplemented into dog diets with products such as: 

  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Green Tripe
  • Goats Milk
  • Specialized capsules, powders, or chews.

Of course, this is just a really brief overview, and I recommend you dive deeper into the world of probiotics before jumping in. 

Can Probiotics Be Harmful?

Gut bacteria is a complex system that is constantly changing but always trying to balance itself. Drastic changes to the microbiome balance could have a negative impact. We call this Dysbiosis.

Dysbioses can lead to diarrhea, bloating, gas, bad breath, or even more severe effects such as diabetes or obesity. So before supplementing their diet – always consult with a vet.

Furthermore, when making homemade treats be sure to exclude human food that may be harmful. See the full guide on human food that dog’s can and cannot eat.


DIY Probiotic Dog Treat Recipes

1. Super Healthy Goat Milk Pupsicle

Photo Credit: WearWagRepeat

It may look a little strange (I’m sure Gorden Ramsay would love the plating) but what you’re looking at is packed full of healthy stuff.

Kale, coconut oil, goat milk (for probiotics), blueberries, and whole fish make up an arsenal of super healthy ingredients to give your dog everything they need. Not to mention it’s a perfect treat for a hot day. 

Check out how to make your own super healthy pupsicle.


2. Frozen Cranberry Probiotic Dog Treats

Photo credit: Sweetspicymonkey

Another frozen treat but with a mega probiotic kick of goat’s milk, greek yogurt, and plain kefir. And of course, cranberries.

You may be wondering if cranberries are okay for dogs to consume. According to AKC it’s okay in small quantities. But if you’re worried you can substitute the cranberries for other dog-safe vegetables or fruit.

Here’s the full recipe for frozen probiotic cranberry treats.


3. Probiotic Frozen Yogurt Treats – In 3 Flavors


Photo Credit: Traditional Cooking School

Here’s something that’s super easy to make and comes in a bunch of different flavors. Simply add plain yogurt to an ice cube tray, and throw in a few other blended or chopped healthy ingredients for that little bit extra.

It comes in blueberry-mint, parsley-carrot, and peanut butter. Which honestly sounds pretty good for humans too.

Here’s the full recipe and tips for making these at home.


4. Make Your Own DIY Probiotics

Probiotics are expensive. Save some money by fermenting cabbage and making your own powerful probiotics at home (you may have caught on that we’re making Sauerkraut). You’ll need a fermenting kit and a little patience (it takes about 21 days to ferment), but you’ll have a whole jar of the good stuff.

There’s even a recipe for homemade Coconut Kefir, if fermenting isn’t your style. Again, it’s a bit of a process but you might save a ton of money.

How to make Probiotic Sauerkraut and Coconut Kefir.


5. Dairy-free Frozen Dog Treats


Photo Credit: Making Thyme For Health

What I like about this simple recipe is it cuts to the chase. Meaning, there’s no fancy ingredients, just a delicious and healthy peanut butter treat with a store-bought probiotic supplement.

This is especially good if you have a picky eater at home.

This is doubly good because it also brings in coconut milk, carrots, and some healthy fats from the natural peanut butter.

See the full Dairy-free Frozen Puppy Yogurt recipe.


6. Homemade Fermented Berry Probiotic for Dogs

We’ve talked about fermenting with Sauerkraut. But let’s take it a step further by introducing powerful anti-oxidants from berries. Using strawberries or blueberries (or both), and a fermenting kit, you can easily make a super probiotic and disease fighting topping for your dog’s food. 

Homemade Honey Berry Probiotic for Dogs


7. DIY Dog Treats: Pumpkin Peanut Butter Yogurt Drops

A super simple recipe which introduces greek yogurt, pumpkin, peanut butter, and a little bit of carob powder (a dog safe chocolate alternative). Plain Greek yogurt is typically strained to remove lactose, making it a better alternative for those lactose-intolerant pups. It also has double the protein for building muscles.

And of course, look for yogurt that has a lot of live cultures for that probiotic effect.

Make pumpkin and greek yogurt treats


8. 4-Ingredient Probiotic Pupsicles


Photo Credit: Fed and Fit

Finally we have this super-food packed treat that has loads of the good stuff. Plain probiotic yogurt (of course), sweet potatoes, brewer’s yeast, and turmeric. So what’s the the deal with the last 2 ingredients?

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ingredient that has huge benefits for dogs.

Brewer’s Yeast is commonly used in dog foods, and is also a common supplment for it’s numerous health benefits (such as being a digestive aid, anti-oxidant, and rich in protein and B-complex vitamins and minerals)

Learn how to make this super healthy recipe at home

Photo of author

Shayla McConnell

Shayla​ has been working closely with animals for over 10 years. Initially trained​ as a Vet Tech Assistant in a local emergency clinic, she ​later changed career paths and became a ​professional Dog Groomer, and is now running her own successful pet grooming business.

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