Quick answer: To make gelatin dog treats, gently warm 3 cups of low-sodium, onion- and garlic-free broth, whisk in 3 tablespoons of plain unflavored gelatin until fully dissolved, stir in a little pureed pumpkin and chopped parsley, pour into silicone molds, and refrigerate for about 3 hours until firm. That's the whole recipe. Below is the full method, plus a few notes on why gelatin is a solid choice and how to store the treats safely.
Gelatin Dog Treats Recipe
This is an easy, no-bake recipe any owner can make at home in a few minutes of hands-on time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (must be free of onion and garlic)
- 3 tablespoons plain, unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (plain pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (for fresh breath)
- Silicone molds or ice cube trays
Instructions
- Warm the broth. Heat the broth in a saucepan until warm, but do not let it boil.
- Dissolve the gelatin. Sprinkle the gelatin over the warm broth and stir until it is completely dissolved with no grains left.
- Add the pumpkin and parsley. Stir in the pureed pumpkin and chopped parsley until evenly combined.
- Fill the molds. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Fun shapes like bones or paws make nice single-serving treats.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the treats are firm and fully set.
- Serve and store. Pop the treats out of the molds and keep the rest refrigerated.
Why gelatin for dog treats?
Plain gelatin is made from collagen and is a source of amino acids like glycine and proline. Many owners like it as a treat base because it sets soft, is easy to portion, and lets you build a snack around simple, dog-safe ingredients you control. Gelatin treats are not a joint supplement or a substitute for veterinary care, so treat them as an occasional snack rather than a therapy. If your dog has a health condition or you are considering supplements for joints, talk to your vet first. Treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories, per the American Kennel Club.
Which ingredients are safe?
The most important rule is to keep onion and garlic out of the treats. Both are toxic to dogs, and store-bought broths very often contain them, so always check the label or use a homemade, unseasoned broth. The ASPCA lists onions and garlic among the people foods to avoid feeding pets. Plain canned pumpkin is generally well tolerated and a common source of fiber; the VCA Animal Hospitals guide to pumpkin for dogs is a good reference. Introduce any new ingredient slowly and in small amounts.
How long do homemade gelatin treats last?
Because these treats contain no preservatives, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container and use them within about 5 to 7 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and thaw a few at a time. If a treat looks or smells off, throw it out.
Ways to change it up
Once you have the base down, you can rotate ingredients to keep things interesting: a few blueberries, a spoonful of mashed sweet potato, or small pieces of plain cooked chicken or beef for a chewier bite. Adjust the mold size too—smaller pours make handy training rewards, larger ones a more filling snack.
Prefer a no-prep chew?
Homemade gelatin treats are a fun weekend project, but they don't replace a good long-lasting chew. At Bully Sticks Central our chews are 100% natural, single-ingredient, 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide—ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms and 100% high-quality guaranteed. If you want something your dog can work on for a while, start with our guide to single-ingredient chews or our overview of bully sticks. For a softer option, beef trachea chews are another single-ingredient favorite.
Preston Smith is the co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
This post was last updated at August 23, 2026 14:08
