Boston Terrier Your Boston Terrier planted firmly at your feet, those big round eyes locked onto you like you’re holding the most important thing in the universe. You reach down and offer a treat you actually made yourself, and the whole back half of their body wiggles with joy. No weird ingredients. No preservatives you can’t pronounce. Just a happy, healthy dog who thinks you hung the moon.
That’s what homemade treats can do for your relationship with your Boston.
And honestly? Making them is way easier than you’d think.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought Every Time
Boston Terriers have sensitive systems. Their flat faces, their tendency toward gas (we all know it), their sometimes-touchy digestion. What goes into their body matters more than most pet parents realize.
Store-bought treats are often packed with fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives that do nothing for your pup’s health. Homemade treats let you control every single ingredient.
"The best treat you can give your dog is one you made with them in mind."
Plus, your Boston will taste the difference. Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and fresh, real-food ingredients are about as exciting to them as a five-star meal is to us.
1. Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
What Makes These a Winner
Peanut butter is practically the universal dog language for "I love you." Pair it with banana and you’ve got a treat that’s creamy, naturally sweet, and loaded with potassium and healthy fats.
Just make sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs, and it hides in more brands than you’d expect. Always flip the jar and read the label.
How to Make Them
Mix one ripe mashed banana with two tablespoons of peanut butter and about a cup of oat flour. Roll the dough into small balls or press it into a silicone mold. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes until firm. Let them cool completely before serving.
Your Boston will lose their mind.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
Here’s a treat that’s almost insultingly simple to make, and somehow one of the most beloved among Boston Terrier owners.
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C. They’re gentle on digestion, which makes them a fantastic option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The Process
Slice a raw sweet potato into thin rounds or long strips. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250°F for about two and a half to three hours until they’re dried out and chewy but not crunchy.
That low-and-slow method is the secret. It creates a jerky-like texture that keeps your Boston gnawing happily for a while. Store them in the fridge and they’ll last up to two weeks.
3. Pumpkin and Oat Cookies
Why Pumpkin Belongs in Your Dog’s Diet
Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) is basically a superfood for dogs. It supports healthy digestion, helps with both constipation and diarrhea, and most dogs are completely obsessed with the flavor.
These cookies are a staple in households with Bostons for good reason.
The Recipe
Combine one cup of plain canned pumpkin with two eggs and two and a half cups of whole wheat flour or oat flour. Mix until a dough forms, then roll it out and cut into small shapes. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
The dough should be firm, not sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands, add a little more flour until it pulls together cleanly.
They smell incredible while they’re baking, by the way. Your Boston will be sitting directly in front of the oven the entire time.
4. Chicken and Parsley Training Treats
"Small, soft, and packed with flavor: training treats should make your dog feel like every correct behavior was absolutely worth it."
Boston Terriers are smart, enthusiastic learners who respond really well to high-value rewards. These little chicken treats are soft enough to break into tiny pieces, which is exactly what you want for a training session.
Making Them
Blend cooked chicken breast in a food processor with one egg, a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, and about three quarters of a cup of flour. The parsley isn’t just for looks; it supports fresh breath, which Boston owners can always appreciate.
Spread the mixture thinly onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Once cooled, break or cut into small pieces. Store in the fridge for up to five days.
These are a game changer for teaching new commands.
5. Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Drops
Perfect for Warm Days
Bostons are a brachycephalic breed, meaning their short snouts make them more prone to overheating. Frozen treats aren’t just fun; they’re genuinely practical during spring and summer months.
These blueberry yogurt drops take about five minutes to make and zero minutes to bake.
The Technique
Mix plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries. Spoon or pipe small drops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least two hours.
That’s it. Seriously.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and yogurt provides probiotics that support gut health. Your Boston gets a refreshing snack, and you get to feel like a genuinely excellent pet parent.
6. Apple and Cinnamon Dog Biscuits
Apples are a crisp, naturally sweet treat that most dogs love. Remove the seeds and core (they contain trace amounts of cyanide), and you’ve got a fruit that’s safe, healthy, and perfect for biscuit-making.
Putting It Together
Combine one cup of unsweetened applesauce with two eggs, a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, and two and a half cups of flour. Mix into a dough, roll it out, and cut into small shapes. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts and adds a warmth to the flavor that seems to make these extra appealing. The biscuits will be firm and crunchy, which is great for Bostons who love to chew.
"Treats made with real fruit and warming spices feel like something worth sitting for."
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer.
7. Sardine and Oat Mini Muffins
Yes, Sardines. Stay With Us.
This one might raise an eyebrow, but hear it out. Sardines packed in water (no added salt) are an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support your Boston’s skin, coat, and joint health. And dogs? They are obsessed with the smell.
These mini muffins are dense, savory, and the kind of treat that makes a Boston sprint from the other side of the house the moment the tin comes out.
The Recipe
Mash one can of water-packed sardines (drained) with one egg, a cup of oat flour, and a splash of low-sodium chicken broth. Spoon into a mini muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes.
Let them cool fully before serving. They freeze beautifully, which makes them a great option for batch cooking. Make a big tray on Sunday and pull them out throughout the week.
Your Boston won’t know what hit them. In the best possible way.
A Few Quick Rules to Bake By
Always let treats cool completely before serving. Warm baked goods can cause stomach upset in dogs.
Keep portions appropriate for your Boston’s size. These little guys typically weigh between 12 and 25 pounds, so treats should stay small. Think marble-sized for training treats, slightly larger for snack time.
When introducing any new ingredient, start with a small amount and watch for reactions. Most dogs tolerate the ingredients on this list beautifully, but every dog is an individual.
Homemade treats are one of the simplest ways to show your Boston Terrier just how much you care. Fresh ingredients, made with intention, served with love. It really doesn’t get better than that.