ByThese homemade pear dog treats take about 45 minutes and use three ingredients: ripe pears, an egg, and oat flour. Pears are safe for dogs, but the AKC says to leave out the seeds, which contain traces of cyanide. Core every pear before you blend it.
Pears are sweet, soft, and easy to bake with. They give plain oat dough a mild fruity flavor. You do not need any sugar.
This post contains affiliate links.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total time: About 45 minutes
- Yield: About 30 (2-inch) treats
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 5 days in the fridge, 2 months in the freezer
Are pears safe for dogs?
Yes, with a few rules. The AKC says pears are a healthy snack in moderation, full of vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber. Even safe fruit can be a choking hazard, so cut it into bite-sized pieces.
The seeds are the main problem. The AKC says pear seeds are toxic in large amounts and can also cause choking. In this recipe, you remove the core, seeds, and stem before blending.
What do I need to make pear dog treats?
Here is the recipe card.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe pears (about 1 cup puree)
- 1 large egg
- 2½ cups oat flour, plus extra for dusting
Steps
- Heat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the pears well.
- Cut each pear in quarters.
- Cut out the core, seeds, and stem from every piece.
- Chop the pears and blend them until smooth.
- Stir the puree and egg together in a bowl.
- Add the oat flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Add a little flour if the dough sticks.
- Roll the dough ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut into 2-inch shapes.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the treats feel firm and dry.
- Cool fully on a rack before you serve.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- No seeds, core, or stem. Check every piece after cutting.
- Use fresh, ripe pears. The AKC says canned pears have too much sugar for dogs.
- Skip sweet add-ins. Pear pie filling, syrup, and sugar-free products are out. Some sugar-free products contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. (NC State College of Veterinary Medicine)
Pro Tip: Use ripe pears. They blend smooth and give the dough more flavor. Hard pears leave chunks that are tougher to chew.
How many pear treats can my dog have?
Count calories, not treats. The AKC says too many pears can upset a stomach. It also says all treats should stay under 10% of daily food.
The math is simple. If your dog eats 400 calories a day, 10% is 40 calories.
- Small dogs: One treat, in pieces.
- Medium dogs: One to two treats.
- Large dogs: Two treats.
Read more about daily limits in how many treats a dog should have a day. Pears are sweet, so also see can I give my dog sweet treats.
Vet Tip: Pears contain sugar. If your dog has diabetes or is on a special diet, ask your vet before you feed these.
Can I swap ingredients?
Yes. Here are the swaps I would try.
- Egg allergy: Replace the egg with ¼ cup plain pumpkin puree. Use plain pumpkin, since pie filling can contain xylitol. Add a little more flour.
- Banana twist: Replace half the pear with ripe banana. See can dogs eat banana.
- Different flour: Use whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates wheat.
- Grain-free: I have not tested one. Ask your vet first.
- Small dogs: Cut 1-inch shapes and bake 5 minutes less.
- Big batch: Double the recipe and use two pans.
- Nutrition boost: Some owners add a supplement to the daily routine. Ask your vet, then see this dog supplement.
If you would rather skip baking, try these ready-made dog treats.
Love fruit treats? Try apple cinnamon treats, blueberry treats, or banana oat treats.
How do I store pear dog treats? Can I freeze them?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze them for up to 2 months. Put parchment between layers so they don’t stick.
When you try a new treat, it helps to note how your dog does. A dog health tracker makes that simple.
Are pear treats safe for puppies?
Mostly, in tiny pieces and with a vet’s OK. Puppies choke and get upset tummies more easily. Cut a treat into crumb-sized bits.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat pear skin? A: Most dogs handle it fine once the pear is well washed. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, peel the pears the first time.
Q: Can dogs eat pear seeds? A: No. The AKC says pear seeds contain traces of cyanide, and they are also a choking risk.
Q: Can I use canned pears? A: No. The AKC says canned pears have too much sugar and can upset digestion or add weight.
Q: How much pear is OK? A: Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories. For a dog on 400 calories a day, that is about 40 calories of treats.
Q: What if my dog ate a pear core? A: Call your vet. Cores can be a choking risk and contain seeds.
