ByHealthy spinach dog treats can be soft, savory, and fun to make. These are mini waffle bites made with a little steamed spinach, plain cooked chicken, two eggs, and oat flour, cooked in a small waffle maker. They take about 15 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook in batches. The #1 safety rule is to keep the spinach small and plain, because spinach is high in oxalic acid.
I bought a tiny 4-inch waffle maker for my breakfast. My dog had other plans. Now it mostly makes these little green-flecked waffles for her. Cut into wedges, they’re soft, easy to break, and smell like Sunday brunch.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: about 20 minutes (4 to 5 minutes per waffle)
- Total time: about 50 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: about 6 mini waffles, or 24 wedges
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 3 to 4 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Steam a handful of spinach, squeeze it dry, and chop it fine. Mix it with shredded plain chicken, eggs, and oat flour. Cook small waffles, cut them into wedges, and serve spinach treats only now and then. Skip them if your dog has kidney problems.
Is Spinach Safe for Dogs?
Yes, in small amounts for most healthy dogs. Spinach is not toxic, but it’s a “sometimes” food.
PetMD’s vet-reviewed spinach guide says spinach has vitamins A, B, C, and K, plus iron and antioxidants. It also explains that spinach has oxalic acid, which can block calcium absorption and lead to kidney damage. The good news? PetMD says dogs with healthy kidneys can easily process small amounts. A dog would have to eat an extreme amount for it to be a concern.
PetMD adds that spinach can cause stomach upset if a dog eats a lot. So this recipe uses just one cup of fresh leaves for the whole batch.
Is Chicken Good in Spinach Treats?
Yes. Plain cooked chicken adds protein and makes the treats smell irresistible.
The American Kennel Club calls chicken a good source of protein and says unseasoned roasted, poached, grilled, or baked chicken can be served as a treat. The AKC also says to take cooked chicken off the bone, because cooked bones splinter easily. The ASPCA agrees that small amounts of lean cooked chicken, free of bones and seasoning, are okay.
Healthy Spinach and Chicken Dog Treats Recipe
You’ll need a mini waffle maker (about 4 inches). The batter is thick, like a muffin batter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed fresh baby spinach, washed
- 1 cup finely shredded plain cooked chicken breast (no skin, bones, or seasoning)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup oat flour (blend about ⅔ cup plain rolled oats)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam the spinach for 2 minutes, until wilted.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Squeeze the spinach in a clean towel to remove the water.
- Chop the spinach very fine.
- Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl.
- Stir in the spinach and shredded chicken.
- Add the oat flour and stir.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the batter is thick but scoopable.
- Heat the mini waffle maker.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of batter into the center.
- Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Lift the waffle out with a fork or silicone tongs.
- Repeat with the rest of the batter.
- Cool the waffles on a wire rack.
- Cut each waffle into 4 wedges.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Fresh or plain frozen spinach. PetMD says to avoid canned spinach because canned foods are usually high in salt.
- No spinach dip or creamed spinach. PetMD warns spinach dip is high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis.
- Plain, boneless chicken. No skin, no rotisserie seasoning, no broth with salt.
- No garlic or onion. The AKC’s garlic guide says dogs should not eat garlic in any form, and powders are the most potent.
- No butter or cooking spray with flavor. A nonstick waffle maker doesn’t need it.
Pro Tip: Don’t open the lid early. If the waffle sticks, give it one more minute. It will release cleanly once the egg is set.
Which Dogs Should Skip Spinach Treats?
Skip these if your dog has kidney disease or a history of bladder or kidney stones. The oxalic acid in spinach is the reason.
Also skip them if your dog is on a prescription diet. PetMD notes that dogs on prescription diets should not get food or treats outside that diet. When in doubt, ask your vet. Spinach isn’t a toxic plant, but some garden plants are, so see my list of poisonous plants to dogs too.
Vet Tip: Ask your vet one quick question before you start: “Is my dog okay with high-oxalate foods like spinach?” If your dog has had urinary crystals or stones, the answer may be no.
For more ideas like this, see my full list of healthy homemade treats.
How Many Spinach Waffle Bites Can My Dog Have?
One or two wedges is plenty for a medium dog, a few times a week. Small dogs should get one wedge, broken into bits.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks.
For an easy chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day. For better daily picks, read my list of treats dogs can eat every day. A dog health tracker can help you keep an eye on activity and weight as you add new foods.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change this recipe for allergies, tools, or dog size.
Allergy Swaps
- Chicken-free: Use plain cooked turkey breast, finely shredded.
- Egg-free: Eggs hold these together, so try my oven version below with ¼ cup plain pumpkin in place of the eggs. The bites will be softer.
Grain-Free Option
Use â…“ cup chickpea flour instead of oat flour. Add water a little at a time.
No Waffle Maker?
Drop tablespoons of batter on a parchment-lined tray and flatten them. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, until set.
Veggie Swap
Want to skip spinach? Use the same amount of finely chopped steamed green beans or grated zucchini, squeezed dry.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Cut each waffle into 8 small pieces.
- Medium dogs: Cut into 4 wedges, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Cut in half and give one half.
More Spinach and Chicken Ideas
Want a crunchy option? Try my cut-out homemade spinach dog treats. For more chicken, see my chicken and oat dog treats. Wondering if homemade is worth the effort? I wrote about whether homemade dog treats are healthier.
Want complete meals to pair with homemade snacks? This variety dog meal plan keeps dinner interesting.
How Do I Store Spinach Chicken Dog Treats?
Keep cooled wedges in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freeze extras for up to 2 months.
Lay them flat in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Throw out any that smell sour. On busy weeks, keep ready-made fresh dog treats as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat raw spinach?
A: They can, but PetMD says raw spinach is a bit hard for dogs to digest. Steaming is the best way to serve it.
Q: Should I boil the spinach instead?
A: Steam it. PetMD says boiled spinach loses most of its nutrients.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Use plain frozen spinach, thaw it, and squeeze it very dry. Use about 2 tablespoons after squeezing.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Fresh cooked chicken is best. Canned chicken often has added salt.
Q: Can my dog eat these every day?
A: I’d keep spinach treats to a few times a week. Rotate them with other low-oxalate treats.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer tiny soft pieces.
Final Thoughts
These healthy spinach dog treats are soft, savory, and quick to cook in a mini waffle maker. Steam and squeeze the spinach, keep the chicken plain, and serve them now and then. Your dog gets a fun new treat, and you get to use that waffle maker again. Want to see the tail wags while you’re out? A dog camera lets you check in anytime.
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