ByHealthy quinoa dog treats are soft, golden mini bites made with plain cooked quinoa, grated carrot, one egg, and a little oat flour. They take about 15 minutes to prep (plus cooking the quinoa) and about 20 minutes to bake. The #1 safety rule is to use plain quinoa cooked in water, with no salt, garlic, onion, or seasoning.
Whenever I cook quinoa for dinner, I set aside one cup before I add anything to it. That plain scoop turns into a tray of these little bites the next day. They’re soft, a bit crispy on the edges, and just the right size for a training pouch.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes to cook the quinoa)
- Cook time: 18 to 22 minutes
- Total time: about 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: about 24 mini bites
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 5 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Cook quinoa in plain water and cool it. Mix it with grated carrot, an egg, and oat flour. Scoop small mounds, flatten, and bake until golden, flipping once. Keep everything plain and start with one bite to see how your dog’s tummy handles it.
Is Quinoa Good for Dogs?
Yes, in moderation. Plain cooked quinoa is safe for most dogs.
PetMD’s vet-reviewed quinoa guide says quinoa is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also has essential amino acids that may help keep muscles healthy. PetMD adds that quinoa is gluten-free, so it can suit dogs with gluten sensitivities.
PetMD also warns that too much can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Offer a small bite first, watch for a few hours, and then build up slowly.
Why Add Carrot?
Carrot adds color, a little sweetness, and a gentle crunch. It’s one of the easiest veggies to share with dogs.
The American Kennel Club calls carrots a healthy, low-calorie snack. It says they are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. The AKC also says to wash or peel carrots to remove dirt and pesticides.
Healthy Quinoa Dog Treat Bites Recipe
Make sure the quinoa is fully cool before you add the egg. Warm quinoa can start to cook the egg too soon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain cooked quinoa, cooled (about â…“ cup dry quinoa cooked in â…” cup water)
- ½ cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot, washed and peeled)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup oat flour (blend about ½ cup plain rolled oats)
- 1 tablespoon water, if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the dry quinoa in a fine strainer under cold water.
- Simmer it in plain water, covered, for about 15 minutes, until the water is gone.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool completely.
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the egg in a medium bowl.
- Stir in the quinoa and grated carrot.
- Add the oat flour and stir until the mix holds together when pressed.
- Add a little water if it’s too dry to stick.
- Scoop level tablespoons onto the tray.
- Press each mound flat with the back of a spoon, about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Flip each bite with a thin spatula.
- Bake 6 to 10 more minutes, until golden and firm.
- Cool completely on the tray.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Plain quinoa only. PetMD says to avoid seasoned quinoa with onion, garlic, or extra salt. Set aside your dog’s portion before you season yours.
- No quinoa mixes. Boxed blends often have seasoning packets. PetMD warns to watch for additives that may be toxic to dogs.
- No onion or garlic. The AKC’s onion guide says onion and garlic powders are even more potent than fresh onions.
- Cook it in water. Skip store broth. Many broths have salt, and some contain onion or garlic.
- Plain oats. The AKC’s oatmeal guide says flavored oatmeal isn’t for dogs, so use plain rolled oats.
Pro Tip: Squeeze the grated carrot in a paper towel before mixing. Less water means the bites hold their shape and get crispy edges.
How Many Quinoa Bites Can My Dog Have?
One bite a day is plenty for extra-small dogs under 20 pounds. Small dogs can have one or two, and medium and large dogs can have two to four.
The whole batch uses 1 cup of cooked quinoa, so each bite has about 2 teaspoons. PetMD suggests no more than 1 tablespoon of cooked quinoa a day for extra-small dogs and up to ¼ cup for medium dogs. These portions stay well under that.
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 a simple chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day.
Vet Tip: PetMD says to check with your vet before adding quinoa, since they know your dog’s health history. If you see vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation after a new food, stop and call your vet.
Are Quinoa Bites Good for Training?
Yes. They are soft, easy to break, and not greasy in your pocket.
Break each bite into 4 pieces for practice sessions. They work well for short games like clicker training. If you want more fun, brain-building games to use them in, I like this brain training program for dogs.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change these bites for allergies, pantry items, or dog size.
Allergy Swaps
- Egg-free: Use 3 tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree instead of the egg. Add 1 more tablespoon of oat flour. The bites will be softer.
- Carrot-free: Use finely grated zucchini, squeezed dry.
Grain-Free Option
Quinoa is gluten-free, but oats are a grain. Use 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour instead of oat flour for a grain-free bite.
Protein Boost
Stir in ¼ cup finely shredded plain cooked chicken, with no skin, bones, or seasoning. Store these in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Scoop 1-teaspoon mounds and bake about 14 minutes total.
- Medium dogs: 1-tablespoon mounds, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Scoop 2-tablespoon mounds and bake about 25 minutes total.
More Easy Bites
Want more soft bites? Try my carrot dog treat bites or chicken and carrot dog bites. Like simple grain-based treats? See my easy rice flour dog treats. For more everyday ideas, read my list of treats dogs can eat every day.
Before you add new mix-ins, check my list of foods dogs cannot eat. And if you want complete meals to go with homemade snacks, this variety dog meal plan keeps dinner fresh.
How Do I Store Quinoa Dog Treats?
Keep cooled bites in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze extras for up to 2 months.
Freeze them flat on a tray, then move them to a bag. Thaw a few in the fridge overnight. Throw out any that smell sour or look slimy. On busy weeks, keep ready-made fresh dog treats as a backup.
For more ideas like this, see my healthy homemade treat collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat raw quinoa?
A: Cook it first. PetMD says to offer only plain, cooked quinoa.
Q: Do I need to rinse quinoa?
A: Yes, I always do. Rinsing washes off quinoa’s natural bitter coating, so it tastes milder.
Q: Can I use red or black quinoa?
A: Yes. Any plain quinoa works. Red and black quinoa stay a little firmer after cooking.
Q: Is quinoa good for dogs with gluten issues?
A: PetMD says quinoa is gluten-free, so it can be a good pick. Swap the oat flour for chickpea flour to keep the whole bite grain-free.
Q: Why are my bites falling apart?
A: The mix was too wet or too dry. Squeeze the carrot dry, and add oat flour or water a spoonful at a time.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer a tiny piece.
Final Thoughts
These healthy quinoa dog treats are soft, simple, and a smart way to use plain leftover quinoa. Cook it in water, keep the add-ins plain, and start small. Your dog gets a tasty bite, and you get a treat that’s ready for training. Away during the day? A dog camera lets you check in and share a treat moment.
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