How to Make Dog Crisps: A Complete Guide

What are dog crisps?

Dog crisps are thin slices of dog-safe ingredients that have been slowly baked or dehydrated until they become dry and crunchy.

What ingredients can I use in homemade dog crisps?

For most people, the natural place to start with DIY dog crisps is with the potato. But before we go any further, we need to distinguish the difference between potato crisps for dogs and those traditionally eaten by humans.

Human potato crisps or potato chips are thin slices of potato, baked or fried in oil and then coated with salt. While dogs need salt in their diet, too much is harmful for their health just as it is for humans. So if you do decide to make potato crisps for your dog, no salt please.

And definitely, definitely, do not be feeding your dog shop-bought crisps for humans. That will not do the health of your best friend any good at all!

Aside from apples, other ingredients you can use to make homemade dog crisps include:

• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Parsnip
• Pumpkin
• Courgette

Unlike fried crisps made for humans, dog crisps rely on gentle cooking rather than oil, which makes them an altogether healthier snack.

Benefits of homemade dog crisps

Making your own dog treats offers many advantages:

• You know every ingredient
• There are no artificial preservatives
• There is no unnecessary salt or sugar
• They are easy to customise for your individual dog
• They are cost-effective
• They are great for training rewards
• They are an excellent way to use fresh produce

Many dogs also enjoy the satisfying crunch, which can provide enrichment during snack time.

Making homemade dog crisps with a dehydrator

The ideal way to make healthy dog crisps is with a food dehydrator.

According to Wikipedia, “most modern food dehydrators are low-power convection ovens that uses heated air flow to reduce the water content of foods. The water content of food is usually very high, typically 80–95% for various fruits and vegetables and 50–75% for various meats. Removing moisture from food restrains various bacteria from growing and spoiling food. Further, removing moisture from food dramatically reduces the weight and often volume of the food, making it easier for storage. Thus, food dehydrators are used to preserve and extend the shelf life of various foods.”

And the really great thing about dehydrators as far as the home dog chef is concerned is that they’re extremely cheap. You can buy a modest but perfectly adequate food dehydrator for little more than £20 (2026 prices).

Step-by-step method

Step 1: Wash and prepare

Clean all ingredients thoroughly.

Remove:

• Seeds
• Stones
• Tough stems

Step 2: Slice thinly

Aim for slices around 2–4 mm thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier the final treat.

Step 3: Arrange on a tray

Lay slices in a single layer without overlapping. Good airflow helps them dry evenly.

Step 4: Cook slowly

Bake at a low temperature (around 100–120°C / 210–250°F) until the slices are dry and crisp. The exact time depends on the ingredient and thickness, so check them regularly and turn them if needed.

For even better results, use a dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: I started off which a basic dehydrator costing little more than a few pounds before graduating to a professional model costing hundreds of pounds when I appreciated just how much my dogs and my neighbours dogs enjoyed homemade dog crisps. You’ll find a vacuum sealer invaluable too!

Step 5: Cool completely

Allow crisps to cool before storing. Cooling helps them become even crunchier.