Pear and Blueberry Dog Treats: 5-Ingredient Bliss Your Pup Craves

I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up a batch of these pear and blueberry bite-sized cleaners for my dog, Max. His tail went into overdrive when he got a whiff of them baking! After years of testing homemade dog treats, I’ve found this simple recipe hits all the right notes – naturally sweet from the fruit, gentle on sensitive tummies, and just the perfect size for training rewards or little “good boy” moments. What I love most is knowing exactly what goes into my pup’s snacks – no mystery ingredients, just wholesome stuff you’d find in your own kitchen. These little gems come together in under 30 minutes and have become Max’s absolute favorite (though I have to hide them from my sneaky beagle who thinks the whole jar belongs to her). Trust me, once you see your dog’s reaction to these fruity bites, you’ll never go back to store-bought treats again!

Why You’ll Love These Pear and Blueberry Bite-Sized Cleaners for Dogs

Listen, I’ve made dozens of dog treat recipes over the years, but these little fruity bites? They’re special. Here’s why:

• Real ingredients you can pronounce – No weird additives, just fresh pear, antioxidant-packed blueberries, and wholesome oat flour
• Crazy simple to make – One bowl, five ingredients, and your pup thinks you’re a gourmet chef
• Perfect training size – Small enough for quick rewards without filling up your dog’s tummy
• Tail-wagging approved – Max does his “happy dance” every time the treat jar comes out (and he’s a tough critic!)

Honestly? The hardest part is keeping them away from your own snack cravings—they smell that good!

Ingredients for Pear and Blueberry Bite-Sized Cleaners for Dogs

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic happens! I’ve learned through trial and error (and many “helpful” taste tests from Max) that quality matters just as much as quantity here. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 1 ripe pear – peeled and finely diced (trust me, peel it – those skins can be tough for pups to digest)
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries – mash ’em slightly with a fork if your blender isn’t super powerful
• 1 cup oat flour – certified gluten-free if your dog has sensitivities (I often make my own by grinding rolled oats in the food processor)
• 1 large egg – the binder that holds everything together
• 1 tbsp coconut oil – melted but not hot (this adds moisture and makes their coats shiny!)

A quick tip from my kitchen disasters – measure everything before you start mixing. There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re short on oat flour when your hands are covered in sticky dough (ask me how I know). And yes, that pear needs to be ripe – underripe pears won’t blend smoothly and overripe ones make the dough too wet. Look for one that yields slightly when you press near the stem.

How to Make Pear and Blueberry Bite-Sized Cleaners for Dogs

Alright, let’s get baking! I promise this is easier than teaching your dog to “shake” – and way more rewarding when you see their happy face. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of wholesome treats ready before your pup finishes their afternoon nap.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your pear and peel it completely (I use a veggie peeler – so much easier than trying to knife it!). Dice it into small chunks – about pea-sized works best.

Now for my secret weapon: toss those pear pieces and blueberries into your food processor. Blend until you’ve got a gorgeous purple puree with zero chunks. If you don’t have a processor, mash the blueberries first with a fork, then grate the pear super fine. We want this smooth as peanut butter!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Dump your fruity puree into a big mixing bowl – the bigger the better unless you enjoy cleaning flour off your counter. Add the oat flour, egg, and melted coconut oil (cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the egg!). Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon until it forms a thick, slightly sticky dough that holds together when you pinch it.

Here’s my pro tip: if the dough seems too wet, add another tablespoon of oat flour. Too dry? A teaspoon of water does the trick. You’re aiming for Play-Doh consistency – pliable but not messy.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Time to get your hands dirty! Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into little balls – think marble-sized for small dogs, maybe nickel-sized for bigger pups. Place them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or silicone mat – lifesaver for cleanup!).

Pop them in the oven for exactly 15 minutes. No peeking for the first 10 minutes! They’re done when the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet – I know it’s tempting, but warm treats can upset sensitive doggy tummies. Once cooled, watch your dog lose their mind over these fruity delights!

Tips for Perfect Pear and Blueberry Bite-Sized Cleaners for Dogs

After making countless batches of these treats (and enduring Max’s judgmental stares when they weren’t “just right”), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfect results every time:

• Silicone mats are your best friend – No sticking, no scrubbing, and the treats slide right off. If you don’t have one, parchment paper works too – just don’t skip this step unless you enjoy chiseling treats off your baking sheet!
• Oven quirks matter – Every oven lies about its temperature. Start checking at 12 minutes if yours runs hot (looking at you, my ancient apartment oven). They should be firm to the touch but not hard – think “slightly underbaked cookie” texture.
• Cool completely before storing – I know it’s tempting to bag them up right away, but any residual moisture will turn your treats soggy. Spread them out on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes. Bonus: this makes your kitchen smell amazing!
• Freeze for long-term happiness – These keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. I portion them into weekly servings in small bags – just grab and go for training sessions. They thaw in minutes at room temperature, but Max happily eats them frozen too (weirdo).

One last tip from my sneaky beagle: hide the jar. These smell so good, your dog might stage a kitchen heist when you’re not looking!

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Look, I get it – sometimes you’re halfway through making these and realize you’re out of coconut oil, or your dog suddenly develops a pear suspicion (Max went through that phase). Here’s my tested list of swaps that actually work without ruining the magic:

• No coconut oil? Unsweetened applesauce works in a pinch – use the same amount. Just know your treats won’t be quite as rich, and you might need an extra minute of baking time.
• Pears unavailable? Pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) makes a fantastic substitute. The texture changes slightly – they’ll be more cakey – but dogs go nuts for that pumpkin flavor.
• Allergic to oats? Try almond flour or chickpea flour 1:1, but watch the dough consistency. These absorb more moisture, so you might need an extra teaspoon of water during mixing.
• Egg issues? For binding, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (let it sit 5 minutes first) usually does the trick.

Important notes from my vet friend: Always introduce new ingredients slowly, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach. And while these treats are vet-approved for most dogs, never use artificial sweeteners (xylitol is deadly) or chocolate – not that you would, but I have to say it!

One last thing – if substituting more than two ingredients, make a tiny test batch first. I learned this after the Great Pumpkin-Chickpea Debacle of 2022 (let’s just say Max was not impressed with my creativity that day).

Storing and Serving Pear and Blueberry Bite-Sized Cleaners for Dogs

Alright, so you’ve baked up a batch of these fruity treasures, and your dog is already doing their “happy dance” at the kitchen door. Now, let’s talk about keeping them fresh and serving them up like a pro. Trust me, proper storage is key to making these treats last—and keeping your pup begging for more!

First things first: cool them completely before storing. I know it’s tempting to bag them up right away, but any leftover warmth will create condensation and turn your perfectly crisp treats into a soggy mess. Spread them out on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes—bonus points if you place them in a single layer. (This also gives your kitchen that amazing baked-good aroma for a little longer!)

Once they’re cool, pop them into an airtight container. I use a glass jar with a rubber seal, but a zip-top bag works just as well. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. If your house is warm or humid (or if your dog’s treat stash tends to last a while), store them in the fridge—they’ll keep for up to two weeks. And here’s a pro tip: add a small piece of bread to the container to absorb any extra moisture and keep them from getting soft.

Now, for my favorite storage hack: freeze them! These treats freeze beautifully for up to three months. I portion them into small freezer bags—about a week’s worth per bag—so I can grab and go for training sessions. They thaw in minutes at room temperature, but Max happily eats them frozen too (weirdo).

When it comes to serving, 1–2 treats per day is a good rule of thumb, depending on your dog’s size and activity level. I use them as training rewards, occasional snacks, or just little “good boy” moments throughout the day. Just remember, even though these are healthy, they’re still treats—so don’t go overboard!

One last thing: no reheating needed. Seriously, these are perfect straight from the jar (or freezer). If your dog turns up their nose at a cold treat (looking at you, picky poodles), just let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off. But trust me, most dogs will happily wolf them down no matter the temperature—just ask Max, who once ate half a batch straight from the freezer without even blinking!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk numbers—because even though these are treats, I like knowing exactly what’s going into my pup’s tummy. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per treat (based on my standard recipe):

• Calories: 25 kcal
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0.8g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 0mg

Now, here’s the fine print: These values are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use (especially the pear’s sweetness and the oat flour’s grind). I use a nutrition calculator to get these numbers, but it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for personalized dietary advice—especially if your dog has specific health needs or is on a strict diet.

One thing I love about these treats is how naturally low in fat and sugar they are. The sweetness comes entirely from the fruit, and the coconut oil adds just enough healthy fat to keep your dog’s coat shiny without going overboard. Plus, the fiber from the pear and blueberries is great for digestion—Max’s tummy has never been happier!

Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. So, if your pup is on a 500-calorie diet, limit these to about 2–3 treats per day. Trust me, with how much they love these, that’s plenty to keep their tail wagging!

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many great questions from fellow dog lovers about these pear and blueberry treats – here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often! (And yes, Max has thoroughly tested all these variations.)

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel – that extra moisture can make the dough too sticky otherwise. Frozen fruit works especially well when blueberries aren’t in season, and the flavor’s just as good.

Are these safe for puppies?
Generally yes, but check with your vet first – puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. I’d recommend making the treats even smaller (pea-sized) for little mouths. Max’s niece Luna has been enjoying them since she was 4 months old, but every pup is different!

How long do these treats last in the freezer?
They keep beautifully for up to 3 months in an airtight freezer bag. I date my batches so I know which to use first. Pro tip: portion them before freezing so you can grab just what you need for training sessions.

My dog has a sensitive stomach – any substitutions?
Try replacing the pear with cooked sweet potato (drained well!) and use chickpea flour instead of oats. Start with just one treat to see how they handle it. My neighbor’s bulldog does great with this version, while Max turns his nose up at anything that’s not the original recipe!

Can I make these without a food processor?
No problem! Just mash the blueberries with a fork and grate the pear super fine (I use the small holes on my box grater). The texture will be slightly different, but your dog won’t complain one bit. Some extra stirring helps blend everything together perfectly.

Share Your Experience

Alright, I’ve spilled all my secrets – now I want to hear how your pup liked these pear and blueberry treats! Did they do the full-body wiggle like Max does? Maybe they gave you that adorable head tilt when they first sniffed them? Drop a comment below and let me know which part your dog loved most (or if you caught them trying to sneak extras when you weren’t looking – we’ve all been there!).

And hey – if you tried any fun variations or have tips to make these even better, share those too! This recipe has evolved so much thanks to fellow dog lovers’ clever ideas. Who knows – your tweak might become the next secret ingredient in Max’s favorite treats!

Happy baking (and even happier tail-wagging) from my kitchen to yours!

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