Spent Grain Dog Treats: Wholesome, Crunchy, and Made From Brewday Leftovers 🐾
Spent Grain Dog Treats are the perfect way to use your homebrew mash for something tail-waggingly good. These treats are simple, hearty, and safe for dogs when made without hops or other harmful additives.
They bake up into crunchy, biscuit-style snacks with ingredients you already have on hand — no preservatives, just love, grain, and peanut butter.
Important: Only use grain that hasn’t been exposed to hops or hop residue. Hops are toxic to dogs.
Ingredients (Makes ~60 small treats)
- 4 cups spent grain (wet, well-drained)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol or added sugar)
- 2 eggs
Optional:
- 1 mashed banana or ½ cup pumpkin purée for extra flavor
- 1 tbsp flaxseed, chia, or oats for crunch and fiber
- A pinch of cinnamon (safe in small quantities)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, combine spent grain, flour, peanut butter, and eggs.
- Mix until a stiff, slightly sticky dough forms. Add flour as needed to make it workable.
Step 2: Shape
- Roll out to ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or slice into squares/strips with a knife.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 225°F (110°C) and continue baking for 1–2 hours until dry and crunchy.
- Let cool completely before storing.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for 2 weeks
- Freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months)
- Treats should be fully dried for maximum shelf life
Flavor Variations
- Pumpkin Spice Pup: add canned pumpkin and a touch of cinnamon
- Banana & Peanut Butter: swap in a ripe banana for sweetness
- Savory Cheese: add ¼ cup shredded cheddar (skip if storing long-term)
Video Instructions
Serving Notes
- Use as occasional treats — not a complete meal
- Break into smaller pieces for training or small dogs
- Always introduce new treats slowly and watch for allergies or sensitivities
Bonus Ideas
- Tie in gift bundles for brew club members with pups
- Make bone-shaped versions for farmer’s markets or brewpub merch tables
- Bake with kids or use as post-brewday cool-down snacks for your brew dog
Final Thoughts
Spent Grain Dog Treats are easy, rewarding, and totally pup-approved — a grain-to-tail way to reduce waste and give your best friend a treat that’s homemade, hearty, and full of good energy.
Because brewing’s better when shared — even with the dog. Cheers to grain in the bowl, tails on the floor, and beer in your hand! 🐾🍺🐶