Homemade Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins

These Homemade Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins are a soft, savory treat built around lean shredded chicken and tender green peas, rounded out with pumpkin and hearty oats. Baked in a mini muffin pan, they have a moist, tender bite that’s a nice change of pace from crunchy dog biscuits, and the simple, wholesome ingredient list makes them easy to feel good about serving.

Because this recipe includes chicken, eggs, and optionally broth, there are a few important safety details worth paying close attention to. The notes below will help you prepare everything safely, get the texture right, and store the finished muffins properly.

A quick but important note before you start: even with dog-friendly ingredients, homemade treats like these should only make up a small part of your dog’s overall diet. Every dog has different nutritional needs and sensitivities, so if your dog has any known allergies, digestive issues, or health conditions, check with your veterinarian before introducing a new treat.

Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe

• Savory, protein-packed flavor. Real shredded chicken gives these muffins a meaty flavor most dogs find irresistible.
• Soft, moist texture. These bake up tender and moist, more like a savory muffin than a crunchy biscuit.
• Fun mini size. Made in a mini muffin pan, they’re perfectly portioned for treat-sized servings.
• Customizable. Optional add-ins like carrots, sweet potato, yogurt, or flaxseed let you tailor the recipe.
• A charming finishing touch. Topping each cooled muffin with a bit of pumpkin purée and a couple of peas gives them a fun, polished look.

Ingredients for Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins

For the Pup Muffins

• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, finely shredded
• ¾ cup green peas, cooked and lightly mashed
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup oat flour
• ½ cup pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup water or dog-safe unsalted chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup finely shredded carrots
• ¼ cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
• 2 tablespoons plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green beans

Ingredient Notes

Chicken breast. Use only plain, fully cooked, boneless chicken breast with the skin and excess fat removed, and no salt, butter, onion, garlic, sauces, or seasoning. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs, and pre-seasoned or rotisserie chicken often contains ingredients that aren’t safe, so it’s best to cook plain chicken specifically for this recipe.

Green peas. Cooking and lightly mashing the peas, while leaving some partially intact, gives the muffins good texture — smooth enough to hold together, but with a bit of bite throughout.

Pumpkin purée. Use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that aren’t appropriate for dogs. Pumpkin adds moisture and mild natural flavor to the batter.

Eggs. The eggs help bind the batter together and add extra protein. This recipe bakes long enough to cook the eggs thoroughly.

Broth. If using broth instead of water, it’s essential to use a plain, unsalted, dog-safe chicken broth with no onion or garlic. Many broths made for human consumption contain onion or garlic powder and significant added sodium, both of which are unsafe for dogs, so check the label closely or use a broth made specifically for pets.

Parsley. Fresh parsley adds a mild, fresh flavor in small amounts and is commonly used in dog treats. Stick to the amount called for in the recipe rather than adding extra.

Substitutions and Variations

• Turkey instead of chicken: Plain, fully cooked, boneless turkey breast can be used in place of chicken in an equal amount.
• Added carrots: Finely shredded carrots add a bit of crunch, color, and extra fiber to the batter.
• Sweet potato topping or mix-in: Cooked, mashed sweet potato can be folded into the batter or used as a topping for extra flavor and natural sweetness.
• Greek yogurt: A couple tablespoons of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt can be added to the batter for extra moisture and a mild tang.
• Green beans: Finely chopped green beans are another dog-friendly vegetable that pairs well with the chicken and pea flavor combination.
• Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed adds a bit of fiber and healthy fat and blends easily into the batter.

Kitchen Equipment

• Mini muffin pan or silicone mini muffin molds
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon or small cookie scoop, for portioning batter
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan, or use silicone muffin molds.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Use plain, fully cooked, boneless chicken breast with the skin and excess fat removed. Let it cool, then finely shred it so it blends smoothly into the batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Peas

Cook the peas until tender, let them cool, and lightly mash them with a fork, leaving some peas partially intact for texture.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin purée and eggs to a large bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Add the Chicken, Peas, and Dry Ingredients

Stir in the shredded chicken, mashed peas, rolled oats, oat flour, and parsley, mixing until well combined.

Step 6: Add the Liquid

Gradually add the water or dog-safe chicken broth, mixing until you have a thick, moist muffin batter that holds together. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more oat flour. If it’s too dry, add water or broth a tablespoon at a time.

Step 7: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the mixture into the mini muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Gently press and smooth the tops so the muffins hold their shape as they bake.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins are firm, lightly golden, and completely cooked through in the center. Because this recipe contains chicken and egg, make sure the centers are fully set before removing them from the oven.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the pup muffins to cool completely before removing them from the pan and serving, which makes them much easier to pop out cleanly.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch

For a fun finishing touch, top each cooled muffin with a tiny spoonful of plain pumpkin purée and a couple of cooked peas.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Double-check your chicken and broth for hidden seasoning. This is the most important safety step in the whole recipe — onion, garlic, and excess sodium are unsafe for dogs, even in small amounts.
• Shred the chicken finely. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly through the batter and help the muffins hold together.
• Leave some peas partially intact. Mashing them only lightly gives the muffins a bit of texture rather than a completely smooth consistency.
• Add liquid gradually. Pour in the water or broth a little at a time so you can stop once the batter reaches a thick, moist consistency.
• Let the muffins cool fully before removing them from the pan. This helps prevent them from falling apart while still warm and soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using seasoned chicken or broth. Chicken or broth containing onion, garlic, excessive sodium, or other seasonings is unsafe for dogs, even in small amounts. Always use plain versions prepared specifically for this recipe.

Adding too much liquid at once. This can result in batter that’s too thin to hold its shape in the muffin cups. Add the water or broth gradually and stop once the batter looks thick and moist rather than runny.

Not cooking the muffins through. Because this recipe contains chicken and egg, it’s especially important to bake until the centers are firm and fully set, not just golden on top.

Removing muffins from the pan while still warm. This can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool completely first.

Mashing the peas too much. Overmashing removes the pleasant bit of texture the peas add; aim for a light mash with some pieces left intact.

How to Serve Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins

These muffins work well as an everyday special treat, and their soft, moist texture makes them a good option for dogs who prefer softer treats over crunchy biscuits. As with any homemade treat, serve them in moderation alongside your dog’s regular, balanced diet.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare a batch of these muffins ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve them. Because this recipe contains chicken and egg, it’s best suited to shorter-term refrigerator storage or longer-term freezing rather than sitting out at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating

Store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving rather than at room temperature, which is the safer approach for treats containing meat and egg.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary, since these muffins are meant to be served at room temperature after thawing or coming out of the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these muffins ahead of time? Yes. They store well, so you can bake a batch in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.

How long do these pup muffins last? Because they contain chicken and egg, they should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days, or frozen for up to 2 to 3 months for longer storage.

Can I freeze homemade chicken muffins for dogs? Yes. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use broth instead of water? Yes, but only a plain, unsalted, dog-safe chicken broth with no onion or garlic. Check the label carefully, since many broths made for human consumption contain ingredients unsafe for dogs.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes. Plain, fully cooked, boneless turkey breast works as a direct substitute for chicken in this recipe.

Why is my batter too thin or too thick? If the batter is too thin, add a bit more oat flour. If it’s too thick to spoon easily into the muffin cups, add a small additional splash of water or broth until it loosens slightly.

How do I know the muffins are fully cooked? The tops should be firm and lightly golden, and the centers should no longer look wet or doughy. Because this recipe contains chicken and egg, it’s important to confirm the centers are fully set before removing them from the oven.

How many of these muffins can I give my dog? These are a treat, not a complete meal, so portion size should stay small relative to your dog’s regular diet. The right amount depends on your dog’s size, weight, and food intake, so check with your veterinarian if you’re unsure, especially for small dogs.

Final Recipe Summary

These Chicken & Pea Pup Muffins combine lean shredded chicken, tender peas, and pumpkin with hearty oats for a soft, savory treat made just for dogs. Because this recipe contains chicken, egg, and possibly broth, it calls for extra attention to plain, unseasoned ingredients, thorough baking, and shorter refrigerator storage than fruit- or vegetable-based treats. With a fun mini-muffin size and an optional decorative topping, these make a wholesome, appealing treat any time of year.

Prep Time: 20–25 minutes Cook Time: 20–25 minutes Total Time: Approximately 40–50 minutes Yield: Approximately 24 mini muffins

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