DIY Dog Treat Bag Inspired By #NaturalBalance

Treat jars are one of my favorite things to make and give as gifts.  I had an idea of what I would make this holiday season, and then I saw some of the healthy treats from Natural Balance®.  Small, delicious (according to our six dogs total), and nutritious they are perfect for helping keep a dog happy and focused while on a walk or during a training session.  Inspired, I quickly abandoned the jar idea and decided to make a DIY Dog Treat Bag- perfect for when you’re out with your dog.

This bag is straightforward to make. Trust me, my sewing education began and ended in 8th grade, and I have rarely attempted to sew since then.

This post is sponsored by Natural Balance and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word the word about Natural Balance Treats, but Daily Dog Tag only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article.  All photos by Alice G Patterson Photography.  This post also contains affiliate links, which means that Daily Dog Tag will make a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase via the link.  Thanks for your support!

Supplies for Dog Treat Bag

• Fabric (prewashed)
• Thread
• Scissors
• Ruler or pattern
• Pins
• Sewing machine/needle and thread
• Fasteners (Snaps or Velcro
• Natural Balance Treats

Optional Supplies

• Natural Balance Treats
• Clip
• Webbing or ribbon

This bag is a simple pocket with a flap that closes, similar to a clutch purse. The construction calls for a long piece and a short piece, and I added a lining to each side.  

I made a pattern out of graph paper and pinned it to my fabric.  Repeat for coordinating fabric.

Cut 2 pieces:5 inches by 7 1/2 inches (one flannel, one coordinating fabric)

Cut 2 pieces:  5 inches by 4 1/2 inches (one flannel, one coordinating fabric)

If you are using magnetic snaps,  attach the snaps next.  Attach one part of the snap to the lining of the large piece, the other half of the snap will go on the smaller flannel piece. 

Line up the snap where you want it to be; I eyeballed mine.  After attaching the first snap, I folded the flap to ensure the second snap was in the right spot.

By pressing down firmly, I made a small impression allowing me to see exactly where I wanted the snap to be. 

Cut a small hole with scissors, insert snap in.  Place back on and push prongs down.  

I had never used magnetic snaps before and was surprised how easy they are to attach and how well they stay closed.  

Pin the corresponding pieces of fabric together  (if you are using fabric with a “good” side, put right sides together.)  The working part of the snap should be in between the fabric layers, as shown in the photo.

You’ll need to leave an opening to turn the fabric right side out; I marked mine with tape as a reminder.

Stitch the large pieces together.  Turn right side out.  Repeat process with small parts.

With right sides out, pin the two pieces together, making sure the lining touches each other and the flannel is on the outside. (I switched bags, and this one will be fastened with velcro, if I were using the snaps, they would be visible in this photo.)

Pin and sew along the bottom and two edges just until the smaller piece ends.  

If you are using Velcro, attach the velcro.  I used self-sticking Velcro for this one, but I recommend either sewing it on or going with magnets.

Since one of my dogs has a grain allergy, I was pleased to see the grain-free dental chews!  

Initially, I wanted the dog treat bag to fit in my coat pocket, but then I remembered I don’t wear a coat year-round.  I decided adding a clip would add some additional functionality to the bag. To add a clip, I simply folded some webbing in half and stitched it to hold it in place.  I inserted it in between the lining and flannel of the large piece during the final sewing phase.

As always, as soon as Alice and I make something, we think about ways to improve it.  Adding a belt loop seemed like a good improvement.  Making the belt loop was even easier!

I took a piece of flannel about 2 inches by 4 inches, folded it in half (the long way), and sewed it closed.  Next, I sewed one end, turned it out, and sewed across the other end.  I folded it in half and machine-stitched it to the backside of the bag right at the fold. 

Fill with treats, and you’re ready!

All of these treats are made from high-quality proteins without any added coloring or artificial flavors. 

You can purchase these nutritious treats in many retail stores and online.  

The health and safety of pets are the top priority for Natural Balance Pet Foods.  Natural Balance is consistently testing all of their products for contaminants so that you can Buy With Confidence Guarantee.

Follow Natural Balance on Instagram to see a lot of great dogs.

Check out some of our other DIYs for the dog-obsessed!

About Alice G Patterson Photography:  Based in Syracuse, New York, Alice specializes in dog photography, senior portraits, and photography for businesses, including product photography.