Looking for a way to spoil your pup with something special? These Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats are just what you need! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these treats are not only easy to whip up but are also a big hit with dogs (and their humans, too!). Your furry friend is going to love these, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s going into every bite. Trust me, after you make these, your dog will be giving you those big puppy eyes, begging for more!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
These dog treats aren’t just for spoiling your four-legged friend—they’re perfect for rewarding good behavior, during training sessions, or just as a treat to show your dog some love. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
Simple and Healthy
Only a few ingredients, no preservatives, and no mystery chemicals. These treats are made from the good stuff, like peanut butter, oats, and flour—foods that are dog-safe and delicious.
Tail-Wagging Flavor
Peanut butter is a dog’s best friend! It’s rich, savory, and full of flavor that dogs simply can’t resist. Add in the crunchy texture, and your dog will be wagging their tail in no time.
Customizable
You can adjust the thickness of the dough, the size of the treats, and even the shape! Plus, you can experiment with adding other dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin or cinnamon to mix things up.
Budget-Friendly
Why buy expensive, store-bought treats when you can make your own for a fraction of the cost? This recipe is easy on your wallet and your pup’s belly.
Fun to Make
Baking these treats together is a fun bonding experience, especially when your dog’s excitement is almost palpable. Watch their tail wag as you make the dough!
Ingredients
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make these treats! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter: Make sure it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain xylitol (a sweetener toxic to dogs). It adds flavor and helps hold the treats together.
- Rolled Oats: A great source of fiber that gives the treats a satisfying crunch.
- Whole Wheat Flour: This gives structure to the dough and adds a healthy, hearty base. You can use oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to help everything stick together and adds a bit of protein.
- Water: To help form the dough and bring everything together.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)
Instructions
Making these treats is as easy as a walk in the park. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will keep the treats from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, rolled oats, flour, egg, and water. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until it forms a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s the right consistency. You want it to be thick but not dry.
Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If your dog has a favorite shape (bones, paws, hearts), now’s your chance to use cookie cutters! If not, simply slice the dough into small squares or rectangles.
Bake the Treats
Place the cut-out treats onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Cool and Serve
Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready for your dog to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 (depending on size)
Calories per treat: 50-70
Total Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 0mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 2g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
These treats can be enjoyed on their own, but here are some fun ways to make treat time extra special:
As a Training Reward
Use these treats during training sessions to reinforce good behavior. The tasty peanut butter flavor will keep your dog motivated and excited to learn.
In a Treat Jar
Store the treats in a dog treat jar to keep them fresh. Your dog will know exactly where to find them when they want to indulge.
Break Them into Smaller Pieces
If your dog is smaller or on a special diet, break the treats into smaller pieces to give them just the right amount of treat!
With a Fresh Water Bowl
Pair these delicious treats with a fresh bowl of water for your pup to wash down the goodness.
Additional Tips
Keep an Eye on the Size
Make sure you’re giving your dog an appropriate portion size based on their size and dietary needs. These treats are meant as an occasional indulgence, not a meal replacement!
Use Dog-Safe Peanut Butter
Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain any harmful additives like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Customize the Flavor
Feel free to add other dog-safe ingredients to the dough, like mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Just keep the portion of wet ingredients balanced to maintain the dough consistency.
Refrigerate for Freshness
If you’re not planning to use all the treats right away, store the extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Make a Big Batch
If you have a lot of dog friends (or a very hungry pup!), you can double the batch and store the extras in the freezer. That way, you always have a stash ready for treat time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
A1: Yes! Smooth peanut butter works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol.
Q2: Can I make these treats without an egg?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) if you want a vegan version.
Q3: How do I store the treats?
A3: Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze them!
Q4: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A4: Yes! Almond butter is a great alternative, but make sure it’s unsweetened and doesn’t contain any harmful additives like xylitol.
Q5: How can I make these treats more exciting?
A5: Try adding a bit of mashed banana, pureed pumpkin, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a flavor twist your dog will love.
Q6: Can I make these treats in different shapes?
A6: Absolutely! You can use any cookie cutter you like to create fun shapes, or simply cut them into squares or rectangles.
Q7: Can I give these treats to a puppy?
A7: Yes, as long as the ingredients are appropriate for puppies and they’re given in moderation. Always check with your vet if you have concerns about introducing new treats to your pup.
Q8: How long do these treats last?
A8: These treats last up to a week at room temperature, about 2 weeks if stored in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q9: Can I use coconut flour instead of whole wheat flour?
A9: Yes! If your dog has a sensitivity to wheat, you can use coconut flour, but keep in mind it’s much more absorbent. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe.
Q10: How big should I make the treats?
A10: The size depends on your dog’s size and needs. For small dogs, make mini treats, and for larger dogs, make bigger ones. Just remember to adjust portion sizes accordingly!
Conclusion
These Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats are an easy, delicious, and wholesome way to treat your dog without any of the worry of store-bought snacks. With their savory flavor, crunchy texture, and simple ingredients, your pup will be wagging their tail in anticipation every time you pull out a batch. Enjoy making these treats, and get ready for some very happy doggy moments!
PrintHomemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approx. 12-15 treats (depending on cookie cutter size)
Description
These Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats are perfect for your furry friend! Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, banana, and whole wheat flour, they are the ideal snack for any dog. Easy to make and full of flavor, your dog will love these treats!
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 egg
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixer, beat together the peanut butter, egg, mashed banana, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Slowly mix in the whole wheat flour, beating until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough on a floured countertop to about ½ inch thick. If the dough is too crumbly, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to help firm it up.
- Use a dog-inspired cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Make sure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.
- If your dog is allergic to wheat, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a dog-safe flour like oat flour or rice flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg