Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

There’s something special about making treats from scratch for your best friend. Peanut butter dog treat recipes offer a tasty and wholesome way to show your canine friend some love.

Cooking homemade peanut butter dog treats can help you save money, reduce trips to the store or shipping costs, and ensure you control the ingredients in your dog’s diet. With DIY treats, you can eliminate the mystery ingredients sometimes found in commercial options and instead use familiar ingredients, such as peanut butter and oats, for a healthy snack your pup will love.

Here are the benefits of homemade treats for your dog, how to prepare peanut butter treats safely, and a few easy dog treat recipes to get you started.

Reasons to make your dog peanut butter treats

Homemade peanut butter dog treats can show your pup you care, and they’re a tasty option almost no pup can resist.  Here are a few reasons to reach for the peanut butter jar, cookie sheets, and apron to get messy in the kitchen and start baking:

• You control the ingredients. When you make your own treats, you decide exactly what goes in and what stays out, so you know your dog is getting fresh, high-quality ingredients with no preservatives or fillers.
• You can avoid allergens. Dogs with sensitivities or dietary restrictions may react negatively to certain foods or ingredients. Homemade recipes are a great option when your pup is allergic to common foods like chicken, which can limit the treats you can safely buy.
• Most recipes use pantry staples. Most peanut butter dog treat recipes call for things you likely already have on hand, such as flour, eggs, rolled oats, chickpeas, and our star ingredient, peanut butter.
• You customize the texture, shape, and flavor. If you want to play with flavors and textures or see what your dog likes best, you can adjust the baking time, swap ingredients, or roll the dough thinner or thicker for a different outcome.
• Baking is a fun bonding activity. Baking together can become a tradition you and your pup enjoy together. While you bake, give your dog a lick mat with peanut butter so they can enjoy a special treat just for when they “help” you in the kitchen.
• Dogs love peanut butter. Who doesn’t? It’s an excellent base for DIY dog treats and calming lick toys, and few dogs will turn it down.

How to make peanut butter dog treats

Making homemade dog treats is probably easier than you think, and you don’t need fancy equipment or professional baking skills. Here are some general steps to ensure success in your treat-making endeavors:

1. Pick a peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. Regular peanut butter is safe, but unsweetened, natural peanut butter is a healthier option.
2. Choose dry ingredients to mix in, such as whole wheat flour, alternative flours, or rolled oats, to give treats an appealing texture while being easy to digest.
3. Mix the wet and dry ingredients, adding water or broth if the mixture is too crumbly, or adding flour or chilling the dough if it’s too sticky or thin.
4. Roll the dough and shape the treats with a cookie cutter, or form small balls of dough and flatten them with a fork.
5. Bake treats at a low temperature to prevent burning and allow them to reach your preferred consistency.
6. Cool on a wire rack before serving to your dog or storing.
7. Store leftover treats in an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze them to extend their life.

Recipes for peanut butter dog treats

What are some healthy recipes for dog biscuits with peanut butter? Try these simple, customizable peanut butter dog treats recipes to get started in the world of homemade dog cookies.

3-INGREDIENT PEANUT BUTTER DOG TREATS

If you’re short on time and ingredients, this quick and simple recipe is for you.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats or oat flour
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, mix all three ingredients until a thick dough forms.
• Scoop a spoonful at a time, roll into balls, and slightly flatten on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until set.

SOFT PEANUT BUTTER AND SWEET POTATO DOG COOKIES

These soft-baked biscuits are perfect for dogs who like a chewy treat texture.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, mashed sweet potato or pumpkin, and egg.
• Slowly mix in the flour until a soft but rollable dough forms.
• Roll out and cut with a cookie cutter, or shape by hand.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until set.

CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER OAT DOG BISCUITS

These homemade dog treats bake up crisp and sturdy for pups who like a little crunch. 

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup natural peanut butter
• 2 cups oat flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a food processor or by hand in a bowl, combine peanut butter, applesauce, and egg until smooth.
• Add oat flour and blend until a thick dough forms.
• Add a tablespoon of water as needed if the dough is too dry.
• Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
• Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until crisp.

The recipes listed here are only suggestions; they’re designed to be adapted and made your own. Choose your ingredients and follow the general baking directions to become a master dog treat chef at home.