Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
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Published May 08, 2021, Updated Nov 26, 2024
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These homemade peanut butter dog treats are so easy and you only need four ingredients. Pups will love the peanut butter flavor!
Did you know that homemade dog treats are crazy easy to make? Yup, they are!!
I actually just found out myself a few weeks ago. I got inspired after reading the ingredient list on a few natural treats that I bought for Olive (our 6 pound Yorkshire Terrier) and decided it couldn’t be that hard to make them myself.
And it’s not at all!
I’m actually worried I might be quickly becoming a crazy dog lady because I’ve already made THREE batches!! Some are for Olive, but I’ll definitely be gifting some to Olive’s friends as well.
Ingredients Needed
The dough can be whipped up in a flash with everyday ingredients you probably have sitting in your pantry right now. Here’s what you need:
- whole wheat flour – I like using whole wheat because it’s more nutrient dense, but all-purpose works too. You can also use a gluten-free option like sorghum, oat or garbanzo bean flour if your dog has allergies.
- creamy peanut butter – this adds healthy fat and flavor. Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t have any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners as these can be toxic to dogs! Look for a brand with only two ingredients: peanuts and salt.
- unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana – You can use homemade applesauce or store-bought. This adds a little sweetness and helps the dough form together with the added liquid.
- bone shaped cookie cutter – I used this mini bone cookie cutter since Olive is small, but am eyeing this set with a variety of sizes!
- vegetable, chicken, or beef stock – this ingredient keeps the dough moist and adds a savory flavor dogs love. Be sure to choose a dog-friendly broth! Many human broths contain ingredients like onions, garlic, or excessive salt, which aren’t safe for pups. Check the label carefully or opt for broths labeled specifically for pets. You can often find dog-safe options in pet stores, or you can make your own using simple, dog-approved ingredients.
Pet Friendly Ingredients
The great part about this recipe is that you know exactly what’s in the treats and you can feel good about the fact that there’s no preservatives, additives or funky ingredients.
Peanut butter – Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t include the artificial sweetener xylitol as this is toxic to dogs. To be honest, most peanut butters do not include this ingredient, but always check the ingredient list.
Flour – Both all-purpose and whole wheat flour are safe for dogs! If your dog can’t tolerate wheat, you could try rice, sorghum, oat or garbanzo bean flour as well.
How Many Dog Treats Can I Give My Dog?
As with everything in life, moderation is key! I recommend starting by giving your dog a small treat to see if they have any adverse reactions. After determining your dog tolerates the treat well, you can give as often as you see fit.
How Long do Homemade Dog Treats Last?
After allowing these dog treats to cool completely, you can store them at room temp for 3-5 days, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months).
The treats can be served straight from the fridge, but should be thawed for a bit if frozen.
The Perfect Gift!
Homemade dog treats are the perfect gift for dog-lovers. Your friends and family will love that you thought of their furry, four-legged friend and the treats will keep their pets happy for days!
Everything You Need to Make Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Mini Dog Bone Cookie Cutter in Tinplated Steel, Silver
Buy Now →
Cuisinart Set of 3 BPA-free Mixing Bowls, White
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Williams Sonoma Goldtouch® Pro Nonstick Corrugated Cookie Sheet
Buy Now →More Dog Treat Recipes to Try:
If you make these peanut butter dog treats be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting us know how they turned out for you and how your pup likes them! Your feedback is so helpful for the EBF team and our readers!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- ¼ cup vegetable chicken or beef stock or broth (dog friendly)
- bone shaped cookie cutter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ingredients: Combine flour, peanut butter and applesauce in a large mixing bowl. Add stock and stir until well-combined. The dough will be thick. Once combined use your hands to press the dough into a ball.
- Roll: Place dough ball on a flat service (with a sprinkle of flour if needed) and roll out evenly with a rolling pin. Dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shape and place on baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown and dry. Larger cookies may need to bake longer!
- Store: Store in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
- Peanut butter – Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t include the artificial sweetener xylitol as this is toxic to dogs. To be honest, most peanut butters do not include this, but always check the ingredient list.
- Flour – Both all-purpose and whole wheat flour are safe for dogs! If your dog doesn’t tolerate wheat, you could try rice, sorghum, oat or garbanzo bean flour as well.
- Broth – Be sure to choose a dog-friendly broth! Many human broths contain ingredients like onions, garlic, or excessive salt, which aren’t safe for pups. Check the label carefully or opt for broths labeled specifically for pets.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Do these treats turn out hard/crunch or soft? I need soft treats for my senior, toothless pooch.
Hi Scott. These treats are more firm and chewy rather than soft, so they may not work for your senior pup. I hope this helps!
These treats are great and so easy to make. My three Yorkies love them. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Shirley
Hi Shirley, I’m so glad your Yorkies love the treats! That makes me so happy to hear. Thank you for making the recipe and taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
You MUST use chicken or beef broth that is made for dogs NOT people..Even “organic” beef broth for human consumption may include harmful ingredients such as onion, etc.
Thanks so much for catching that! You’re absolutely right—dog-safe broth is a must, and I’ve updated the post to make sure that’s clear. I really appreciate your input, making these recipes as safe and clear as possible is always the goal.
My dog loved these!!!!!
YAY! I am happy to hear these turned out great, Michelle. Thanks for taking the time to share your review & star rating, I appreciate it!
Can I sub the banana or applesauce for canned pumpkin?
Hi Shannon! I would recommend these peanut butter and canned pumpkin dog treats if you’re wanting to incorporate pumpkin. Let me know how these turn out!
can you use all purpose flour for this recipe?
Yes, totally!
I followed this recipe to the letter. My dough is not coming out thick I’m having to add a lot more flour into it. Anybody tell me where I went wrong?
Hi Debbie! What type of peanut butter are you using?
Brittany,
Great recipe! I’ve made these several times. Once I added some blueberries. My dog loves them! Thank you.
YAY! So glad these are a hit. Thanks so much for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!