7 Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

Ah, peanut butter! Heavenly, gooey goodness that our furry babies love just as much as we do. Provided you know how to pick it right, it’s one of those foods that you can happily share with your pet. But why stop at a dollop of peanut butter smeared on a play mat or stuffed in a Kong when you can elevate the experience with easy peanut butter dog treat recipes.

From quick DIY peanut butter dog biscuits to no-bake peanut butter dog treats, there are just so many ways you can incorporate this delicious goodness in your dog’s diet. What’s more, you can pair it with other healthy ingredients to come up with fresh, nutritious, homemade treats in a matter of minutes. Let’s explore a few simple dog treat recipes with peanut butter to help get you started. 

Best Ingredients for Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Like I said, you can pair peanut butter with a variety of healthy ingredients to prepare nutritious and delicious treats for your pet. Here is my pick of ingredients that are not only safe for dogs but also come with surefire health benefits: 

1. Peanut butter (Xylitol-free)

Well, duh! You can’t have homemade peanut butter dog treats without peanut butter. Just sure you choose one that’s natural and free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Or you can even whip it up at home in under 10 minutes—you can check out how here.

2. Whole wheat flour or oat flour

This is a great choice, especially for quick DIY peanut butter dog biscuits because it provides structure and texture to baked treats. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, oat flour is a good substitute. 

3. Eggs

Eggs are not only a nutrient powerhouse but also acts as an effective binding agent, making them a front runner among ingredients for homemade peanut butter dog treats.  

4. Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)

Pumpkin is considered a superfood for dogs because it is not only a great source of fiber but also supports digestion. And it adds natural sweetness and moisture, making it a perfect choice for making healthy dog treats at home. 

5. Mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce

Both of these are natural sweeteners that enhance flavor while adding vitamins and fiber. If you’re aiming for nutrient-dense yet simple peanut butter dog treats, working with either of these ingredients is a smart choice.  

6. Rolled oats

Rolled oats are a healthy, digestible source of carbohydrates that give texture and add nutritional value to your homemade dog treats.

7. Plain yogurt

Want simple dog treat recipes with peanut butter that your pet will lap up in no time? Try using yogurt as one of the ingredients. It adds creaminess that elevates the flavor of treats. And it’s no secret that it’s a powerhouse of probiotics that promote gut health. Just make sure you opt for unsweetened, unflavored yogurt.

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil rich in healthy fats supports a shiny coat and promotes skin health. It is also known to help with digestion. Using it treats can be an interesting way of incorporating this superfood in your pet’s diet.  

9. Sweet potatoes or carrots

Both these root vegetables are rich in vitamins A and C. They boost immune health and also provide natural sweetness, making them a great choice as ingredients for easy peanut butter dog treat recipes. 

10. Low-sodium broth

Broth helps with mixing and binding ingredients while adding a bit of extra flavor that will leave your dog drooling for more. 

Suggested Reading: 10 Healthy Snacks You Can Share with Your Dog

7 Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

Now that you know which ingredients to work with, let’s talk about how to make peanut butter dog treats at home. Here are 7 easy, frills-free recipes that are packed with flavor and nutrients: 

1. 3-Ingredient peanut butter dog treats

If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to your foray into home baking as a pet parent, you just cannot go wrong with this 3-ingredient peanut butter dog treat recipe.  

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Frozen peanut butter & banana treats

Want to start with something even simpler? No-bake peanut butter dog treats may be the way to go. Here is one recipe to help you get started.

Ingredients

• 1 banana, mashed
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

Suggested Reading: 8 Best Dog Foods for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

3. Peanut butter & pumpkin biscuits

Peanut butter and pumpkin is a classic combination for your pet. You can blend the two to prepare homemade healthy peanut butter dog biscuits without preservatives in three easy steps and with three simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients together and roll out the dough.
3. Cut into shapes and bake for 20 minutes.

Watch the process here:

4. No-bake peanut butter oat balls

If you’re looking for gluten-free peanut butter dog treat recipes, you definitely have a winner. Peanut butter oat balls are a fun and delicious option that your pet will absolutely love. And they’re incredibly easy to make. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Roll into bite-sized balls.
3. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

5. Peanut butter sweet potato cookies

This is one of those easy peanut butter dog treat recipes that yields a complexly delicious outcome. Looking at these fresh and creamy cookies, it can be hard to believe that these are prepared with just three ingredients. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1½ cups oat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine ingredients and shape into cookies.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until firm.

6. Peanut butter & carrot chews

If your pet is anything like mine, they’d prefer chews to biscuits and cookies any day. Innit right? Well, let’s give them what they love—homemade peanut butter dog treats they can chew on for hours (or more like minutes). 

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 1½ cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients and shape into small bars.
3. Bake for 25 minutes until crispy.

Watch the process here:

7. Peanut butter & coconut oil pupsicles

To anyone looking for simple dog treat recipes with peanut butter, I say this: it cannot get any simpler than peanut butter and coconut oil popsicles. This recipe is so easy and straightforward that my 10-year-old makes it all the time for our pet, with little to no supervision. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together.
2. Pour into silicone molds and freeze for a few hours.

Suggested Reading: How Suitable is Raw Fish For Dogs?

Tips for Baking and Storing Homemade Dog Treats

Now that you’re all set to get started on whipping up fresh and nutritious homemade peanut butter dog treats for your pet, here are a few things to keep in mind to make outcome even better: 

Baking tips

• Choose the right peanut butter: Always check the label to ensure the peanut butter is all-natural and free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs
• Work with dog-friendly flours: Whole wheat flour may not agree with every dog’s digestive system. In that case you may want to stick to gluten-free peanut butter dog treat recipes that use alternatives like oat, coconut, or chickpea flour
• Roll dough evenly: Put in some effort to make sure that the dough is rolled evenly. Aim for ¼-inch thickness for crunchy treats and ½-inch thickness for softer ones
• Basking time depends on texture: Adjust baking time based on the texture you want. Bake time of 10-15 minutes is ideal for soft treats whereas you need to leave the treats in the oven for 20-30 minutes for crunchy ones
• Use parchment paper: Yes, a small detail but a crucial one in determining the outcome of your treats. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
• Cool completely: Let treats cool on a wire rack before storing to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold

Storage tips

• Store treats in an airtight container: It helps keep treats dry and maintain freshness. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best
• Refrigerate for longer shelf life: Soft treats can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Crunchier treats last longer at room temp
• Freeze for extended freshness: You can store these homemade peanut butter dog treats in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving
• Label with dates: For large batches, it’s vital to label with the baking date so you know till when they’re safe for consumption 

Suggested Reading: Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

FAQs 

1. Is it safe to use any brand of peanut butter?

Not all peanut butter brands are safe for dogs, as some contain xylitol (sometimes labeled as birch sugar), a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, or even death. You must also avoid peanut butters that contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or excessive oils. The best option is natural, unsweetened peanut butter made with just peanuts or peanuts and a small amount of salt. 

2. Can I add other ingredients to these recipes?

You can add dog-safe ingredients to enhance flavor, nutrition, and variety of your homemade peanut butter dog treats. Ingredients like pumpkin puree, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, shredded carrots, or sweet potatoes are great additions that provide natural sweetness as well as micronutrients. You can also mix in rolled oats or flaxseeds for extra fiber, or add a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle flavor boost (avoid nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs). For protein, a small amount of plain Greek yogurt or cooked, unseasoned meat can be incorporated into some recipes. However, always avoid toxic ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. Whenever trying new ingredients, introduce them gradually and in small amounts to ensure your dog tolerates them well.

Takeaway

With these easy peanut butter dog treat recipes, you can pamper your pet with a nice variety of homemade treats that they’re sure to love. At the same time, free yourself of any worry about preservatives or harmful additives making their way into your dog’s system.