Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
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The easiest homemade dog treats ever – simply mix, roll and cut. Easy peasy, and so much healthier than store-bought!
Featured Comment
I know. Dog treats on Damn Delicious? I never thought I’d see the day. But I’ve been spending a lot of time and money shopping for good-quality dog treats for Butters here, but then I thought, why not just make them at home?
reasons to make homemade peanut butter dog treats
- So stinking easy to make
- Short 4 ingredient list, most of which you probably have on hand
- Healthier ingredients – no added preservatives, fats or chemicals
- Economical and cost-effective
- Freezer-friendly to extend shelf-life
- Guaranteed favorite with your pups
- Makes for great gifts for pup friends, birthdays and holidays
Ingredients
Pumpkin puree
Pumpkin puree is great for digestive health for your pup. Always use pure pumpkin puree with no added sugar, salt, fat or spices.
Peanut butter
A hero ingredient here! Always opt for natural, unsalted peanut butter without added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.
Eggs
Not only are eggs a nutritious source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, but they also serve as a binding agent to hold the dog treats together.
Whole wheat flour
We prefer whole wheat flour as it contains more nutritional value than all-purpose flour. Rice flour can also be used as a gluten-free option.
tips and tricks for success
- Use your favorite cookie cutters. Bone-shaped cookie cutters are so much fun to work with but you can really use any kind of cookie cutter on hand – hearts, stars, dog houses, paws, etc.
- Adjust baking time as needed. The longer they bake, the crunchier they are.
- Shorter shelf life. Homemade peanut butter dog treats have a shorter shelf life as they lack preservatives compared to store-bought treats, making them susceptible to spoil relatively quickly.
- Feed in moderation. As always, give treats in moderation to avoid potential health problems such as diabetes and obesity.
- Consult with a vet. Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian regarding possible allergies, dietary restrictions and health concerns your pup may have.
freezing and storage
Storage
Homemade dog treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Freeze after baking
Let the dog treats cool completely. Transfer the dog treats to an airtight, resealable freezer bag, thawing overnight. Label, date and freeze up to 3 months.
pro tip
Use dog safe peanut butter.
Use peanut butter without added sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. Xylitol is added to peanut butter as a low-calorie sweetener. While safe for humans, xylitol is toxic to dogs, causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death.
more homemade dog food recipes
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but all-purpose flour is high in carbs and does not offer much nutritional value.
Rice flour is often times used as a gluten-free option. It is easier to digest and can help with stomach issues.
These can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.*
- Let cool completely.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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The dogs absolutely love them.. They freeze well too!
Just shy of the wheat flour. Can I substitute a little over half a cup all purpose flour? Thanks!
Hello.
I did not make it but I would like to.
Can you use an electric hand mixer instead?
Do they need to be refrigerated when done? Or shelf safe?
Would love to learn more
I’d like to make tiny treats to use for training rewards. Do you think piping these out in small pearls would work?
Thanks for helping so many take good care of furry friends!
For training treats, I use a rolling pin to shape dough into a large flat sheet. Place dough on a cookie sheet then use a pizza cutter to make small squares. I make a double batch, refrigerate a small amount and freeze the rest.
I have made this recipe continuously for my Golden Retriever since my neighbor shared it with me. Parker loves it! I will shoot a video for his IG page – Parker_DCGoldenRetriever_to show his excitement.
my mini goldendoodle LOVED these!! I love how easy they are to make, plus I know exactly what is in her dog treats now. Will be repeating this recipe many times to come!!
These cookies are my way of meeting my neighbors that have dogs. The dogs PULL their owners into my driveway for the Cookies. These cookies are very easy to make and I freeze them, found that in the summer with the heat, they are all natural and go bad.
Did not make it but don’t see anywhere in this article or recipe about the one ingredient in store bought peanut butter that is hands down a killer for dogs. Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in peanut butter that is harmful. Not all peanut butters have xylitol so always check the label. Hint – Great Value brand does NOT contain xylitol.
I was wondering approximately how many this recipe makes as I am trying to figure out how much to charge for them at my sisters new business
About 80, I roll mine about 1/4 inch thick, makes them chewy like a Chocolate Chip cookie!
Do you know how long these are good for?
I place mine in the freezer. In the summer the cookies get fuzzy in a few days after baked. In the freezer, there good till there gone and that’s not long.
This was my first bake recipe for my dog “Dona”. She loves them! And it was very very easy to prepare and bake.
Thank you Chunga, I just love these treats, not personally, not enough salt or sugar for my taste.
All of my friends with dogs and my own 2 just adore these, they will all be getting some for Christmas.
Just a reminder, since there are no preservatives, keep the majority in the freezer and take a few out and keep them in the fridge until you need them.
Awesome recipe! The second one I did with Oat and whole wheat flour and Applesauce instead of pumpkin. They loved both. Thank you so much.
I have read the article and it has convinced me that these are just about perfect! It looks great but can I substitute anything for the pumpkin purée? It messes with my oldest pups stomach. Thank you!
These are so great. Easy to do, come out beautifully, and doggo is begging for them every time!
I was wondering how long these last fresh for making one batch?
I have not actually made these yet. But I am certain from reading the article that they will be perfect.
We have several dogs in the family. One has dietary issues. The ingredients will fit her diet.
I did order the cutters from Amazon.Ca.
I think the biscuits are a wonderful addition to the treat basket. Love the idea. Only one problem for me – my dogs won’t eat them! I even ‘iced’ them with Reese’s peanut butter pieces.
I will bake them again but the next time I’ll put some food processor chopped bacon through them. That could work!