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
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I made a bunch of these treats for my dog’s first birthday party. All the dogs that came and my dog absolutely loved it! I’ve never made any kind of homemade treats before but making these was so easy and they came out looking so good. Will definitely make again!
This is the 2nd time I’ve used this recipe for our 8 year old Schnauzer. He absolutely loves them! He knew what I was making when I opened the can of pumpkin, he came running into the kitchen. This time I added Blueberries, so far they still seem to be a hit! Thanks for the great recipe!
So I havent given them to my parent’s 6 month old puppy yet, but I did make them and actually turned them into little peanut butter sandwich cookies for him with an icing made from corn starch, peanut butter, and honey. He has loved every other treat I’ve made him, so I’m crazy excited to see how much he’s going to love these (VERY) special treats!!!0
My picky Beagle loves these treats. I make double batches and freeze some of them for future use. These are the only treats she will take without double sniffing them!!
Any recommendations on peanut butter brands that are good/safe for dogs?
Eileen, I recommend using a peanut butter brand that does not contain xylitol.
My dog (Snickers) absolutely loves these!!!
How long do these keep in ziploc bags?
These can be kept at room temperature for a few days but I recommend storing them in the fridge (or freezer) to extend shelf life. But methods for optimal food storage and shelf life should be based on good judgment and what you are personally comfortable with.
They smell good, pups are drooling sniffing them. They haven’t completely cooled yet but are they suppose to be soft or firm when done and cooled? if they’re suppose to be firm do i cook them longer next time? i was scared to burn them. & in the fridge are they ok for about a week or so? what if i freeze them?
If the treats are baked for longer, they will be a bit more firm. These can be kept at room temperature for a few days but I recommend storing them in the fridge (or freezer) to extend shelf life. But methods for optimal food storage and shelf life should be based on good judgment and what you are personally comfortable with. Hope that helps, Kirsten!
I was wondering, can I use applesauce instead of pumpkin puree?
Sure!
It’s smell very nice I was baking this for the first time want to know if they have to be soft from inside
The dogs love these treats so much so they prefer these to cooked Organic chicken breast! The dogs are a German Shepherd, Collie, Labrador, Labrapoo, Shih Tzux, & Bichon Frese.(The last two dogs are mine the others are my brother’s). When the dogs come over to visit..live next door..they get chicken and since discovering this treat for dogs they get this also. They walk in searching for the treats ignoring the chicken!
These look great! how do you store them and how long will they last?
Thanks,
Leah
These can be kept at room temperature for a few days but I recommend storing them in the fridge (or freezer) to extend shelf life. But methods for optimal food storage and shelf life should be based on good judgment and what you are personally comfortable with.
They do mold after about a week, so I keep in the freezer and just take out a few at a time.
Amazing
I have made these twice, and my dog loves them. He is getting older, and has arthritis in his hip, so I add some turmeric to try and help with his inflammation. Thank you for the recipe.
Can I ask how much tumeric you put in per batch? And do you use the capsules and just open them up?
I meant turmeric not tumeric
I make these treats every Sunday afternoon. My dogs love them so much that they fake having to go out & try to get a treat. It is hilarious!! Very easy recipe & the shapes can be fun also. Thanks for posting it!!
This is so funny! I thought my dog was the only one who did this haha! I can’t wait to try these 🙂
I have thre different breed dogs. Chiwienie, blue healer, and a lab/bulll mix. They love these treats! Cant go out the door without them getting one or two!
I made these treats for my dog today. We are trying to give him snacks low in salt. He stayed in the kitchen the whole time waiting. Once they cooled I gave him one and he loved them!! Thanks for the recipe 🙂 We will definitely make them again.
That’s awesome!
Can I use coconut flour instead flour
What a great idea! But unfortunately, without having tried this myself, I cannot answer with certainty. But if you get a chance to try it, please let me know how it turns out! 🙂
I used rice flour as my dog has gluten allergies (schnauzer) and it worked well and she loves them. I add CBD to help with her anxiety and pain. She is in heart failure. My lab mix has cancer and he loves them and has benefited from the CBD as well. He is moving better and less stiff. Thanks for the recipe.
I use a gluten free flour that replaces the whole wheat flour cup for cup for all my puppies home made treats and they turn out great!
My dog loves these. I doubled the recipe and froze multiple smaller batches for later.
Made these for my Brother’s German Shepherd! Supposedly, both my Bro AND Dad (Who Co-Cares for the Shepherd) claim he doesn’t like “treats”….BOY WERE THEY WRONG! HE LOVES EM! Thankeeeees, Sharing the recipe! ✌
Dog approved! Made these today and used sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin (as I had it handy). OMG! My dog LOOOVES them! She loves them more than any of her other treats (and she has plenty to love). She went nuts! Thank you!
I can’t review the recipe, but I was inspired by it & your comments. Using what I had on hand, I made treats from rolled oats, peanut butter, pureed carrot with potato (made as a base for my boys’ daily food), a dash of hemp oil and organic powdered milk, and enough wheat flour for shaping. I patted out a handful at a time and cut into wedges and squares with a knife. Baked for 7 mins at 350 F on a lightly greased (olive oil) sheet. The carrot adds a hint of sweetness. I may start making these for on the go snacks for myself.
Also in hand is peanut butter powder and flax seeds. Will experiment with those on a future batch. Thanks all for the recipe and your ideas!