Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy for details.
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?
Tag @damn_delicious on Instagram and hashtag it #damndelicious!
I don’t have a electric stand mixer but a very old regular hand mixer with no paddle attachment. Would it be okay with the regular hand mixer?
Yes, absolutely.
Can I use can organic pumpkin instead of the purée? Thanks
Yes, absolutely.
Loved these treats, so easy to make and the dogs love them. I am ready to make my 3rd batch. I don’t have a cute dog bone cut out, so I just roll mine and slice them. I’ve never went over the shelf life, but if I had to I would put them in the freezer like I have to cookies that I’ve made in a big batch. Thanks for the recipe, simple, and good for the dogs. 🙂
can you use more peanut butter instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, absolutely.
Those dog treats are so cute <3! I really need to try them 🙂 for my dogs. Also Your puppy is very adorable~! Thank you for sharing the recipe. It really helps me~!
Hi! May I check what peanut butter you use for the recipe?
I prefer to use organic, raw, unsalted peanut butter. Also, please be wary that peanut butter manufacturers are now adding xylitol to their ingredients.
This is the most interesting thing ever! Thanks.
Is this okay for puppies to have?
I have fed this to my pups but as always, please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your own dog’s diet.
Think my dogs would love these but no chance of getting pumpkin puree here in Spain!
Sweet potato will work and is good for dogs
Can you freeze these?
Yes, absolutely.
Can you use crunchy peanut butter?
I have found that the consistency is best with smooth peanut butter but as always, please use your best judgment.
These were so easy to make for my pups. Thank you for the recipe!! My taste tester is asleep but I have a feeling she is going to love them!! I also love that they look exactly like your pictures.
can you use white flour?
Yes, the recipe will work with all-purpose flour but whole wheat flour has a little more nutritional value. But as always, please consult with your vet about any allergies your dog may have.
My dog wont eat them all. What can i addto it??
Unfortunately, I cannot answer with certainty as I am unsure of your dog’s preferences.
The first time I made these treats they went bad after about 4 days. My Emma loves them so much I tried again and this time when they finished cooking I turned the oven down to 170 degrees and let them dehydrate for two hours. They last much, much longer. I made batches for all of my friends that have dogs for Christmas. They love them and I shared your recipe with the dehydration temp and time added.
You did the dehydration in a conventional oven? Would this work for Chungah’s mint treats recipe?
I have a three year old husky who is super picky about the treats she likes – but these things… she loves them! And I love how easy they are to make. How long do the treats normally last for you before they start to go bad?
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.
I just made these using sweet potato instead of pumpkin and regular flour instead of whole wheat. That’s just what I had on hand. They turned out great and my dogs love them.
Oh my word! My son and I made these last night, and had so much fun. The dog is freaking out over these treats. After he ate the first one, he came right back over to us wagging his tail and jumping around until we gave him another. They were so easy to make, and he loves them.
Thank you so much for this recipe.
How long will they last in a refrigerator? How can I tell they’ve gone bad? Thanks in advance!
~Proud Aussie Owner
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.
Love your human recipes. Can’t wait to try this for my Boston. Natural peanut butter is the only kind a dog should consume according to my vet so I will try that.
Funny because and please take a look the next time you go to the grocery store….Now alot of peanut butter are saying natural and when you look at the ingredients – it goes on and on. I choose the one that has “INGREDIENTS: Peanuts —- heeheehee
I can grind my own nut butters at my grocery so I know what’s in them.
JFYI, some manufacturers are starting to sweeten peanut butter with xylitol which is deadly to dogs.