3 ingredient dog treats without peanut butter

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

3 Ingredient Dog Treats

These homemade 3 ingredient dog treats are made with sweet potato, peanut butter, and oatmeal.

They are so easy to make and good for your dog too! Get the recipe here.

FYI This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why These 3 Ingredient Dog Treats are the Best

There is a time and place for complicated recipes. When you really dont have time for all that, these 3-ingredient dog treats are a sanity-saver.

In fact, you probably already have all of the ingredients in your pantry or refrigerator.

These DIY sweet potato dog treats are made with whole, vegan ingredients so they are actually good for your dog. Your pup will think they are eating a treat, but you will know they are eating their vitamins.

Want to know what is so healthy about them? Ill tell you the nutrition information about these all-natural dog treats here in this post.

Dog treats with sweet potato and oats are some of the best healthy dog treats you can make.

If you enjoy baking healthy dog treats, then this recipe is just for you!

The crunchy homemade dog treats recipe is just a little further below. First, heres more about the ingredients and why I chose to use them.

Benefits of Sweet Potato

These are the best dog treats because of the nutrient-dense sweet potatoes. My favorite thing about them is that they are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. These antioxidants help your dogs body fight common healthy issues related to aging.

Since they have lots of fiber, sweet potatoes are also good for your dogs gut. It will help them stay regular.

Sweet potatoes are also really good for your dogs blood pressure. Since they have lots of potassium, they help your dogs body regular fluid balance and keep their blood pressure at a healthy level.

Benefits of Oatmeal

Did you know that oats have a bunch of healthy nutrients too? Thats why oatmeal treats for dogs are a great thing to make for them!

The most obvious benefit is that oatmeal is a safe alternative to wheat for dogs that are intolerant or sensitive to gluten. Yes, my treats are naturally gluten-free.

Oats have vitamin B which helps your pet maintain a healthy coat. Its also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids that helps keep a dogs skin strong and healthy.

Just like sweet potatoes, oats have soluble fiber in them too this will help them regulate glucose levels and give them relief if they are having irregular bowel movements.

3 Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe Ingredients

The quantity of the 3 ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some additional information about the ingredients I used in these cookie dog treats.

Heres a list of what you need to make easy dog treats. Use organic ingredients if you want to make organic dog treats.

Oatmeal Use old-fashioned or rolled oats. If you use quick-cooking oats, the treats wont be as crunchy.
Sweet Potato Its best to use a raw sweet potato and dont peel it before you bake it.
Peanut Butter Whether you use crunchy or creamy peanut butter is up to you. Always use unsweetened peanut butter.

Ingredient Notes

When you make this 3 ingredient peanut butter dog treats recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Use natural or unsweetened peanut butter. Most regular peanut butter is sweetened. Dogs dont need sugar in their treats.

Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

Old fashioned oats and rolled oats are the same. So you can use either type of oatmeal to make the treats.

You can use quick-cooking oats but the treats will be moister and softer.

Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe.

Serving Size

How many homemade dog treats should you give your dog at once? That depends on what else they ate that day. This might be a healthier treat, but it is still a treat.

Treats should not be a dogs main source of calories they should be something they eat on rare occasions.

Dogs shouldnt overeat too many carbs even healthy ones from sweet potatoes and oatmeal. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make these homemade dog treats. You can use any regular silicone candy mold but a dog paw print mold gives these treats a fun look.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Dog Treats

These are the recipe steps and some photos of the process for making the treats. I hope they help you make this healthy dog treats recipe!

You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.

Bake a large sweet potato. Let it cool, then peel it and mash the flesh. Discard the skin.

Place a third of the oats in a blender or food processor and blend until it is like flour.

Place mashed sweet potato, oatmeal, oat flour, and peanut butter in a bowl.

Mix it with your hands until a dough forms.

Press the dough into silicone candy molds. Place the molds on a baking sheet.

Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hours.

Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack to cool.

Note that instead of using candy molds, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut the dough.

If the dough seems dry or crumbly you can add more sweet potato, applesauce, or plain yogurt to give the dough moister.

How to Store Baked Dog Treats

Store the DIY dog treats in a container for dog treats. A dog treat jar is best so they are not mistaken for human treats. Here are some cute ones on Amazon:

Can you eat dog treats?

Yep, you sure can eat these treats! All three ingredients are safe for human consumption. Since they are not sweet, you probably wont like them. I suggest making Sweet Potato Cookies to enjoy and share with family and friends.

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More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more treats for your dog? Here are some different types of dog treats to make:

Want to get the best store-bought dog treats instead of making homemade ones? Check out these favorite dog treats on my Amazon dog treats ideas list.

3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Make crunchy homemade dog treats with three simple ingredients.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes Total Time 3 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

1 large Sweet Potato big enough to yield cup mashed
3 cups Rolled Oats
cup Creamy Natural Peanut Butter

Instructions

Bake the sweet potato at 400F for 45 to 60 minutes or until done (you can easily insert a fork into the middle).
Cool the sweet potato to room temperature.
Remove and discard sweet potato skin. Mash the flesh.
Measure cup of the mashed sweet potato to use in the treats.
Preheat oven to 250F.
Add 2 cups of the rolled oats to a blender or food processor and blend until it is the consistency of flour.
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats with the oat flour.
Add the peanut butter and cup mashed sweet potato to the oat blend and combine using your hands until a dough forms.
If you are using a candy mold, simply press the dough into the mold making sure to fill in all the space.
If you are using cookie cutters, turn the dough out onto a smooth surface. Using your hands, squeeze and combine the ingredients until you have a flat, smooth dough. Flatten evenly with your hands or a rolling pin to about to inch thickness. Place the cutout pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Bake the treat at 250F for 2 hours.
Transfer baked treats to a wire rack to cool.

Notes

Be sure to use natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Do not use peanut butter with xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.If the dough seems crumbly or dry, you can add more sweet potato or some water, applesauce, or plain yogurt.Store the baked dog treats in an airtight container.

Nutrition

3 Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe

These 3-Ingredient Dog Treats are easy to make with items you most likely have in your kitchen. The ingredients are easily substituted, and suggestions for substitutions are included.

I havent purchased store-bought dog treats since, wellsince wellseveral months!

At first, I was attempting to avoid going to the grocery store. Now, I am trying to use what I have in my kitchen in an attempt to reduce kitchen waste.

When I realized that I could use up the assortment of flours that I had accumulated, I jumped right in with both ~~paws~~ feet. Additionally, this 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Treats recipe readily accepts other soft fruit substitutions like bananas or cooked apples, pears, carrots, or sweet potatoes. I can put to good use any of these ingredients before they go bad, thereby really cutting back on food waste.

I cant believe its that easy! Just 3 ingredients! My dogs loves them. so much healthier than store bought! Thanks for the recipe
Mary

About Peanut Butter

I swear my sweet, sugar-faced girl does prefer these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Treats over the store-bought variety. Its not a coincidence that dogs readily take their medicine if tucked into a spoonful of peanuts; dogs love peanut butter.

Flora saysJust ensure that you avoid peanut butter with added sugar, xylitol, or salt; look for natural peanut butter. Pups dont need any of those additives!

3 Simple Ingredients

Youll notice that this recipe calls for 3 simple ingredients: oats, peanut butter, and soft fruit or vegetables. I used some apples that were a little wrinkly and quickly cooked them in the microwave to make a quick applesauce. I didnt peel the apples but did remove the cores and seeds.

But as I noted above, you could easily substitute any soft fruit or vegetable except avocado, onions, wild mushrooms, garlic, grapes, and raisins, which are harmful to dogs. Flora loves the peanut butter banana version of these dog treats.

And feel free to substitute another grain for the oats. Check out this Pumpkin Dog Treats posts list of acceptable grains for dog treats.

Foods That Are Unsafe for Dogs and Should Not Be Included in Homemade Dog Treats

These foods can be toxic and unsafe for dogs. Avoid them if you decide to substitute ingredients in these dog treats.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which can be toxic to dogs and can lead to symptoms like increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures or death.
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, leading to symptoms like vomiting, increased thirst, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, contain compounds that can damage a dogs red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms may include weakness, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Avocado contains a substance called persin, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potential pancreatitis.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, some peanut butter, and baked goods. It can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Xylitol ingestion may result in symptoms such as vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and liver failure.
Macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and may cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, increased body temperature, and difficulty walking.
Raw meat and eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, leading to food poisoning in dogs, just as it can in humans. Its generally recommended to cook meat and eggs thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
Too much salt is dangerous for dogs and can lead to salt toxicosis. Excess spices can upset your dogs digestive system.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other foods that are unsafe for dogs. When in doubt, its always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dogs diet.

Dehydrate Dog Treats to Store Them at Room Temperature

Like those Pumpkin Dog Treats, these 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Dogs Treats are best if you completely dehydrate the dog treats to pull all the moisture out. The dehydration will allow you to store these tummy yummies at room temperature without the risk of mold. You will know that your dog treats are fully dehydrated if they break with a snap!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Treats

Are homemade dog treats safe for my dog?

Homemade dog treats are safe for your dog if you use dog-friendly ingredients and follow appropriate recipes. Avoid using ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

How do I store homemade dog treats?

Homemade dog treats should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but if you want them to last longer, dehydrate them, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I substitute ingredients in homemade dog treat recipes?

Yes, you can often make substitutions in homemade dog treat recipes. However, be cautious when substituting ingredients that might be toxic or harmful to dogs. I have included a list of common foods that can be toxic to dogs. Consult a veterinarian or do thorough research before making substitutions.

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Dehydrated dog treats can last quite a while when stored correctly, usually around 6 months to a year. The key is to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using an airtight container helps a lot in preserving their freshness and preventing spoilage due to moisture or pests. Remember, the shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used and the method of dehydration. For example, treats made with lean meats and without any added preservatives tend to have a shorter shelf life. Always check the treats for signs of spoilage, like mold or an off smell, before giving them to your dog. Without dehydrating, homemade dog treats typically last for about 1-2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. Refrigerating or freezing them can extend their shelf life to a few months.

Can I freeze homemade dog treats?

Yes, homemade dog treats can be frozen to prolong their freshness. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and label them with the date. Thaw frozen treats in the refrigerator before serving.

How many treats should I give my dog per day?

The number of treats to give your dog daily depends on size, age, and overall diet. Generally, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dogs daily caloric intake. Its important to balance treats with regular meals to avoid overfeeding.

Are homemade dog treats more nutritious than store-bought ones?

Like anything, the ingredients you use determine how nutritious a food is. Homemade dog treats can be more nutritious than store-bought options, as you can control the ingredients used.

Some of these are affiliate links, and I will earn a small commission off the sale of these products, but the price you are charged is not affected. You can see my full disclosure policyhere.

for your pups treats

Stainless Steel
5 different sizes
Sturdy and hold their shape

Looking for more dog treat recipes?

3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Lynn

3 simple ingredients come together to make these yummy dog treats.

Active Time 7 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 7 minutes mins

2 cups rolled oats oat flour or oatmeal (or a substitute grain)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup soft fruit or vegetables cooked apple, carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin or a banana

Preheat oven to 250F
If using oatmeal, place it in a food processor and blend until most of the oats are ground. I left some oats whole, but you can process it as much as you want. The cookies are easier to cut if most of the oats are processed.
Add peanut butter and fruit and process until the dough comes together.
If using another grain, combine the grain, peanut butter, and fruit or vegetable in a food processor and process until the dough comes together.
Roll dough 1/4" thick, using flour if the dough is sticky.
Cut out using a cookie cutter or cut into squares.
Place cookies on cookie sheets and bake at 250 for 2 hours until the dog treats are completely dry and crispy.
Once dog treats are fully dehydrated, they can be stored at room temperature. Mine sit out at room temperature for at least a month without getting moldy, but you do need to make sure to fully dehydrate them.

Avoid peanut butter with xylitol.

Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.2mg

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