how to make healthy dog treats with peanut butter

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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6 Vet-Approved Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes (Homemade)

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Peanut butter is a favorite treat of humans and dogs alike. Its full of protein, appetizing for dogs, and healthier than many other options.

Instead of buying commercial peanut butter treats, get in your kitchen and make some of your own. These homemade dog treat recipes feature peanut butter as the main ingredient, but theyre all easy to make for some special treats for your pup. You must never use xylitol to substitute for sugar in recipes and ensure that the peanut butter you are using is dog safe.

The 6 Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes

1. Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies

If you want sweet, simple, and inexpensive peanut butter treats, these biscuits fit the bill. Theyre also people-safe in case your kid accidentally eats one. The main part of the treat is a cookie or biscuit texture with a drizzle of peanut butter, though you can substitute pumpkin, sweet potato, or other dog-friendly ingredients.

2. Simple Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Using only four ingredients, these peanut butter dog treats couldnt be quicker or simpler to make. All you need is peanut butter, eggs, flour, and water to form a dough, then bake for a few minutes and let them cool. Youll have a whole batch of treats to last.

3. Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Another quick and simple recipe, these homemade peanut butter dog treats only use flour, peanut butter, applesauce, and broth to form delicious cookies for your pup. If you want to get into the spirit, invest in some dog bone cookie cutters! You can also change up the flavors a bit with different types of bone broth.

4. Honey Oat Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Like other recipes, these honey oat peanut butter dog treats use just a few ingredients, all of which are safe for most dogs. As a bonus, theyre also no-bake. You just mix them together, roll them into balls, and let them set. Thats all! Ensure to stay with your dog while they enjoy this treat to ensure they dont choke on the ball.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

These treats only use three ingredients, including banana as a substitute for eggs. The recipe is easier with a food processor, but you can certainly mix it all by hand. Once the ingredients are mixed, you just bake for about 15 minutes until they harden.

6. Gelatin Peanut Butter Treats

These gelatin peanut butter treats are a unique take on the previous recipes with joint-healthy gelatin, chicken broth, and peanut butter. You can substitute with beef, or other broth if you wish. Once the ingredients are mixed, they just have to chill to set, and theyre ready to go.

A Word of Caution for Homemade Dog Treats

Many of the treat recipes youll find online are safe for dogs, but you still must do your due diligence. Owners sometimes disagree about the health benefits or dangers of certain ingredients, so its possible that you may come across a recipe thats harmful without knowing it. If you have any doubts, ask your vet about the ingredient list.

Along those lines, peanut butter is healthy and safe for dogs in moderation and in general, but some brands contain harmful ingredients like xylitol. This naturally occurring sugar alcohol is found in a lot of foods for humans, but its not a safe option for a dog to eat. When ingested, it leads to an abrupt drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and possible death. Make sure you check any peanut butter labels before including them in your dogs treat recipes.

Final Thoughts

While commercial treats are convenient options, theres nothing quite like a homemade treateven for your dogs! These peanut butter treats are simple to make and give you big batches of treats that will last. They may not be suitable for dogs with certain medical conditions such as pancreatitis and food allergies for example.

Looking for more great dog treat recipes?

Featured Image Credit: Valerie Nik, Shutterstock

Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Homemade Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats topped off with a delightful peanut butter drizzle will have your dogs tail wagging with joy! Made with the goodness of fresh apple and the irresistible taste of peanut butter, these treats are the perfect blend of health and taste.

Not only will your fur babies beg for them, but these bite-sized treats will also provide a good dose of dietary fiber, vitamins, and protein. Keep reading to dive into all about this simple yet nourishing recipe thats sure to make a dogs day!

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

Why Youll Love This Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe

One of the significant advantages of making your own dog treats at home is its cost-effectiveness. But theres another upside thats impossible to overlook the health factor.

These treats have straightforward, wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier choice for your furry friend. As these treats bake, the mouth-watering aroma of apples wafting through your kitchen is bound to get your dogs tummy rumbling in anticipation. Its a great way to give your dog healthy treats that dont break the bank.

Peanut butter and apple dog treats do not have added sugar or artificial sweeteners. You cant say that about most store-bought treats.

This simple dog treat recipe doesnt have complicated steps either. Its just basic stirring, rolling, cutting, and baking. Anyone can make homemade apple dog treats at home.

The Best Things About These DIY Dog Treats

Baking homemade treats yourself means you know you are giving your four-legged friend all-natural dog treats with simple ingredients. There arent any mystery ingredients found in store-bought dog treats.

If you give your dog apple slices with peanut butter for treats, your pup will flip for these! Baking some homemade dog treats with fresh apples, apple sauce, and peanut butter is the next step in spoiling your hound. This may be your dogs new favorite treat.

This is a great recipe to make for Christmas presents or dog birthday parties.

Benefits of Apples for Dogs

Apples are not only a delicious fruit for humans, but they can also be beneficial for dogs in moderation. Here are some health benefits of apples for dogs:

Apples are a great source of fiber, which can aid in a dogs digestion. It may help regulate bowel movements and could assist in maintaining a healthy weight.
Apples contain a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. These nutrients are beneficial for a dogs overall health, including the immune system, skin, and coat health.
Apples are packed with antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage and boost the immune system.

I love making homemade dog biscuits, especially ones full of nutrients! Make a batch of these when your dog wants a special treat, and share your love with your pup.

Ingredients

The exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some information about the ingredients in this simple recipe.

Heres a handy ingredient list of what youll need. They are common ingredients found in regular grocery stores. Use organic ingredients if you want to make organic dog treats.

Fresh Apple the star of the treats!
Unsweetened Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness.
Creamy peanut Butter is full of healthy fats and adds protein to the treats.
Eggs are a binder for the dough and add protein.
Oat Flour is a whole-grain flour rich in nutrients.
Old-Fashioned Oats for texture.
Coconut Oil for making the peanut butter drizzle.

Ingredient Notes

Be sure to use natural peanut butter safe for dogs that does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.

Instead of buying oat flour, you can easily make it by placing uncooked old-fashioned oats in a blender or food processor and blending until it has the consistency of flour.

Instead of using store-bought applesauce, make your own applesauce for dogs.

You can use chunky peanut butter; just make sure it is unsweetened and does not contain xylitol.

Flour Substitutions

When you make this dog treats recipe and want to use different flours, there are a few things to keep in mind:

If you cant find or dont have oat flour, use brown rice flour as an easy substitute.

You can also substitute all-purpose flour or a 50-50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for the oat flour. The amount will have to be adjusted since those flours will cause the dough to have a different consistency. It will take less of those flours than oat flour. Because whole wheat flour is denser, its not a good substitute to use by itself.

Finally, its also possible to substitute coconut flour for oat flour, but youll need to add more liquid to the batter.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make these treats. You can use any cookie cutters but a paw or dog bone cookie cutter would be a good idea so folks will know these are dog cookies.

How To Make Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats

These are the recipe steps and some photos of the process. I hope they help you make this healthy dog treats recipe! Note theres a printable recipe card below.

Core and cut the apple into small pieces, making sure there are no apple seeds in the pieces.
Place the chopped apples, applesauce, and eggs in a medium bowl. Stir to combine them.
Place the oat flour and oats in a large bowl. Stir or whisk to combine them.
Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredient mixture.

Stir until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a flat surface.
Use a cute cookie cutter to cut out the treats and place them on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Bake at 350F for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the treats to room temperature either on the baking sheet or a wire rack.

To make the peanut butter drizzle:

Place peanut butter and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on HIGH for about 30 seconds, or until they are melted. Stir to combine.
Drizzle the mixture over the treats.

Recipe Notes

You can make the treats in different sizes and fun shapes. For bite sized treats, use a small cookie cutter or the top of a shot glass.

Using the paw-shaped cutter, the recipe yielded 30 2-inch diameter dog treats. The amount will vary depending on the size and shape of the cutter you use.

You can use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles.

Silicone Mold Treats

Dont want to roll out and cut the dough? You can press the dough into silicone molds.

Bake at 350F for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Note the treats baked in silicone molds tend to be softer than cutouts.

Serving Size

How many homemade apple peanut butter dog treats should you give your pup at once?That depends on the amount of food you gave your pet to eat that day and the size of your dog. Large dogs can consume more than smaller dogs.

Treats should be considered in your dogs daily caloric intake. Make sure you dont exceed the recommended amount for your dog.

Dogs shouldnt have too many treats, including these yummy cookies. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day.

However, you can use your own judgment regarding how many treats are right for your dog.

And as with adding new foods to your dogs diet, start with a small amount to ensure your dog has no adverse reactions.

How to Store

These baked dog treats should be stored in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag.

For longer shelf life, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.

How Long Do Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats with Fresh Apple Last?

Due to the storage life of apples that are baked, they will last 2-3 days at room temperature or 4-5 days in the refrigerator. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

It is best to freeze these treats because they may become moldy due to the fresh apple. Just take enough out of the freezer for a couple of days. Your dog may enjoy the frozen treat, or you can thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Can Humans Eat These Dog Treats?

Yes, people can eat these dog treats. All the ingredients are safe for human consumption. But I doubt folks would like them. They dont taste as sweet as cookies for people.

Popular Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more yummy homemade treats for your dog? Here are some great ones to make:

Find more easydog treat recipeshere on Spoiled Hounds!

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

Apple Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Homemade dog treats with fresh apple and peanut butter are a tasty snack for your furry friend.

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes Cook Time 20 minutes minutes Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

Treats

1 small Apple
2 Eggs
cup Unsweetened Applesauce
cup Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
2 cups Oat Flour
1 cup Old-fashioned Rolled Oats

Drizzle

1 tablespoon Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Chop the apple into small pieces.
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped apple, eggs, applesauce and peanut butter.
Combine the oat flour and rolled oats in a separate large bowl.
Add the wet ingredient mixture to the dry ingredient mixture and combine well to form a dough.
Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface. Using your hands or a spoon, combine the ingredients until you have a dough. Flatten evenly with your hands or a rolling pin to about to -inch thickness.
Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dog treats and place them on a greased baking sheet or use parchment paper to cover the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool the treats to room temperature either on the baking sheet or a wire rack.
In a small bowl, add peanut butter and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Stir well.
Drizzle the mixture over the treats.