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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 haven’t purchased store-bought dog treats since, well…since …well…several 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.
Table of Contents
I can’t believe it’s 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. It’s not a coincidence that dogs readily take their medicine if tucked into a spoonful of peanuts; dogs love peanut butter.
Flora says…”Just ensure that you avoid peanut butter with added sugar, xylitol, or salt; look for natural peanut butter.” Pups don’t need any of those additives!
3 Simple Ingredients
You’ll 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 didn’t 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 post’s 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 dog’s 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. It’s 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 dog’s 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, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your dog’s 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 dog’s daily caloric intake. It’s 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.
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using cookie cutters
You can cut these in any shape you choose. I’m partial to the heart or dog bone, but there are other cute dog-themed cookie cutters.
for your pup’s treats
- Stainless Steel
- 5 different sizes
- Sturdy and hold their shape
Looking for more dog treat recipes?
I’ve got you covered! Pumpkin (or other soft fruits or vegetables) shines in these Pumpkin Dog Treats; this post also discusses grain substitutions.
If your pups love cheese, they will love these Cheddar Cheese Dog Treats.
And these simple, one-ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Chews couldn’t be easier.
Or, you can head over to see all our dog treat recipes in one place!
3 Ingredient Dog Treats
Lynn
3 simple ingredients come together to make these yummy dog treats.
4.49 from 200 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Active Time 7 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 7 minutes mins
Yield 50 dog cookies
Equipment
Dehydrator optional, can use oven that goes down to 250℉
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°F
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.
Notes
Avoid peanut butter with xylitol.
Nutrition
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
Keyword dog, treats
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