Dog parents, listen up! Ditch those expensive store-bought treats and get ready to become your pup’s favorite baker. These homemade peanut butter oat treats are about to revolutionize your treat jar game—and your dog’s tail-wagging intensity.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of treats that are both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for everything from training rewards to “just because” treats, these biscuits are guaranteed to have your furry friend performing every trick in their repertoire.
Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients you can actually pronounce—unlike whatever “meat by-product” means on those store-bought labels.
Let’s get baking!
Homemade Peanut Butter Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients:
To make these delicious dog treats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 cup water (adjust to get the right dough consistency)
Bonus/Optional Ingredients:
- 1 tsp honey for a little natural sweetness
or - ½ mashed banana for an extra flavor boost
Oven Method:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and water, stirring until smooth. If you’re adding the honey or mashed banana, mix it in now.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat flour and oats to the wet mixture. Stir until it forms a thick dough. You can adjust the water if needed, depending on how sticky or dry the dough feels.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls or flatten into cookie shapes. You can also roll out the dough and cut it into shapes if you want to get creative.
- Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until they’re firm and slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and Store: Let the treats cool completely before offering them to your dog. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Prepare Dough: Follow the same steps as above to mix the dough and shape the treats.
- Air Fry: Arrange the treats in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool before serving, and store them in the fridge or freezer for freshness.
Benefits of Peanut Butter and Oats for Dogs
Peanut Butter is not just a tasty treat for dogs—it’s also a great source of protein and healthy fats, which can help support your dog’s coat and overall energy levels. Just be sure to use a peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Oats are a gentle source of fiber, which can aid in digestion and keep your dog feeling full and satisfied. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s diet.
Feeding Guidelines
While your dog will likely love these treats, it’s important to offer them in moderation. For small dogs, 1-2 treats a day is enough, while larger dogs can enjoy 2-3.
Always keep treats to about 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake, and introduce any new ingredients gradually to make sure they agree with your pup.
Tips for Customizing
- Adding Ingredients: If you want to make the treats a little sweeter, you can use ½ mashed banana or a teaspoon of honey. It adds a natural flavor that dogs love.
- Adjust the Texture: If you prefer softer treats, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. For a crunchier texture, bake for the full 30 minutes or even slightly longer.
- Crunch Factor: If your dog loves an extra crunchy treat, you can sprinkle some ground flaxseed into the dough. It adds a slight nutty flavor and gives the treats a firmer texture once baked.
Wrapping it Up
There’s something extra satisfying about making your own dog treats, and these peanut butter oat ones are a perfect blend of simple and wholesome.
Not only do you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s snacks, but you also get to enjoy the process of creating something your pup will love.
With a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a treat that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether it’s for training, rewards, or just because, your dog will definitely be looking forward to these!