A quick, easy treat your pup will love—no oven required!
Sometimes your pup deserves a treat now—not after an hour of baking and cooling. That’s where these No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Cookies come in.
They’re super delicious, and made with just a few pantry staples, making them perfect for quick rewards, training sessions, or a grab-and-go fridge snack your dog will love.
No oven, no problem!
Why You’ll Love No-Bake Dog Treats
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Wholesome, dog-safe ingredients
- Freezer-friendly and fridge-stable
- Great texture for dogs of all ages
No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Cookies Recipe
For this simple yet delicious dog treats recipe, you’ll only need 3 ingredients:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose / Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 cup pumpkin purée | Adds fiber, moisture, and digestive support |
| 4 tbsps natural peanut butter | Protein, healthy fats, and a flavor dogs love (xylitol-free) |
| 3 cups rolled oats (divided) | Fiber-rich base that helps bind the treats and add texture |
Make sure the peanut butter is unsweetened and contains no xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée and peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the moist base that holds the treats together.
2. Add the Oats
Start by adding 2½ cups of the oats to the bowl. Stir until everything is fully combined and the mixture becomes thick and slightly sticky.
You’re aiming for a dough-like consistency—firm enough to roll into balls, but still moist enough to hold together.
Too sticky? Sprinkle in a bit more oats. Too dry? Add a splash of water or an extra spoonful of pumpkin.
3. Roll the Treats
Use a spoon or small cookie scoop to portion the dough, then shape it into your desired form—small balls (Snicker’s favorite), patties, or even fun shapes like bones or hearts. If making balls, roll them gently between your palms for a smooth finish. For patties, flatten the portions slightly between your hands or on a surface.
4. Coat with Oats
If you’d like an extra oat coating, spread the remaining ½ cup of oats on a plate or shallow bowl. Lightly press each treat into the oats, covering the surface for added texture and to reduce stickiness. Skip this step if you prefer a softer treat or a different shape that doesn’t coat well.
5. Chill to Firm
Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until they’re firm and easy to handle.
Storage Tips
Store the finished treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge or give them frozen on warm days for a cool treat.
These hold their shape well, even after freezing, and are perfect to keep on hand for quick grab-and-go snacks.
Feeding Guidelines
These no-bake dog cookies are a tasty, nutrient-rich treat—but like any snack, they should be offered in moderation. These soft, chewy bites are meant to supplement your dog’s diet, not replace regular meals.
The number of treats you offer should be based on your dog’s size, daily activity level, and how many other treats they’ve had that day.
Even healthy, homemade options like these shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily calories.
Tips for Success
- Use rolled oats, not quick oats or steel-cut—they give the best chewy texture.
- If your peanut butter is very thick, warm it slightly before mixing for easier stirring.
- Want a firmer chew? Pop the finished treats in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Make smaller bites for training treats or small-breed dogs by rolling into ½-inch treats.
- Add-ins like ground flaxseed or shredded carrot (in small amounts) can boost nutrition.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of chilling them?
Yes! If you want a firmer texture or a more biscuit-like treat, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Let them cool fully before serving.
Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No—pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sugars that aren’t safe for dogs. Be sure to use 100% plain pumpkin purée with no added ingredients.
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are best for this recipe—they provide the right chew and structure. Quick oats can make the mixture mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften properly without cooking.
Final Words
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Dog Cookies are a fast, fuss-free way to treat your dog to something special. With just a few ingredients and no oven time, they’re perfect for busy dog parents and hungry pups alike.
Snickers gives them two paws up—and I love having a homemade option ready to go whenever he deserves a little something extra.