Making homemade dog treats can be such a fun and rewarding experience—especially when it’s something as adorable (and naturally colorful) as beet cookies. These little pink-hued bites are a super simple way to spoil a furry friend with something both tasty and nutritious.
They’re made with just a few wholesome ingredients that most dogs already love, and the beets give them their pretty look without any artificial coloring. It’s also a great recipe to get the kids involved with.
Rolling out the dough and cutting fun shapes can turn into a quick little family project that ends in tail wags and happy barks.
And the best part? No complicated steps or special equipment needed. Just a few basics, a little time, and there’ll be a fresh batch of homemade beet cookies ready to go.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and pureed beets (about 1 large beet)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free only)
- 2 large eggs
Tools
- Food processor or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (any shape works, but heart or bone shapes are extra cute)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Pro Tips for a Smoother Experience
- Test Beet Tolerance First Always a good idea to offer a small piece of beet on its own first. Some dogs might not be into the flavor, and it’s helpful to know that before baking a full batch.
- Make It Kid-Friendly Get the kids involved in cutting out shapes or mixing dough. It’s an easy and fun baking project that turns into a treat for the family dog.
- Size to Fit Your Dog Use smaller cookie cutters for tiny breeds or training treats, and go with bigger shapes for larger dogs. Helps with portion control too.
- Crispy or Soft—It’s Up to You For crunchier cookies, bake a few extra minutes. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
- Perfect Gift for Dog Parents Wrap a handful of cookies in a cute little bag with a bow, and they make the sweetest homemade gifts for any dog owner.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour Swap Gluten-sensitive pups? Use oat flour or rice flour instead of whole wheat.
- Add a Breath Freshener Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint to help freshen doggy breath.
- Touch of Sweetness A small spoon of honey can add a gentle sweetness if preferred.
- More Texture? Chia seeds or flaxseed can be tossed in for added fiber and crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
The dough can be prepped in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it rest at room temp for about 15 minutes before rolling out.
How to Make Beet Cookies for Dogs
- Preheat Oven Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Beets Cook the beet until fork-tender, then puree until smooth in a blender or food processor.
- Mix Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, stir together beet puree, peanut butter, and eggs until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients Add the flour and oats gradually to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Roll Out Dough Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut and Arrange Use cookie cutters to make shapes, then place on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake Bake for 15–20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Completely Let cookies cool fully before giving them to any pups.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Fridge: Keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Store in freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can canned beets be used? Yes—as long as they’re unsalted and don’t contain additives. Give them a good rinse before pureeing.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs? Yes, but it must be xylitol-free. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and should always be avoided.
Can these be made gluten-free? Definitely. Just substitute whole wheat flour with oat, coconut, or rice flour.
How many cookies should dogs have per day? Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Always adjust based on the dog’s size and activity level.
Final Words
These beet cookies are such a fun and nourishing way to treat dogs to something homemade. They’re easy, colorful, and made from ingredients that are simple but packed with goodness. Perfect for everyday snacks, training treats, or special occasions.
Try them out and share how they turned out down in the comments—along with any creative shapes or ingredient twists that worked well!