Trying to find an easy, homemade dog treat that’s actually healthy and pup-approved? These peanut butter cookies for dogs are the perfect answer.
They’re soft enough for most pups to enjoy, simple to whip up with just a few pantry staples, and a great way to know exactly what’s going into those wag-worthy snacks. Plus, this is the kind of recipe that makes tails wag before they even hit the oven.
Also, this one’s super fun for families. Kids can help roll out the dough or use cookie cutters in cute shapes. (Think bones, paws, or even hearts!)
So if the pup’s been extra sweet lately (or just extra cute), this is the perfect little recipe to treat them right.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it does not contain xylitol)
- 1½ cups hot water
Pro Tips
Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind when making these for the first time — especially in a busy household with little hands and four-legged snack testers around.
- Always check the label. Not all peanut butters are dog-friendly. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so double-check that it’s not in the ingredient list.
- Let the kids take over. This recipe is an easy one to get kids involved with. Cookie cutting duty? Official dough roller? Little ones will love being part of it.
- Make them cute. Bone and paw print cookie cutters are adorable and make treat time more fun — even for the humans.
- Go for crunchy or soft. Bake longer for a crispier cookie, or shave off a few minutes for something softer and easier on older pups’ teeth.
- Make extra for later. These store well, so doubling the batch is always a solid move.
Tools You’ll Need
Just a few basics for this one — nothing fancy.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional, but fun!)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Variations
Need to switch things up or work with what’s in the pantry? Here are a few easy swaps:
- No wheat? Use oat flour or rice flour instead for a gentler option on sensitive tummies.
- Add-ins welcome. A little unsweetened pumpkin purée or some finely shredded carrot can be mixed in for extra nutrients.
- No cookie cutters? Just roll the dough into small balls and flatten with a fork. Super simple.
Make Ahead Tips
Want to prep a little in advance? The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to bake, just let it sit at room temp for about 15–20 minutes before rolling and cutting.
How to Make Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour and oats. Add in the peanut butter and hot water. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.
- Roll and cut. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thick. Use cookie cutters or form small discs by hand.
- Bake. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and hard.
- Cool completely before letting pups dig in.
Nutrition Breakdown (per cookie – estimate only)
- Calories: ~130
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2–3g (from natural peanut butter and oats)
Note: Always serve treats in moderation, especially for smaller dogs.
Leftovers and Storage
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 2 months in a sealed container.
- Freezer: Keeps well for up to 8 months. Just thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can crunchy peanut butter be used? Yes! Just make sure it’s xylitol-free and the peanut bits aren’t too large for the size of the dog.
How many cookies does this make? Around 6 dozen small cookies, depending on the cutter size.
Are these safe for puppies? They’re generally safe, but always introduce new treats slowly and watch for any signs of sensitivity.
Ready to Spoil the Pup?
Homemade treats are such a sweet way to show love — and these peanut butter dog cookies check every box. Simple to make, full of good stuff, and pup-approved. Once they’ve cooled, watch those ears perk up and the excitement kick in.
Try out the recipe, share how it went in the comments, and drop any questions if something comes up!
