You ever feel like your dog deserves a little something extra?
Like, yes, they have toys. Yes, they get walks. Yes, they stole your spot on the couch five minutes ago and are now snoring loudly like rent is free (it is). But maybe… just maybe… they also deserve a treat that was made just for them.
This is where these 3-ingredient peanut butter dog treats come in.
They’re simple. They’re wholesome. And they’re made with things you probably already have in your kitchen right now. No added junk. No weird mystery fillers. Just good stuff your dog will devour.
So if you’ve got 25 minutes and a pup who loves peanut butter (so… all of them?), you’re going to want to make these.
Let’s do it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for the base recipe:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free — that part is super important)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
Optional:
- A tablespoon or two of water if your dough ends up crumbly
- A pinch of cinnamon (totally optional, but safe in small amounts and smells amazing when baked)
That’s it. Just three main ingredients and you’re on your way to treat-making greatness.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard for this recipe. Here’s what to grab:
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin (or improvise with a glass bottle)
- Cookie cutter (bone shapes are fun, but any shape works)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (or a silicone baking mat)
If you want to be extra, you can also use a cooling rack. But honestly, the counter works just fine.
Pro Tips
Here are a few quick tips that’ll make your dog treat adventure smoother:
1. Read the peanut butter label
Not all peanut butter is created equal. You want to use one that’s natural and doesn’t contain xylitol (which is highly toxic to dogs). Even better if the ingredients list just says “peanuts” and maybe “salt.” That’s the good stuff.
2. Adjust as needed
The dough should be firm but easy to roll out. If it feels dry and crumbly, add a tiny splash of water (start with a tablespoon). If it’s sticky, dust it with a little extra flour. It’s not fancy, but it works.
3. Keep it thin
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner dough means crunchier treats and a faster bake time. Plus, they’ll last longer for storage.
4. Cool completely before storing
Hot treats straight from the oven smell amazing, but don’t toss them in a jar or bag until they’re fully cooled. That’s how you avoid soggy or moldy snacks later.
5. Freeze half the batch
These treats freeze beautifully. If you have a smaller dog or just want them to last longer, pop half in a freezer-safe bag and keep them on hand for weeks.
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s say you want to mix things up. Here’s what’s possible:
No whole wheat flour?
Try oat flour or rice flour instead. Both are dog-friendly and work well. Just keep in mind that textures might shift slightly, so you may need to play with the water-to-flour ratio a bit.
No egg?
Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Both work well as binders and give a subtle sweet flavor your dog will love.
Want to get fancy?
You can toss in a spoonful of pumpkin purée, finely shredded carrots, or even a few blueberries for a little extra flair. Just don’t overdo it — too much moisture and your dough will start falling apart.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can totally prep ahead. Here’s how:
- Make the dough and keep it covered in the fridge for up to two days.
- Or roll and cut out the treats, then freeze the raw shapes flat on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container. When ready to bake, just add a couple extra minutes to the time.
This is especially handy if you like to batch cook or you’re trying to get ahead before a busy week.
How to Make the Treats
Here’s the full step-by-step breakdown. Nothing fancy — just easy and straightforward.
Step 1: Preheat
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a bowl, stir together the peanut butter, flour, and egg. Use a spatula or just dig in with your hands if needed. Add a splash of water if it’s too dry.
Step 3: Roll the dough
Dust your counter (or use parchment paper) and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Cut the shapes
Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. If you don’t have one, just use a knife or the rim of a small glass to cut circles. Dogs don’t care about shapes — they just want snacks.
Step 5: Bake
Place the treats on your lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes. They should be lightly golden and slightly firm.
Step 6: Cool completely
Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack or your countertop. Make sure they’re totally cool before storing or serving.
Leftovers and Storage
You’ve got options:
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw for a few minutes before serving.
They’ll smell like peanut butter cookies, so maybe label them clearly unless you want a confused spouse taking a bite.
Additional Tips and Info
Nutritional Snapshot (per small treat)
Rough estimate only, based on typical ingredient brands and portion sizes:
- Calories: ~35–40
- Protein: ~1.5g
- Fat: ~2.5g
- Carbs: ~3.5g
Obviously, these are for treats — not meal replacements. Always give in moderation based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Diet-Friendly Swaps
- Gluten-free dogs: Use oat or rice flour
- Low-fat diet: Try powdered peanut butter reconstituted with water
- Sensitive stomachs: Go easy on add-ins and avoid spices or oils
What to Serve Them With
These are great for:
- Training sessions
- Crumbling over kibble
- Tucking into puzzle toys
- Bribing your dog into the bath (works like a charm)
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, as long as it’s free from xylitol and added sugars. Chunky peanut butter just adds texture.
Can I make this without flour? It’s possible, but trickier. You’d need something like rolled oats or coconut flour, and the measurements will shift. For best results, stick with a flour-based recipe.
How many treats should I give my dog per day? Depends on size and activity level. Small dogs = 1 treat a day. Medium to large = 2 to 3. As always, moderation is key.
Can I eat one? Technically yes. They’re made with regular food ingredients. But they’re bland. Your dog will be thrilled. You… probably not so much.
Wrap Up
There’s something really sweet about making your dog a homemade treat.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t need to be perfect. But when you hand it over and they sit, wag, or try to take it before you even finish saying “good boy” or “good girl” — it just hits different.
So go ahead and try these 3-ingredient peanut butter dog treats. They’re easy, fast, and a fun way to show your pup a little extra love.
And if you make them, let me know how it went! Share your experience, your pup’s reaction, or any fun variations you tried in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
