Trying to find an easy, healthy treat that a furry friend will actually get excited about? These puppy protein balls are such a simple solution. They’re quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for pet parents who want to spoil their pups a little (but without all the store-bought junk).
And the best part? No baking needed. Just mix, roll, and store.
So if there’s ever been a time when the pantry had a few dog-friendly ingredients lying around and the urge to make something fun and homemade kicked in, this one’s a great place to start. Dogs tend to love these little protein-packed bites, and making them is honestly half the fun.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (plain, unsweetened)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
- ½ cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Pro Tips
1. Always double check the peanut butter label. Even a little xylitol can be dangerous for dogs. Natural is best—just peanuts and maybe a bit of salt.
2. Match the treat size to the dog. Smaller dogs = smaller bites. Keeps things safe and easy to chew.
3. Let kids help. Rolling out little protein balls is actually a great family activity. It’s simple, a little messy, and super hands-on.
4. Start slow with new ingredients. Not every dog has had pumpkin or oats before. Try giving just one at first to see how they react.
5. Keep them chilled. These store best in the fridge and stay firm and fresh longer that way.
Tools to Have on Hand
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or flat tray
Substitutions and Variations
- No pumpkin? Try mashed sweet potato.
- No oats? Quinoa flakes can work too.
- Want a little crunch? Toss in some finely chopped carrots or apples.
- Need less sugar? Leave out the honey—still delicious without it.
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to get ahead? These can be prepped in bigger batches and frozen. Just shape them, place on a lined tray, freeze for an hour, then store in a sealed container or bag. Pull out a few at a time and thaw in the fridge. Super easy.
How to Make Puppy Protein Balls
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, pumpkin, honey, and cinnamon.
- Mix until everything is fully combined. If it’s too sticky, add a few more oats. If too dry, a spoonful of pumpkin should help.
- Use hands or a small scoop to roll into bite-sized balls.
- Place each one on a parchment-lined tray.
- Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition Info (Per Treat)
Approximate values (will vary slightly)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
These are just rough estimates based on the listed ingredients.
Leftovers & Storage
These protein balls stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If there’s a big batch or they’re not used often, store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw a few at a time when needed.
Signs of spoilage include any odd smell, slimy texture, or visible mold. If anything looks off, best to toss them out.
FAQs
Are these safe for puppies?
Yes, just make sure the size is appropriate and introduce slowly if it’s their first time with these ingredients.
How many treats per day is okay?
It depends on the dog’s size and diet, but these should only make up about 10% of daily calories. When in doubt, check with a vet.
Can crunchy peanut butter be used?
Definitely. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free. Crunchy adds a fun texture.
Can these be baked instead?
They’re meant to be no-bake, but technically, yes. If baking, try 350°F for 10–12 minutes, but the texture will be drier.
Wrapping Up
Looking for a quick win for a pup that deserves something special? These homemade puppy protein balls are such an easy treat to whip up. No stress, minimal mess, and full of good stuff that dogs tend to love.
Once they’re made, come back and share how it went, especially if any new twists were added. Questions, suggestions, or funny puppy reactions are always welcome.
