4.35 351 Published May 08, 2021, Updated Jun 27, 2024 I actually just found out myself a few weeks ago. I got inspired after reading the ingredient list on a few natural treats that I bought for Olive (our 6 pound Yorkshire Terrier) and decided it couldn’t be that hard to make them myself. And it’s not at all! I’m actually worried I might be quickly becoming a crazy dog lady because I’ve already made THREE batches!! Some are for Olive, but I’ll definitely be gifting some to Olive’s friends as well.
Ingredients Needed
The dough can be whipped up in a flash with everyday ingredients you probably have sitting in your pantry right now. Here’s what you need:
whole wheat flour – I like using whole wheat because it’s more nutrient dense, but all-purpose works too. You can also use a gluten-free option like sorghum, oat or garbanzo bean flour if your dog has allergies. creamy peanut butter – this adds healthy fat and flavor. Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t have any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners as these can be toxic to dogs! Look for a brand with only two ingredients: peanuts and salt. unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana – You can use homemade applesauce or store-bought. This adds a little sweetness and helps the dough form together with the added liquid. vegetable, chicken or beef stock – this helps moisten the dough and add a savory flavor that dog’s love. bone shaped cookie cutter – I used this mini bone cookie cutter since Olive is small, but am eyeing this set with a variety of sizes!
Pet Friendly Ingredients
The great part about this recipe is that you know exactly what’s in the treats and you can feel good about the fact that there’s no preservatives, additives or funky ingredients. Peanut butter – Make sure your peanut butter doesn’t include the artificial sweetener xylitol as this is toxic to dogs. To be honest, most peanut butters do not include this ingredient, but always check the ingredient list. Flour – Both all-purpose and whole wheat flour are safe for dogs! If your dog can’t tolerate wheat, you could try rice, sorghum, oat or garbanzo bean flour as well.
How Many Dog Treats Can I Give My Dog?
As with everything in life, moderation is key! I recommend starting by giving your dog a small treat to see if they have any adverse reactions. After determining your dog tolerates the treat well, you can give as often as you see fit.
How Long do Homemade Dog Treats Last?
After allowing these dog treats to cool completely, you can store them at room temp for 3-5 days, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months or freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months). The treats can be served straight from the fridge, but should be thawed for a bit if frozen.
The Perfect Gift!
Homemade dog treats are the perfect gift for dog-lovers. Your friends and family will love that you thought of their furry, four-legged friend and the treats will keep their pets happy for days!
More Dog Treat Recipes to Try:
Pumpkin Dog Treats Dog Ice Cream Dog Birthday Cake
If you make these peanut butter dog treats be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting us know how they turned out for you and how your pup likes them! Your feedback is so helpful for the EBF team and our readers!
