7 Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes (3 Ingredients or Less)

Struggling to find quick, healthy treats your dog loves without spending hours in the kitchen? You’re not alone!

Most store-bought dog treats are packed with preservatives, fillers, and mysterious ingredients we can’t even pronounce.

The good news? You can whip up delicious, tail-wagging treats right at home with just a few pantry staples.

These seven peanut butter dog treat recipes are absolute game-changers for busy pet parents. Each one uses three ingredients or less, takes minimal time to prepare, and delivers maximum flavor your pup will go crazy for.

Whether you’re looking for crunchy biscuits, frozen treats for hot days, or quick no-bake energy balls, this collection has you covered.

Plus, making homemade treats means you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body – no questionable additives, just wholesome ingredients.

From puppies to seniors, picky eaters to food enthusiasts, these simple recipes work for dogs of all ages and sizes. Let’s get baking!

Quick Recipe Card

Common Ingredients: Peanut butter (xylitol-free), whole wheat flour, eggs, oats, banana, pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, sweet potato, honey, coconut flour

Average Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Average Cook Time: 12-20 minutes (varies by recipe; some are no-bake)
Total Time: 15-30 minutes per recipe
Yield: 20-40 treats per recipe (depending on size)
Difficulty Level: Easy – Perfect for beginners!

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients & Measurements

Recipe 1 – Classic PB Cookies:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs

Recipe 2 – Frozen PB Banana Bites:

• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

Recipe 3 – PB Oat Energy Balls:

• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons honey

Recipe 4 – PB Sweet Potato Chews:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter

Recipe 5 – PB Coconut Bites:

• ¾ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 1 large egg

Recipe 6 – Frozen PB Yogurt Drops:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter

Recipe 7 – PB Pumpkin Cookies:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Smart Substitutions

For Peanut Allergies: Use sunflower seed butter, almond butter, or cashew butter (ensure all are xylitol-free and salt-free).

Flour Alternatives: Swap whole wheat flour with oat flour, rice flour, or coconut flour (reduce quantity by ¼ cup as coconut flour absorbs more liquid).

Egg Replacements: Use 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg.

⚠️ Critical Safety Warning

ALWAYS check your peanut butter label! Xylitol is an artificial sweetener extremely toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Ensure your peanut butter contains ONLY peanuts (and maybe salt). Avoid brands with added sugars, chocolate, or any sweeteners. Stick to natural, unsalted varieties for the safest option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Recipe 1: Classic PB Cookies

The ultimate crunchy dog biscuit that’s perfect for training or everyday rewards!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup peanut butter with 2 eggs until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually add 2 cups whole wheat flour, stirring until a firm dough forms. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut into shapes using cookie cutters (bone shapes are adorable!).
5. Place treats on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and firm.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving (about 30 minutes).

Pro Tip: For extra-crunchy treats, turn off the oven after baking and leave treats inside for an additional 30 minutes.

Recipe 2: Frozen PB Banana Bites

Perfect for hot summer days or teething puppies – these cool treats are irresistible!

1. Mash 2 ripe bananas thoroughly in a bowl until smooth (some small chunks are fine).
2. Stir in ½ cup peanut butter until completely blended.
3. Spoon mixture into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours until solid.
5. Pop out of molds and serve immediately, or transfer to a freezer bag for storage.

Optional Add-On: Swirl in 2 tablespoons plain yogurt for a creamy twist, or add a few blueberries to each mold for antioxidant benefits.

Recipe 3: PB Oat Energy Balls

No-bake, no-fuss treats ready in minutes – perfect for when you’re short on time!

1. Combine 1 cup peanut butter, 2 cups oats, and 2 tablespoons honey in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until everything sticks together.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your palms (wet hands slightly if mixture is sticky).
4. Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Store in the refrigerator and serve chilled.

Modification Idea: Roll balls in unsweetened shredded coconut or crushed plain Cheerios for a fun coating!

Recipe 4: PB Sweet Potato Chews

Chewy, naturally sweet treats packed with vitamins and fiber!

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) – low and slow is key for these chewy treats.
2. Mix 1 cup mashed sweet potato with ½ cup peanut butter until smooth.
3. Spread mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin layer (about ⅛-inch thick).
4. Bake for 2.5-3 hours until dried and leathery but still pliable.
5. Let cool completely, then cut into strips or bite-sized squares with a pizza cutter.

Storage Note: These are best kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 days due to their chewy texture and moisture content.

Recipe 5: PB Coconut Bites

Grain-free option perfect for dogs with sensitivities – crispy on the outside, tender inside!

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together ¾ cup peanut butter and 1 egg until smooth.
3. Stir in ½ cup coconut flour until a thick dough forms (coconut flour absorbs quickly, so don’t overmix).
4. Roll dough into small ¾-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool completely before serving.

Tip: Coconut flour can be crumbly; if dough won’t hold together, add 1-2 teaspoons of water.

Recipe 6: Frozen PB Yogurt Drops

These probiotic-rich frozen treats support digestion while satisfying sweet cravings!

1. Blend 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup peanut butter until completely smooth.
2. Transfer mixture to a piping bag, plastic bag with corner snipped, or spoon directly.
3. Pipe or spoon small dollops (about 1 teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze for 2-3 hours until completely solid.
5. Transfer frozen drops to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Serving Suggestion: Give 2-3 drops per 20 pounds of body weight as a special treat. These melt quickly, so serve on a washable surface!

Recipe 7: PB Pumpkin Cookies

Packed with fiber and flavor, these autumn-inspired treats work year-round!

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Mix 1 cup pumpkin puree with ½ cup peanut butter until smooth.
3. Gradually fold in 2 cups whole wheat flour until a soft dough forms.
4. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.
5. Arrange on baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and lightly browned.
6. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Special Touch: Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter for festive fall treats, or add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon for extra warmth (cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts).

Storage & Serving Tips

Proper Storage Methods

Room Temperature: Fully baked, dry treats (Recipes 1, 5, 7) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure treats are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Refrigeration: Chewy treats and no-bake recipes (Recipes 3, 4) should be refrigerated in airtight containers for 5-7 days. Frozen treats (Recipes 2, 6) need to remain frozen but can be thawed slightly before serving for easier chewing.

Freezer Storage: ALL recipes freeze beautifully! Place treats in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Flash-freeze treats on a baking sheet first, then transfer to bags to prevent sticking. Thaw refrigerated treats overnight before serving, or give frozen treats straight from the freezer on hot days.

Serving Size Guidelines

Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small treats per day
Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-4 treats per day
Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 4-6 treats per day

Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust meal portions accordingly on treat days. Always supervise your dog during treat time, especially with new recipes, and provide fresh water.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour for wheat flour in these recipes?

Absolutely! Almond flour works well but creates a more delicate, crumbly texture. Use a 1:1 ratio for whole wheat flour, but reduce liquid ingredients slightly (by about 1-2 tablespoons) as almond flour is more absorbent. Coconut flour requires even more adjustment – use only half the amount of regular flour called for and expect a denser result.

Are these recipes safe for puppies?

Yes! Puppies over 8 weeks old can enjoy these treats in small portions. For young puppies (8-16 weeks), break treats into tiny pieces and limit to 1-2 small bites per day. The frozen banana bites are especially great for teething puppies as the cold helps soothe sore gums. Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any digestive upset or allergic reactions.

How can I tell when baked treats are done?

Properly baked dog treats should be firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. They shouldn’t feel soft or doughy in the center. For crunchier treats, they should sound hollow when tapped. If making chewy treats, look for a leathery texture that bends without breaking. When in doubt, bake an extra 3-5 minutes – slightly over-baked treats are safer than under-baked ones that may spoil quickly.

My dog has a peanut allergy. What’s the best substitute?

Sunflower seed butter is the safest, most affordable alternative and has a similar consistency to peanut butter. Look for unsweetened, unsalted varieties. Pumpkin puree can also replace peanut butter in equal amounts for a lower-calorie option, though you may need to add a tablespoon of coconut oil for binding. Avoid macadamia nut butter as macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.

Can I double or triple these recipes for meal prep?

Definitely! These recipes scale beautifully. When doubling or tripling, mix dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients first, then combine for the most even distribution. You may need to work in batches depending on your oven and mixing bowl size. Flash-freeze large batches on baking sheets before transferring to containers, which prevents treats from sticking together.

How do I prevent treats from getting soggy in storage?

Ensure treats are COMPLETELY cool before storing – even slight warmth creates condensation. Add a food-safe silica gel packet (the kind found in store-bought treats) to your storage container to absorb excess moisture. For baked treats, store them in a paper bag for the first 24 hours after cooling, which allows any remaining moisture to escape, then transfer to an airtight container.

What brands of peanut butter do you recommend?

Look for brands with a single ingredient: peanuts. Great options include Adams Natural, Smucker’s Natural, Teddie Natural, or Crazy Richard’s 100% Peanuts. Many store brands also offer natural varieties. Avoid Skippy, Jif, Peter Pan, or any reduced-fat varieties as these often contain added sugars, oils, or potentially harmful additives. When in doubt, read the ingredient label – if it lists anything other than peanuts and maybe salt, skip it!

Conclusion

There you have it – seven incredibly simple, wholesome peanut butter dog treat recipes that’ll make you your pup’s favorite person! Each recipe takes minimal time and effort but delivers maximum tail wags and happy dances. From crunchy training biscuits to frozen summer refreshments, you now have options for every occasion and season.

The best part? You control exactly what goes into your dog’s treats, ensuring they’re getting quality nutrition without mystery ingredients. I encourage you to try all seven recipes and see which ones become your dog’s favorites – every pup has unique preferences! Don’t be surprised if you end up with a regular baking rotation.

I’d love to see your creations! Drop a comment below telling me which recipe you tried first, share photos of your pup enjoying these treats, or let me know any fun modifications you discovered. Your experiences help other dog parents in our community!

Want more homemade dog treat inspiration? Check out my [Sweet Potato Dog Treats], [Grain-Free Pumpkin Dog Biscuits], and [Frozen Watermelon Dog Treats] for even more tail-wagging recipe ideas. And if you’re working on training, don’t miss my guide to [Positive Reinforcement Training with Homemade Treats]!

Happy baking, and give your furry friend an extra treat from me! 🐾