If you’re looking for an easy and healthy treat to spoil your dog, making your own 3 ingredient dog biscuits is a fantastic option. These treats are simple, nutritious, and perfect for dogs of all sizes.
Let me walk you through into the benefits of making homemade dog biscuits and show you exactly how to prepare this easy recipe. Your furry friend will love them, and you’ll have the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside.
Benefits of Making 3 Ingredient Dog Biscuits at Home
Making your own dog treats comes with a variety of benefits. First, it’s a great way to control what goes into your dog’s food.
- Store-bought treats are often loaded with artificial preservatives, chemicals, and even fillers that aren’t healthy for your pet.
- By making dog biscuits at home, you ensure that only the best ingredients are used. Plus, the process of baking for your dog can be a fun bonding activity!
- Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s extremely simple. The three ingredients are natural, wholesome, and nutrient-rich.
- There are no complicated instructions, and you can make a batch in just about an hour.
And with just a few ingredients, you don’t have to worry about a long list of additives or unpronounceable ingredients. This recipe is easy, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re providing your dog with something healthy and delicious.
3 Ingredient Dog Biscuits
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (optional)
- Baking sheet
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1¼ cups hot water. I know I said 3 ingredients but the recipes won’t work without water.
How to Make: Step by Step
Step One: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your biscuits bake evenly and achieve that perfectly golden-brown finish.
Step Two: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir these two ingredients together until they are well combined. The flour acts as the base, providing structure, and the oats will add texture and fiber to the biscuits.
Step Three: Add Peanut Butter and Water
Next, stir in the natural peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. The peanut butter adds a tasty, protein-rich element to the biscuits, and it helps bind the dough together. Gradually add the hot water, mixing it in until a dough forms. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
Step Four: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for a minute or two until it’s smooth. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour. The goal is to have a dough that is easy to roll out and cut.
Step Five: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough is ready, roll it out to about ¼ inch thick using a rolling pin. This thickness ensures that the biscuits are sturdy but not too hard to break.
Step Six: Cut the Biscuits
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. You can choose dog-themed shapes like bones or paws, or you can cut the dough into simple squares if you don’t have cookie cutters on hand. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can also use a sharp knife to cut the dough into desired shapes.
Step Seven: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place your shaped biscuits on a greased baking sheet. Make sure there is enough space between each biscuit so they have room to expand slightly while baking.
Step Eight: Bake the Biscuits
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the biscuits are hard and golden brown. The baking time might vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your biscuits, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Step Nine: Cool Completely
After baking, remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. This ensures that they’re crunchy and easy to break into smaller pieces if needed.
Feeding Size
Offer your dog 1-2 biscuits per day. The size of the biscuit should be adjusted based on the size of your dog. Smaller dogs may prefer smaller treats, while larger dogs can handle a bigger portion. Always remember to factor in your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent overfeeding.
Storage Tips
Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to six months. Just take out the number of biscuits you need and let them thaw before serving.
Nutritional Value Estimated
Nutrient | Amount per Biscuit |
Calories | 50 |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 2g |
Carbohydrates | 7g |
Fiber | 1g |
How This Recipe is Healthy for Your Dog
This 3-ingredient dog biscuit recipe is regarded as healthy for several reasons:
- Whole-Wheat Flour: Whole-wheat flour is an excellent source of fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. It also contains essential B vitamins, such as thiamine and niacin, which are important for your dog’s energy metabolism. Whole-wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates that release energy slowly, keeping your dog feeling full for longer.
- Rolled Oats: Oats are a highly nutritious ingredient in dog treats. They are rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports digestive health. Oats are also known to promote heart health due to their ability to lower cholesterol. They provide sustained energy, making them a great choice for active dogs.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is not only delicious but also rich in protein and healthy fats. Protein supports muscle health, while healthy fats provide long-lasting energy. Peanut butter also contains vitamin E, an important antioxidant that helps boost your dog’s immune system and keeps their coat shiny. Make sure to use xylitol-free peanut butter, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Together, these ingredients create a nutritious, simple treat that you can feel good about feeding your dog. The recipe avoids artificial additives, preservatives, and chemicals commonly found in store-bought biscuits.
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
While this recipe is simple and safe for most dogs, it’s important to take a few safety precautions:
- Check for Food Sensitivities: If your dog has any known food allergies or sensitivities, make sure to consult with your vet before introducing a new treat. For example, some dogs may have trouble digesting wheat, in which case you can substitute the whole-wheat flour with gluten-free flour.
- Limit Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is high in fat and should be given in moderation. Always check the label to ensure it’s xylitol-free. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to hypoglycemia, seizures, or even death.
- Portion Control: These treats are delicious, but it’s important to adjust portions based on your dog’s size and weight. Overfeeding treats, even healthy ones, can lead to weight gain.
Ingredients to Avoid for This Exact Recipe & Any Other One
When making dog treats at home, there are a few ingredients you should always avoid:
- Xylitol: This sweetener, commonly found in sugar-free peanut butter, can cause serious harm to dogs. It can lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, death.
- Raisins and Grapes: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Always avoid any treat recipes that contain raisins or grapes.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Many artificial sweeteners, including sugar alcohols, are harmful to dogs and can cause digestive issues or worse.
- Dough with Yeast: Yeast dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. Always stick to doughs that don’t contain yeast.
By being mindful of these ingredients, you can ensure that the treats you make are both safe and healthy for your dog.
How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made & The Nutrients They Should Have
Healthy dog treats should contain ingredients that support your dog’s overall health. Here are the key nutrients to look for:
- Protein: Dogs need protein for muscle development and repair. Ingredients like peanut butter and rolled oats provide a source of protein that helps keep your dog strong and energetic.
- Fiber: Fiber aids digestion and helps regulate bowel movements. Whole-wheat flour and oats are great sources of fiber, ensuring that your dog’s digestive system runs smoothly.
- Healthy Fats: Fats are essential for energy and coat health. Healthy fats from ingredients like peanut butter provide sustained energy and contribute to a shiny, healthy coat.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Essential vitamins like vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus support your dog’s immune system, bone health, and energy production.
When making dog treats at home, focus on wholesome ingredients that provide these essential nutrients. Avoid artificial additives and preservatives, which can negatively impact your dog’s health over time.
Can I use other types of flour in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the whole-wheat flour with gluten-free flour if your dog has a sensitivity to wheat. Other options like oat flour or rice flour can also work well.
Is it okay to give these treats to puppies?
Yes, as long as your puppy isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients. Just be sure to adjust the size of the biscuits based on the size of your puppy.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?
While this recipe is designed to be simple with just three ingredients, you can add small amounts of dog-safe extras like carrots, pumpkin puree, or unsweetened applesauce for added flavor and nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog biscuits is a rewarding and healthy way to treat your dog. With just three simple ingredients, you can provide your dog with a nutritious snack that supports their overall health.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking today!