Making homemade dog treats can be a great way to ensure your pet is getting healthy, wholesome snacks. These 3 Ingredient Dog Treats (No Banana) are easy to make, and they contain only natural ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your dog.
I’ll walk you through the process of making these simple, nutritious treats, as well as provide valuable insights on the benefits of the ingredients used and some tips on how to store and serve them.
Why Should You Make These 3-Ingredient Dog Treats?
Homemade dog treats, especially those made with natural ingredients, provide a range of benefits that store-bought treats may not offer. Many commercial dog treats contain preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugars that can harm your dog’s health over time.
By making your own treats, you can ensure that your furry friend is consuming only the best ingredients. Plus, the simplicity of these treats just three ingredients makes them both easy to prepare and affordable.
Let’s dive into the recipe that will have your dog wagging its tail in anticipation.
3 Ingredient Dog Treats (No Banana)
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cookie cutter (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- ½ cup peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup oat flour (or ground oats)
How to Make: Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the treats bake evenly and achieve the perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Puree
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup peanut butter and ½ cup pumpkin puree. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Make sure the peanut butter you use is free of xylitol, as this sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Step 3: Add Oat Flour
Gradually add 1 cup oat flour into the peanut butter and pumpkin mixture. Stir until the dough starts to come together. You want to mix until the dough has a slightly firm consistency. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more oat flour. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a little more pumpkin puree to achieve the right texture.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin (optional) to roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can simply press the dough flat with your hands.
Step 5: Cut Out Treat Shapes
Use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes for the treats. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a knife or even a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles. The size and shape are entirely up to you!
Step 6: Place on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the treats from sticking. Place the cut-out treats on the parchment, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Step 7: Bake the Treats
Bake the treats in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your treats, so keep an eye on them.
Step 8: Let the Treats Cool
After baking, remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This ensures that they harden properly and are safe for your dog to chew.
Feeding Size
For an average-sized dog, 1-2 treats per day is an appropriate serving size. You may need to adjust based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. Larger dogs can have more, while smaller dogs may require fewer treats. Always monitor your dog’s weight and health when feeding treats.
Storage Tips
To keep your homemade dog treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate the treats, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the treats if you prefer, ensuring that your dog has a ready supply whenever you need them.
Nutritional Value Estimated
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat |
| Calories | 45 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Ingredient Benefits: Why This Recipe Is Healthy for Your Dog
Let’s break down the health benefits of the ingredients in these 3 Ingredient Dog Treats to understand why this recipe is such a healthy option for your furry friend.
- Peanut Butter:
- Nutritional Benefit: Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, which provide your dog with energy and help support muscle health. It also contains vitamins like Vitamin B (important for nerve function) and Vitamin E (an antioxidant that helps protect cells).
- Considerations: Be sure to use unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter, as xylitol can be toxic to dogs.
- Pumpkin Puree:
- Nutritional Benefit: Pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion in dogs. It’s also rich in Vitamin A (important for eye health) and Vitamin C (boosts immune system function). This ingredient can also help regulate bowel movements and support a healthy weight in dogs.
- Considerations: Use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which may contain added sugars and spices harmful to dogs.
- Oat Flour:
- Nutritional Benefit: Oats are an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Oats are also naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a great option for dogs with gluten sensitivities. Oats contain a range of important minerals, including iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are beneficial for overall health.
- Considerations: If your dog has a gluten sensitivity, make sure to use certified gluten-free oat flour.
Together, these three ingredients create a healthy, balanced treat that is free from preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients commonly found in commercial dog treats.
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
When making homemade dog treats, safety is always a priority. Here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid Xylitol: Always check the label on peanut butter to ensure it does not contain xylitol, as this sweetener is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Monitor Serving Size: While these treats are healthy, they should still be given in moderation. Too many treats, even healthy ones, can lead to an upset stomach or weight gain.
- Check Ingredients: Always check all ingredients to ensure they are safe for your dog, especially if they have allergies or sensitivities.
Ingredients to Avoid for This Exact Recipe & Any Other One
When making dog treats, there are certain ingredients you should always avoid to ensure your dog’s safety. For this specific recipe and others, make sure not to use:
- Xylitol: As mentioned, this artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate: Even small amounts of chocolate can cause serious harm to dogs.
- Grapes and Raisins: Both of these can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: These can cause digestive upset and damage red blood cells in dogs.
- Artificial Sweeteners or Preservatives: Always choose natural, unprocessed ingredients for your dog’s treats.
How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made & What Nutrients They Should Contain
Healthy dog treats should be made with natural ingredients that contribute to your dog’s overall health. The best dog treats:
- Provide Nutrients: They should contain beneficial nutrients like protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. These help with your dog’s digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.
- Avoid Additives: Artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners like xylitol can be harmful to your dog.
- Be Tailored to Your Dog’s Needs: If your dog has food sensitivities or health conditions (like allergies or weight issues), make sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly.
Can I substitute oat flour with another flour?
Yes! You can substitute oat flour with whole wheat flour or rice flour, but make sure your dog is not sensitive to gluten if you choose the latter.
Can I add any other ingredients to these treats?
Yes, you can add unsweetened applesauce or carrot puree for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure the added ingredients are safe for dogs.
How long will these treats stay fresh?
These treats stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Making your own dog treats at home is a great way to provide healthy, wholesome snacks that are free from artificial additives.
These 3 Ingredient Dog Treats (No Banana) are not only simple to make but also packed with nutritional benefits for your dog.
Give this recipe a try, and treat your furry friend to something they’ll love and that’s good for them too!
