Peanut Butter Dog Treats Without Flour are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for your furry friend. Even if your dog is sensitive to grains, or you simply prefer a flour-free option, these treats will give your dog a tasty snack without compromising their health.
In this article, you’ll learn about 3 different recipes for peanut butter-based dog treats, all without flour. Not only will you get detailed, easy-to-follow instructions, but we’ll also share storage tips, nutritional information, and the best ways to serve them to your pet.
Recipe 1: Peanut Butter and Banana Bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for extra moisture)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Mash the Banana: Start by peeling the ripe banana and mashing it with a fork until it becomes smooth. The banana will add moisture and a natural sweetness to the treats, which your dog will love.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the mashed banana and peanut butter. Stir them together until well combined.
- Add Oats: Next, add in the rolled oats to the mixture. The oats will help bind the dough together and give the treats texture.
- Form the Treats: If the mixture is too sticky, add a bit more oats to make it easier to work with. Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the banana peanut butter balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool Down: Once baked, remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
- Small dogs: 1-2 bites per serving
- Large dogs: 2-3 bites per serving
Storage Tips:
Store these treats in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated:
- Calories per treat: 40-50 kcal (depending on the size)
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 2: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Poppers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Mix Peanut Butter and Pumpkin: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and canned pumpkin puree. Stir well until both ingredients are completely blended.
- Add the Egg: Crack an egg into the mixture and whisk it in. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, adding structure to the treat.
- Incorporate Oats: Add the rolled oats to the bowl. The oats will help the treats maintain a chewy consistency while keeping them healthy for your dog.
- Shape the Dough: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out small amounts of the dough and roll them into small balls or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Bake the Treats: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the dough balls or cut-out shapes on the sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm.
- Cool Completely: Let the treats cool on a wire rack before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
- Small dogs: 1-2 poppers per serving
- Large dogs: 2-4 poppers per serving
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freezing is also an option for long-term storage (up to 3 months).
Nutrition Values Calculated:
- Calories per treat: 30-40 kcal (depending on size)
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 3: Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato Chews
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
How to Make Step by Step:
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Wash and peel the sweet potato, then cut it into thin, even slices. This will ensure they bake evenly.
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they are soft and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dip: While the sweet potato is cooling, melt the coconut oil and mix it with the peanut butter. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Dip the Sweet Potato: Once the sweet potato slices have cooled to room temperature, dip each slice into the peanut butter mixture. This adds a flavorful and healthy topping that your dog will love.
- Serve: Let the peanut butter-coated sweet potato chews set before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
- Small dogs: 1-2 chews per serving
- Large dogs: 2-3 chews per serving
Storage Tips:
Store these chews in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Nutrition Values Calculated:
- Calories per chew: 60-80 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
Important Insights About Homemade Dog Treats
Before you dive into making homemade dog treats, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Making treats at home gives you full control over what your dog is eating. However, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure your treats are nutritious and safe for your dog.
1. Always Use Dog-Safe Ingredients
Not all ingredients are safe for dogs. When making homemade treats, always ensure that the ingredients are dog-friendly. For example, avoid using xylitol in peanut butter or any sweeteners. Stick to simple, whole foods like bananas, pumpkins, oats, and peanut butter.
2. Watch for Food Sensitivities
Just like humans, dogs can have sensitivities to certain ingredients. If your dog has any known allergies or intolerances, make sure to avoid those ingredients in your homemade treats. Always introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions.
3. Limit High-Fat Ingredients
While peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, it should be used in moderation. Too many high-fat treats can lead to weight gain or digestive upset. Keep portion sizes reasonable, especially if your dog has a smaller frame or is less active.
4. Balance Treats with Regular Diet
Homemade treats should be an addition to your dog’s balanced diet, not a replacement for their regular meals. Be mindful of your dog’s daily caloric intake and adjust their regular food portions if you’re giving them treats regularly.
5. Consider Your Dog’s Size
Smaller dogs should get smaller treats to avoid overfeeding, while larger dogs can handle slightly bigger portions. Always ensure that the size of the treat is appropriate for your dog’s size and weight.
Can I make these peanut butter dog treats without coconut oil?
Yes, you can skip the coconut oil if you prefer. It’s primarily used to add moisture and richness to the treats, but the recipes will work without it as well.
How do I know if peanut butter is safe for my dog?
Always use peanut butter that does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients (just peanuts and salt) is the safest option.
Can I use other ingredients instead of banana or pumpkin?
Absolutely! You can substitute ingredients like applesauce, sweet potato puree, or even carrots depending on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
How can I tell if the treats are fully cooked?
The treats should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they’re too soft, they may need a few more minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Homemade peanut butter dog treats are an easy and enjoyable way to treat your dog without using any flour. Whether you choose the banana bites, pumpkin poppers, or sweet potato chews, your dog will love these healthy, delicious treats.
Just remember to stick to safe ingredients, keep portion sizes in mind, and store your treats properly for maximum freshness.
Go ahead and whip up a batch of these tasty treats for your dog today, and watch them enjoy every bite!
