You know that waggy-tail look your dog gives when they smell something yummy? π Well, get ready to see it on repeat, because today, I’m showing you how to make the most delicious, healthy, and vet-approved vegan peanut butter dog treats—that YOU can feel good about feeding your furry best friend. πΎπ
These aren’t just your average DIY dog biscuits. Nope! π These are nutrient-packed, protein-rich, and made with wholesome ingredients that support your dog’s skin, coat, digestion, and energy.
Plus, they’re easy to make at home and budget-friendly—what’s not to love? Let’s jump into the chewy goodness! πͺπ
Why This Specific Recipe is Worth Making π―π
Let me tell you why this recipe is about to become your go-to! β¨
β Vet-Approved Ingredients: Every component has been tested, proven safe, and approved by experts. Weβre talking real ingredients from trusted sources like V-Dog, PETA, and Elephantastic Vegan.
β Nutritionally Complete: This treat isnβt just about flavor—itβs packed with healthy fats, omega-3s, fiber, protein, and essential carbs that support your dog’s well-being. β€οΈ
β Gluten-Free Options: Whether your pup’s tummy is sensitive or you just want to avoid common allergens, this recipe can be adapted with safe, gluten-free flours like oat, chickpea, and brown rice flour.
β Budget-Friendly: You’ll get a whole bag of treats from just a few dollars’ worth of ingredients! π Why spend $20 on store-bought when you can DIY at home for less?
π§ Recipe: Perfect Vegan Peanut Butter Dog Treats
β± Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
π§° Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl π₯£
- Measuring cups and spoons π
- Rolling pin or bottle
- Cookie cutters (or a cup for round shapes) πͺ
- Baking sheet + parchment paper π§Ύ
- Oven or dehydrator π₯
Alternatives: No cookie cutters? Use a butter knife to cut squares or go rustic with hand-rolled balls! βπ‘
π Ingredients Needed:
Each one of these ingredients has a job to do—and brings benefits to your dog’s diet! πͺπ
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free) π₯ – Healthy fat + protein
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree π – Fiber + beta-carotene for digestion and immune support
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce π – Natural binder + vitamins A & C
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseeds π± – Omega-3 fatty acids + minerals
- 1 3/4 cup oat flour πΎ – Easy-to-digest carb + fiber source
- 1/2 cup rolled oats π₯ – Texture + slow-burning energy
- 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional) – Antioxidants + more Omega-3s
Allergy Substitutes:
- Use chickpea flour or brown rice flour instead of oat if your pup is grain-sensitive.
- Swap applesauce for mashed banana if needed π
πͺ How Many Treats Will You Get?
With this exact recipe, I made around 35–40 medium-sized bone-shaped treats, or one full quart-sized bag π—enough to last a small dog a couple of weeks if stored properly.
If you use small cookie cutters, you’ll get up to 50 bite-sized training treats! πΎ
π©π³ Follow This Steps Closely To Make This Treat
πΉ First Step: Mix the Wet Ingredients π¦
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and unsweetened applesauce. Stir them together until smooth and creamy. π This forms the flavorful, nutrient-rich base your pup will LOVE.
πΉ Second Step: Add Nutritional Boosters π₯
Stir in the ground flaxseeds and optional chia seeds. These tiny superfoods are loaded with Omega-3s and help bind the dough, adding texture and health benefits.
πΉ Third Step: Fold in the Dry Ingredients πΎ
Slowly add your oat flour and mix until a dough begins to form. If it’s too wet, add a little more oat flour a tablespoon at a time. Then mix in your rolled oats for added crunch and slow-digesting energy.
πΉ Fourth Step: Roll and Cut the Dough βοΈ
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Now comes the fun part—cut them into cute shapes! πΆ
Use bone-shaped cookie cutters, stars, or hearts—or get creative and make your pup’s initials! π
πΉ Fifth Step: Bake It! π₯
Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden-brown and firm.
Want extra crunch? Turn off the oven and let the treats sit inside as it cools down. You can also dehydrate them for extra shelf-life!
π½ Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats
Not every dog should get the same size treat! Here’s a helpful guide:
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 small treats per day
- Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–3 treats per day
- Large Dogs (50+ lbs): Up to 4 treats per day
β οΈ Remember, these are treats, not a meal replacement.
π§ͺ Nutritional Values Estimated
Here’s what your pup gets in every bite-sized treat:
- Protein: Thanks to peanut butter & flaxseeds ππͺ
- Healthy Fats: From flaxseeds, chia seeds, and peanut butter
- Carbohydrates: Oat flour and rolled oats give energy
- Fiber: From pumpkin, oats, and applesauce—great for digestion!
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For coat health and inflammation support
β Dietary Suitability Checklist:
Diet Type | Suitable? |
---|---|
π₯¦ Vegan | β Yes |
πΎ Grain-Free (with swaps) | β If modified |
β Low-Fat | β No – Contains healthy fats |
π§Ό Hypoallergenic | β If customized |
π§ Storage Tips
These homemade goodies don’t have preservatives, so you’ll want to store them correctly.
π¦ Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?
- Room Temp (airtight container): Up to 5–7 days
- Refrigerated: 2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw before serving) βοΈ
π‘ Tips for Perfecting This Treat
- Don’t overbake—especially if using almond or chickpea flour. They get dry fast.
- Use natural peanut butter that’s runny—it mixes easier!
- Add a pinch of cinnamon (just a tiny bit!) for added flavor & antioxidant boost πΏ
- For picky eaters, drizzle a little coconut oil on top before baking π₯₯
β οΈ Safety Notes: Things to Keep in Mind
Always read the label on your peanut butter. β
Never use brands with Xylitol, a common sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. Double-check even if it says “natural.”
β Safe Swaps for Ingredients Used in This Recipe:
Original Ingredient | Safe Substitute |
---|---|
Peanut Butter | Almond butter (unsweetened) |
Oat Flour | Chickpea or brown rice flour |
Pumpkin Puree | Sweet potato or banana |
Applesauce | Mashed banana or pear puree |
π± The Health Benefits of Main Ingredients in the Treat
- Peanut Butter: Healthy fats, protein, niacin
- Pumpkin: Aids digestion, rich in fiber and vitamin A
- Applesauce: Natural sweetness, boosts immune function
- Oats & Oat Flour: High in fiber, gentle on the tummy
- Flaxseed & Chia Seeds: Rich in omega-3s, great for skin/coat
- Rolled Oats: Provides energy and regulates digestion
πΆ My Pup’s Reaction (and Yours Will Be Similar!)
When I baked the first batch, my pup came running into the kitchen, tail wagging, nose in the air, and eyes locked on the oven. ππ₯
He absolutely devoured the treats—and then gave me the βdo-it-againβ eyes. ππ
Yours might sniff, nibble, or gobble, but every dog I’ve tested this recipe on LOVES it. Bonus: Their tummies stayed happy, and their energy stayed high!
π§ Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs
Veterinarians commonly recommend pumpkin, peanut butter, oats, and flaxseeds for dogs with:
- Sensitive digestion
- Allergies to animal proteins
- Inflammatory issues (thanks Omega-3!)
- Low energy or brittle coats
Every single ingredient in this recipe has been vetted by pros and pet parents alike. β
π Trouble Shooting: Recipe Didnβt Work After Following Guide Above?
- Dough too sticky? Add more oat flour a little at a time
- Dough too dry? Add 1 tbsp of water or applesauce
- Didn’t rise or crisp? These are biscuits, not cakes—crispness comes from baking longer
- Treats too hard? Reduce baking time or add more pumpkin for softness
π©Ί Health Concerns You Should Note
- Avoid Xylitol at ALL COSTS
- Avoid high-fat additions like coconut oil in excess if your dog is overweight
- Don’t add salt, sugar, or any artificial flavorings
- Always introduce new treats slowly to monitor reactions
πΈ Cost: How Affordable is This Recipe?
Here’s the breakdown based on April 2025 Amazon prices:
Ingredient | Price |
---|---|
Peanut Butter (16 oz) | $4.50 |
Pumpkin Puree (15 oz) | $2.00 |
Oat Flour (32 oz) | $6.00 |
Rolled Oats (42 oz) | $5.00 |
Applesauce (46 oz) | $3.00 |
Flaxseed (16 oz) | $4.00 |
TOTAL: ~$24.50
But here’s the thing: You’ll get at least 3–4 batches from this list. That’s cheaper than a $15 bag of store-bought treats that lasts a week!
π Convenience: How Simple is it to Make This Recipe?
Super simple! No fancy mixers, no weird steps. You mix, roll, bake, and serve. π
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this one is foolproof!
π Will All Dogs Like This Recipe?
Most likely—YES! Especially if they already love:
- Peanut butter
- Pumpkin
- Soft or crunchy treats
But every dog is different, so always give a small sample first.
π₯ Cooking Techniques That Work
The best methods for flour-based treats are:
- Baking (as we did) – Consistent results
- Dehydrating – Great for long storage and crunch lovers
Avoid frying or microwaving—too risky for even cooking and not ideal for dog digestion.
π΄ Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?
Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
Use them:
- Sparingly
- During training
- As a mid-day snack
Overfeeding can lead to weight gain—even with healthy ingredients.
Serving Suggestion:
- πΎ Training Treats: Break into smaller pieces
- π Reward Treats: One full biscuit after a walk or bath
- π½οΈ Meal Topper: Crumble over their regular food (occasionally)
β FAQs
What are the health benefits of using peanut butter in dog treats?
Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, protein, and niacin, which help support your dog’s energy and coat. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free!
How do I ensure the peanut butter I use is safe for my dog?
Read the label carefully. Avoid anything with xylitol, added sugar, or salt. Natural or organic brands are safest.
Can I freeze these treats?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
My dog is allergic to oats. What can I use instead?
Swap oat flour for chickpea flour or brown rice flour, and skip the rolled oats altogether.
β€οΈ Final Thoughts
See? Making Vegan Peanut Butter Dog Treats at home isn’t just easy—it’s fun, budget-friendly, and incredibly rewarding. πΎβ¨
Your pup gets a snack that’s made with love π and nutrition in mind, and YOU get the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in it. Try it out today, and watch your fur-baby light up with joy! ππͺπΆ
Let me know how your pup liked it! π¬π