Nothing warms my heart more than watching my pup’s tail wag when he smells fresh-baked dog treats coming from the oven. These Three Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Peanut Butter Dog Treats started as a rainy-day kitchen experiment and turned into my dog’s all-time favorite snack. They’re simple, wholesome, and filled with ingredients that make every bite safe and satisfying. Whether your furry friend loves crunchy biscuits or soft cookies, this easy recipe will make treat time extra special.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Equipment
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Piping Tip Set
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2½ cups (300 g) | You can substitute oat flour for sensitive pups |
| Egg | 1 large (50 g) | Adds binding and protein |
| Peanut Butter | 1 cup (270 g) | Use xylitol-free peanut butter |
| Water | 1 cup (227 g) | Adjust for dough texture |
| Honey | 2 tbsp (43 g) | Adds natural sweetness |
For the Frosting
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter | 2 tbsp (34 g) | Natural, no salt or sugar |
| Honey | 1 tbsp (21 g) | Optional for shine |
| Cornstarch | ⅓ cup (37 g) | Or potato starch / arrowroot powder |
| Hot Water | 3–4 tbsp (43–57 g) | Adjust for smoothness |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk peanut butter, egg, honey, and water until creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Slowly mix in whole wheat flour until a thick dough forms.
- Roll and cut: Dust your surface with flour, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness, and use cookie cutters or a piping tip for small training treats.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown with crispy edges.
- Cool: Let treats cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Frosting (optional): Mix peanut butter, honey, cornstarch, and hot water until smooth. Spread or drizzle lightly on top.
Safety Tip: Always check that your peanut butter is xylitol-free. This sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Serving Guide by Dog Size
| Dog Weight | Portion | Max Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lbs | 1–2 small treats | 2 |
| 15–40 lbs | 2–3 medium treats | 3 |
| Over 40 lbs | 3–4 large treats | 4 |
| Adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level and diet needs. |
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Pro Tip: To keep them crunchy, place a dry rice grain packet in the storage jar to absorb moisture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Pumpkin: Great for digestion and a healthy coat.
- Peanut Butter: Packed with protein and healthy fats for energy.
- Honey: Natural antioxidant that supports immunity.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Provides fiber and vitamins for steady energy.
- Egg: Adds protein and makes the treats chewy and rich.
For more ingredient benefits, visit our Healthy Ingredients Guide.
FAQs
1. Can I use oat flour instead of whole wheat?
Yes. Oat flour works great and makes softer treats for puppies or senior dogs.
2. What type of peanut butter is safe for dogs?
Choose unsalted, unsweetened, and xylitol-free peanut butter. Learn more from AKC’s guide on peanut butter safety.
3. Can I skip the honey?
Yes. It’s mainly for flavor and binding; the treats will bake just fine without it.
4. My treats turned out hard—what happened?
You might have baked them a bit too long. Reduce baking time for a softer texture.
5. Are these good training treats?
Absolutely. Roll them thinner or use small cutters for bite-sized rewards.
6. How often can I give my dog treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Always check with your vet if unsure.
Final Treat-Loving Takeaway
Homemade dog treats made with love are the best way to spoil your pup while keeping things healthy. These Three Ingredient Pumpkin Oat Peanut Butter Dog Treats are crunchy, wholesome, and puppy-approved. So preheat your oven, grab your cookie cutters, and fill your kitchen with tail-wagging joy today!
