Content of post
Did you know peanut butter isn’t just a favorite snack for us, but it can also be a healthy treat for dogs—if you use it right? Making peanut butter cookies at home with simple, dog-safe ingredients is a great way to spoil your pup while knowing exactly what goes into their treats.
A while ago, I was enjoying a slice of toast with peanut butter, and Luna gave me that look—the “please share” puppy eyes. I wondered, Is peanut butter safe for her? That question led me to start making her food at home, and it’s been such a rewarding experience.
Making your dog’s food lets you control what goes in, ensuring it’s healthy and free from junk. Peanut butter, for example, is a great treat as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol or other harmful additives. Luna loves it, and I love knowing exactly what she’s eating.
One thing I’ve learned: always check ingredients and stick to dog-safe options. A little research can go a long way in keeping your pup happy and healthy!
Peanut butter is one of Luna’s favorite treats, and it’s packed with nutrients that make it a healthy choice in moderation.
Benefits for Dogs
- Healthy Skin & Coat: The healthy fats help keep Luna’s coat shiny and her skin moisturized.
- Protein & Energy: It’s a great source of protein, supporting her muscles and energy levels.
- Digestive Health: The fiber aids digestion and keeps her tummy happy.
- Fun Treat: Spreading peanut butter in a Kong or freezing it makes for an engaging, tasty snack.
- Safety Tip: Always choose natural peanut butter without xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
Here’s what I use when making treats for Luna—simple, safe, and healthy ingredients she loves:
Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): Always opt for natural peanut butter without xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs. Pure peanut butter is not only safe but also full of healthy fats and protein.
Oats or Whole Wheat Flour: These provide structure for the treats and are gentle on Luna’s stomach.
Eggs: They act as a natural binder, holding all the ingredients together.
Water or Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture to the dough and makes the treats easier to mix.
Honey (optional): A touch of natural sweetness that’s safe for dogs in small amounts.
Step-by-Step Guide: Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats for Luna
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you plenty of time to prepare the dough while the oven warms up.
Step 2: Gather and Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
1/2 cup of peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!)
1 cup of oat flour or whole wheat flour
1 egg
1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth (adjust as needed)
A drizzle of honey if you’d like a little natural sweetness
I like to use oat flour because it’s easier on Luna’s stomach, but whole wheat flour works just as well!
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Using a spoon—or your hands if you don’t mind getting messy—combine all the ingredients until you get a soft, pliable dough. If it feels too dry, add a little more water. Too sticky? Sprinkle in some extra flour.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. I use a cute bone-shaped cookie cutter for Luna’s treats, but honestly, simple squares or circles work just as well. The important part is making sure they’re bite-sized for your pup!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on how thick they are. I usually check at 15 minutes to make sure they’re golden but not too hard, especially if Luna will be snacking right away.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the treats cool completely before giving one to your dog (I know—it’s hard to resist when they’re staring at you with those big eyes!). Luna gets so excited when she smells them baking, and seeing her enjoy something I made is the best part.
Important Tips for Making Peanut Butter Treats for Dogs
Making treats for Luna is one of my favorite ways to spoil her, but I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way. Here’s what I always keep in mind to make sure her snacks are safe, healthy, and delicious:
1. Safety First
- Check the Ingredients: Not all peanut butter is safe for dogs. Always read the label to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol—this sweetener is incredibly toxic to dogs. I’ve made it a habit to only buy natural, unsalted peanut butter with minimal ingredients (just peanuts, or peanuts and a little oil).
- Avoid Additives: Things like chocolate, sugar, salt, and spices don’t belong in your pup’s treats. Keeping it simple is best for their health.
2. Portion Control is Key
- Moderation Matters: While peanut butter is packed with healthy fats and protein, it’s also high in calories. I make sure to give Luna small portions, especially since she loves her treats a little too much sometimes!
- Tailored to Your Dog: Every dog is different—Luna’s active, so she can handle a bit more. But for less active pups or smaller breeds, it’s even more important to keep portions in check.
3. Proper Storage for Freshness
- Short-Term Use: Once the treats are baked, I store them in an airtight container on the counter. They usually stay fresh for about a week (though they rarely last that long with Luna around!).
- Long-Term Storage: If I’ve made a big batch, I freeze the extras. Frozen treats can last for up to 2–3 months, and Luna loves them as a refreshing snack on warm days.
4. Make it Special
- Experiment with Shapes and Flavors: Sometimes, I’ll mix things up by adding a bit of mashed banana or pumpkin puree to the dough. Luna goes crazy for the variety!
- Share the Experience: Baking these treats has become a little ritual for us—she knows the smell and gets so excited when I pull out the ingredients.
