I’ll never forget the first time I made homemade dog treats for my golden retriever, Max. His tail went into hyperdrive when he smelled those peanut butter treats baking! What I love most about these EASY TO MAKE DOG TREATS is how simple they are – just 5 basic ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. No weird additives, no mystery ingredients, just wholesome stuff that makes your pup’s eyes light up. And let me tell you, watching your dog go crazy for something you whipped up in 30 minutes? That’s pure joy. These treats are so quick to make, even my 8-year-old niece helps roll out the dough now. It’s become our favorite little kitchen project together!
Why You’ll Love These Easy to Make Dog Treats
Trust me, once you try these homemade dog treats, you’ll never go back to store-bought again! Here’s why:
- Crazy simple – Just mix, roll, and bake. Done in 30 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients you can actually pronounce (sorry, mystery meat dog snacks!)
- Cheaper than fancy pet store treats (I save about $15/month making these!)
- No weird preservatives – just wholesome, tail-wagging goodness
- Customizable – swap peanut butter for pumpkin or add bacon bits for picky pups
Seriously, your dog will think you’re a culinary genius. Mine still acts like it’s his birthday every treat time!
Ingredients for Easy to Make Dog Treats
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of these treats – just 5 pantry staples! But I’ve learned some specifics make all the difference:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour – gives that perfect chewy texture pups love
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats – not quick oats, they’re too powdery
- 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter – must be xylitol-free (toxic to dogs!)
- 1 large egg – helps bind everything together
- 1/2 cup water – add a splash more if your dough feels dry
That’s it! I keep these ingredients stocked just for treat-making days. Pro tip: natural peanut butter works best – no oily separation like some brands.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these easy dog treats! Just grab:
- A big mixing bowl (I use my favorite chipped one – dogs don’t judge!)
- Rolling pin (or clean wine bottle in a pinch – I’ve been there!)
- Cookie cutters (bone shapes are fun, but circles work just fine)
- Baking sheet (no need to grease it – these treats don’t stick)
That’s seriously all it takes. If my kitchen survived my niece’s “help,” yours will handle this no problem!
How to Make Easy to Make Dog Treats
Okay, let’s get baking! These treats come together so fast, you’ll be done before your pup finishes their first nap. Here’s exactly how I make them – with all the little tricks I’ve learned after dozens of batches!
Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). No guessing games here – I use an oven thermometer because my old oven lies about temperatures! While it heats up, grab your biggest bowl and whisk together the flour and oats. Really get in there and mix them well – you want those oats evenly distributed so every treat has the same great texture.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now the fun part! In a separate bowl (or right in your measuring cup to save dishes), stir together the peanut butter, egg, and water until smooth. Pro tip: microwave the peanut butter for 10 seconds if it’s too stiff to mix easily. Pour this into your dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon at first, then get your hands in there when it gets thick. The dough should come together nicely – not too sticky, not too dry. If it’s crumbly, add water a teaspoon at a time.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Flour your counter lightly and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness – about the width of two stacked quarters. Too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t crisp up nicely. Use cookie cutters or just slice into squares with a knife. Arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet (they won’t stick, promise!) and pop them in the oven for exactly 20 minutes. They’ll smell amazing, but resist sneaking a taste – these are pup-approved only! Let them cool completely before serving.
See? Told you it was easy! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool while your dog stares at you with those “please please please” eyes. But trust me, that first tail wag when they get one makes it all worth it.
Tips for Perfect Easy to Make Dog Treats
After making dozens of batches (Max is quite the taste tester!), I’ve picked up some handy tricks:
- Dough too dry? Add water 1 teaspoon at a time – it should feel like Play-Doh, not crumbly cookie dough.
- Sticky situation? A light dusting of flour on your hands and rolling pin makes shaping so much easier.
- Even baking is key! Roll the dough to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness – I use two chopsticks as guides on either side.
- Extra crispy? For crunchier treats, bake 2-3 minutes longer and let them cool in the turned-off oven.
Remember, dogs aren’t picky about perfect shapes – focus on getting that texture just right!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These treats stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature – though mine never last that long! For longer storage, I pop them in the freezer where they keep for 2-3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when needed. Serving size depends on your pup – I give Max 2-3 small treats per day as rewards. Pro tip: store them with a paper towel to absorb any moisture and keep them crisp!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop – these treats pack wholesome ingredients without any junk! The peanut butter gives a protein boost, oats add fiber, and whole wheat flour keeps them filling. Exact numbers vary based on your specific brands, but trust me, they’re way healthier than anything from a plastic bag at the pet store. Just remember – treats should only make up about 10% of your pup’s daily calories. Everything in moderation, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with almond butter when I ran out of peanut butter, and Max gobbled them right up. Just make sure it’s pure almond butter without any added sugars or xylitol (that artificial sweetener is dangerous for dogs). The texture might be slightly different since almond butter is often thicker, so you may need an extra splash of water to get the dough just right.
How long do these treats last?
At room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh about a week – though in my house they never last that long! For longer storage, I freeze them in zip-top bags where they keep beautifully for 2-3 months. Just pull out a few at a time to thaw. You’ll know they’ve gone bad if they smell off or get moldy, but with how fast dogs devour these, that’s rarely an issue!
Are these treats safe for puppies?
Yes, but with some considerations! Puppies can definitely enjoy these, but I’d recommend making the treats smaller and giving just one at a time since their tummies are more sensitive. Also, check with your vet first if your pup has any known allergies. My neighbor’s puppy Daisy loves these cut into tiny heart shapes – she gets so excited her whole body wiggles!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear about your dog’s reaction to these treats! Does your pup do the “happy dance” like Max does? Share your stories or photos in the comments below – nothing makes me happier than seeing other dogs enjoy these simple homemade goodies as much as mine does!
Print
5-Ingredient Easy to Make Dog Treats Your Pup Will Devour
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple homemade dog treats that are easy to make with basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour and oats in a bowl.
- Add peanut butter, egg, and water. Stir until dough forms.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Use unsweetened peanut butter to avoid harmful additives.
- Adjust water if dough is too dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pet Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: dog treats, homemade dog food, easy pet snacks