I love making treats for my old dog, Baxter. His tail wags so hard when he smells them baking. It makes me feel good to know what’s in his snacks. No mystery ingredients, just good, simple food.
That matters because our pets are family. They trust us to take care of them. Giving them something made with love is a small way to say thank you for all their joy. What is your pet’s favorite thing to eat? Tell me about them.
Getting Your Kitchen Ready
First, find a big bowl. You will need one cup of smooth peanut butter. Make sure it does not have xylitol. That is a sweetener that is bad for dogs.
Then grab your milk, molasses, flour, and baking powder. *Fun fact*: Molasses gives the treats a rich smell dogs go crazy for. Now preheat your oven to 350 degrees. We are almost ready to mix!
The Fun Part: Making the Dough
Put everything into your big bowl. Now mix it all together. I use my old hand mixer. The dough will get thick and a bit sticky. That is just right.
I once got flour all over my apron. Baxter thought it was snow! I still laugh at that. Does your dog like to “help” in the kitchen too?
Shaping Your Treats
Put your dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out flat. Now for the best part. Use a cookie cutter to make shapes.
I have a bone-shaped cutter just for Baxter. But a glass works great too. Press down and make as many as you can. The little scraps can be rolled again.
Time to Bake
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Let them cool completely before you share. This matters. A warm treat might hurt a tender mouth. Waiting is hard, but it is worth it for their safety.
A Little Extra Love
These treats are not just food. They are a little message for your dog. It says, "I love you and I made this for you." That is a powerful thing.
Making things from scratch connects us. It is a small act of kindness. What is the first thing you ever baked? I would love to hear your story.
Easy Homemade Dog Treats with 5 Ingredients
Ingredients:
Ingredient
Amount
Notes
Smooth peanut butter
1 cup
Molasses
1 tbsp
Milk
1 cup
Whole wheat flour
2 cups
Baking powder
1 tbsp
Making Pawsome Peanut Butter Bites
1. First, get your oven warming up to 350 degrees. A toasty oven makes for crunchier biscuits. My old terrier, Barnaby, would always nap right by the oven door. He knew that warm smell meant treats were coming his way.
2. Now, put everything right into your big mixing bowl. Yes, all five ingredients together! Give it a good mix until it looks like a soft dough. (My hard-learned tip: make sure your peanut butter has no sneaky xylitol. That's bad for pups).
3. Next, roll that dough out between two parchment papers. This keeps it from sticking to your rolling pin. Aim for about a quarter-inch thick. That’s the perfect crunch for little teeth.
4. Time for the fun part—cutting out the shapes! I use a little bone-shaped cutter. My grandkids love to help with this step. *What shape would your dog love the most? Share below!*
5. Pop them on a tray and bake for about 17 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells wonderful. Let them cool completely before you share. I still test one myself, just to be sure.
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 40 treats
Category: Dog Treats
Let's mix things up for your furry friend. You can try so many fun twists on this simple recipe. My Barnaby loved a little surprise in his bowl.
Cheesy Delight: Swap the peanut butter for a cup of plain pumpkin puree. Add a half-cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a savory bite.
Apple Oatmeal: Use rolled oats instead of half the flour. Mix in a half-cup of finely chopped apple for a sweet, fiber-filled snack.
Salmon Snaps: Replace the peanut butter with a can of salmon, drained well. It’s a stinky treat dogs go wild for!
*Which one would you try first? Comment below!*
Serving Up the Goodness
These treats are perfect for training or just saying "I love you." I keep a jar of them right by the back door. It’s handy for good behavior after a muddy walk.
For a special occasion, crumble one over your dog's regular dinner. It makes mealtime a real celebration. You could even put a few in a little bag as a gift for a furry friend.
To drink, I’d have a nice cup of sweet tea. For a fancier night, a crisp glass of cider would be lovely. *Which would you choose tonight?*
Easy Homemade Dog Treats with 5 Ingredients
Storing Your Homemade Dog Treats
Let's keep those treats fresh for your pup. They last one week in a sealed container. You can also freeze them for three months. I always make a double batch for my neighbor's dog. It saves me time later.
This way, you always have a healthy snack ready. It shows your furry friend extra love. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Problems
Is your dough too sticky? Add a little more flour. This makes it easier to roll out. I once made a real mess on my countertop. Too crumbly? Add a splash of milk.
This helps the dough stick together nicely. Are the treats too hard after baking? Just bake them a few minutes less next time. Getting it right builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use oat or coconut flour instead.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Absolutely. Keep it in the fridge for two days.
Q: What can I use instead of molasses?
A: A mashed banana or pumpkin puree works well.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: You sure can. Just use a bigger bowl.
Q: Any fun extra tips?
A: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice smell. Which tip will you try first?
*Fun fact: Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds. We have about 9,000!*
Happy Baking to You and Your Pup!
I hope your dog wags its tail for these treats. Making them yourself is so rewarding. You know exactly what’s inside. I love seeing your kitchen creations.
Please share a photo of your happy dog. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your best friend enjoying a snack.
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Easy Homemade Dog Treats with 5 Ingredients
