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No matter how fickle your dog is with treats and toys, there is likely one thing you can always get them to enjoy - peanut butter. The salty, tasty treat not only tastes fantastic but is so darn fun to eat, lending hours of enjoyable licking-of-the-lips. Thankfully, peanut butter is great for our canine friends, as it not only is a good source of protein but also contains heart healthy fats, vitamins B and E and niacin. Whether you stick it in a Kong treat or let them take it right off the spoon with their medicine or vitamins, peanut butter is an excellent way to treat your pup.

 We thought it might be fun to round up ten recipes that use peanut butter as a base for homemade treats for pups. Next time you have some extra time to do some baking, consider whipping up one of these wholesome recipes for the furry friend in your life!

1. Peanut Butter Gingerbread Dog Treats

• 3 cups All Purpose Flour or Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Baking Mix + extra for dusting
• 1 tsp. baking soda (if making crunchy treats, leave this out)
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground cloves
• 2 generous tbsp. fresh finely grated ginger or ginger paste (if substituting dried, use 1 heaping tsp.)
• 1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. DOGBUTTER Peanut Butter for Dogs
• 1/2 c. + 2 tbsp. Blackstrap Molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3/4 c. water

1. Preheat oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, peanut butter, molasses, water and vanilla. If you are using fresh ginger stir it into the wet mix. (If you’re using dry, add it to the mix below.)
3. In a second bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves. Don’t be tempted to use a pre-made gingerbread spice mix. These mixes contain nutmeg which can be toxic to dogs, even in small doses. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix, adding a little at a time until combined and dough comes together.
4. Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn out your dough and roll it out to a generous 1/4″ thick. (For crunchy treats, roll it to a thin 3/16″). Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares.
5. Lay out dough on your parchment lined baking sheets. Pierce the center of the cookies to allow air to escape and prevent surface bubbling. (I used the holes to make it look like buttons.) Bake for 10 – 12 minutes, until bottoms are golden brown. (Don’t worry if the inside still looks soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.) Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
6. For crunchy treats, turn the oven off and allow the cookies to cool inside the oven for several hours.

2. Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour (see note below for substitutions)

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and the egg. Add peanut butter, water, honey and stir until you have stiff dough. the dough becomes very firm and sticky. you may need to use your hands, or the paddle attachment on your mixer.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about ½ inch thick and use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes. the treats barely spread and rise, so get creative with your shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
5. Keep in an airtight container or give as gifts!

3. Peanut Butter Dog Bones

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour, or more, as needed

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.
3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool completely.

4. Gus’ PB Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 3/4 cup nonfat milk

1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg and peanut butter.
2. Paula’s note: as a general rule, most homemade dog biscuits do well with 1 part liquid to 3 parts dry. You can customize the recipe by adding and subtracting ingredients your dog likes.
3. Add in the flour and baking powder to make a very stiff dough, using your hands to work in the last of the flour if necessary.
4. Flour a work surface and roll out dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired sizes depending on the size of your dog.
5. Bake on a parchment-lined baking tray at 325° for approximately 20 minutes. Turn biscuits over and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Dog biscuits can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.                                            

5. Peanut Butter Dog Bone Treats

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Spray a heavy baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray or line with a silicon baking mat. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats and baking powder. Stir in the broth and peanut butter until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press the dough together to form a ball.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough for 30 seconds until smooth. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Using a bone-shape cookie cutter, cut out bones and place on the prepared baking sheet (any scraps of dough can be formed into a ball and re-rolled). Sprinkle with the Parmesan.
4. Bake until light golden, 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

6. Mini Bone Cookie Cutter Dog Cookies

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
• ¼ cup vegetable, chicken or beef stock
• bone shaped cookie cutter

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine flour, peanut butter and applesauce in a large mixing bowl. Add stock and stir until well-combined. The dough will be thick. Once combined use your hands to press the dough into a ball. Place dough ball on a flat service (with a sprinkle of flour if needed) and roll out evenly with a rolling pin. Dough should be about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shape and place on ungreased baking sheet.
3. Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Store in an airtight container.

7. PB and Oatmeal Dog Treat

• 2 cups whole wheat flour (you can use another type of flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup peanut butter, chunky or smooth (I used smooth this time)
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

1. Preheat oven to 350° F
2. Mix dry ingredients together.
3. Mix in the peanut butter and hot water. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
4. Knead the dough well.
5. Roll out the dough into 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes with dog cookie cutters.
6. Note - This recipe doesn't call for it, but I put an egg wash (one egg whisked with a fork and then brushed on with a pastry brush) on the treats before I baked them. It gives them a nice sheen once they're baked. Here's how they look before baking.
7. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven and let them cool overnight.

8. Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats

• 1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) skim milk
• 1 large Eggland's Best egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 1 large carrot, shredded (or 8-ish baby carrot)-- around 2/3 cup shredded
• 2 and 1/4 cups (290g) whole wheat flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats (either whole-rolled or quick oats are fine)

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, egg, and carrot together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
3. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into 1/4" thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10 more minutes. Want the treats to be a little more crunchy? Bake for 5 more minutes.
4. Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. Make ahead/freezing: Since the pups can't eat the whole batch in a week, I usually freeze them. Jude loves them right out of the freezer too! The treats freeze well up to 2 months.

9. Homemade Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Treats

• 1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) nonfat milk
• 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
• 2 cups (244g) whole wheat flour* (measured correctly)
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup (30g) oats (either whole-rolled or quick oats are fine)
• 2-3 strips cooked bacon, chopped

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, and egg together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats and bacon. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
3. Using a floured rolling pin, cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10-12 more minutes.
4. Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
5. Make ahead/freezing: Since the pups can't eat the whole batch in a week, I usually freeze them. Jude loves them right out of the freezer too! The treats freeze well up to 2 months.

10. Homemade PB and Banana Treats

• 1 banana, peeled
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2/3 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup dried parsley
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Put banana in a large bowl and use a spoon or potato masher to mash it thoroughly. Add oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter and egg and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each; transfer to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet as done. Use the back of a spoon or the heel of your hand to press each ball into a (1 1/2- to 2-inch) coin. Bake until firm and deep golden brown on the bottom, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.
3. Storage note: It's best to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or, freeze them to give to your pal later; just be sure to thaw the treats before handing them out.

And there you have it, ten awesome recipes for peanut butter treats for your pup. In the comments below, tell us about any of your favorite peanut butter based treats or other canine healthy treats you enjoy making for your dog.

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.