If you’re a dog parent like me, you know the joy of spoiling your furry friend with tasty, homemade treats that are both healthy and easy to whip up. Enter these Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Bake Dog Treats—simple, wholesome, and packed with ingredients dogs love. These little bites are perfect for training rewards, snack time, or just showing your pup some extra love without any fuss in the kitchen.
What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is—no baking involved means less heat in the kitchen and faster treat time. Plus, it’s made with peanut butter and oats, two dog favorites, and customizable depending on what your pup prefers or needs. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY dog treat baker or a newbie, these treats are a total win.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No bake, no oven needed — perfect for hot days or quick prep.
- Simple ingredients — easy to find and dog-safe.
- Healthy and wholesome — oats for fiber, peanut butter for protein and flavor.
- Customizable — add pumpkin, banana, or flaxseed for extra nutrition.
- Great for training or everyday treats — bite-sized and easy to handle.
- Long shelf life — stores well in the fridge or freezer.
- Budget-friendly — no fancy ingredients or equipment required.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Rolled oats — The base of your treats. You can pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture if your dog prefers.
- Peanut butter — Use natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (which is toxic to dogs).
- Honey — Just a little for a touch of sweetness that dogs love.
- Ground flaxseed — Optional, but great for added omega-3s and fiber.
- Water or unsweetened applesauce — To help bind everything together.
- Optional mix-ins: mashed banana, pumpkin puree, shredded carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions):
Step 1: Prep your oats
If your dog prefers softer treats, pulse 1½ cups rolled oats in a food processor or blender for a few seconds until they reach a coarse flour consistency. If your pup likes a chewier texture, you can leave the oats whole.
Step 2: Mix peanut butter and honey
In a large bowl, combine ½ cup natural peanut butter with 2 tablespoons honey. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add flaxseed and optional mix-ins
Stir in 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed and any extras like ¼ cup pumpkin puree or mashed banana if you’re using them. These add extra flavor and nutrients your dog will appreciate.
Step 4: Combine oats and wet ingredients
Add the oats to the peanut butter mixture, then gradually add 2–3 tablespoons water or unsweetened applesauce to help bind everything. Mix until the dough is sticky but holds together well.
Step 5: Shape the treats
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls or press into bite-sized shapes on a parchment-lined tray. Flatten them slightly if you want thinner treats.
Step 6: Chill and set
Place the treats in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Helpful Tips:
Adjust texture for your dog:
If treats feel too crumbly, add a splash more water or applesauce. If too sticky, add a few more oats.
Make them extra special:
Try mixing in a sprinkle of turmeric or a few crushed dog-safe herbs like parsley for health boosts.
Storage tips:
Keep treats refrigerated to stay fresh longer, especially if using fresh mix-ins like pumpkin. Frozen treats make great summer snacks to cool your pup down.
Serving size:
These are small and calorie-dense, so give treats in moderation depending on your dog’s size and activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
It’s best to use smooth peanut butter to avoid choking hazards, but if your dog loves crunch and you supervise, a small amount is okay.
Is honey safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts. It’s a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties. Avoid if your dog has diabetes or allergies.
Can I substitute oats with another grain?
You can try quinoa flakes or rice flour, but oats are preferred for fiber and digestibility.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, but consult your vet first, especially for puppies under 6 months old.
Can I bake these instead?
You can bake at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes if you want a firmer, crunchy treat. Just keep an eye so they don’t dry out.
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Bake Dog Treats are a total lifesaver for me, especially when I want to quickly reward my pup without reaching for store-bought snacks full of additives. I make them every couple of weeks, and they always disappear fast. Plus, it feels so good to know exactly what’s going into those treats.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how your dog likes them! Bonus points if you share a cute treat-time photo—I’m always here for more doggie treat inspo.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Bake Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats use gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup natural peanut butter make sure it contains no xylitol
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp honey optional, skip if your dog is diabetic
- ¼ cup water adjust for consistency
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, applesauce, honey (if using), and water.,
- Form the dough: Stir well until a thick dough forms. Add more water if too dry or more oats if too wet.,
- Shape treats: Roll the dough into small balls or press into silicone molds/tray to desired shapes.,
- Chill: Place treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.,
- Serve: Once set, serve the treats to your dog as a tasty snack or training reward.,
Notes
- Always check ingredients for xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Store treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjust portion sizes according to your dog’s size and dietary needs.
