Make a batch of wholesome homemade dog treats for all your furry friends. This simple recipe uses only five ingredients and bakes in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy, healthy option that many dogs adore.
Easy Homemade Dog Treats
These dog treats are faster and healthier than a trip to the pet store. With just five pantry ingredients and minimal prep, you can make tasty bites your dog will love. The result is slightly chewy cookies that are wholesome, naturally flavored, and easy to customize.
Why you’ll love them
Five simple ingredients: sweet potato puree, peanut butter, an egg, flour and baking soda—nothing artificial or unnecessary.
Dog-approved: this recipe is a favorite for many pups thanks to the natural sweetness of sweet potato and the irresistible flavor of peanut butter.
Ingredients for Homemade Dog Treats
These treats are made with just five ingredients. You will need:
- Pureed sweet potato (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup drippy, all‑natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a suitable substitute)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Easy Ingredient Swaps
- Pureed sweet potato → pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- Drippy peanut butter → any smooth, dog-safe nut or seed butter
- All-purpose flour → oat flour (for a gluten-free option)
How to Make Homemade Dog Treats
1. Cook the sweet potato
Peel a large sweet potato and slice it into ½-inch rounds. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each piece. Arrange the rounds on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for about 5 minutes. Flip them and microwave for an additional 5 minutes, or until fork-tender. Allow the slices to cool slightly before pureeing.
2. Puree the sweet potato
Place the cooked sweet potato in a food processor and blend until completely smooth. Measure out ½ cup of the puree for the recipe. Chill the measured puree in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly before combining with the other ingredients.
3. Combine sweet potato and peanut butter
Return the chilled sweet potato puree to the food processor and add the peanut butter. Process until the two are thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Add the egg
Add the egg and pulse until incorporated. The mixture will begin to take on a cohesive texture as the egg binds the ingredients together.
5. Add flour and baking soda
With the processor running on low, add the flour and baking soda. Process until the dough comes together and forms a ball. This dough is slightly sticky; wetting your hands can help when transferring or shaping it.
6. Chill the dough
Remove the dough, wrap it in plastic or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and cut.
7. Roll and cut treats
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use small or medium cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. These cookies do not spread much, so you can place them fairly close together.
8. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown slightly. Remove from the oven and transfer the treats to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before storing or serving.
9. Serve
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container and serve chilled or at room temperature. These treats make great rewards for training or just a special snack.
Top Tips for Homemade Dog Treats
If the dough is too sticky or wet: chill it again in the refrigerator or add a small amount of additional flour until it’s workable.
Freezing: these treats freeze well and will keep for up to three months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Dog-safe ingredients include plain sweet potato or pumpkin puree, oats or oat flour, whole-grain or all-purpose flour (if tolerated), eggs and unsweetened peanut butter. Avoid adding sugar, chocolate, or foods known to be toxic to dogs.
Avoid xylitol, chocolate, raisins, excessive salt, large amounts of sugar, and artificial colors or flavors. Also be careful with nut butters that contain added sweeteners or xylitol.
Storage
Store treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because these treats use perishable ingredients, they won’t keep as long as commercially shelf-stable treats.
To freeze: cool completely, place in an airtight container or freezer bag with as much air removed as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Sweet Potato Ideas
If you like using sweet potatoes in the kitchen, try roasting whole sweet potatoes for purees, making sweet potato fries, or preparing sweet potato hash browns. Pureed sweet potato is a versatile ingredient for both human and pet recipes.
Homemade Dog Treats
Make a batch of these homemade dog treats for all your furry friends! Made from 5 ingredients and baked in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (makes about 30 treats)
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled (about ½ cup pureed)
- ¼ cup drippy, all-natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or oat flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Slice and microwave the sweet potato until fork-tender. Cool slightly.
- Puree the sweet potato in a food processor and chill 10–15 minutes. Measure ½ cup.
- Blend the puree with peanut butter until smooth. Add the egg and pulse to combine.
- Add flour and baking soda and process until a dough ball forms. Chill the dough 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely on a rack before storing.
Tips & Notes
- If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it or add a little more flour.
- Freeze treats for longer storage; refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition (per treat, approximate)
Calories: 49 kcal, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2 g, Fat: 1 g, Fiber: 0.5 g, Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition information is an approximation and should be used only as a guideline.
If you try this recipe, note any variations that work well for your dog and adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs. Homemade treats are a great way to reward your pet with simple, recognizable ingredients.