Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Dog Treats: Healthy Homemade Squares - Simple, Wholesome Bites

These homemade dog treats come together with a few pantry basics and a lot of love. If you like knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s snacks, this recipe is a great place to start. The squares bake up firm, slightly chewy, and smell good enough to tempt the humans in the house too.

They’re easy to cut, quick to bake, and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Best of all, you can customize them to suit your pup’s tastes and needs.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Simple ingredients: Rolled oats, peanut butter, and a few extras you likely have at home.
No added junk: No artificial flavors, colors, or excessive salt and sugar.
Budget-friendly: One batch makes plenty of small squares that last for days.
Easy to customize: Swap in pumpkin, banana, or applesauce for variety.
Good texture: Firm enough for a satisfying crunch on the edges with a tender bite inside.

Shopping List

Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats; avoid instant packets with flavors)
Natural peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted, no xylitol)
Egg (for binding)
Unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana (adds moisture and light sweetness)
Water (as needed for dough consistency)
Optional add-ins: ground flaxseed, plain unsweetened pumpkin puree, a pinch of ground cinnamon

How to Make It

Prep the pan: Heat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make oat flour: Add 2 cups of rolled oats to a blender or food processor.
Pulse until it looks like coarse flour. Leave 1/2 cup oats whole for texture, if you like.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk 1 egg, 1/2 cup natural peanut butter, and 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed banana) until smooth.
Combine: Stir in the oat flour and the remaining 1/2 cup whole oats. If the dough seems dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
You’re aiming for a thick, slightly tacky dough that holds together.
Optional boosts: Mix in 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree. A small pinch of cinnamon is fine for most dogs.
Shape the slab: Transfer dough to the lined sheet. Press into an even rectangle about 1/4–1/3 inch thick.
Use a spatula or damp hands to smooth the top.
Score the squares: Lightly score a grid with a knife or pizza cutter. This makes it easy to break into neat pieces after baking.
Bake: Bake for 18–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Thicker dough needs a few extra minutes.
Cool completely: Let the slab cool on the pan, then break along the score lines into bite-size squares.
Optional crisping: For crunchier treats, return the cut squares to the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 15–25 minutes to dry them out further.

How to Store

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days if fully baked and cooled.
Refrigerator: Store up to 7–10 days for best freshness.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw a few squares in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Keep them dry: Slip a small piece of paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and maintain texture.

Why This is Good for You

Oats: A gentle, fiber-rich grain that supports digestion and provides steady energy.
Peanut butter: Offers protein and healthy fats for satisfaction and shine in the coat. Choose unsalted, unsweetened varieties.
Egg: Adds binding power and high-quality protein.
Fruit puree: Applesauce or banana brings moisture and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
Optional flaxseed: A source of omega-3s to support skin and coat health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using peanut butter with xylitol: Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Check the label carefully.
Overbaking or underbaking: Overbaked treats get hard fast; underbaked ones stay gummy.
Look for lightly golden edges and a firm center.
Too much moisture: If the dough is very wet, the treats will be cakey and spoil faster. Add more oat flour to balance.
Big pieces for small dogs: Cut to match your dog’s size and chewing style to prevent gulping.
Ignoring allergies: If your dog has a known grain or peanut sensitivity, switch to safe alternatives.

Alternatives

Nut-free: Swap peanut butter with plain pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato. You may need an extra tablespoon of egg or water for binding.
Grain-free: Use certified gluten-free oats if gluten is the concern.
For fully grain-free, try a blend of almond flour and coconut flour, adjusting moisture as needed.
Flavor twists: Add a tablespoon of grated carrot, finely chopped parsley, or a spoon of plain Greek yogurt for tang.
Soft-bite version: Bake slightly less time and store in the fridge. Great for senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Training treats: Press the dough thinner and cut into very small squares for low-calorie rewards.

FAQ

Can humans eat these treats?

Yes. The ingredients are simple and safe for people.

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They aren’t very sweet, so they’ll taste plain, but they’re fine to nibble.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For small dogs, that might be 1–3 small squares; for larger dogs, a few more. Adjust based on your dog’s size and activity.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

Use quick oats instead of rolled, or crush rolled oats in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.

The texture may be slightly chunkier, but it will still work.

Can I use honey or sugar?

It’s not necessary. The banana or applesauce gives natural sweetness, and dogs don’t need added sugar. Keeping it simple is better for their health.

How do I make them extra crunchy?

Bake as directed, then reduce the oven to 250°F (120°C) and return the cut squares to the oven for 15–25 minutes to dry.

Cool fully before storing.

Is cinnamon safe for dogs?

A small pinch is generally fine for most dogs. Avoid nutmeg and keep spices minimal. If your dog has any sensitivities, skip it.

Can I replace the egg?

Try 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons warm water (let it gel for 5 minutes).

This flax “egg” helps bind the dough.

In Conclusion

These Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Dog Treats are simple, wholesome, and easy to tailor to your dog’s needs. With a few pantry staples and about half an hour, you’ll have a batch of fresh, healthy squares ready to reward good behavior. Keep a container on the counter for the next few days and freeze the rest for later.

Your pup gets a tasty treat, and you get peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉