Peanut Butter & Carob Chip Dog Treats (Chocolate-Free & Safe) - A Simple, Tasty Snack for Your Pup

Homemade dog treats are a fun way to spoil your pup with something you can feel good about. These Peanut Butter & Carob Chip Dog Treats are chocolate-free, easy to make, and pup-approved. Carob gives you that chocolatey look and flavor without the risks, and peanut butter keeps tails wagging.

The dough comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the result is a crunchy, fragrant snack your dog will love. Whether you’re training, rewarding, or just feeling generous, these treats hit the sweet spot.

Jump to Recipe Card

Disclosure: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Why This Recipe Works

Dogs love bold, nutty flavors, and peanut butter is a universal hit. Carob chips add a gentle sweetness and cocoa-like taste without any theobromine, making them a safe swap for chocolate.

Oats and whole wheat flour create a sturdy, crunchy texture that stores well and holds up in a treat pouch. A touch of egg binds everything together, while unsweetened applesauce keeps the treats tender without added sugar. The ingredient list is short, clean, and dog-safe.

What You’ll Need

1 cup creamy, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter (read the label carefully)
1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gentler option)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or mashed ripe banana)
2–3 tablespoons water (as needed to bring the dough together)
1/2 cup carob chips (ensure they’re unsweetened and dog-safe)
Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds aroma; avoid nutmeg)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, egg, and applesauce until smooth and creamy.
Add the dry ingredients: Fold in the flour, oats, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
Stir in the carob chips: Distribute them evenly without overmixing.
The dough should be firm but pliable, not sticky.
Roll and shape: Lightly flour your surface. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use small cookie cutters (bone shapes are cute) or slice into squares with a knife.
Arrange on the sheet: Place treats 1 inch apart.
They won’t spread much.
Bake: Bake for 14–18 minutes, until the edges are golden. For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let them sit inside for 10–15 extra minutes with the door slightly open.
Cool completely: Transfer to a rack. Let them cool fully so the texture sets and the carob firms up.
Serve: Offer one and watch your pup light up.
Store the rest as directed below.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days. Add a small silica gel pack (food-safe) to help keep them crisp.
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Let come to room temp before serving for best aroma.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top bag.
Thaw on the counter for 20–30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Moisture control: If treats soften over time, re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes and cool completely.

Health Benefits

Carob is chocolate-free: It mimics a cocoa-like flavor without theobromine or caffeine, which are harmful to dogs.
Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats: These support energy and satiety, but should be fed in moderation due to calories.
Whole grains and oats offer fiber: Fiber can support digestion and help create a satisfying crunch.
No added sugar or artificial sweeteners: Using unsweetened applesauce or banana keeps things naturally sweet and dog-friendly.
Simple, recognizable ingredients: Making treats at home means no fillers, colors, or mystery additives.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Xylitol danger: Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Always check labels.
Size and calories: Large treats add up quickly. Cut smaller shapes for small breeds and training sessions.
Allergies or sensitivities: Some dogs are sensitive to wheat. If unsure, start with a tiny piece or use oat flour.
Overbaking: Too much oven time can make treats rock-hard.
Aim for golden edges and let them finish drying as they cool.
Carob confusion: Make sure you’re using carob chips, not chocolate chips. The bags can look similar.

Recipe Variations

Grain-Free: Swap whole wheat flour for a blend of 1 cup oat flour and 1/2 cup almond flour. Add water as needed to bind.
Note: almond flour is calorie-dense, so feed smaller portions.
Pumpkin Spice (Dog-Safe): Replace applesauce with 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree and add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Skip nutmeg and clove.
Soft Treats: Roll thicker (about 1/3 inch) and bake 10–12 minutes for a softer bite. Store in the fridge and use within a week.
Crunchy Biscotti Bites: Shape into small logs, bake until set, cool slightly, slice, then bake slices a second time at 300°F (150°C) until crisp.
Training Nibbles: Roll thin and cut into pea-sized squares.
Bake a shorter time to avoid overbrowning.

FAQ

Is carob really safe for dogs?

Yes. Carob does not contain theobromine or caffeine, which are the compounds in chocolate that are dangerous for dogs. Choose unsweetened carob chips to avoid added sugars.

What if my dog can’t have wheat?

Use oat flour or a gluten-free blend made for baking.

You may need a touch more water or applesauce to help the dough come together.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Absolutely. Crunchy peanut butter adds texture. Just confirm it’s unsalted and xylitol-free, and be mindful of the added crunch for very small dogs.

How many treats can I give per day?

As a general rule, treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

For most small dogs, that’s 1–2 small treats; for larger dogs, 2–4, depending on size. When in doubt, ask your vet.

Can I swap applesauce for banana?

Yes. Use an equal amount of very ripe, mashed banana.

It’s slightly sweeter and may brown a bit more in the oven, which is normal.

Do these crumble in a treat pouch?

They hold up well if baked to a firm texture and cooled completely. For extra durability, bake until golden and let them sit in the turned-off oven for 10–15 minutes to dry.

My dough is sticky. What should I do?

Dust your surface and rolling pin with flour, and chill the dough for 15 minutes.

If it’s still sticky, work in 1–2 tablespoons of flour until it’s manageable.

Can I add honey?

You can, but it’s not necessary. If you choose to add sweetness, limit it to 1 teaspoon for the whole batch and avoid serving to diabetic or overweight dogs.

How long do they last?

At room temperature, about 5–7 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, up to 2 weeks.

In the freezer, up to 3 months.

Can humans eat these?

Yes. All the ingredients are human-safe, but the flavor is mild and not very sweet. If you want to share, go for it—just don’t add sugar or chocolate.

Wrapping Up

These Peanut Butter & Carob Chip Dog Treats are an easy, wholesome way to make your dog feel special.

With simple ingredients and a safe, chocolate-like twist from carob, they’re a treat you can hand over with confidence. Bake a batch on the weekend, stash a few in the freezer, and you’ll have a happy-pup reward ready anytime. Just remember to keep portions small, read labels, and enjoy the tail wags that follow.

Happy baking—and even happier snacking for your best friend.

Printable Recipe Card

Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.

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 😉