Some days you want to make your dog something special and the oven just isn’t happening. Too hot, too late, too much cleanup.
These no bake dog treats use a bowl, a spoon and a few safe pantry staples. You can mix and roll a batch in about 15 minutes, and they firm up even more after a short chill in the fridge.
Safety first: read these before you mix
Homemade treats are only a good idea if every ingredient is safe for dogs.
- Peanut butter: check the label for xylitol, which may be listed as birch sugar. It’s toxic to dogs. Plain, unsalted peanut butter is best.
- Pumpkin: use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has sugar and spices like nutmeg.
- Carob is fine, chocolate never is. They look alike, so keep them apart.
- No raisins, grapes, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts or added salt and sugar.
If your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach or a medical diet, ask your vet before adding new treats.
What you’ll need
No special gear. Just:
- A mixing bowl and a sturdy spoon or fork
- A measuring cup
- A plate or tray lined with parchment paper
- An airtight container for storage
Rolled or quick oats work in every recipe below. Blitz them in a blender first for a smoother, easier-to-digest bite.
1. Pumpkin oat balls
The classic. Pumpkin is gentle and most dogs go wild for it.
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- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups oats
Stir the pumpkin and peanut butter together, then add oats until you can roll it. Make small balls about the size of a marble for small dogs or about 1 inch across for big dogs.
2. Banana coconut bites
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup oats
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
Mash, mix, roll. Coconut is rich, so keep it to a sprinkle rather than a coating. Skip the sweetened kind from the baking aisle.
3. Apple carrot bites
- 1/2 apple, cored and finely grated (no seeds or core)
- 1 small carrot, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter
- About 3/4 cup oats
Squeeze some juice out of the grated apple first, or the mix gets wet. Add oats a spoonful at a time.
4. Chicken pumpkin bites
For dogs who like savory better than sweet. Use leftover chicken that was cooked plain.
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded, no bones or skin
- 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree
- About 1/2 cup oats
Only use chicken cooked without salt, garlic, onion or seasoning. These spoil faster than the others, so keep them in the fridge and use them within a few days.
5. Carob peanut butter balls
The “chocolate” treat that isn’t chocolate. Carob is naturally sweet and safe for dogs.
- 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon carob powder
- 1/4 cup plain pumpkin or mashed banana
- About 3/4 cup oats
Roll them in a light dusting of extra carob powder if you like the look. Your dog won’t care, but your Instagram might.
6. Peanut butter oat bars
Too busy to roll balls? Press it all into a pan instead.
- 1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups oats
Mix well and press firmly into a small parchment-lined container. Chill for 15 to 30 minutes (longer is firmer), then slice into small squares.
Tips for treats that hold together
No-bake mixes are forgiving, but a few tricks help.
- Too sticky? Add oats one tablespoon at a time.
- Too crumbly? Add a little more pumpkin or banana.
- Wet hands stop the mix sticking to your palms.
- Chill them for 15 to 30 minutes if your dog is waiting nicely. They’ll be firmer.
Add-ins that work (and ones to skip)
Want to change things up? Small amounts of these mix in well:
- Unsweetened applesauce instead of banana
- Plain mashed sweet potato, cooked and cooled
- Finely grated zucchini or cucumber, squeezed dry
- A spoonful of plain unsweetened yogurt, if your dog handles dairy
Leave these out, even though they show up in human energy ball recipes:
- Chocolate chips, cocoa and raisins
- Sweetened dried fruit, honey-roasted or salted nuts, macadamias
- Anything labeled sugar-free, which may contain xylitol
How many can my dog have?
Treats should be a small part of your dog’s day. A common guideline is to keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
- Small dogs: one or two small balls a day.
- Medium and large dogs: two or three.
- Trying a recipe for the first time? Start with one and watch for an upset tummy.
Using them for training? Roll tiny pea-sized balls, or press the bar mix thin and cut it into little squares. You’ll get dozens of rewards from one batch, and a dozen small treats is still less food than three big ones.
On days with lots of treats, feed a little less at mealtime so the total stays the same.
Peanut butter and coconut are high in fat. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, check with your vet first.
How to store no bake dog treats
No baking means more moisture, so these don’t keep like crunchy biscuits.
- Fridge: in an airtight container for up to about a week. Chicken ones for just a few days.
- Freezer: spread them on a tray, freeze, then bag them. They’ll keep for a couple of months.
- Toss anything that smells off or grows mold.
Love the freezer option? Our pupsicle recipes are made for it. And if you do feel like baking someday, try these 3 ingredient dog treats.
Common questions
Are raw oats safe for dogs?
Plain oats are generally fine in small amounts. Blending them makes them easier to chew and digest.
Can puppies eat no bake treats?
Many puppies can have a tiny piece once they’re eating solid food. Keep pieces small and check with your vet if you’re unsure.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Extra pumpkin or mashed banana works as the binder. The treats will be a little softer, so chill them before serving.
Why are my treats falling apart?
The mix is too dry. Add a spoonful of pumpkin or banana and press each ball firmly.
Can I use honey to sweeten them?
There’s no need. Dogs don’t need added sugar, and the fruit already makes them sweet enough.
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