Looking for a simple, delicious, and healthy treat for your dog? 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter and Oat Dog Cookies are the ultimate solution. With just peanut butter, oats, and a banana, you can make crunchy, wholesome snacks that your pup will love — no fancy ingredients or complicated baking skills required.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything: why these cookies are healthy, how to make them step-by-step, tips for perfect results, and creative variations to keep your dog excited.
Why Peanut Butter and Oats?
Peanut butter and oats are a classic dog-friendly combination.
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Peanut Butter: Full of healthy fats and protein, peanut butter is a flavor dogs go crazy for.
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Oats: A gentle, fiber-rich grain that supports digestion and provides slow-release energy.
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Banana (the third ingredient!): Naturally sweet, packed with potassium and fiber.
Together, they make a wholesome treat that is both tasty and nutritious.
Are These Ingredients Safe for Dogs?
Yes — but with a few precautions:
Peanut Butter
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Must be xylitol-free (xylitol is toxic to dogs).
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Provides healthy fats and protein.
Oats
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Safe and gentle for most dogs, even those with sensitive stomachs.
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Contains fiber, iron, and vitamins.
Banana
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Safe in moderation; high in natural sugar.
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Offers potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.
Nutritional Benefits of the Cookies
Healthy Fats & Protein
Peanut butter supports energy and coat health.
Digestive Health
Oats and banana provide fiber for healthy digestion.
Low-Ingredient Simplicity
Fewer ingredients = easier to digest and less likely to cause allergies.
Energy Boost
Great for training rewards or a pre-walk snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1 cup rolled oats | Fiber & structure |
| ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free) | Healthy fat & flavor |
| 1 ripe banana | Natural sweetness & binding |
That’s it! Three simple, wholesome ingredients.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
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Peel and mash 1 ripe banana until smooth.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
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In a bowl, combine mashed banana, peanut butter, and oats.
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Stir until it forms a sticky dough.
Step 4: Shape Cookies
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Roll dough into small balls or flatten into cookie shapes with a fork.
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Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
Step 6: Cool Completely
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Let cookies cool completely before serving to your dog.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
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Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and easy binding.
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Smooth peanut butter works best; avoid chunky to prevent crumbling.
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Adjust baking time depending on desired texture:
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Softer cookies: 10–12 minutes
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Crunchier cookies: 15 minutes
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For uniform size, use a small cookie scoop.
Creative Variations
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Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cookies: Replace banana with ½ cup pumpkin puree.
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Apple Oat Cookies: Add ½ cup grated apple for extra sweetness.
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Cinnamon Boost: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor.
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Mini Training Bites: Flatten dough and cut into tiny pieces for training rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using peanut butter with xylitol (toxic to dogs).
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Baking too long — cookies can become hard or dry.
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Skipping the cooling step — hot cookies may fall apart.
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Using unripe bananas — dough won’t bind well.
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Making cookies too large — portion size matters.
How Often Can I Give These Treats?
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Small dogs: 1–2 small cookies/day
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Medium dogs: 2–3 cookies/day
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Large dogs: 3–4 cookies/day
Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Storage & Shelf-Life
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Airtight container at room temp | 3–5 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Tip: Freeze extras in small portions and thaw as needed.
Serving Suggestions
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Use as a training reward.
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Break into small pieces for pocket-sized treats.
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Pair with a meal for a special snack.
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Serve during playtime or outdoor walks.
Comparing Homemade vs Store-Bought Dog Cookies
| Feature | Homemade 3-Ingredient Cookies | Store-Bought Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Simple, natural, controlled | Often processed & additives |
| Cost | Very low | Medium |
| Customization | Unlimited | Limited flavors |
| Nutritional Control | Full | Variable |
| Dog Appeal | High | Medium |
Homemade wins for freshness, nutrition, and customization.
Troubleshooting Tips
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Dough too sticky: Add a few more oats.
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Dough too dry: Add a small splash of water or extra banana.
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Cookies crumble: Flatten slightly before baking.
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Dog refuses cookies: Add a small amount of peanut butter on top as a topper.
Conclusion
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter and Oat Dog Cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. With just three safe ingredients, you can create crunchy, wholesome snacks your dog will love.
These cookies are perfect for beginners, quick to make, and completely customizable to your pup’s taste. Give them a try and watch your dog wag with excitement at treat time!
FAQs
1. Can puppies eat these cookies?
Yes, but in smaller, bite-sized pieces.
2. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, as long as it’s xylitol-free and unsalted.
3. How long do cookies last?
3–5 days at room temperature, up to 2 weeks in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer.
4. Can I add honey or sugar?
Not recommended — natural sweetness from banana is enough.
5. Are these cookies suitable for dogs with allergies?
Yes, especially if avoiding wheat (use gluten-free oats) and peanuts.
Key Takeaways
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Only 3 ingredients: oats, peanut butter, and banana.
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Safe, healthy, and dog-approved.
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Easy to make, beginner-friendly recipe.
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Customizable with other dog-safe fruits or spices.
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Ideal as treats, training rewards, or special snacks.