Looking for a delicious, wholesome treat that your dog will love and that’s completely vegan? Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies are the perfect solution. These simple, nutty treats are packed with flavor, fiber, and healthy fats — all without using any animal products. They’re ideal for dogs with dietary restrictions or for pet parents who prefer plant-based treats.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these cookies: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, storage tips, health benefits, and even creative variations. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake your furry friend’s next favorite snack.
What Are Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies?
Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies are homemade dog treats made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Unlike conventional dog treats, they contain no eggs, milk, or other animal products. Instead, the recipe relies on natural, dog-safe ingredients like oats, peanut butter, bananas, and coconut oil to create a chewy, nutty, and aromatic treat.
These cookies are:
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Soft or crunchy, depending on your preference
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Nutritious and high in fiber
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Quick to make and customizable
Why Dogs Love Peanut Butter & Oats
The flavor combination of peanut butter and oats is irresistible to dogs. Here’s why:
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Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats, and a rich, savory taste.
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Oats add chewiness and fiber, making the treats satisfying.
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The aroma alone will often make your dog’s tail wag uncontrollably.
This makes them ideal for training rewards, snacks, or special occasions.
Are Vegan Treats Safe for Dogs?
Yes, as long as you use dog-safe ingredients.
✔ Peanut Butter Must Be Xylitol-Free
Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Always check labels carefully.
✔ Avoid Sweeteners
Dogs do not need sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use natural fruit (like banana) if you want extra sweetness.
✔ Safe Plant-Based Ingredients
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Oats
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Coconut oil
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Bananas
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Applesauce
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled oats or oat flour | Base for dough | Gluten-free if needed |
| Natural peanut butter | Flavor & healthy fats | Must be xylitol-free |
| Banana | Sweetness & binding | Overripe bananas work best |
| Coconut oil | Moisture & texture | Optional, adds chewiness |
| Cinnamon (optional) | Flavor | Dogs can safely consume a small pinch |
| Water (optional) | Adjust consistency | Only if dough is too dry |
Recommended Tools & Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups & spoons
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Fork or spoon for mashing banana
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Rolling pin (optional)
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Cookie cutters or knife
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Banana
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Mash 1 ripe banana in a bowl until smooth.
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Add ½ cup peanut butter and 2 tbsp coconut oil (optional) and mix well.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
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Stir in 1½ cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
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Sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon (optional)
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Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
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If dough is too dry → add 1–2 tsp water
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If too wet → add 1–2 tbsp oat flour
Step 5: Shape Cookies
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Roll dough on floured surface to ¼-inch thickness
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Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters or slice into squares
Step 6: Bake
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Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet
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Bake for 12–15 minutes for soft cookies or 18–20 minutes for crunchy cookies
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving to avoid choking hazards.
Tips for Perfect Texture
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Soft Cookies: Slightly underbake and store in airtight container
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Crunchy Cookies: Bake longer and let cool completely
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Extra Chewy: Add a tablespoon of applesauce or coconut oil
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Avoid Sticking: Dust rolling surface with oat flour
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Want to get creative? Try adding:
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Shredded carrot (½ cup)
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Pumpkin purée (¼ cup)
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Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
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Chia seeds (¼ tsp)
Avoid: chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, or artificial sweeteners.
How to Store Your Cookies
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Room Temperature: 3–5 days in airtight container
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Refrigerator: 10–14 days for freshness
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Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw before serving
Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | Protein, healthy fats, vitamin E, niacin |
| Oats | Fiber, gentle carbs, beta-glucans for digestion |
| Banana | Potassium, vitamin C, natural sweetness |
| Coconut oil | Healthy medium-chain triglycerides, promotes coat health |
Common Baking Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
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Dough too sticky: Add oat flour gradually
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Dough too dry: Add water or mashed banana
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Cookies spreading too much: Chill dough 10 minutes before baking
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Hard cookies: Reduce baking time slightly
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies
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As training rewards
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Frozen for hot days
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Crumbled over regular kibble
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As a snack between meals
Always remember: treats should be ≤10% of daily calories.
How Often Can Dogs Have These Treats?
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Small dogs: ½–1 cookie per day
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Medium dogs: 1–2 cookies
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Large dogs: 2–3 cookies
Adjust based on your dog’s size, weight, and activity level.
When to Avoid These Cookies
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Dogs with peanut allergies
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Dogs prone to pancreatitis
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Dogs on low-fat or specialized diets
Consult your veterinarian if unsure.
Printable Recipe Card
Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies
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Prep Time: 10 min
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Bake Time: 12–20 min
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Total Time: 25–30 min
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Yield: 20–25 cookies
Ingredients:
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1½ cups oat flour
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½ cup natural peanut butter
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1 ripe banana, mashed
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2 tbsp coconut oil (optional)
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Dash of cinnamon (optional)
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1–2 tsp water if needed
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mash banana; mix with peanut butter and coconut oil.
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Add oat flour and cinnamon; form dough.
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Roll out dough; cut into shapes.
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Bake 12–20 min.
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Cool completely.
Conclusion
These Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies are:
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Easy to make
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Packed with wholesome, dog-safe ingredients
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Fully customizable to your dog’s taste and dietary needs
They’re perfect for spoiling your pup while keeping treats healthy. Baking them at home ensures quality, nutrition, and flavor — something store-bought treats rarely match.
So preheat that oven and get ready to watch your dog’s tail wag with delight!
FAQs
1. Can puppies eat these cookies?
Yes, in small amounts, and avoid giving to puppies under 8 weeks.
2. Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
Yes, ensure it contains no xylitol or added sweeteners.
3. Can these cookies be made nut-free?
Yes, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
4. How long do cookies last in the freezer?
Up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
5. Can I add protein powder to the dough?
Yes, use a dog-safe, plant-based protein powder in small amounts.
Key Takeaways
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Use xylitol-free peanut butter for safety.
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Overripe bananas make the cookies naturally sweet.
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Adjust baking time for soft or crunchy texture.
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Store cookies properly to extend freshness.
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Treats should supplement, not replace, a balanced diet.