Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour if your dog doesn't have wheat sensitivities. Regular all-purpose flour works too, though whole grain options provide more nutritional benefits for your pup.

My dog has a peanut allergy. Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter make excellent alternatives, just ensure they don't contain xylitol or added sugars. Some dogs also enjoy pureed pumpkin mixed with a little coconut oil as a peanut butter substitute.

How do I know if these treats are the right size for my dog?

Size the treats appropriately for your dog's size—small bite-sized pieces for tiny dogs, and larger treats for bigger breeds. Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake, regardless of their size.

Why did my treats turn out too hard/soft?

Baking time significantly affects texture. For softer treats, reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes. For crunchier treats, bake longer or leave them in the turned-off oven to dry out more completely. The thickness of your rolled dough also affects the final texture.

3 Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe

Name: 3 Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour if your dog is not sensitive to wheat); 1/4 cup peanut butter (all-natural, ensure the only ingredient is peanuts); 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed (or unsweetened pumpkin puree); Unsweetened pumpkin puree (replace sweet potato as needed, not pumpkin pie filling); Cooked and mashed carrot (can also be substituted for sweet potato)

This simple homemade dog treat recipe will make your furry friend’s tail wag with delight! Made with just three wholesome ingredients, these treats are not only budget-friendly but also free from the preservatives and fillers found in store-bought options. Your dog deserves treats made with love, and these couldn’t be easier to whip up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Budget-Friendly: Make approximately 40-50 treats for less than $1, compared to $10+ for store-bought varieties.
Clean Ingredients: You control exactly what goes into your dog’s treats—no mysterious additives or preservatives.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these treats take just 30 minutes to make.
Customizable: Easy to adapt based on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later, ensuring you always have healthy treats on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oat Flour: Creates the perfect texture for these treats. It’s gentle on sensitive canine tummies and provides healthy fiber. If your dog isn’t sensitive to wheat, whole wheat flour works wonderfully too.
Peanut Butter: Provides protein and healthy fats that dogs love. Make sure to use all-natural peanut butter with peanuts as the only ingredient—no added sugars, salt, or xylitol (which is toxic to dogs).
Sweet Potato: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and essential nutrients like vitamins A and C. Simply boil or bake until soft, then mash it up. This ingredient makes the treats irresistible to most dogs!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Flours

Try chickpea flour, brown rice flour, or coconut flour (though you may need to adjust quantities with coconut flour as it’s highly absorbent).

Flavor Boosters

Add a tablespoon of coconut oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon (which many dogs love), or finely chopped herbs like parsley for fresh breath.

Veggie Swaps

Replace sweet potato with unsweetened pumpkin puree, mashed carrots, or even mashed banana for different flavors and nutrients.

Protein Power

Incorporate a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for added protein.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato and peanut butter. Stir until well blended—this creates the flavorful base your dog will love.

Step 3: Add the Flour

Incorporate the oat flour into your wet mixture. Mix with a spoon initially, then use your hands to knead everything together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water; if too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Transfer the dough to a silicone mat or between two sheets of wax paper. Roll it out to about ¼-½ inch thickness, then cut into shapes using cookie cutters or simply slice into squares with a knife.

Step 5: Bake

Arrange your treats on the prepared baking tray, leaving a small space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes—shorter for softer treats, longer for crunchier ones.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow the treats to cool completely before serving. This helps them firm up and lock in the flavors.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Texture Control: For softer treats (good for senior dogs), bake for 10-12 minutes. For crunchier treats that help clean teeth, bake for the full 15 minutes.
Sweet Potato Prep: Cook extra sweet potatoes when preparing them for your family meals and save some for dog treats.
Uniform Size: Use similarly sized cookie cutters to ensure even baking across all treats.
Double Batch: Since you’re already going through the effort, consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for later.
Rolling Tip: If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before rolling—this makes it easier to handle.

How to Serve

Daily Treats

These make perfect training rewards or special daily treats. Due to their wholesome ingredients, they’re healthy enough for regular use.

Special Occasions

Fill a Kong toy with a small amount of peanut butter and crushed treats for a birthday or “gotcha day” celebration.

Training Sessions

Break into smaller pieces for extended training sessions—allowing more rewards without overfeeding.

Doggy Playdates

Package these in a cute container when visiting dog-owning friends—their pups will appreciate the homemade touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The natural ingredients mean they don’t have the preservatives that give store-bought treats their long shelf life.

Freezing

Place treats in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to two months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Thawing

Simply remove from the freezer and thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour if your dog doesn’t have wheat sensitivities. Regular all-purpose flour works too, though whole grain options provide more nutritional benefits for your pup.
My dog has a peanut allergy. Can I substitute the peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter make excellent alternatives, just ensure they don’t contain xylitol or added sugars. Some dogs also enjoy pureed pumpkin mixed with a little coconut oil as a peanut butter substitute.
How do I know if these treats are the right size for my dog?

Size the treats appropriately for your dog’s size—small bite-sized pieces for tiny dogs, and larger treats for bigger breeds. Remember that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, regardless of their size.
Why did my treats turn out too hard/soft?

Baking time significantly affects texture. For softer treats, reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes. For crunchier treats, bake longer or leave them in the turned-off oven to dry out more completely. The thickness of your rolled dough also affects the final texture.

Final Thoughts

These homemade dog treats aren’t just easy on your wallet—they’re a simple way to show your furry family member how much you care. There’s something special about watching your dog enjoy something you’ve made specifically for them. Plus, the peace of mind knowing exactly what ingredients are going into their treats is priceless. Give these a try, and I guarantee your pup will be sitting by the oven waiting for the next batch!