4-Ingredient Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats (That Won’t Break The Bank!)
If you’re like me, your dogs are family—and that means they deserve treats made with love. But have you noticed how expensive store-bought dog treats are these days? Many of them are packed with preservatives, fillers, and mystery ingredients, and the really good ones (you know, the ones with ingredients you can actually pronounce) can cost a small fortune.
That’s why I started making these homemade Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats. They’re incredibly easy to make, super budget-friendly, and most importantly—my dogs love them. With just four wholesome ingredients, this recipe makes a big batch of shelf-stable treats that can last for months when stored properly. No more tossing out stale store-bought bags or running to the pet store last minute. These are a total win.
Why We Love It
Economical: A single batch makes a ton of treats. Seriously—especially if you're using small cookie cutters or silicone molds. You’ll spend just a few dollars for what would cost you $20+ at the store.
Shelf Stable: Once baked and cooled completely, these treats can be stored in an airtight container for months. That means less waste, more savings, and happy pups for the long haul.
Healthy Ingredients:
Pumpkin Purée is rich in fiber and great for your dog’s digestion.
Natural Peanut Butter (make sure it's unsweetened and xylitol-free) is a tasty source of protein and healthy fats.
Ground Flaxseed adds omega-3s for a shiny coat and supports overall joint and heart health.
Brown Rice Flour is a gluten-free alternative that’s easy on sensitive stomachs.
A Quick Note on Peanut Butter
Always double-check the label when buying peanut butter for your dog. It should be natural, unsweetened, and free of xylitol. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute in many “sugar-free” products, but it is extremely toxic to dogs—even in small amounts. Stick with the simple stuff: just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt.
Easy to Make
You don’t need any special baking skills or fancy equipment. Just mix, mold (or roll and cut), and bake. That’s it. It’s a fun, feel-good recipe to whip up on a weekend afternoon—your dogs might even hang out by the oven while they bake!
Ingredients
2 cups brown rice flour
½ cup unsweetened pumpkin purée
¼ cup natural peanut butter (Make sure it’s free of sugar and xylitol—both are toxic to dogs.)
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (for added fiber and omega-3s)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until a dough forms.
If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
Press the dough into silicone molds or roll it out and cut into fun shapes.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until treats are firm and lightly golden.
Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to several months.
Enjoy!