Introduction

These easy 3-ingredient round dog cookies are a wholesome treat your furry friend will love. Made with peanut butter, oats, and banana, they’re simple to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. Plus, they can be customized to suit your pup’s taste and dietary needs.

The image shows twelve round peanut butter cookies arranged in four rows on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each cookie has a light brown color with a slightly rough texture and visible oats pressed into the edges. The top of each cookie has a pattern of three or four parallel fork marks that create shallow lines across their surface. The baking sheet sits on a white marbled texture background. The lighting is soft, giving a warm tone to the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup natural peanut butter (MUST be xylitol-free! Xylitol is toxic for dogs.)
1 cup rolled oats (great for digestion and adds a little crunch)
1 ripe banana, mashed (adds natural sweetness and potassium)
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (anti-inflammatory, but use sparingly)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (extra fiber and omega-3s for a shiny coat)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (for a softer cookie)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Stir in the natural peanut butter until well combined.
Step 3: Add the rolled oats and mix thoroughly until you achieve a thick, dough-like consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oats; if too dry, add a bit of unsweetened applesauce.
Step 4: Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to form a round cookie shape.
Step 5: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them to your dog. Cool treats help avoid burns and are safer for your pup to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

Always ensure your peanut butter is xylitol-free, as xylitol is harmful to dogs.
For extra nutrients, consider adding a small amount of ground flaxseed or cinnamon, but keep cinnamon minimal due to its potency.
If your dog prefers softer cookies, mix in some unsweetened applesauce to adjust the texture.
Feel free to add finely chopped carrots or pumpkin puree for variety and additional vitamins.

Storage

Store the dog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving. Always check for freshness before giving treats to your dog.

How to Serve

A dark brown baking tray holds seven round cookies, each with a thick, light brown dough base topped with a sprinkle of rolled oats, giving a rough texture with cream and light tan patches. The cookies are spaced evenly on a sheet of parchment paper, showing slight cracks and unevenness in the dough surface. The tray sits on a blue cloth with white stripes, placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute with almond or cashew butter, but make sure they contain no added sugar, salt, or xylitol, which is harmful to dogs.

Are these cookies suitable for puppies?

These treats are generally safe for most puppies, but it’s best to consult your vet, especially for very young pups or those with dietary restrictions.