3-Ingredient Dog Treats

I have had dogs my whole life and believe good nutrition matters for our pets just as much as it does for us humans (dietitian here!). As someone who loves to bake, I’ve made my fair share of pet-friendly biscuits and birthday cakes for my furry family members. I’m here to tell you that baking homemade dog treats can be super simple, fun for the whole family and rewarding.

This recipe for 3-ingredient dog treats comes from Kate Morgan, a freelance writer for Taste of Home. It starts with everyday ingredients dogs love—peanut butter, oats and apples—so no special shopping trip is required! The treats are free from added sugars and preservatives, making them a wholesome alternative to many store-bought options. And the recipe is easy to tweak with your dog’s favorite flavors (cheese, anyone?). It’s a surefire way to get tails wagging.

What kind of peanut butter is safe for dogs?

When it comes to your pup, not all peanut butters are created equal. While peanuts are perfectly safe—and most dogs enjoy the flavor—some peanut butters include sweeteners, such as sugar and xylitol. Sugar isn’t great for dogs, and xylitol is toxic to them. Make sure to pick a peanut butter with no xylitol or added sugar for these 3-ingredient dog treats. You can even buy special peanut butter formulated for dogs.

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Dog Treats

• Apples: One small apple should yield enough for the 1/2 cup of slices you need for this recipe. Peel the apple first, then cut it into thin slices about 1/4-inch thick so they cook quickly and evenly.
• Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also called rolled oats, are the best choice here. They hold their shape better than quick-cooking oats, giving the treats a sturdier structure and a hearty texture.
• Peanut butter: It’s no secret that dogs love peanut butter, but not all peanut butters are safe for them. My pick would be a creamy, natural peanut butter made with just peanuts. Always make sure the brand you use is free from xylitol, added sugar and artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to dogs.

Directions

Step 1: Cook and mash the apple

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the apple slices with 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the apples are soft.

Mash the apples with a fork until they reach a consistency similar to applesauce, then set aside to cool slightly.

Editor’s Tip: A few small chunks are fine, but a smoother mash makes the “dough” easier to mix and shape.

Step 2: Mix the apples with oats and peanut butter

In a large bowl, stir together the mashed apples, oats and peanut butter. The mixture will be thick and sticky.

Editor’s Tip: If your peanut butter is firm, warm it first in the microwave for easier mixing.

Step 3: Shape the treats

Scoop out small portions of the mixture, rolling it between your palms to form balls. Adjust the size based on your dog: Use 1/2 to 1 tablespoon for large breeds, or 1 teaspoon for smaller pups. Arrange the treats on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Editor’s Tip: Chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes helps it firm up, making it less sticky and easier to roll.

Step 4: Bake and cool

Bake for about 15 minutes or until firm. Let cool completely before serving to your furry friends.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overbake! The treats continue to firm up as they cool, so they don’t need to be rock-hard when they come out of the oven.

Recipe Variations

• Add a shredded mix-in: Change up the flavor by stirring in a small amount of finely shredded carrot or unsweetened shredded coconut. If your dog loves cheesy treats, you can make cheddar dog treats by adding 1/4 cup shredded cheddar to the mixture.
• Swap the apple: No apples on hand? You can easily make these treats with another dog-safe fruit, such as mashed banana, pears or peaches. Fresh fruit is best for pets, since it’s naturally free from added sugar and seasonings.
• Make pumpkin peanut butter treats: Replace the mashed apple with about 1/4 cup of 100% pure canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). It’s a fun seasonal twist, and pumpkin can support digestive health in dogs.
• Try no-bake treats: Skip the oven altogether and freeze the rolled treats instead. The frozen dog treats make a refreshing chewy snack that’s perfect for cooling off after warm weather walks.

How to Store 3-Ingredient Dog Treats

Let these 3-ingredient peanut butter dog treats cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week—as long as your pup doesn’t beg for them all sooner. For longer storage, transfer them to a resealable bag and store in the freezer.

Can you freeze 3-ingredient dog treats?

You can freeze these 3-ingredient peanut butter dog treats for up to six months. To prevent sticking, flash-freeze them first. Arrange the baked treats in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

Serve straight from the freezer as a cool treat, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

Tips for Making 3-Ingredient Dog Treats

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Can you double this recipe?

Yes! This dog treat recipe doubles easily. You may need to bake the treats in batches, depending on the size of your baking sheets.

Do you have to cook the apple?

Yes, the apple needs to be softened so it mixes easily into the dough. If you’re short on time, speed things up by placing the sliced apple in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup of water. Microwave on high in one-minute intervals until fork-tender. Drain any excess liquid, mash the fruit and continue with the recipe as directed.

No fresh apples? You can substitute the cooked apple with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. If the mixture is too wet, add extra oats, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it’s thick enough to scoop and roll easily.

How big should you make the dog treats?

The size of these treats depends on your dog. Smaller dogs do best with bite-sized treats made from about 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter, oat and apple mixture. Larger dogs can handle bigger treats made with about 1 tablespoon of the mixture.

Can humans eat these dog treats?

Sure! Since these dog biscuits are made with just three simple ingredients, dogs and their humans can enjoy them together. While they’re designed with pups in mind, you might find you like them just as much as your furry bestie does!