Oatmeal Dog Treats: Simple Homemade Recipes Your Pup Will Love

Making homemade dog treats doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Oatmeal dog treats are simple to make at home with just a few basic ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and banana or pumpkin, and they offer a healthy alternative to store-bought options.

These easy homemade treats give you full control over what goes into your dog’s snacks.

I started making oatmeal treats for my own dog after realizing how many additives were in commercial treats. Oats are high in fiber, which helps with digestion and can regulate blood sugar levels.

They also contain B vitamins that support your dog’s health. The best part is that you can customize these treats based on what your dog likes.

Whether your pup prefers sweet flavors like bananas and applesauce or earthy options like pumpkin and carrots, oatmeal works as a great base. You can make soft treats for older dogs or crunchy biscuits for dogs who like a harder chew.

Key Takeaways

• Oatmeal dog treats require only a few simple ingredients and are healthier than most store-bought options
• You can customize recipes based on your dog’s preferences and dietary needs
• Homemade treats give you control over ingredients while saving money

Benefits of Oatmeal Dog Treats

Oatmeal provides essential nutrients that support your dog’s overall health. It helps maintain a healthy digestive system and works well for dogs with certain food sensitivities.

Nutritional Value of Oatmeal

Oatmeal contains vitamins and minerals that contribute to your dog’s well-being. It includes B vitamins, which help with energy production and nervous system function.

Iron supports healthy blood cells, while zinc aids in immune system health. The grain also provides important minerals like magnesium and phosphorus.

These help maintain strong bones and teeth in dogs. Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which I find particularly beneficial for keeping dogs satisfied between meals.

Oatmeal contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage. These compounds support your dog’s immune system and may help reduce inflammation.

The protein content in oats, while not as high as meat sources, still adds to your dog’s daily protein intake.

Digestive Health Advantages

The high fiber content in oatmeal promotes regular bowel movements in dogs. I’ve found that fiber helps move food through the digestive tract at a healthy pace.

This can prevent constipation and keep things running smoothly. Fiber helps dogs have better digestion, especially for senior dogs and those with stomach issues.

The soluble fiber in oats forms a gel-like substance in the gut that can soothe the digestive system. Oatmeal can be easier on sensitive stomachs compared to some other grains.

It provides a gentle source of carbohydrates that most dogs digest well.

Suitability for Dogs with Allergies

Oatmeal works well for dogs with certain food allergies because it’s not a common allergen. Many dogs with wheat allergies can tolerate oats without problems.

This makes oatmeal treats a good alternative when other grain-based treats cause issues. Dogs with chicken or beef sensitivities can enjoy oatmeal treats made without these proteins.

You can combine oatmeal with dog-friendly ingredients like pumpkin or peanut butter to create treats that avoid common allergens. Just make sure any peanut butter you use doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

I recommend checking with your vet before introducing oatmeal if your dog has known grain allergies, though oat allergies are relatively rare in dogs.

Ingredients for Homemade Oatmeal Dog Treats

When I make dog treats at home, I focus on simple, wholesome ingredients that are safe and nutritious for my pup. The right combination of oats and healthy add-ins creates treats that dogs love while avoiding anything harmful.

Choosing the Best Oats

I always use plain, unflavored oats for my dog treats. Regular rolled oats or quick oats work perfectly fine in most recipes.

Oats are high in fiber and contain B vitamins that help maintain a healthy coat. They also have linoleic acid, which is good for skin health.

I find that oats are naturally gluten-free, making them a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Avoid instant oatmeal packets that come with added sugar, artificial flavors, or sweeteners.

These extras aren’t good for dogs and can upset their stomachs. I also make my own oat flour by grinding regular oats in a food processor or blender.

This gives me control over the texture and ensures no unwanted ingredients sneak into my treats.

Healthy Add-Ins for Dogs

My favorite add-ins include pumpkin, applesauce, bananas, and carrots. Pumpkin and oats combine to create nutritious treats that most dogs find irresistible.

I use unsweetened applesauce and mashed ripe bananas for natural sweetness. These fruits add moisture to the dough and provide vitamins.

Shredded carrots give a nice crunch and are packed with nutrients. Peanut butter is another popular option, but I make sure to use natural varieties without xylitol.

A small amount of cinnamon can add flavor, and eggs help bind everything together. I sometimes add a tablespoon of coconut oil for healthy fats that support coat health.

Foods to Avoid

I never include chocolate, grapes, raisins, or onions in my dog treats. These foods are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s extremely dangerous for dogs. I carefully check all ingredient labels, especially on peanut butter, to make sure it doesn’t contain this sweetener.

Macadamia nuts, garlic, and excessive salt are also on my avoid list. I skip using regular sugar or honey in large amounts.

While a tiny bit won’t hurt, dogs don’t need added sugars in their diet. Raw yeast dough should never be given to dogs as it can expand in their stomachs and cause painful bloating.

Simple Oatmeal Dog Treat Recipes

I’ve found that making oatmeal treats at home is easy when you start with basic recipes that use just a few ingredients. These three recipes require minimal prep time and use common pantry items that are safe for dogs.

Classic Oat and Peanut Butter Treats

I love this recipe because it only needs three ingredients to make tasty treats my dog enjoys. You’ll need 2 cups of oats, 1 cup of peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol), and 2 eggs.

First, I preheat my oven to 350°F. Then I mix all the ingredients in a bowl until they form a thick dough.

I roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick and cut it into shapes with cookie cutters. You can also just make small balls and flatten them with your hand.

I bake these homemade peanut butter oatmeal treats for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden brown. After they cool completely, I store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Banana Oat Bites

I make these when I have ripe bananas that are getting too soft for my family to eat. You’ll need 1 mashed banana, 2 cups of oats, and 1/4 cup of water.

I mash the banana well in a bowl, then add the oats and water. The mixture should stick together but not be too wet.

I form small bite-sized balls with my hands and place them on a lined baking sheet. These oatmeal dog treats with banana work great for smaller dogs or training sessions.

I bake them at 325°F for about 25 minutes. They should be firm but not too hard.

My dogs especially love these because of the sweet banana flavor.

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

I make this recipe often in the fall, but it works year-round with canned pumpkin. You’ll need 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), and 1 egg.

I mix the oats and pumpkin together first, then add the egg. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

I use a spoon to drop small portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This oatmeal pumpkin dog treat recipe is great for dogs with sensitive stomachs because pumpkin helps with digestion.

I bake these at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until they’re firm. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, or I freeze them for longer storage.

Tips for Baking and Storing Oatmeal Dog Treats

Getting the right texture in your homemade treats and keeping them fresh requires a few key techniques. I’ll share my best practices for baking perfectly crispy or chewy treats and making sure they stay safe for your dog to enjoy.

Baking Techniques for Perfect Texture

I always preheat my oven to the exact temperature the recipe calls for, usually between 325°F and 350°F. This helps the treats bake evenly from the start.

For crunchier treats, I roll the dough thinner, about 1/4 inch thick. If I want softer, chewier treats, I make them thicker at around 1/2 inch.

The thickness really changes the final texture. I space the treats about an inch apart on my baking sheet.

This lets air circulate around each one so they bake properly. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat keeps them from sticking.

Baking time matters a lot. I usually bake treats for 20 to 30 minutes, but I always check them a few minutes early.

The edges should turn golden brown when they’re done. For extra crunch, I turn off the oven when baking is done and leave the treats inside for another 30 minutes.

This dries them out more and helps them last longer on the counter.

How to Store Homemade Treats

I let my treats cool completely before storing them. Any warmth can create moisture in the container, which leads to mold.

For treats I’ll use within a week, I keep them in an airtight container on my counter. Proper storage keeps biscuits crunchy and prevents them from going stale.

Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. I store softer treats in the refrigerator since they contain more moisture.

They stay fresh for about two weeks when chilled. For longer storage, I freeze treats in freezer-safe bags or containers.

I remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen treats last up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Shelf Life and Freshness

Counter storage: 1 week for dry, crunchy treats
Refrigerator: 2 weeks for treats with fresh ingredients like banana or pumpkin
Freezer: 3 months for all treat types

I always check treats before giving them to my dog. Any strange smell, discoloration, or visible mold means I toss them right away.

Treats with wet ingredients like applesauce or peanut butter don’t last as long at room temperature. I pop these in the fridge within a day of baking.

I write the baking date on my containers with a marker. This helps me track freshness and use older treats first.

If I’m not sure how long treats have been stored, I play it safe and make a fresh batch.

Oatmeal Dog Treats for Special Diets

Dogs with specific health needs can still enjoy oatmeal treats with a few recipe tweaks. Modifying ingredients helps create snacks for dogs with grain sensitivities or those needing lower fat content.

Grain-Free Alternatives

Grain-free might sound odd for oatmeal treats, but you can swap oats for other options. Coconut flour works well as a base for dogs with grain allergies.

I also use almond or chickpea flour to get a similar texture. When making homemade oatmeal dog treats, I replace oats with these alternatives in equal amounts.

Sweet potato puree acts as a binder and adds natural sweetness without grains. I always check with my vet before switching to grain-free options.

If my dog truly needs grain-free treats, I combine 1 cup coconut flour with 1/2 cup sweet potato puree and 1 egg to start.

Low-Fat Options for Senior Dogs

Senior dogs often need treats with less fat to keep their digestive systems happy and maintain a healthy weight. I use unsweetened applesauce instead of oils or butter.

For sweet potato oatmeal treats, I stick with oats, mashed sweet potato, and egg whites instead of whole eggs. This cuts fat but keeps treats moist.

I skip peanut butter or use powdered peanut butter, which has about 85% less fat than regular. For my older dog, I also make smaller treat sizes for easier chewing and better portion control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making oatmeal treats at home lets you control what goes into your dog’s snacks. Store-bought options offer convenience.

Most dogs can enjoy these treats safely when you prepare them correctly and serve them in moderation.

What is a good recipe for homemade oatmeal dog treats?

A basic recipe: combine 2 cups of whole oats, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix until you get a thick dough.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm.

Let them cool completely before giving them to your pup.

How can I make healthy oatmeal dog treats for my pup?

I use plain, whole grain oats as the base since they provide fiber and B vitamins. For sweetness, add mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar.

You can mix in some plain, cooked oatmeal with pureed pumpkin for extra nutrition. I avoid salt, butter, chocolate, raisins, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

Fresh ingredients work best. Store finished treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

What are the best brands for store-bought oatmeal dog treats?

I look for brands that list whole oats first and avoid added sugars or artificial flavors. Popular options include Old Mother Hubbard, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness.

Check the ingredient list before buying. Skip any store-bought oatmeal cookies with chocolate, raisins, or too much sugar and butter.

I prefer treats made in the USA with limited, recognizable ingredients. Reading reviews from other dog owners helps me find good products.

Can you share a simple recipe for peanut butter and oatmeal dog treats?

I mix 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter (no xylitol), 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of water. For a smoother texture, blend the oats into oat flour first.

Combine everything in a bowl until you have a workable dough. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water.

Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Always double-check your peanut butter for xylitol, since it’s toxic to dogs.

Are there any no-bake oatmeal treat recipes for dogs?

I make no-bake balls by mixing 1 cup of oats with 1/2 cup mashed banana and 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter. Roll the mix into small balls and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Another option: combine oats with pureed sweet potato and a spoonful of honey. Since these aren’t baked, keep them in the fridge.

No-bake treats are awesome during hot summer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Is it safe to give my dog oatmeal treats regularly?

I give my dog oatmeal as an occasional treat, not as a daily staple.

Dogs don’t need carbohydrates like oatmeal as a regular part of their diet.

I use the 10% rule, so treats make up no more than 10% of my dog’s daily calories.

For a 50-pound dog, that’s about 2-3 small treats per day.

When giving oatmeal treats for the first time, watch your dog for any digestive upset.

Some dogs might be sensitive to grains or have trouble digesting them.