These three-ingredient dog treats will be ready for your fur baby in 30 minutes. No baking experience is necessary! You will never have to buy treats from the pet store again because these snacks are easy to make and won’t break the bank. Grab your oven mitts, a bowl, and a few ingredients that are likely already in the kitchen cabinet. Let’s get baking!
Treats Approved By Jamo
I’ve never been much of a baker. Measuring and precision when cooking makes me anxious. But when I learned about these three-ingredient homemade dog cookies, I decided to dig up my oven mitts. I began dog walking and sitting during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and soon started my company, inspired by my best friend: Just Jamo. The weekends became treat-baking days, with Jamo and my clients as my taste testers.
Just Jamo does not have any secret recipe. My treat production process is always a work in progress because I cater to my clients’ tastebuds and dietary needs. I use simple ingredients and custom bake treats for my furry clients. I am happy to share my recipes and tips with you and your pup so you can make dog treats in your own home!
Three Ingredients
There are three key ingredients in these simple, 30-minute dog treats: nut butter, flour/oats, and fruits/vegetables. These may not be your typical baking ingredients, but we do not feed our fur babies typical treats. This recipe calls for oats and banana, but you can swap out these ingredients for other flours, fruits, and vegetables. Be sure to always check with your veterinarian before feeding your pet any new foods.
Nut Butter
Peanut butter is one of the most popular ingredients in dog treats. Almond and cashew butter are pricier, but also great options and ideal for any humans who have a peanut allergy. There is just one rule to follow: just nuts! Use 100% pure nut butter with NO added oils, sugar, or salt.
Flour/Oats
Avoid using all-purpose flour. Many pets develop dry, itchy skin due to food allergies, which is why the pet food market has become dominated by grain-free options. Making grain-free dog treats is simple and only requires an alternative flour like almond or oat flour.
I blend up fresh oats into a fine powder for Jamo’s treats, which are packed with fiber and vitamins. I always have them on hand for smoothies and it is more affordable than store-bought flour. Instant oats also work great, but be sure there are no added ingredients like salt or sugar.
Fruits/Vegetables
Dogs and cats are carnivorous creatures and do not need fruits and vegetables. However, most still enjoy vegetarian treats that provide valuable vitamins and antioxidants. The “glue,” or what holds together these delicious dog treats is canned pumpkin or sweet potato. Be sure to buy 100% pure puree. If you are feeling fancy, feel free to bake your own pumpkin, potatoes, or yams and use the filling in your treats.
FUN FACT: Sweet potato is great for firming up loose stool, and pumpkin will help solve constipation issues. Both are also full of fiber and vitamins.
Oh no! You forgot to pick up more pumpkin and sweet potato… Those browning bananas in your fruit bowl are the perfect substitute that provide extra vitamins and the necessary moisture to form these delicious treats. You can always freeze peeled bananas and defrost them when it is time to bake more dog treats.
It is Time to Bake Dog Treats
As I said, I am not much of a baker and hate measuring. When I started baking dog treats, I dove right in and winged it. These measurements are perfect for anyone making a trial batch of treats for the first time. The most important ingredient in these treats cannot be bought at a food store: love.
Ingredients
1/2 cup (a few heaping tablespoons) of all natural peanut butter
1 cup ground or instant oats
1 banana
Love
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F
- Mix peanut butter, oats, and banana in a food processor or blender until dough is sticky.
Tip: Gradually add oats/flour as you blend the ingredients together.
- Form the treats. Create small treat balls, rolls out your dough and break out the cookie cutters, or check out the silicone molds that I use below.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until treats are slightly firm on top.
- Stick your dog treats in the refrigerator to cool, then spoil your pup!
Storage Tip: Keep dog treats in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or for months in the freezer. Jamo loves snacking on frozen treats outside on a warm afternoon.
Snacks and Fun Shapes
You do not need trays to make dog treats, but I love making them in fun shapes for my Just Jamo clients. Dogs love the paw prints and bone shapes from these silicone molds, and go crazy for the tiny fish that these molds produce. When you’re done baking, put them in the freezer for 30 minutes, then remove from the mold.
These fun treats are the “pawfect” gift to bring to a furry friend wherever you go. I buy small mason jars in bulk and always have some on hand to give to my pet sitting clients to try. Consider baking some snacks to bring your Easter Sunday celebration!
Not on the Menu
Some foods can be toxic to dogs and cats, and should not be fed to your fur babies. Everyone knows that chocolate is notoriously toxic for dogs, but what about fruits and vegetables? Pet owners may be doing more harm than good with the intention of providing their pets with nutritious vitamins.
Final Thoughts
The American Kennel Club offers an extensive list of fruits and vegetables that should not be fed to dogs and cats including grapes, cherries, avocados, onions, and mushrooms. Be sure to never give a pet any fruits with pits, as most contain the toxin cyanide. Always be sure to do a quick Google search when feeding any pets “human” food. I hope that you enjoy baking these homemade treats for your furbaby! Please comment below and share your experience, tips, tricks, and feedback.
