Looking for an easy, healthy dog cookie recipe your pup will love? These homemade dog cookies are made with just a few simple ingredients—whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and natural peanut butter, for a wholesome treat that’s tail-wagging good. They’re crunchy, packed with flavor, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can have a stash of homemade dog treats ready for your furry friend anytime.
As a recipe developer and home entertaining expert, I’ve tested this dog biscuit recipe again and again (with my pup Chloe as the official taste tester!) to make sure it’s foolproof, easy to make, and safe for dogs. If you’ve ever wondered how to make homemade dog cookies that your dog will actually go crazy for, this is it.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust This Recipe
- Why I Love Making This Dog Cookie Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Directions
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Store + Make Ahead
- Final Thoughts
Why You Can Trust This Recipe
As someone who develops recipes for both people and now pets, I always focus on simplicity, safety, and flavor. I started making these homemade dog treats when I had some leftover pumpkin puree that I didn’t want to waste, and they turned out so good that Chloe now expects a fresh batch every week!
When it comes to pet recipes, it’s so important to use safe, vet-approved ingredients. Every ingredient in this recipe—like pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and peanut butter has nutritional benefits for dogs. This isn’t just a treat, it’s a snack that’s good for them too!
You can trust that every recipe I share has been tested until perfect—by me and my furry assistant.
Why I Love Making This Dog Cookie Recipe
- Minimal ingredients — Only six pantry staples.
- Healthy + safe — Made without added sugar, xylitol, or preservatives.
- Customizable — You can swap pumpkin for sweet potato or add oats for texture.
- Freezer-friendly — Make a big batch and keep them fresh for weeks.
- Dog-approved — Crunchy, flavorful, and gone in seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour – Adds texture and crunch. If your dog is grain-sensitive, you can use oat flour.
- 2 eggs – Helps bind the dough and adds protein.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling).
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter – Dogs love peanut butter! Just make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor. You can reduce or omit if your dog is on a low-sodium diet.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and aroma (and it’s dog-safe in small amounts).
Quick Tip
Use a natural peanut butter brand that lists only peanuts (and maybe salt) in the ingredients.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients in a large bowl until combined. The dough will be sticky—add a little extra flour as needed until it’s workable.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (bone shapes are always fun!). You can find the ones I used HERE!
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
These homemade dog biscuits will last up to 10 days in an airtight container—or freeze for up to 3 months.
Substitutions & Variations
- No pumpkin? Use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce.
- No eggs? Swap in ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg.
- Add crunch: Mix in rolled oats for a heartier texture.
- Make it festive: Use seasonal cookie cutters—like hearts, trees, or bones—for special occasions!
Quick Tip
To make softer treats for senior dogs, bake for 20 minutes instead of 30.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Dog Cookies
Test the texture. The dough should be firm but not dry. Add more flour if it’s too sticky, or a touch of water if it’s too stiff.
Cool completely. Hot treats can retain moisture and soften; letting them cool on a wire rack keeps them crunchy.
Freeze in small batches. I like to portion mine into groups of 10 and freeze them in reusable bags.
Personalize it. Add your dog’s name to a few cookies before baking—it’s a fun way to make them feel special!
How to Store + Make Ahead
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 3 weeks in a sealed jar.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight or pop in the microwave for 5 seconds before serving.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
These homemade dog cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a way to show your pup a little extra love. They’re crunchy, wholesome, and made from real ingredients you can trust.
Whether you’re baking for your own dog or gifting them to fellow pet parents, these pumpkin peanut butter dog biscuits are sure to be a hit. Plus, making them from scratch means you know exactly what’s in them—no fillers, no mystery ingredients, just simple homemade goodness.
Your dog will love them—and honestly, making them might just become your new favorite weekend ritual.
Homemade Dog Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling).
- 3 tbsp natural peanut butter – Just make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients in a large bowl until combined. The dough will be sticky—add a little extra flour as needed until it’s workable.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (bone shapes are always fun!).
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
These homemade dog biscuits will last up to 10 days in an airtight container—or freeze for up to 3 months.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 30 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 59Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 64mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
