10 Easy Dog Treats So Tasty, Even Picky Dogs Devour Them—Made With Stuff You Already Have

If you’re anything like me, you’ve stood in the kitchen with your Goldendoodle watching your every move, hoping you’ll drop something tasty on the floor. Lexie, my 10-year-old mini Goldendoodle, has always had a knack for detecting when I’m about to start baking, especially if it’s something just for her.

You don’t need special skills or fancy ingredients to make easy dog treats at home that your pup will love. These simple recipes keep Lexie happy, and making them has become one of our favorite things to do together.

1) Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oats Treats

This is one of my go-to recipes, especially when I have a too-ripe banana sitting on the counter. All you need are oats, peanut butter, and banana. It’s easy, quick, and you probably already have everything in your kitchen.

I like that these treats have just a few simple ingredients. Oats are gentle on Lexie’s stomach, and the banana adds natural sweetness. Just make sure the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, since that’s dangerous for dogs.

To make these, I mash up a banana, mix it with some natural peanut butter, and then stir in old-fashioned rolled oats. When Lexie sees me grab the peanut butter jar, she appears out of nowhere, hoping for a taste.

You can shape the mixture into little balls or press it flat and cut shapes out with a cookie cutter. I usually make bite-sized rounds to keep portion sizes under control, since Lexie’s not as active as she was as a puppy. If you want to see video instructions or a similar recipe, Flora & Vino has a helpful guide for peanut butter banana dog treats.

Lexie gets so excited when these come out of the oven, she does her happy dance in the kitchen. I love knowing exactly what’s in her treats—simple, healthy, and Goldendoodle-approved.

2) Peanut Butter and Carrot Bites

Lexie has always had a thing for peanut butter. It’s one of those treats I can count on to make her tail start wagging, even on her slow days. These Peanut Butter and Carrot Bites are a simple snack I like to bake, especially when I want something quick and wholesome.

All you need are three things: peanut butter, shredded carrots, and oats. I just mix everything together, shape the dough into small balls, and bake until they’re set. Lexie’s enthusiasm for these treats is probably only matched by mine for how easy they are to make. There’s no guessing with ingredients, and they turn out a lot like the peanut butter and carrot dog treats you might find online.

One big win for me is knowing exactly what’s in Lexie’s snacks—no weird fillers or extras. Plus, the carrots add a tiny boost of vitamins and a bit of crunch she seems to love. They keep well in the fridge for about a week, but I’ve learned I usually need to bake more before then—someone here is a bit too enthusiastic!

3) Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Cookies

When Lexie was younger, she gobbled up almost anything. Now that she’s 10, she’s a bit pickier (and her stomach is too). That’s why I like making these sweet potato and peanut butter cookies. They’re just three simple ingredients: mashed sweet potato, natural peanut butter (no xylitol), and oat flour.

All I do is mix everything together, shape the dough into little rounds or dog bone shapes, and bake until firm. Lexie loves them warm from the oven, and I feel good knowing exactly what’s inside. You can find more recipe tips and ingredient ideas in this sweet potato and peanut butter treat guide.

One thing to watch for: make sure your peanut butter doesn’t have any fake sweeteners, especially xylitol. Even a small amount can be harmful for dogs. When I started making these, I tried them too—honestly, they taste just like a healthy people cookie!

These treats freeze well, which is great for always having a few on hand when Lexie gives me “that look.” If your Goldendoodle has food sensitivities, these cookies are a gentle option.

4) Peanut Butter, Egg, and Whole Wheat Flour Biscuits

Making treats at home doesn’t have to be complicated. One of my favorite go-to recipes for Lexie is a simple peanut butter, egg, and whole wheat flour biscuit. It comes together fast and uses just a few pantry staples, so I don’t need to run out to the store.

I learned this recipe when Lexie was a puppy and have tweaked it a bit over the years. She gets excited as soon as she hears the mixing bowl come out. All I do is mix whole wheat flour, a spoonful of peanut butter (I always double-check it has no xylitol), and an egg until it forms a dough.

Rolling out the dough and cutting out little shapes is my favorite part. Sometimes, I use a bone-shaped cutter, but Lexie doesn’t mind if they’re just circles. The process reminds me of making cookies, only these smell way more “dog.”

Once baked, these biscuits are crunchy and easy to store for the week. They make great training rewards too, especially for stubborn recall practice. If you want a super simple recipe with minimal cleanup, this is one worth trying. You can find more details and ingredient tips in this easy peanut butter dog treats recipe.

Lexie never turns one down, so I keep a stash on hand. If your doodle is peanut butter-obsessed like mine, these are bound to be a hit.

5) Pumpkin, Peanut Butter, and Whole Wheat Flour Treats

These pumpkin, peanut butter, and whole wheat flour treats are a favorite in our house—especially with Lexie. I love that they only use a few basic ingredients, which keeps things simple when you want to whip up something quick. You’ll need whole wheat flour, pure pumpkin puree, and peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol.

Mixing everything together is straightforward. I just combine the ingredients in a bowl until I get a dough, then roll it out and cut it into shapes Lexie will actually eat. She isn’t picky, but my neighbor’s Doodle ignores anything too crunchy, so these are great because you can control how thick you roll them.

Lexie gets especially excited when she sees the jar of peanut butter come out. These treats smell good even to me, though I’ll admit I haven’t actually tasted them myself. If you’re looking for detailed measurements and steps, I like the version from Cardamom & Coconut, which has an easy-to-follow recipe.

If your pup is sensitive to wheat, you can try substituting oat flour. Just be sure to check if your dog has allergies before trying out new recipes. Lexie’s favorite part is definitely licking the peanut butter spoon!

6) Banana, Peanut Butter, and Maple Syrup Snacks

These treats are one of Lexie’s favorites, and I love how quick they are to make. All you need is ripe banana, creamy peanut butter, a little maple syrup, an egg, and some whole wheat flour.

I usually mash half a banana and mix it with one cup of peanut butter, one egg, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and a cup of whole wheat flour. If you want to double-check measurements, you can find a similar recipe at Princess Pinky Girl’s Facebook post.

After mixing, I scoop the dough into little balls. I bake them on a cookie sheet for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F.

Lexie starts pacing as soon as she smells these. I like to break the treats into smaller pieces for her since she’s a mini and, let’s be honest, she gets a little excited.

One trick I learned—if your Doodle loves crunchier snacks, just bake them a few extra minutes. These are great for training or a quick snack after a walk.

7) Carrot and Oat Simple Dog Bites

Carrots and oats are two staples I always have around, and Lexie absolutely loves both. When I want to give her a homemade treat without too much fuss, these bites are my go-to. They don’t take long to make and use just three ingredients—carrot, oats, and peanut butter.

I grate some fresh carrot, mix it with quick oats and a dollop of peanut butter, then roll the mixture into small balls. I’ve noticed Lexie prefers smaller bites now that she’s older, so I keep them little and soft.

These treats are a great way to sneak in some healthy veggies, especially if your dog is picky. If you want a simple step-by-step, you can find a recipe for peanut butter and carrot homemade dog treats that’s very close to what I make.

Clean-up is easy, which I appreciate on busy days. Lexie tends to hang around the kitchen waiting for me to drop a crumb, so taste-testing duty is always covered! I keep leftovers in an airtight container for a few days or freeze a batch.

8) Pumpkin Puree and Egg Dog Treats

Pumpkin puree and eggs are the main stars in this dog treat recipe. I started making these for Lexie last fall when I had some leftover canned pumpkin from my own baking projects. They only take a few minutes to mix together, and cleanup is easy—always a plus.

The treats turn out chewy and soft, which is perfect for Lexie now that she’s a senior with some teeth showing their age. I usually blend about one cup of pumpkin puree with two eggs. Stir until smooth, then scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

For extra crunch, I sometimes add a handful of oats, kind of like these pumpkin oat dog treats. If your Doodle doesn’t like oats, you can skip them with no problem. The key is to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

Lexie loves these treats after a walk or as a reward for being (mostly) good at bath time. They hold up well in the fridge for about a week, or you can freeze extras for later.

9) Peanut Butter and Oat Flour Chews

Lexie has a soft spot for anything peanut butter. These chews are a hit in our house because they combine her favorite flavor with oat flour, which is gentle on her tummy. I like that the recipe is simple, and I can whip it up in about 20 minutes when she gives me those big “please” eyes.

To make them, you only need a few things: unsweetened peanut butter, oat flour (I grind rolled oats in my blender), and a little water. There are easy 3-ingredient variations, like these peanut butter oat dog treats, that take barely any prep. I skip any added sugar or salt to keep them as healthy as possible for Lexie.

Rolling out the dough and cutting out shapes always makes me laugh—Lexie tries to “help” by sitting as close as possible, hoping for a taste test. Once they’re baked and cooled, I store them in an airtight container.

These chews aren’t too hard, so they’re perfect for older dogs or those with sensitive teeth. If you try them, let me know if your own Doodle is as obsessed as Lexie is!

10) Mashed Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Bars

When Lexie hit her “senior doodle” stage, I started looking for soft treats that were easy on her teeth but still got her tail wagging. These mashed sweet potato and peanut butter bars have quickly become a favorite at our house. They’re simple, only need a few ingredients, and Lexie can smell them baking from the next room.

To make these, I mash up a cooked sweet potato (no skin), add some peanut butter, and a splash of coconut oil. Just mix it all together until smooth. If the dough is too sticky, I add a little oat flour—nothing fancy, just oats pulsed in my blender.

Lexie tends to “supervise” this process very closely, especially when the peanut butter comes out. After mixing, I press the dough into a lined pan and bake until firm. Once cooled, I slice them into small bars. Lexie prefers hers cut up small for easy chewing.

There are no added sugars or tricky ingredients in these bars. Most pups seem to love the smell and soft texture. If you want step-by-step directions, you can check out this simple recipe for sweet potato peanut butter dog treats.

Benefits Of Homemade Dog Treats

Making dog treats at home lets me handpick what goes into each bite Lexie eats. I can focus on her health, preferences, and our budget without worrying about hidden surprises found in store-bought options.

Nutritional Advantages

I remember when Lexie hit her double digits, she suddenly needed fewer calories and more joint support in her snacks. By making her treats at home, I can pick ingredients that match her age, needs, and favorites.

For example, adding canned pumpkin helps her digestion. Tossing in a little ground flaxseed keeps her coat soft. I don’t have to wonder about artificial colors or fillers—there aren’t any. Real, simple foods like oats, peanut butter, and sweet potato mean every treat counts toward her health.

I also get to sneak in extras that are usually missing from most commercial options, like a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt when her tummy’s a bit off or blueberries for an antioxidant boost. This way, her snacks can be both tasty and extra healthy. If you want more ideas, you can check out some popular homemade dog treat recipes that highlight nutritious ingredients.

Control Over Ingredients

One thing I’ve learned from years with Lexie: fresh, whole foods make a difference in how she feels. When I make treats myself, I skip anything she’s ever reacted to—no mystery meat, wheat (her stomach’s enemy), or strange starches. Instead, I use lean cooked chicken, pumpkin, or applesauce.

I can tailor every recipe to fit her tastes (she’ll do anything for a peanut butter-banana combo). It’s a relief knowing there’s no hidden salt, sugar, or preservatives. A simple recipe for peanut butter dog treats uses just a handful of safe, clear ingredients—you can really see the difference.

If your dog has allergies or a sensitive tummy, being in control is a lifesaver. It lets me feel good about every treat I hand Lexie after a walk or training session.

Cost Savings

Buying specialty or natural dog treats adds up fast—especially with a food-loving Doodle like Lexie. I used to grab pricey bags at the pet store and then cringe at the total when I hit checkout.

Once I started baking treats at home, I noticed how much farther my dollar went. Items like oats, bananas, and eggs are affordable and go a long way. A big batch of homemade biscuits can last us weeks, stored in an airtight jar. Not to mention, I cut down on single-use packaging and save trips to the store.

When Lexie’s treats are homemade, I get to choose how much I’m spending, what’s inside, and how often I spoil her—without feeling guilty about wasting money or buying something she might sniff and ignore.

Essential Safety Tips For Dog Treats

When I first started making treats for Lexie, my main priority was keeping her healthy and safe. Not all kitchen staples are okay for dogs, and how you store snacks can make a big difference, too.

Common Ingredients To Avoid

I learned quickly that some foods that are safe for people can be dangerous—or even deadly—for dogs. The main one I watch for is anything with xylitol. A lot of peanut butters, candy, and even some baked goods can have xylitol, and it’s highly toxic to pups. Always double-check your ingredients. If you’re unsure, leave it out.

Grapes and raisins are no-gos at my house. Lexie once eyed a raisin bread on the table, and after a quick Google panic, I started keeping those treats far away from nose-level.

Here’s a quick list of big offenders:

• Chocolate (even a tiny bit)
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Xylitol (in some peanut butters and sugar-free foods)

If you want more tips on safe swaps, this dog treat recipe explains more about peanut butter safety and flour alternatives.

Proper Storage Guidelines

I used to store treats in a cute jar on the kitchen counter—until Lexie found her way into it after a bath. Now I’m a bit more careful, especially in the summer.

Homemade dog treats don’t have preservatives, so they spoil more easily than store-bought ones. I try to make smaller batches and keep them in the fridge. If a recipe makes a lot, I’ll freeze extras in small zip-top bags. This way, they last longer and stay fresh. Treats with meat or eggs should always be kept cold.

Hard treats can get stale or even moldy if you aren’t careful. Check them for any weird smells or colors before letting your dog have one. Don’t give your dog anything that’s too hard—it could hurt their teeth, especially as they age, and swallowing hard chunks can be a choking risk. For a step-by-step guide, this article covers easy treat storage and safety.