We love baking for our dogs, so we're sharing a peanut butter dog treat recipe we've made for years. Yet is peanut butter safe to use in dog treats? Try making your own peanut butter or check the label of the jar you typically buy at the store.
Homemade peanut butter allows owners to control the amount of oil and sodium that goes into the recipe, and it also eliminates the growing risk of xylitol poisoning. Many peanut butter brands still contain Xylitol, so pet owners need to be vigilant when they check the labels!
Also, almond butter is a much better alternative for this recipe. We substitute almond butter in any recipe that calls for peanut butter.
Recipe courtesy of the DIY Network.
Peanut Butter Dog Bones
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic unsweetened peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) or use almond butter as recommended above
- 1 cup whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup crushed multigrain cereal or bran (Note: NO raisins!)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (Optional!)
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
- 1/2 cup water
About Xylitol
What is Xylitol? It's the sugar-free sweetener often found in gum and peanut butter. According to the Preventive Vet, Xylitol poisons well over 6,000 dogs each year!
This ingredient is absolutely toxic to your dog and can be extremely harmful, even if ingested in small quantities.
Can dogs have peanut allergies?
Make sure your dog can tolerate peanuts!
Dogster tells us:
"Dogs don't tend to experience peanut allergies as frequently or as violently as humans do, but those food allergies do exist. Peanuts do contain more fat than is usually good for dogs, so a few peanuts should be okay, but proceed with caution"
Your dog could have an allergic reaction, so be sure to observe their behavior after an unsalted peanut. Also, be sure the peanut butter you choose doesn't have any artificial sweetener or sugar substitute.
Dog bones, dog cookies, or dog chews are so easy to bake. Prep time will only take minutes before your dog biscuits are ready for your furry friend! Many people are even baking their own dog food these days. Set out your large bowl, and baking sheet in advance so prep time is decreased by a minute or two.
Choose an easy recipe like the one above for your fur babies so they get to enjoy them right away. Make sure these are healthy treats like our peanut butter banana treats.
Try natural peanut butter like almond butter instead of a store-bought brand like Jiffy. Homemade dog treats can be made with sweet potato, coconut oil, blueberry, flaxseed, applesauce, and even chicken broth.
Make sure to store your peanut butter dog bones, homemade treats and other goodies in an airtight container.
What recipes are your fave? Please leave us a comment, if there is something we missed on this list.
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