I recently started making homemade treats for my three (yes, three!) furry family members. The dogs love them and they are pretty much the simplest thing ever to make. One bowl and a few simple ingredients you probably already have in the pantry are all you need. There are no weird chemicals or preservatives in these cookies so I get to feel like the world’s best mum when they eat them.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dog Treats

Ingredients

3/4 C whole wheat flour

3/4 C plain flour (unbleached, if possible. It can be gluten free, self-raising, etc.)

1 1/2 C natural peanut butter (smooth no salt preferred- label should read peanuts and nothing else. This being said, I have used Skippy and it’s fine but really not as good for dogs and people.)

1 smashed banana OR 1/2 C applesauce (no sugar added is preferred)

1/4 cup water (less or more, as needed for texture)

Method

Preheat oven to 350F (175C)

Sift the flours together, stir in peanut butter and banana (or applesauce) mix well. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. If it is dry, add a little water so that the dough becomes easier to roll out.

Roll dough to about 1/3 inch (1cm) thick  on a nonstick silicone sheet (if you don’t have one of those, a lightly floured surface works well. I find that silicone sheets and rolling pins work well with sticky batters.)

Cut out shapes with a small cookie-cutter and place on baking sheet. These won’t rise much so it’s okay to put them close together, not touching.

Bake for 10 mins, then turn over, bake for another 5-7 minutes or until just barely starting to brown.

Cool and store in an airtight container in the cupboard. I have kept mine for a week with no problems.

 

Disclaimers: Of course,  these are only meant as a treat, and do not replace a nutritionally balanced meal, just like peanut butter cookies for people! And, just like people, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten.