Cookie Recipes For Dogs
If you’ve ever caught your dog staring at you while you snack on cookies, you already know the look. It’s that hopeful, tail-wagging, “Can I have one too?” face. And honestly, I get it. I started looking into cookie recipes for dogs when I realized how many store-bought treats were packed with mystery ingredients I couldn’t even pronounce.
I love spoiling my dog, but I also want to keep them healthy. That’s what pushed me into the world of homemade dog cookies. Turns out, making dog-friendly cookies is not only easy, but also fun and surprisingly rewarding. Plus, you get full control over what goes into your dog’s treats—and that peace of mind is priceless.
So if you’re curious about baking safe, tasty cookies for your dog, or you’re just looking for healthier alternatives to store-bought treats, you’re in the right place.
Why Make Homemade Cookie Recipes For Dogs?
Let’s start with the big question—why bother making dog cookies at home when pet stores are full of options?
The short answer: control, quality, and love.
When you bake your own dog cookies, you decide exactly what goes into them. No fillers. No artificial colors. No questionable preservatives.
Here’s why homemade dog cookie recipes are worth it:
- Healthier ingredients you recognize and trust
- Custom recipes for allergies or sensitive stomachs
- Cost-effective compared to premium dog treats
- Freshness you can’t get from packaged snacks
- Bonding time with your dog (yes, it counts!)
IMO, once you bake your first batch, it’s hard to go back to store-bought treats.
Ingredients That Are Safe (and Loved) in Dog Cookies
Before diving into recipes, let’s talk ingredients. Dogs don’t digest foods the same way humans do, so choosing safe components is essential.
Common Dog-Safe Ingredients
These ingredients are widely used in cookie recipes for dogs:
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free only)
- Pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- Sweet potato
- Oats
- Whole wheat flour or oat flour
- Eggs
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Banana
- Carrots
These ingredients are nutritious and dog-approved when used in moderation.
Ingredients to Always Avoid
This part is crucial. Never include:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol
- Grapes or raisins
- Nutmeg
- Onions or garlic
- Added sugar
- Salt
FYI, even small amounts of some of these can be dangerous, so always double-check before experimenting.
Basic Baking Tips for Dog Cookies
Dog cookie baking is a little different from baking for humans. Texture and safety matter more than sweetness or looks.
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Bake low and slow to avoid burning
- Aim for firm or crunchy textures for dental benefits
- Skip frosting unless it’s dog-safe
- Use cookie cutters for fun shapes, but keep sizes appropriate
- Let cookies cool completely before serving
Also, don’t stress about perfection. Your dog won’t judge uneven shapes—I promise.
Easy Peanut Butter Dog Cookie Recipe
This is one of the most popular cookie recipes for dogs—and for good reason.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into shapes or squares.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until firm.
Let them cool completely before serving.
Why dogs love it: Peanut butter is rich, flavorful, and irresistible.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Cookies (Great for Digestion)
Pumpkin is a superstar ingredient for dog treats, especially if your dog has digestive issues.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup applesauce
Instructions
- Blend oats into a flour-like texture.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
These cookies are soft-baked but still hold their shape.
Bonus: Pumpkin supports healthy digestion and firm stools.
Crunchy Sweet Potato Dog Cookies
If your dog loves chewy treats, this one’s a winner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Combine ingredients into a dough.
- Roll out and cut into small shapes.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes for extra crunch.
Lower heat = crunchier cookies.
No-Bake Cookie Recipes For Dogs
Not a fan of turning on the oven? No problem.
Simple No-Bake Banana Bites
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup oats
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Mash, mix, roll into small balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
These are perfect for quick rewards or training treats.
Grain-Free Dog Cookie Options
Some dogs do better without grains, and that’s totally fine.
Grain-Free Pumpkin Cookies
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup coconut flour
- 2 eggs
Coconut flour absorbs moisture fast, so add water if needed.
Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
Tip: Coconut flour cookies tend to be more filling, so serve smaller portions.
How Often Should Dogs Eat Cookies?
Even healthy dog cookies should be given in moderation.
General guideline:
- Small dogs: 1–2 cookies per day
- Medium dogs: 2–3 cookies per day
- Large dogs: 3–4 cookies per day
Cookies should never replace balanced meals. Think of them as a bonus, not a staple.
Storing Homemade Dog Cookies
Homemade treats don’t last as long as store-bought ones, but proper storage helps.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: 3–5 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Freezing is my go-to option when I bake in bulk.
Can Puppies Eat Homemade Dog Cookies?
Yes—but with caution.
Puppies have sensitive stomachs, so:
- Use simple recipes
- Avoid hard, crunchy textures
- Serve very small portions
When in doubt, ask your vet, especially for puppies under six months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dog Cookies
Even with good intentions, mistakes happen.
Here are some to watch out for:
- Using human cookie recipes
- Adding sugar or salt
- Making cookies too large
- Overfeeding treats
- Ignoring ingredient labels (especially peanut butter)
Avoid these, and you’re already ahead of the game.
Why Dogs Love Homemade Cookies So Much
Ever notice how excited your dog gets when you grab the treat jar?
Homemade cookies:
- Smell stronger
- Taste fresher
- Feel more rewarding
Plus, dogs are incredibly perceptive. They know when something is made with care.
Are Homemade Cookies Better Than Store-Bought?
This depends on your lifestyle, but in many cases, yes.
Homemade cookies for dogs offer:
- Transparency in ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Custom nutrition
- Better value long-term
Store-bought treats are convenient, but homemade cookies let you tailor treats to your dog’s needs.
Conclusion
Making cookie recipes for dogs at home is one of those small things that makes a big difference. You’re not just giving your dog a treat—you’re giving them something safe, nourishing, and made with love.
From peanut butter classics to pumpkin-packed digestion helpers, there’s a recipe out there for every dog. Start simple, watch how your dog reacts, and adjust as needed.
So why not try baking a batch this week? Your dog will thank you with tail wags, happy hops, and that look that says, “You’re my favorite human.”
