Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies For Dog – The Ultimate Nutty Treat
If your dog goes wild the moment they smell peanut butter, this recipe is about to become a favorite in your home. These Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies aren’t just tasty — they’re gentle on digestion, soft enough for puppies and seniors, and made with real ingredients you can trust. I’ve made these countless times for my own dogs and foster pups, and without fail, they sit by the oven like it’s the most important event of their day.
What makes these cookies special is how simple they are while still feeling nourishing. No eggs, no dairy, no complicated flours — just wholesome foods that work together to support digestion, energy, and overall wellness. These treats hold their shape beautifully, store well, and make perfect rewards for training, enrichment toys, or everyday snacking. Once you make them once, they usually become a regular part of your dog treat routine.
Ingredients: Only the Best for Your Pup
This recipe uses just three ingredients, but each one plays an important role in both nutrition and texture. Together, they create a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes into soft, chewy cookies dogs absolutely love.
Rolled Oats (1 cup)
Oats are one of the gentlest grains for dogs and work beautifully for pups with sensitive stomachs. They’re rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate digestion and support healthy bowel movements. Oats also provide slow-burning carbohydrates, giving your dog steady energy instead of sugar spikes. In this recipe, they form the base of the dough, helping the cookies hold together while staying soft and easy to chew.
Natural Peanut Butter (1/2 cup)
Peanut butter is the star ingredient here — both in flavor and nutrition. Most dogs absolutely love it, and it brings healthy fats that support coat health, skin moisture, and brain function. It also adds protein to help maintain strong muscles. Always use peanut butter that’s unsweetened and free from xylitol, as that ingredient is toxic to dogs. When you choose a clean peanut butter, it becomes a powerful motivator and an irresistible treat base.
Mashed Banana (1/2 banana)
Banana adds natural sweetness without refined sugar and brings important nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. It also works as a natural binder, replacing eggs or dairy while keeping the cookies soft and moist. The banana balances the richness of peanut butter and helps create a smooth, workable dough that bakes beautifully every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making These Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies
This recipe is designed to be easy, forgiving, and stress-free. You don’t need special equipment, baking experience, or extra time — just a bowl, a fork, and a few minutes of attention.
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mash the Banana
Place half a banana in a small bowl and mash it until completely smooth. The smoother the banana, the better it blends into the dough and distributes moisture evenly throughout the cookies.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, mashed banana, and peanut butter. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more oats.
Shape the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and flatten them onto your baking sheet. Tablespoon-sized cookies work well for most dogs, but you can make them smaller for puppies or larger for big breeds. Leave a little space between cookies, though they won’t spread much.
Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies feel firm and lightly golden. For softer cookies, remove them as soon as they’re set. For crunchier treats, leave them in a few extra minutes or let them sit in the warm oven after turning it off.
Cool & Serve
Let the cookies cool completely before giving them to your dog. Cooling allows them to firm up properly and ensures they’re safe to eat. Once cooled, they’re ready to use as training treats, enrichment rewards, or everyday snacks.
Can It Be Done in the Air Fryer?
Yes, and it works beautifully. The air fryer creates cookies with slightly crisp edges and soft centers, which many dogs love, and it saves time.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
Place cookies in a single layer in the basket without stacking.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, checking near the end to avoid over-browning.
Air fryer cookies tend to be a little firmer on the outside while staying tender inside, making them perfect for dogs who enjoy a bit more crunch.
Why These Ingredients Are Pure Gold for Dogs
Every ingredient in this recipe supports your dog’s health while also delivering serious flavor. Nothing here is filler. Everything serves a purpose.
Oats
Oats support digestion, provide steady energy, and contain important nutrients like manganese, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Their soluble fiber helps regulate bowel movements and supports gut health, making them ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or inconsistent digestion.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter provides healthy fats for skin and coat health, protein for muscle maintenance, and a powerful aroma that dogs find irresistible. It’s also extremely motivating, making these cookies perfect for training sessions or enrichment toys.
Banana
Bananas offer potassium, fiber, and vitamins that support muscle function, digestion, and immune health. They also act as a natural binder, holding the dough together without eggs or dairy while adding moisture and gentle sweetness.
Storing These Treats: Keep ‘Em Fresh for Longer
These cookies store well, making them perfect for batch baking and everyday use.
In the Fridge
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This keeps them fresh, prevents moisture buildup, and maintains their texture.
In the Freezer
For longer storage, freeze cooled cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers. When ready to use, thaw a few at room temperature for several minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of flour instead of oats?
Yes. Rice flour, coconut flour, or whole wheat flour can work. Just adjust liquid as needed since different flours absorb moisture differently.
My dog isn’t into peanut butter. What’s a good substitute?
You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or pumpkin puree, as long as it’s unsweetened and xylitol-free.
Are these treats okay for puppies?
Yes. These cookies are soft and gentle, making them suitable for puppies. Just keep portions small and introduce new treats gradually.
How many treats can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Small dogs usually do well with 1–2 cookies, medium dogs with 2–3, and larger dogs with 3–4, depending on activity level and diet.
What if my dough seems too sticky?
Add more oats or oat flour a little at a time until manageable. If it’s too dry, add water or banana in small amounts until the dough holds together smoothly.
Final Thoughts of Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies For Dog
These Vegan Peanut Butter & Oat Cookies are one of those recipes that earn a permanent place in your kitchen. They’re easy to make, nourishing, and genuinely loved by dogs. They smell incredible while baking, store well, and work for training, enrichment, or everyday rewards. Most importantly, you’ll know exactly what’s in every bite — real food, real nutrition, and real care baked straight into every cookie.
