Soft Dog Treats Recipe (2024)

2 Comments / Dog Food, Recipes / By Carine / February 24, 2023 / 7 minutes of reading

Rate this Post! Jump to InstructionsPin it! Save

5 from 5 votes

This Soft Dog Treats recipe is an easy 4-ingredient dog treat recipe packed with natural ingredients and perfect for senior dogs or dogs.

Plus, this dog treat recipe is easy to adapt to create a range of flavors for your loved one.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (1)

Table of Contents hide

  • How To Make Soft Dog Treats
  • Serving
  • Storage Instructions
  • Texture
  • Flavor Options
  • Add-Ons
  • Allergy Swaps
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Dog Recipes
  • Soft Dog Treat Recipe

I shared plenty of homemade dog treat recipes lately. However, both, my Christmas dog treat and 3 ingredients dog treat are crunchy treats.

If your dog gets older, he may have sensitive teeth and required softer treats.

Therefore, this sweet potato cookies are perfect for your furry lover.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (2)

How To Make Soft Dog Treats

These homemade peanut butter sweet potato treatsare perfect for senior dogs.

Plus, they are ridiculously easy to make.

Ingredients

All you need to make the peanut butter dog treats are:

  • Natural Peanut Butter – Pick a jar with no added salt and no added oil. This adds healthy fats to your dog cookies.
  • Quick Oats – It has a smaller texture than rolled oats and makes the cookies easier to chew.
  • Mashed Sweet Potato Puree or pumpkin puree.
  • All-Purpose Flour – This helps make the dough less sticky and easier to work with. However, don’t add too much flour, or the cookies will get harder.

Preparation

These homemade treats can be made with or without a cookie cutter. They are soft treats meaning the dough will be moist and sticky and, therefore, a little bit more challenging to cut out.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper lightly oiled with olive oil. Set aside.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (3)

Making The Dough

You have two options for making the cookie dough. You can use a food processor to pulse the oats into a thinner texture or stir all the ingredients together in a bowl.

In a large bowl, add quick oats, homemade sweet potato puree, wheat flour, and peanut butter.

Stir to bringthe ingredients together into a sticky, moist cookie dough. If too moist, this will happen with pumpkin puree that contains more moisture than orange sweet potatoes.

Then, add more wheat flour, up to 2 extra tablespoons. Don’t add too much flour, or the treats will harden in the oven.

Use a tablespoon to scoop some batter, roll between oiled hands, and place on the baking sheet.

Slightly press the top to flatten. Repeat until all the cookie dough has been shaped into cookies.

Otherwise, grease two pieces of parchment paper and roll the dough between the pieces of paper. Then, use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Baking The Treats

Bake in the center rack of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The longer you bake the cookies, the dryer and tougher they become on the edges.

Cool down on a wire rack immediately to prevent the dog cookies from baking longer on the baking sheet. This will make the bottom more crispy.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (4)

Serving

These are healthy dog treats but still treats. Peanut butter is high in fats and calories, so you should give these as a reward for good dog behavior. This is not a dog meal.

Feel free to adapt serving size based on dog age, activity size, and breed.

Storage Instructions

Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or freeze treats and thaw them in the refrigerator the day before.

Texture

They are small, soft, moist cookies packed with vegetables, proteins, and fibers from oats, and healthy fats from peanut butter.

Flavor Options

You can use this recipe to create different flavors of treats for your loved one.

The best way to alter flavor is to replace the sweet potato puree with same amount of:

  • Pumpkin Puree – Peanut butter pumpkin treats is the most classic flavor for dogs.
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Mashed Banana – This adds sugar to the treats, so the best is to use 1/3 cup of mashed banana and 1/3 cup of vegetable puree to keep the sugar low.

You can also flavor the treats with a pinch of cinnamon.

Add-Ons

To boost the nutritional profile of these dog treats, you can stir in some grated vegetables like 1/3cup:

  • Shredded Carrots
  • Shredded Zucchini – make sure you squeeze out the water from them or the cookies get very moist and hard to shape.

Allergy Swaps

  • Gluten-Free – Most of the time, dogs don’t show an allergy to wheat. However, if your dog does, try buckwheat flour. It’s a high-fiber, high-protein flour with no gluten and is safe for dogs. If you suspect a gluten allergy, use a gluten-free certified oat brand.
  • Peanut-Free – You can use almond butter instead, but don’t use raw cashew butter – this is not safe for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are my answers to your most common questions about this dog recipe.

Can I Double The Recipe?

You can double up the recipe and store leftover treats in zip-lock bags in the freezer.

Thaw the day before in the fridge before offering to your furry friend.

How Can I Make The Treats Less Soft?

You can bake the treats for longer to evaporate more moisture and harden the treats a little.

Another option is to add more wheat flour in the dough and flatten the treats into a thin disc.

The thinner, the crispier the edges will be.

Do I Need A Cookie Cutter?

No, the great thing about this soft, moist dog treat dough is that you can simply shape it into balls.

Then, flatten them with the back of a fork or slightly grease hands. You don’t need to roll and cut out as seen on the pictures.

More Dog Recipes

Below I listed some more easy dog treat recipes for you to try next time:

3-Ingredient Dog Treats Recipe

3-Ingredient Dog Cake

Meatballs For Dogs

Carrot Cake For Dogs

Christmas Dog Treats Recipe

Have you baked a batch of these soft dog treats? Share a comment or review below.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (11)

Soft Dog Treat Recipe

This Soft Dog Treats recipe is an easy 4-ingredient dog treat recipe packed with natural ingredients and perfect for senior dogs or dogs. Plus, this dog treat recipe is easy to adapt to create a range of flavors for your loved one.

5 from 5 votes

Print Pin This! Save

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Yield: 15 dog treats

Calories: 60kcal

Author: Carine

Ingredients

USMetric

This recipe may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lightly oil the paper with coconut oil. Set aside.

  • Peel, trim the sweet potatoes and cut them into small 1-inch cubes.

  • Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the cubes of sweet potatoes, cover, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fork-tender.

  • Drain in a sieve over the sink and steam out at room temperature for 10 minutes.

  • Mash the cooked sweet potato cubes in a puree. It doesn't have to be super smooth, and measure 2/3 cup packing the puree in measuring cups.

  • In a food processor or mixing bowl, add sweet potato puree, quick oats, peanut butter, and two tablespoons of flour. Stir or blend on medium speed, scraping the sides of the bowl a few times until the dough comes together into a moist cookie dough ball.

  • The batter should be a bit sticky and thick to keep the dog treat soft and moist. If really too wet, add more quick oats.

  • Scoop one tablespoon of batter, lightly grease your hands with vegetable oil and roll into a ball. See note above for rolling and cut-out technique.

  • Place the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet.

  • Flatten with your hands and repeat until there is no more dough left. Leave half a thumb of space between each cookie – they won't expand in the oven.

  • Bake for 8- 12 minutes or until golden brown on the sides and top. The treats should stay moist and soft in the center and not crispy.

  • Cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

Storage

  • Store up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container or freeze in zip-lock bags and thaw at room temperature the day before.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Soft Dog Treat Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

60

% Daily Value*

Fat

3

g

5

%

Saturated Fat

0.5

g

3

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

1

g

Sodium

23

mg

1

%

Potassium

104

mg

3

%

Carbohydrates

8

g

3

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

1

g

1

%

Protein

2

g

4

%

Vitamin A

2392

IU

48

%

Vitamin C

2

mg

2

%

Calcium

9

mg

1

%

Iron

0.5

mg

3

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Soft Dog Treats Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make super soft dog treats? ›

Combine oat flour, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter in a large bowl or food processor and mix until combined. Roll the dough into balls with your hands (you can lightly oil them to avoid a sticky mess) then use the tines of a fork to gently press in the classic peanut butter cookie crosshatch pattern.

How to keep dog treats soft? ›

#1.

Freezing and refrigerating acts to keep treats and chews fresher longer, and they also increase your dog's chew time while providing them a more exciting overall chew experience.

How do you make wet dog food treats? ›

-Place bite sized pieces of canned dog food on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° F for 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in the refrigerator for one week.

Is oatmeal good for dogs? ›

Plain, cooked oatmeal can be a great addition to your dog's diet. This heart-healthy breakfast is rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins that help support your dog's coat and skin.

What is the best flour for dog treats? ›

Whole wheat flour: is packed with fiber, and protein, and is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin E, copper, iron, manganese, and selenium. You could alternatively substitute this with oat flour or another dog-safe flour.

Are hard or soft treats better for dogs? ›

All-natural soft dog treats are the best option for your pup because they are made of natural ingredients that remain natural with nutrients intact, and avoid preservatives or any additives.

What is a good preservative for homemade dog treats? ›

Many ingredients of our organic dog treats have great nutritional profiles, and some can also help to preserve food. Examples of the natural preservatives that we include in our recipes are ginger, lemon, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, oregano, and star anise.

Can treats be too hard for dogs? ›

Hardness: Chews that are too hard can crack your dog's teeth or cut their gums. Durability: The chew should be strong enough to withstand vigorous chewing. If it's too soft, your dog can break off chunks and swallow them whole, which is a health hazard.

Are bananas good for senior dogs? ›

Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much of it can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions. You should give your dog only a few thin slices of banana once in a while. At least 90% of your dog's food should be regular dog food.

Is Sweet Potato good for senior dogs? ›

Key Takeaways: Yes, sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to eat and are actually a healthy snack. Sweet potatoes should be fed in moderation and never exceed 10% of your dogs' daily food intake.

What can I add to my dogs wet food to make him eat? ›

The 10 best dog food toppers include canned pumpkin, fresh vegetables, sardines, phytoplankton, raw eggs, anchovies, cucumbers, bone broth, plain yogurt or kefir, and blueberries. These toppers not only enhance the taste of your dog's meals but also provide added nutrients and health benefits.

What should I mix with my dogs wet food? ›

This number (in grams) depends on your dog's size, age and weight. You can find a handy measurement table on our product pages. You can choose your dry-to-wet food ratio, but we recommend a minimum of 1/3 wet food and 2/3 dry food. Wet and dry food have different calories per gram, so you can't just interchange them.

How do you make liquid dog treats? ›

Step One: Throw some dog-friendly fruit into the blender (e.g. one banana, a handful of raspberries or strawberries). Step Two: Add two heaping spoonfuls of greek yogurt (or skip the dairy if your dog has a sensitive stomach). Step Three: Add two spoonfuls of peanut butter. Step Four: Blend until smooth!

What can I add to my dogs food to make it softer? ›

Just as you can add warm water, you can also try adding homemade chicken stock, bone broth or beef broth. Heat the broth until warm, and add gradually to the kibble until your desired consistency is achieved.

How can I make my dog soft and fluffy? ›

Blow dry your pet's coat with a slicker brush

Once your pet is dry, you can now start blow drying your pet's hair. You can start by using a slicker brush and lift the fur up by the roots. Once you do that, you can point the hair dryer at the brush where the fur is and slowly brush through it to make it fluffy.

Is there a way to soften dog chews? ›

If you stick some bread in a ziploc bag with pretty much any kind of treat, it will soften up considerably within 8-24 hrs depending upon how stale/hard the treat was to begin with.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 5555

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.