How Do You Make Oatmeal Dog Treats at Home?
The short answer: mix 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups oat or whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter, 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup low-sodium broth, and 2 eggs into a stiff dough, roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden. Cool completely before serving. That's the whole recipe — the rest of this post explains why oatmeal is a good choice, the one ingredient to double-check, and how these treats fit alongside the single-ingredient chews we make here at Bully Sticks Central.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built this company around simple, honest dog food — 100% natural, single-ingredient chews made from 100% real meat, with no rawhide and nothing artificial. Homemade oatmeal treats fit right into that philosophy: you control every ingredient that goes in.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Yes. Oatmeal is a whole grain that's high in soluble fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. It's also a gentle carbohydrate for dogs that are sensitive to wheat, and it carries B vitamins and linoleic acid that support a healthy skin and coat. According to the American Kennel Club, plain cooked oatmeal is a safe treat for most dogs in moderation. Stick to plain rolled oats rather than instant or flavored packets, which are more processed and can contain added sugar.
What Ingredients Do You Need?
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour (swap for oat flour or a gluten-free flour if your dog is wheat-sensitive)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter — xylitol-free
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 2 eggs
A Note on Peanut Butter: Always Check for Xylitol
Peanut butter is the one ingredient here that deserves a careful look. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in some "sugar-free" or "no sugar added" peanut butters, is extremely toxic to dogs — even small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends reading the label and choosing a plain peanut butter whose only ingredients are peanuts (and maybe salt). If you ever suspect your dog ate something with xylitol, call your vet right away.
How Do You Make Them, Step by Step?
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the dry ingredients — combine the flour and rolled oats in a large bowl.
- Add the wet ingredients — stir in the peanut butter, applesauce, broth, and eggs until you have a thick, pliable dough.
- Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter — bones, hearts, or simple squares all work.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, until the treats are golden and firm.
- Cool completely before serving, then store in an airtight container.
How Long Do Homemade Oatmeal Treats Keep?
Because these treats have no preservatives, treat them like any fresh-baked food. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for about two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. If you see any moisture or smell anything off, throw them out.
How Do These Fit With Your Dog's Other Chews?
Homemade treats are great for training and everyday rewards, but dogs also need something to satisfy their natural urge to chew. That's where our single-ingredient chews come in. Our bully sticks are 100% real meat, fully digestible, and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms — no rawhide, no fillers, and 100% high-quality guaranteed. If your dog loves the peanut butter in this recipe, you might also like our take on peanut butter dog treats. Between a batch of these oatmeal treats and a good natural chew, you've got the reward and the chew covered.
The Bottom Line
Oatmeal dog treats are simple, affordable, and let you control exactly what your dog eats — the same reason we keep our chews to a single ingredient. Mix, roll, cut, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, double-check that your peanut butter is xylitol-free, and you've got a wholesome treat your dog will look forward to. As always, introduce any new food gradually and check with your vet if your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach.
This post was last updated at August 6, 2026 23:38
