Homemade Peeps Dog Treats for Easter

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Easter Peeps pose a danger to dogs, but there is an easy way to make homemade treats that will allow your pup to participate in the festivities without having his or her tummy upset.

These doggy snacks are made from oat flour, bananas and peanut butter and look just like the traditional Easter Peeps.

I’ve seen how excited my own pups have been when they find out they get to eat one of these homemade treats. Not only are the puppies getting a healthy treat but they also have a crunchy biscuit made with all natural ingredients so everyone gets to celebrate.

The Foundation: Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

When we set out to bake for a dog, we aren’t just looking for flavor; we are looking for “digestive peace.” The original inspiration for these treats uses a simple base that avoids the heavy glues of wheat flour, which can often leave a pup feeling sluggish or itchy.

The Power of the Oat

Oat flour is a marvelous thing for the canine gut. It provides a gentle source of energy and fiber without the inflammatory response some dogs have to processed white flour. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, simply whirring some old-fashioned porridge oats in a blender for a minute will do the trick nicely.

The Banana and Peanut Butter Bond

A ripe banana provides the natural sweetness that makes these treats irresistible, while the peanut butter offers the protein and healthy fats that keep a coat glossy.

• The Xylitol Warning: I cannot stress this enough—check your peanut butter label. If it contains Xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar), it is a deadly poison. Stick to the “old-fashioned” kind: just peanuts and perhaps a touch of salt.
• The Egg Binder: A single egg acts as the mortar for our culinary bricks, ensuring the treats don’t crumble into dust the moment a tail wags near them.

The Recipe: Crafting the “Peep” Biscuit

The beauty of this dough is its forgiveness. Unlike a delicate soufflé, this mixture can handle a bit of poking and prodding until it feels “just right” under your rolling pin.

Ingredients for the Dough

• 3 cups of Oat Flour
• 1 Ripe Banana (mashed until smooth)
• 1 to 2 Eggs (added one at a time)
• 1/3 cup of Xylitol-free Peanut Butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Mix: Combine the flour, mashed banana, one egg, and the peanut butter in a large bowl. If the dough feels like dry sand, add the second egg. You want a consistency similar to chilled cookie dough.
2. The Roll: Dust your counter with a little extra oat flour and roll the dough to about half an inch thick.
3. The Cut: Use a bunny-shaped cutter to pay homage to the “Peep,” or simply use the rim of a small glass for “coins.”
4. The Bake: Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and smell heavenly.

The “Icing” on the Cake (Optional)

If you wish to truly mimic the look of a Peep, you can create a dog-safe icing. However, as a man who has spent many a night cleaning up after over-indulged pets, I suggest using this sparingly.

Creating the Decorative Glaze

Mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of honey and just enough water to make a pipeable paste. You can add a drop of natural, dog-safe food coloring if you must.

• Cooling is Key: Never ice a warm biscuit. The heat will turn your icing into a sticky, runny mess that will end up on your rug rather than in the dog.
• The “Crunch” Factor: If you want a truly crunchy biscuit that helps clean teeth, turn the oven off after baking and let the treats sit inside with the door cracked for an extra thirty minutes.

Storage and Portion Control

Because these treats contain fresh fruit, they don’t have the indefinite shelf life of a store-bought bag of “kibble-bits.” Treat them like the fresh food they are.

Keeping Them Fresh

• Room Temperature: In an airtight tin, they’ll stay grand for about a week.
• The Fridge: This is my preferred method, especially if you’ve used icing. They’ll last two weeks easily.
• The Freezer: If you’ve made a large batch, they freeze beautifully for up to three months.

How Many is Too Many?

Even a healthy treat is still an “extra.” For a small dog, one bunny a day is plenty. For a larger fellow, two or three will suffice. Remember, we want a happy dog, not a round one.

Essential Baking Tools for Dog Treats

Tool	Purpose	Estimated Cost	Substitution
Bunny Cutter	For that classic “Peep” look	$5 – $8	A knife to cut simple squares
Parchment Paper	Prevents sticking without grease	$4 – $6	A lightly floured baking sheet
Rolling Pin	Ensures even baking	$10 – $15	A clean, smooth wine bottle
Cooling Rack	Prevents soggy bottoms	$8 – $12	Leaving them on the turned-off oven rack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular flour if I don’t have oats?
You can use whole wheat flour, but be mindful that some dogs are sensitive to gluten. Avoid “all-purpose” white flour if possible, as it offers very little nutritional value and can spike blood sugar.

My dog has a sensitive stomach; should I skip the icing?
Yes. While the icing is safe, the cornstarch and honey can be a bit rich for dogs prone to “the runs.” The biscuit itself is plenty flavorful enough to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

How do I know if the peanut butter is safe?
Read the ingredient list carefully. You are looking for “Peanuts” and “Salt.” If you see “Xylitol,” “Birch Sugar,” or “Artificial Sweeteners,” put it back on the shelf immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.