There’s something heartwarming about treating our dogs to homemade goodies. Whether it’s the look in their eyes, the excited wag of their tails, or the way they eagerly wait for a special treat, dogs show us in so many ways how much they appreciate the little things. Among the most popular treats in my home are these Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits—a delicious, crunchy reward that any dog will adore. After all, with ingredients like bacon and peanut butter, how could they resist?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make these savory biscuits from scratch, sharing tips, personal stories, and even ideas for customizing the recipe. By the end, your dog will be savoring these homemade treats, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in every bite!
Why Bake Homemade Dog Treats?
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why homemade dog treats are such a fantastic idea. In today’s market, there are plenty of store-bought options, but baking at home offers several distinct advantages that make the effort more than worth it.
Control Over Ingredients
When you bake for your dog, you have full control over what goes into their treats. This means you can avoid preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers often found in commercial products. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, it’s especially helpful because you can handpick safe ingredients for them. In these Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits, we’ll use all-natural peanut butter and freshly cooked bacon, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and none of the unnecessary junk.
Bonding Experience
If you’re like me, you consider your dog a member of the family. Baking for them can become a cherished bonding experience. My dog knows the moment I start pulling out the ingredients that something special is coming. He’ll watch closely, following me around the kitchen, patiently waiting for his turn to sample. It’s become part of our weekend routine, and I love sharing these moments with him.
Economical and Convenient
Homemade treats are often more affordable than high-quality store-bought versions. Plus, you can make a large batch and store them for later, so your dog is never without their favorite snack. These biscuits, for instance, can be stored for several weeks, making them a convenient option for busy pet parents.
The Perfect Flavor Combination: Peanut Butter & Bacon
If there’s one thing dogs can’t get enough of, it’s the combination of peanut butter and bacon. Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, which are great for your dog’s energy and coat. However, it’s important to choose a peanut butter that’s free from xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs. Always read the labels and opt for all-natural, unsweetened varieties.
And then there’s bacon—crispy, savory, and aromatic. Bacon adds that extra level of flavor that will have your dog drooling in anticipation. Of course, it should be served in moderation, as it is high in fat, but as an occasional treat, it’s irresistible!
Now, let’s dive into the recipe.
Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these savory, crunchy dog biscuits:
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour (You can substitute for oat flour if your dog has a wheat allergy)
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats (Adds fiber and texture to the biscuits)
- 1/2 cup of all-natural peanut butter (Make sure it’s free from xylitol!)
- 1/4 cup of cooked bacon pieces (Crisp and chopped into small bits)
- 1 egg (Helps bind the ingredients together and adds protein)
- 1/3 cup of water (Adjust as needed to achieve the right dough consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. You’ll want to use about 2-3 strips for this recipe, depending on how large they are. Once the bacon has cooled, chop it into small pieces. Set it aside for later use.
2. Preheat Your Oven
While you’re prepping the other ingredients, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. This will serve as the base for your biscuits, giving them that firm, crunchy texture dogs love.
4. Add Peanut Butter, Egg, and Water
Next, add 1/2 cup of peanut butter and 1 egg to the dry ingredients. Stir to begin combining. Slowly add in about 1/3 cup of water—enough to create a smooth but firm dough. You want it to be pliable but not sticky, so adjust the water accordingly. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
5. Fold in the Bacon Bits
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the bacon bits you prepared earlier. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, so each biscuit has a bit of bacon goodness in every bite.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If you prefer thicker biscuits, feel free to adjust the thickness, but note that baking times may vary slightly. The thinner the dough, the crunchier the biscuit will be.
7. Cut Out the Biscuits
Using a cookie cutter (I love using bone-shaped cutters for that classic look), cut out the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles.
8. Bake
Bake the biscuits in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, especially if your oven runs hot.
9. Cool and Serve
Once the biscuits are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. It’s essential to let them cool all the way through to achieve that crunchy texture dogs love. Once they’re cool, store them in an airtight container.
Why Your Dog Will Love These Biscuits
Dogs are sensory creatures, and these Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits hit all the right notes. The smell of bacon wafting through the kitchen is enough to make any dog’s nose twitch, and the taste? Well, let’s just say that my dog can’t get enough of these. Here’s why this treat is such a hit:
Peanut Butter: The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Ingredient
Peanut butter is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s a safe, dog-friendly food (as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol) that many dogs can’t resist. Its creamy texture makes it easy to incorporate into recipes, and it also pairs well with a variety of flavors. You might also like to try making your own Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bacon: The Savory Star of the Show
Bacon might not be an everyday food for dogs, but in moderation, it’s a great way to add a burst of savory flavor. The crispy texture and salty taste make bacon an indulgence that can take a treat from ordinary to extraordinary. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease and avoid overloading your dog’s diet with fatty foods.
Customizing Your Dog’s Biscuits
One of the best things about making homemade dog treats is the ability to customize them based on your dog’s preferences or dietary needs. While peanut butter and bacon are a winning combination, there are many ways you can switch things up or make substitutions. Here are a few ideas:
Gluten-Free Option
If your dog has a sensitivity to wheat, simply substitute the whole wheat flour for oat flour or rice flour. Both of these options are gentle on the digestive system and provide a similar texture to the biscuits.
Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition
Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? You can easily incorporate shredded carrots, sweet potato, or pumpkin puree into the dough. These veggies add natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins. For example, you might love adding a twist from this Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs recipe to your biscuits for added health benefits.
Switch Up the Meat
While bacon is a tasty choice, you can swap it for other proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, or even beef. This is especially useful if your dog prefers one protein over another or if you want to make the recipe a bit leaner.
Storing Your Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits
One of the things I love about this recipe is that the biscuits can be made in large batches and stored for several weeks, which means your dog can enjoy them for days to come. Here’s how to keep your biscuits fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last a little longer, you can store the biscuits in the fridge for up to 1 month. This is especially helpful if you live in a warm climate where treats can spoil more quickly.
- Freezing: For maximum freshness, store your biscuits in the freezer. They’ll last for up to 3 months this way. Just be sure to thaw them out for a few minutes before serving them to your dog.
Treat Your Pup to Even More Homemade Goodness
If your dog loves these Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits, they’re sure to enjoy even more homemade treats from the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to create simple snacks or something with a bit of a nutritional punch, there’s no shortage of possibilities. Check out these other popular recipes that I’ve crafted with love for my own pup:
- Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs: A wholesome option made with oats, perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs.
- Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs: A Treat Your Pup Will Love: Sweet and natural, this treat combines the goodness of bananas and honey.
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs: Great for hot summer days, these frozen treats will cool your dog down while keeping them happy.
For even more inspiration, feel free to explore my Pinterest boards where I share dog-friendly recipes and ideas to make your pup’s day extra special: My Dog Recipe on Pinterest.
A Final Word on Treating Your Dog
At the end of the day, making homemade dog treats is about more than just satisfying your dog’s cravings. It’s about the love and care you put into making something special just for them. I hope that you and your pup enjoy this Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuit recipe as much as we do. These treats are sure to become a staple in your household, earning you some serious tail-wags and maybe a few extra snuggles!
PrintPeanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits for Dogs: A Savory Homemade Treat Your Pup Will Love
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 biscuits (depending on size) 1x
Description
These homemade Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits for Dogs are the perfect crunchy, savory treat for your pup. With simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, peanut butter, and crispy bacon, these biscuits are both delicious and nutritious. Best of all, they’re free of preservatives, so you can feel good about treating your dog! Whip up a batch today for a tail-wagging snack your furry friend will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
- 1/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour and rolled oats.
- Add peanut butter, egg, and water. Stir until a dough forms.
- Fold in the bacon bits.
- Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out biscuit shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
- Let cool completely before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 1 month.
- You can substitute oat flour for whole wheat if your dog has a wheat allergy.
- Always check that your peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Treats
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Peanut Butter & Bacon Biscuits for Dogs, Homemade Dog Treats, Dog Biscuits Recipe