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Puppy teeth are tiny, sensitive, and still developing, which means hard, crunchy treats can be tough to handle. Soft treats are kinder on their mouths and perfect for training because puppies can chew and swallow them quickly. This simple recipe uses wholesome ingredients you likely already have at home.
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It’s gentle on small stomachs and easy to adapt for dogs with mild sensitivities. Best of all, these treats smell great, so your puppy will be eager to learn and listen.
Soft Dog Treats for Puppies – Gentle, Easy, and Puppy-Approved
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsalted)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, as needed for softness
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely shredded carrots or mashed banana
- Optional boost: 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (no sweeteners)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the pumpkin, applesauce, egg, and peanut butter until smooth. Add yogurt if using.
- Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oat flour. If the mixture feels thick and sticky, add water a little at a time until you have a thick, scoopable batter—more like cookie dough than bread dough.
- Shape the treats: Use a small spoon or mini cookie scoop to drop teaspoon-sized portions onto the sheet. For training treats, aim for pea to marble size. Lightly flatten the tops with wet fingers for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10–14 minutes, depending on size. You’re looking for set edges and a soft center. They should feel springy, not dry.
- Cool completely: Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Cooling helps them firm up while staying tender.
- Adjust softness (optional): For extra-soft treats, remove 1–2 minutes earlier. For chewier treats, bake 1–2 minutes longer.
What Makes This Special : Soft Dog Treats for Puppies
These soft dog treats focus on simple, clean ingredients that are easy to digest. They skip common irritants like added sugar, artificial colors, and heavy spices.
The texture is tender, so your puppy won’t struggle to chew or risk chipping baby teeth. They’re also great for training sessions because you can break them into small bites without crumbs flying everywhere.
- Gentle texture: Soft and chewy for teething puppies.
- Balanced ingredients: Real protein, fiber, and mild flavors.
- Easy to make: One bowl, no special tools required.
- Customizable: Adjust for allergies or preferences with simple swaps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsalted)
- 2–3 tablespoons water, as needed for softness
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely shredded carrots or mashed banana
- Optional boost: 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (no sweeteners)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the pumpkin, applesauce, egg, and peanut butter until smooth.
Add yogurt if using.
- Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oat flour. If the mixture feels thick and sticky, add water a little at a time until you have a thick, scoopable batter—more like cookie dough than bread dough.
- Shape the treats: Use a small spoon or mini cookie scoop to drop teaspoon-sized portions onto the sheet. For training treats, aim for pea to marble size.
Lightly flatten the tops with wet fingers for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10–14 minutes, depending on size. You’re looking for set edges and a soft center. They should feel springy, not dry.
- Cool completely: Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
Cooling helps them firm up while staying tender.
- Adjust softness (optional): For extra-soft treats, remove 1–2 minutes earlier. For chewier treats, bake 1–2 minutes longer.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
- Refrigerator: Keeps best for 5–7 days. Add a small piece of paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then move to a bag or container for up to 2 months.
Thaw a few at a time in the fridge.
- Training tip: Keep a small portion in the fridge, and freeze the rest to maintain freshness.
Why This is Good for You
Making treats at home means you control every ingredient. There’s no hidden salt, sweeteners, or additives that can upset a puppy’s belly. The pumpkin provides fiber, which can support healthy digestion, and the egg adds protein for growth.
Oat flour is gentle and typically well-tolerated, especially for dogs that don’t do well with wheat.
- Simple and safe: Fewer ingredients reduce the chance of reactions.
- Budget-friendly: You’ll make a big batch for less than store-bought soft treats.
- Training-friendly: Soft, small pieces help you reward often without overfeeding.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use xylitol: It’s highly toxic to dogs. Always check peanut butter labels.
- Don’t add spices like nutmeg or cocoa: These are unsafe for dogs. Skip anything with caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
- Don’t overbake: Dry treats can be tough for puppies and may crumble during training.
- Don’t rely on treats alone: Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
Balance with proper meals.
- Don’t introduce too many new ingredients at once: If your puppy is sensitive, add one new ingredient at a time and watch for reactions.
Alternatives
- Flour swap: Use finely ground rolled oats, brown rice flour, or a dog-safe grain-free blend. Avoid almond flour for very young puppies, as it can be rich.
- Pumpkin swap: Try mashed sweet potato or plain mashed banana. Both add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Peanut butter swap: Use plain sunflower seed butter or pure pumpkin if avoiding nuts.
Always confirm no xylitol.
- Protein boost: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of canned unsalted salmon (well-drained) or mashed boiled chicken for a savory version. Adjust flour slightly to keep the dough workable.
- No-egg option: Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or an extra 2 tablespoons applesauce.
FAQ
How many treats can I give my puppy each day?
Keep treats to about 10% of your puppy’s daily calories. For tiny puppies, that might be just a few small bites.
For larger breeds, you can offer more, but still keep portions small during training.
Are these safe for very young puppies?
Yes, as long as your puppy is already eating solid food and doesn’t have ingredient sensitivities. Start with very small pieces and watch for any signs of stomach upset.
Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
You can, but oat flour is generally easier to digest and naturally gluten-free. If using all-purpose flour, add it gradually until the dough is thick and scoopable.
Monitor for any wheat sensitivities.
My puppy has a sensitive stomach. What should I change?
Stick to the base of pumpkin, oat flour, egg, and water. Skip the peanut butter and extras at first.
Introduce new add-ins slowly and one at a time.
How do I make the treats even softer?
Add a little extra applesauce or water, and slightly underbake by 1–2 minutes. Store in the fridge to maintain moisture. You can also warm a treat for a few seconds before serving.
Can I make these without an oven?
Yes.
Spoon small portions into a nonstick skillet over very low heat and cook gently like mini pancakes, about 1–2 minutes per side. Keep them small so they cook through without browning too much.
How long do they last?
In the fridge, about a week. In the freezer, up to two months.
If they smell sour or feel sticky or slimy, discard them.
Can adult dogs eat these too?
Absolutely. They’re great for seniors and dogs with dental issues thanks to the soft texture. Just adjust portion sizes to suit your dog’s weight and activity level.
Is peanut butter really safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts, and only if it’s plain and xylitol-free.
Check the label carefully. Choose unsalted, no added sugar if possible.
What size should I make them for training?
Go tiny—pea to marble size. You want your puppy to chew and swallow quickly, so training can keep moving forward.
You can always break larger treats into smaller pieces.
Wrapping Up
Soft dog treats for puppies don’t need to be complicated to be good. With a few simple ingredients and a gentle bake, you’ll have tender, tasty rewards that are easy on tiny teeth and happy tummies. Keep the pieces small, store them well, and adjust the recipe to suit your puppy’s needs.
You’ll have a homemade treat your little one will love—and you’ll feel good about giving.
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