Safe Peanut-Free Dog Treat Recipes to Try

Creating treats at home lets you pick every ingredient. This is great if your dog can’t have peanuts or has a sensitive stomach. You can make treats that avoid allergy triggers but are still delish.

This guide shares recipes without peanut butter. For example, one recipe uses pumpkin, flour, bacon, an egg, and a little water or milk. You roll it thin and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. You flip them halfway. These biscuits last at room temp or in the freezer for three months.

For dogs with allergies, try making biscuits with sunflower butter and coconut milk. This recipe includes coconut milk, molasses, and flour. It’s a quick bake at 375°F. Plus, it’s easy to make it grain-free or without eggs. This is perfect for owners who are really careful about allergies.

Vets like those from the Tufts Clinical Nutrition Team say food allergies and intolerances are different. Homemade treats help with figuring out what your dog can eat safely. Still, always ask a vet before changing your dog’s food.

Why Choose Peanut-Free Dog Treats for Allergies and Sensitivities

Choosing peanut-free treats for your dog lowers risks in homes with peanut allergies. Many dog treats include peanut butter. By using pumpkin or sunflower butter, treats stay delicious and lessen peanut exposure.

Understanding food allergies versus food intolerance in dogs

Dogs with food allergies react to certain proteins. They might get skin irritation, infections in their ears, or throw up. Vets may suggest trying out a new protein for six to eight weeks. This helps figure out if your dog really has food allergies.

Food intolerance in dogs is different because it doesn’t involve the immune system. Dogs might have diarrhea, gas, or light vomiting. The main way to help them is by changing their diet and providing care to support them.

Common canine allergens to avoid besides peanuts

Apart from peanuts, dogs can be allergic to beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, lamb, and soy. Many dogs react to several foods. It’s smart to use simple recipes with just one protein.

  • Choose novel proteins for testing.
  • Use single-ingredient treats for training sessions.
  • Label batches so you can track reactions.

Cross-contamination risks in multi-person households

When making treats, crumbs can pass from a dog’s snack to people or other food areas. If a dog eats peanut snacks and then licks a kid, the kid could get exposed to peanuts. Families with peanut allergies and dog sensitivities need to be careful about storing and handling treats.

  1. Wash hands and surfaces after preparing treats.
  2. Keep peanut-free treats separate from other snacks.
  3. Label containers clearly if family members bake different batches.

Peanut-free dog treat recipes to try

These recipes are great for dogs allergic to peanuts and still taste delicious. They use simple ingredients from any U.S. grocery store.

Sunflower butter and coconut milk dog biscuits (hypoallergenic option)

To make these, use dog-safe SunButter or plain sunflower butter. Mix 2 cups of whole wheat or gluten-free flour with 1 tablespoon baking soda. Then, add 1 cup sunflower butter and 1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk. Include 1 tablespoon molasses or maple syrup for sweetness.

Mix everything into a dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick, cut into shapes, and bake at 375°F for 10–20 minutes. Let them cool on racks before giving them to your dog.

They can be kept in the fridge for up to two months or frozen for six months. Change the flour for a grain-free diet or omit eggs for an egg-free treat.

Pumpkin and bacon whole wheat biscuits (peanut-free favorite)

Start with cooking four strips of bacon. Save the grease and chop the bacon. Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin purée with one large egg and the bacon bits.

  • Then, mix in 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour and 1/2 tablespoon baking powder.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, and put in 2–4 tablespoons of water or milk for dough.
  • Roll the dough to 1/4 inch, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through.

Keep these treats at room temp for a short time or freeze them for up to three months. Pumpkin helps dogs digest their food better.

Sweet potato and brown rice flour treats for sensitive dogs

These treats combine sweet potatoes and brown rice flour, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities. Start by baking and mashing about 3/4 cup of sweet potato. In a mixing bowl, add 2.5 cups brown rice flour and 2 extra-large eggs. You can also use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs.

  1. Add the sweet potato to the dry mix with 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
  2. Then, add cold water bit by bit until you have a firm dough. Roll it out to 1/8–3/16 inch thick.
  3. Cut out shapes, poke them with a fork to avoid puffing, and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. Flip them, and bake for another 20 minutes.

Let them cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container for up to three weeks if dried well or freeze them for up to three months.

Hypoallergenic ingredient swaps and safe alternatives

Creating peanut-free snacks? Simple swaps make recipes both safe and delicious. Pick ingredients that avoid common allergens. Test each change individually and talk to your vet for dogs with known issues.

Safe nut and seed butters

  • Sunflower butter is a top choice for a peanut substitute. Look for labels with little added sugar and salt. Brands like SunButter, listing only sunflower kernels, are best for dogs.
  • Use almond butter with caution due to allergy risks at home. If peanut allergies aren’t a concern, a bit of almond butter is okay. Steer clear of anything macadamia, as they’re harmful to dogs.
  • Cashew butter is fine if the nuts are roasted or cooked. Avoid raw cashews—they can be irritable. Opt for roasted versions in your recipes.

Grain-free and gluten-free flour options

  • Chickpea flour is great for protein-rich, sturdy treats. Try it when you need tough shapes. Use aquafaba from the can as an egg alternative.
  • Coconut flour is a gluten-free, fiber-full choice for dogs. It absorbs liquid fast, so add more wet ingredients to dodge dry textures.
  • For a safe option, brown rice flour is a win. It’s mild and low in allergens. Blends like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour give a consistent texture. A little xanthan gum in these blends is usually okay for dogs.

Dairy-free swaps and egg alternatives

  • Need a creamy texture? Use full-fat unsweetened canned coconut milk. It’s perfect in moist biscuit mixes, keeping treats both dairy-free and lush.
  • Try coconut yogurt in dairy-free dog treats. It’s great as a topping or mixed into the batter. But, skip oat milk for grain-free diets since oats are carbs.
  • For avoiding eggs, opt for aquafaba or unsweetened applesauce. They’ll keep your recipes hypoallergenic while holding everything together.

Keep your ingredient lists short, focusing on new proteins or carbs. Carefully watch how your dog reacts, introducing only one new ingredient at a time. This makes it easier to identify sensitivities.

Recipe: Pumpkin Dog Treats without Peanut Butter

These treats are perfect for dogs with peanut allergies. They use pumpkin puree, either whole wheat or all-purpose flour, bacon flavor, and an egg. This makes them crunchy and delicious. Be sure to follow the recipe closely for the best texture and to make them last longer.

Key ingredients and why they are dog-safe

Start with canned plain pumpkin puree. It’s good for your dog’s digestion and doesn’t have extra sugar. You’ll need either whole wheat or all-purpose flour for the treats to hold up. If your dog can’t eat gluten, pick a gluten-free flour instead. The bacon and its grease add lots of yum, and the egg provides protein and helps everything stick together.

  • 4 strips bacon (cook, chop, reserve grease)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups + 2 tbsp whole wheat or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tbsp baking powder
  • 2–4 tbsp water or milk to adjust dough

Step-by-step preparation and baking tips

First, heat your oven to 350°F. Cook the bacon and keep some grease for the dough. Chop the bacon up small.

  1. Mix the bacon grease with pumpkin and the egg until it’s smooth.
  2. In a different bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Then, mix it into the wet ingredients.
  3. Add a little liquid at a time to the dough. It should stick together without being sticky.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured spot until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters or a knife to make shapes.
  5. Put the treats on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Halfway through, flip them so they dry and harden evenly.
  6. Let the treats cool off on a rack. They’ll get harder as they cool down.

Here are some useful tips for making dog treats. Add the liquid bit by bit to keep the dough right. Reroll tough scraps once more and cut. Dogs who are fussy about food often like these bacon pumpkin treats.

Storage, shelf life, and freezing guidance

Keep these treats at room temp covered for a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a tight container for three months. Always thaw treats before giving them to your dog. The calorie count per treat is about 80, but it can change based on how big you make them and the ingredients used.

Consistency is key when baking pumpkin dog treats without peanut butter. These treats are flavorful and help with digestion, without the worry of peanuts.

Recipe: Sunflower Butter Hypoallergenic Dog Biscuits

These sunflower butter dog biscuits are perfect for pet owners looking for safe, homemade snacks. They’re made with just a few ingredients to avoid common allergies like peanuts and dairy. You can use this recipe as a starting point for sunbutter dog treats or adjust it to be grain-free and egg-free.

Ingredients and why they work

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour — makes these treats safe for dogs with allergies.
  • 1 tbsp baking soda — this gives the biscuits a nice crunch.
  • 1 cup sunflower butter (SunButter or equivalent, no added sugar or xylitol) — keeps it peanut-free and adds healthy fats.
  • 1 cup full-fat unsweetened coconut milk — this is great for dogs who can’t have dairy.
  • 1 tbsp molasses or maple syrup — just a hint of sweetness dogs love.

Step-by-step preparation

  1. Set your oven to 375°F. Get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Stir sunflower butter, coconut milk, and molasses in another bowl until they’re smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead until you have a firm dough.
  5. Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4″ thick. Cut out shapes and space them 2″ apart on your sheet.
  6. Bake between 10–20 minutes. Check at 10 and 15 minutes. Timing depends on size—smaller ones cook faster.
  7. Let them cool on a rack so they get crisp.

Yield and storage

  • You’ll get around 40 treats, depending on the size of your cutter.
  • Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 months or freeze for up to 6 months. Just thaw for 10–20 minutes before giving them to your dog.

Variations for special diets

  • For grain-free treats, use gluten-free baking flour, chickpea flour, or a blend with coconut flour. Adjust the liquid if you use coconut flour as it absorbs more.
  • No eggs are needed for this recipe. If another recipe requires eggs, use 3 tbsp aquafaba or 1/4 cup applesauce instead.
  • Roll the dough thinner for crisp treats or a bit thicker for softer biscuits.

Turn these sunflower butter dog biscuits into coconut milk dog treats for a dairy-free option. They’re excellent for training and as gifts for dogs with food sensitivities. Always try a small piece first when introducing new treats to your pet.

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Brown Rice Flour Treats for Sensitive Dogs

Using simple, gentle ingredients is best for dogs that have special dietary needs. This recipe uses sweet potatoes and brown rice flour to create treats that are gentle on sensitive stomachs. It’s also great for elimination diets to pinpoint allergies.

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamin A and add natural sweetness dogs love. Brown rice flour is a great, gluten-free choice that helps avoid wheat-related allergies. These ingredients work together to create treats that are kind to dogs with grain or wheat sensitivities.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups brown rice flour
  • 3/4 cup baked sweet potato, mashed
  • 2 extra-large eggs or egg alternatives
  • 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • About 1/4 cup cold water, added 1 tbsp at a time

Egg-free options

If your dog can’t have eggs, use 3 tbsp of aquafaba or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce instead. Aquafaba helps bind the ingredients, and applesauce adds moisture and a slight sweetness.

Mixing and shaping

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine the sweet potato with eggs (or a substitute) and spices.
  3. Mix in the brown rice flour until you get a stiff dough.
  4. If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tbsp at a time. Stop when it’s just right—firm but not sticky.
  5. Roll the dough thin, cut into shapes, and poke each piece with a fork to avoid puffing in the oven.

Baking and texture control

Bake the treats on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until they start to golden. Then flip and bake for another 20 minutes. If you want crunchy treats, bake a bit longer until crisp. For soft treats, cut the second bake time short and take them out while they’re still a bit tender.

Tips for best results

  • Rolling thinner pieces makes them crispier, while thicker ones stay softer longer.
  • Let them cool completely before storage to get the right texture.
  • Keep fully dried treats in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to three weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months.

You can make these treats without eggs and adjust their texture to suit your dog’s preference. Whether you need crunchy biscuits or softer treats for training, this recipe has you covered.

Meaty and protein-only treats for dogs with multiple ingredient sensitivities

For dogs with many allergies, meat-only snacks make feeding and training simpler. These treats avoid grains and additives that can cause reactions. They’re perfect for teaching obedience, agility, and recall.

Start with a pound of ground meat or an allergy-safe canned food. Lightly cook the meat to kill surface bacteria. Then, blend it until it’s smooth. Straining gets rid of any lumps.

Put the meat paste in a piping bag with a Wilton #18 or #12 tip. Pipe small dots onto trays lined with parchment. These dots will become small, perfect treats for training.

You can dry the meat in an oven or a dehydrator. In the oven, bake at 150°F for 6–8 hours. If using a dehydrator, use the “meat” setting at 150°F. Either way, flip the treats once or twice.

  • Clean surfaces and tools before and after working with raw meat.
  • Lightly cook meat to reduce bacterial risk.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

From a pound of meat, you’ll get about 1/4 pound of treats. Store them in a cool, dark place once they’re dry. For a longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge or freezer.

These treats are great for dogs with serious allergies, as they only contain one protein source. Always choose safe meats for your dog and talk to your vet about new proteins.

How to test new treats safely with your dog

Introducing new snacks to your dog should be fun but cautious. Start with tiny amounts. Watch closely and make notes. Take small steps to avoid surprising your dog or missing any reactions.

Introducing new ingredients slowly and monitoring for reactions

Begin with just a teaspoon-sized serving. Look out for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or any change in appetite or weight. Record everything including what and when you feed, and any reactions observed. If your dog seems fine after 48–72 hours, you can offer a bit more and keep an eye on them.

Don’t give any other treats at this time. If introducing something new, only change one thing at once. This makes it easier to see what’s causing any issues.

When to consult your veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist

If you think your dog is having a bad reaction, get expert help. For ongoing skin or stomach problems, see a vet or specialist. Remember, allergy tests for dogs aren’t always right. Many experts suggest trying a special diet to really know what’s bothering your dog.

If you’re making dog food at home or dealing with trickier cases, talk to a dietary expert for pets. They can make sure your homemade meals are nutritious. They also help you pick safe treats for testing.

Using an elimination diet to pinpoint problem ingredients

An elimination diet usually includes one new protein and possibly a new carb for 6–8 weeks. During this diet, avoid giving your dog any other treats or flavored items. Note any positive changes in your dog’s health while following this diet.

  1. Pick a new protein and a simple carb.
  2. Only give the chosen food and water for 6–8 weeks.
  3. If your dog gets better, slowly reintroduce other foods to find the problem.

During these trials, homemade treats should only have approved ingredients. Always keep good records and tell your vet about any bad reactions right away. If you’re still unsure, consider getting a professional allergy test for your dog. Working with a dog dietitian for long-term meal planning is also a smart move.

Tips for making treats hypoallergenic, giftable, and family-safe

Bright packaging and clear ingredients make dog treats great homemade gifts. Use easy words so everyone understands allergens fast.

homemade dog treat gifts

Labeling and ingredient disclosure for homemade gift packages

Label dog treats with a full ingredient list. Mention if they’re peanut, gluten, or dairy-free. Add a warning if you use allergens in your kitchen. This lets recipients know if the treats are safe for them.

Tag the treats with storage and feeding tips. Include the making date and a brief shelf life note. This helps people know how to store them safely.

Packaging ideas and freezing tips for large batches

  • Use small cellophane bags or canning jars for a tidy look and to control portions.
  • Add cooling and storage instructions on the tag. For long-term storage, freeze treats in airtight containers and remind folks to thaw before giving.
  • Freeze sunflower-butter treats up to 6 months; pumpkin-bacon ones up to 3 months; sweet potato treats too. For short-term, keep sunflower butter treats in the fridge up to 2 months.

Label each container with the recipe and freeze date. Thaw treats for 10–20 minutes before serving to soften them.

Kid-friendly baking activities while avoiding cross-contact with allergens

Let kids help with rolling, cutting, and packaging. Keep tasks simple and watch to ensure cleanliness.

Use a clean work area and tools for allergen-free baking. Clean hands after each task. Keep peanut products away if allergies are a concern.

Try safe alternatives like sunflower butter. Always label nut-free treats clearly. Give an ingredient card with each gift, so families know what’s inside.

Conclusion

Making dog treats without peanuts is a great way to mix both taste and safety. Pumpkin-bacon biscuits are a hit, offering a nice texture and benefits for digestion from plain pumpkin. Sunflower butter and coconut milk biscuits are perfect for making in large amounts or for gifts. Plus, sweet potato and brown rice flour treats are there for dogs with food sensitivities, and there’s also dehydrated meats.

Allergy-friendly dog treats mean you can pick what goes into them, cutting down on risks for pets in busy homes. By labeling and properly storing them in the fridge or freezer, they stay fresh longer. You can also tweak recipes to avoid grains, dairy, or eggs, making them fit for more dogs.

Always start new treats slowly and check with your vet if you think your dog has allergies or needs a special diet. Being careful with what you make can lead to safe treats that meet your dog’s specific needs. This keeps mealtime both fun and free from worries.

FAQ

What makes a dog treat truly peanut-free and why does it matter?

A peanut-free dog treat doesn’t have peanuts, peanut butter, or anything made from legumes. This is important if someone in the house is allergic to peanuts. It’s safe to pick treats made with things like sunflower seed butter. This way, everyone in the home, including dogs, stays safe.

How do I tell the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in my dog?

A food allergy in dogs can make their skin itch or give them ear problems. A food intolerance mainly causes vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog shows any of these signs, write them down. Then take your dog off the problem food and talk to a vet.

Which common canine allergens should I avoid besides peanuts?

Avoid feeding your dog beef, chicken, eggs, dairy, lamb, soy, wheat, and grains if they’re allergic. Try using different proteins and safe carbs like brown rice flour. This helps dogs with allergies stay healthy.

Are sunflower butter and SunButter safe alternatives to peanut butter for dogs?

Yes. Sunflower seed butter, especially SunButter, is a great choice for dogs. Just make sure there’s no xylitol or much sugar in it. Always read the labels carefully to keep your dog safe.

Can almond butter or other nut butters replace peanut butter?

Use almond butter only if no one in the home is allergic to nuts. Avoid macadamia and raw cashew butters, as they’re bad for dogs. Using sunflower seed butter is the safest option.

What grain-free or gluten-free flours work best in hypoallergenic treats?

Brown rice flour, chickpea flour, and coconut flour are good for dogs with allergies. Coconut flour needs more liquid in recipes. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 baking flour makes baking easy.

How do I make dairy-free dog treats?

To make dairy-free treats, use unsweetened canned coconut milk or coconut yogurt. Oat milk is not good for grain-free recipes. Adjust the recipe as needed.

What egg substitutes work for dogs with egg allergies?

For egg-free treats, try 3 tablespoons of aquafaba or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. This helps keep the treats moist and together.

How do I make the pumpkin and bacon whole-wheat dog biscuits from scratch?

Cook four bacon strips and save the grease. Heat the oven to 350°F. Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin purée with an egg and a spoon of bacon grease. Chop the bacon and add it in.Stir together 2 cups and 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/2 tablespoon baking powder. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. If needed, add a little water or milk until the dough is right. Roll the dough 1/4″ thick, cut shapes, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping once. Let them cool before storing.

How should I store pumpkin-bacon biscuits and how long do they last?

For short use, keep them covered at room temperature. For longer, freeze them for up to three months. If they’re cool and crisp, store them in a tight container in a cool, dark place for three weeks. You don’t need to put them in the fridge unless they have fresh fillings.

What is the sunflower butter and coconut milk hypoallergenic biscuit recipe?

Mix 2 cups of flour with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of sunflower seed butter, 1 cup coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon molasses. Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead it smooth. Roll it 1/4″ thick, cut shapes, and bake at 375°F for 10-20 minutes. Let them cool on a rack.

How long do sunflower-butter biscuits keep and can I gift them?

Store these biscuits in the fridge tightly for up to two months. You can also freeze them for six months. When gifting, label the ingredients clearly and tell whether to refrigerate or freeze them. Pack them nicely in bags or tins and include storage tips.

Why use sweet potato and brown rice flour for sensitive dogs?

Sweet potatoes and brown rice flour are great for dogs with allergies. These ingredients are easy to digest and aren’t likely to cause problems. They make a good base for treats for dogs on special diets.

How do I bake sweet potato and brown rice treats and make them egg-free?

Heat your oven to 350°F. Mix 2.5 cups of brown rice flour with some spices. Mash 3/4 cup of sweet potato and mix it with two extra-large eggs or a substitute. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs. Add cold water until you get a stiff dough. Roll it thin, cut shapes, poke them, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip and bake 20 more minutes. Let them cool and store them tightly.

How do I get crunchy versus soft treats when baking?

For crunchy treats, roll the dough thin and bake them until dry. Let them cool to harden. For softer treats, leave the dough a bit thicker and take them out earlier. Let them cool before storing.

How can I make single-ingredient meat training treats for a dog with multiple sensitivities?

Brown a pound of a single kind of meat. Puree it smooth, and pipe it into small dots on parchment. Dry them at 150°F for 6-8 hours, turning once if needed. This way, your dog won’t react badly to the treats.

Oven versus dehydrator: which is safer for meat treats?

Both methods are safe if you keep the temperature low, around 150°F, for 6-8 hours. Precook the meat to kill bacteria. Clean everything well and cool the treats completely before storing. A dehydrator is easier as it controls the temperature for you; ovens need more attention.

How should I introduce new treats to a dog on an elimination diet?

Start with one new treat ingredient at a time and watch your dog closely. Write down what your dog eats and any reactions. Only use treats with approved proteins and carbs during a vet-guided diet. Talk to your vet right away if you see any bad reactions.

When should I consult a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist about treats?

If you think your dog has a food allergy or keeps having skin or stomach problems, see a vet. A nutritionist can make sure your homemade treats are healthy. They help with special diets.

What labelling and safety steps should I take when gifting homemade dog treats?

List all ingredients and note any allergens on gift tags. Say how to store them and if they’re allergen-free. If your kitchen uses allergens, add a warning. This helps keep everyone safe.

Any simple tips to avoid cross-contact while baking with kids?

Use a clean area and special tools for allergy-free baking. Wash hands often and keep allergens like peanut butter away. Get kids involved with safe tasks to keep it fun and safe.
Published in October 22, 2025
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About the author

Lucas Candido