Ever catch your pup giving you those big, pleading eyes while you snack? I sure have—my golden retriever Max has perfected the “just one bite?” face! That’s exactly why I started making these peanut butter sweet potato donuts for dogs. They’re his absolute favorite, and I love knowing exactly what’s in his treats. No mystery ingredients, just wholesome stuff like real sweet potatoes and natural peanut butter (always check that label for xylitol—it’s dangerous for dogs!). Trust me, once you see your dog’s tail wag over these homemade goodies, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Why Your Dog Will Love Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Donuts
These homemade donuts aren’t just adorable—they’re packed with everything dogs go crazy for! Here’s why your pup will be begging for more:
- Irresistible flavor combo: That peanut butter aroma gets tails wagging before the treats even come out of the oven!
- Digestive-friendly ingredients: Sweet potatoes are gentle on tummies, and oats add fiber.
- Healthy energy boost: Whole wheat flour and eggs provide protein for active pups.
- No guilt treats: You control the ingredients—no artificial preservatives or fillers.
- Tailored textures: Soft enough for seniors, but firm enough for chewing satisfaction.
Max does his happy dance whenever he smells these baking—I swear he can tell when I’m making a fresh batch!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Dogs
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in these pup-approved donuts! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato – About 1 medium potato, baked or boiled and peeled (no seasonings!)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter – Must be xylitol-free! I always give the label an extra glance to be safe
- 1 large egg – Straight from the fridge is fine, no need to temper it
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour – Or substitute oat flour for sensitive tummies
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats – For texture and fiber
- 1/4 cup water – Adjust as needed if your dough seems dry
Pro tip: If your peanut butter is super thick, warm it slightly for easier mixing – but don’t melt it completely! I learned that lesson the hard way with one messy batch.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy gadgets to make these dog-friendly donuts! Here’s what I always pull out of my cabinets:
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all those yummy ingredients
- Donut cutter – Or improvise with a round cookie cutter and bottle cap
- Baking sheet – Line it with parchment for easy cleanup
- Rolling pin – I use whatever’s handy, even a clean wine bottle in a pinch!
That’s it—see? Way simpler than baking human donuts! Max gets so excited when he hears the mixing bowls come out now.
How to Make Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Dogs
Okay, let’s get baking! These donuts come together so easily – even if you’re not usually a baker. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have your pup drooling in no time!
Preparing the Dough
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s mix up our dough. I always start with the wet ingredients – it just makes everything blend better. Grab your mashed sweet potato (make sure it’s cooled if you just cooked it!), peanut butter, egg, and water. Mix them until you’ve got a nice, smooth consistency – no lumps!
Now for the dry stuff. Combine your whole wheat flour and oats together – this helps everything distribute evenly. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring as you go. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough comes together in a ball that’s not too sticky but holds its shape when you poke it.
Shaping and Baking
Time to get those donut shapes! Roll your dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness – this gives the perfect chewy texture dogs love. Use your donut cutter (or improvise like I sometimes do) to cut out those perfect rings. Place them on your lined baking sheet – they don’t spread much, so you can put them fairly close together.
Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just starting to turn golden and they feel firm to the touch. Let them cool completely before serving – trust me, waiting is the hardest part for your pup!
Oh, and a little tip from personal experience – this dough can be sticky when rolling. If it’s giving you trouble, just pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Makes handling it so much easier!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Dogs
After making these donuts more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks for perfect results every time:
- Chill sticky dough: If it’s too sticky to roll, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes – makes shaping so much easier!
- Double-check peanut butter: Xylitol hides in surprising places – I always read labels twice before buying.
- Adjust water as needed: Different sweet potatoes have different moisture levels – add water slowly until the dough comes together.
- Use room temp PB: Cold peanut butter can make mixing tough – I let mine sit out for 10 minutes first.
Oh, and don’t be surprised when your kitchen starts smelling amazing – Max always comes running as soon as these hit the oven!
Storage and Freezing Instructions
These peanut butter sweet potato donuts keep beautifully! I store mine in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week – though Max usually helps me finish them faster than that. For longer storage, just pop them in freezer bags separated by parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh frozen for about 3 months. No need to thaw – my pup actually prefers them cold!
Nutritional Information
Each peanut butter sweet potato donut packs wholesome nutrition for your pup! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact values might vary slightly based on your specific ingredients. Per donut (about 2-inch size): 90 calories, 3g protein, 12g carbs (including 2g fiber), and 3g healthy fats. Made with all-natural ingredients, these treats give your dog energy without any artificial junk!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use pumpkin instead of sweet potato?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) works great as a substitute. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened. The texture might be slightly different, but your pup won’t mind one bit – mine sure doesn’t when I switch it up!
Q2. Are these safe for puppies?
Yes, but in moderation! Puppies can enjoy these treats once they’re weaned and eating solid food. Just break them into smaller pieces for tiny mouths. My neighbor’s lab puppy goes crazy for the crumbs when I’m cutting them!
Q3. How many can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For most medium dogs, 1-2 donuts per day is plenty. I use them as training rewards – Max will do ANY trick for a bite!
Q4. Can I make these without eggs?
You can try substituting 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for the egg. The texture will be a bit denser, but still delicious. My friend’s dog with egg allergies does great with this version.
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your pup enjoys these donuts! Max gives them two paws up (and several enthusiastic licks). If you try this recipe, let me know what your dog thinks – maybe include a photo of their happy “donut face”! You can also find more dog treat inspiration on Pinterest.
Print
Irresistible Peanut Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Dogs – 1 Happy Pup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade peanut butter sweet potato donuts for dogs. A healthy and tasty treat your pet will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sweet potato, peanut butter, egg, and water in a bowl.
- Add flour and oats, stirring until combined.
- Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut into donut shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure peanut butter does not contain xylitol.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
