The holidays are full of sweets and fresh peppermint scents, but most of those treats aren’t safe for dogs. That’s where these No-Bake Peppermint Dog Treats come in. They capture the cool, festive flavor of the season using dog-friendly ingredients—no sugar, chocolate, or artificial peppermint oil.
Made with oats, yogurt, and a hint of fresh mint, these treats are creamy, refreshing, and perfect for busy holiday weeks when you want to make something special for your pup without turning on the oven.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These treats have a cool, creamy texture and a mild flavor that’s perfect after walks or playtime. Dogs love the subtle sweetness of yogurt and oats, and the touch of mint gives them a naturally fresh aroma.
They’re easy to digest, simple to make, and filled with wholesome ingredients that support your dog’s coat, digestion, and breath. Best of all, they take only minutes to prepare.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or parsley
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional for smoother texture)
Optional festive touch:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cranberries (unsweetened) for color
- 1 small sprig of mint for garnish before freezing
Pro Tips
- Use plain yogurt only—avoid flavored versions or artificial sweeteners.
- Chop mint very fine so it mixes evenly into the batter.
- If using cranberries, make sure they’re unsweetened and finely diced.
- Silicone molds work best for shaping and easy removal.
- Freeze solid before storing to keep the treats firm.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Silicone molds or ice cube trays
- Freezer-safe container
Substitutions and Variations
- Yogurt substitute: Use lactose-free yogurt or goat milk for sensitive stomachs.
- Oats substitute: Swap with finely shredded coconut for grain-free dogs.
- Peanut butter substitute: Use pure pumpkin or sunflower seed butter.
- Applesauce substitute: Try mashed banana for a creamier texture.
- Mint substitute: Use fresh parsley for breath-freshening benefits without the minty flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
These treats are designed for convenience. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, spoon it into molds, and freeze overnight. Once frozen, transfer to a storage container to free up your molds for another batch.
They’re great for gift-giving too—simply place a few frozen treats in a small freezer-safe jar or container and deliver them right before serving time.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, peanut butter, applesauce, and coconut oil (if using). Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the oats and chopped mint. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be thick but scoopable.
Step 3: Optional Add-Ins
If you’d like a festive look, fold in finely chopped cranberries for a pop of red color. Avoid sweetened versions to keep the treats safe for dogs.
Step 4: Fill Molds
Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon for a neat finish.
Step 5: Freeze
Place the molds in the freezer for 3–4 hours, or until solid.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Pop out the frozen treats and transfer them to an airtight container. Keep stored in the freezer until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer one or two as a refreshing post-walk snack.
- Serve after your dog’s holiday dinner for a cool dessert.
- Mix festive red and green versions using cranberries and mint.
- Pack a few in freezer-safe jars for gifts to fellow dog parents.
- Serve during warm indoor days when your pup needs a cool-down treat.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use unsweetened coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.
- Grain-free: Replace oats with shredded coconut or almond flour.
- Nut-free: Skip peanut butter and use pure pumpkin puree instead.
- Low-fat: Use low-fat yogurt and skip coconut oil.
- Sensitive stomach: Stick to yogurt, oats, and applesauce only for a gentle version.
Leftovers and Storage
These treats last well when stored properly.
- Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Refrigerator: Can keep for 3–4 days, though they’ll soften slightly.
- Serving tip: Let the treat sit at room temperature for a minute before serving to take the chill off.
Avoid leaving them out for long periods, as yogurt-based treats melt quickly.
Nutrition & Benefits
These No-Bake Peppermint Dog Treats are not just tasty—they’re full of nutrients that support your dog’s health.
- Greek yogurt provides calcium and probiotics for gut health.
- Oats add fiber and help maintain energy levels.
- Mint or parsley freshens breath and aids digestion.
- Applesauce adds natural sweetness and vitamin C.
- Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein for muscle strength.
Each ingredient contributes to a snack that’s light, refreshing, and nourishing—ideal for holiday indulgence without guilt.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use peppermint extract?
A: No—many peppermint extracts contain essential oils that can upset a dog’s stomach. Stick with fresh mint leaves for safety.
Q: Can I make these smaller?
A: Yes, use mini molds or fill halfway for bite-sized portions.
Q: Can I skip oats?
A: Yes—replace with more yogurt and applesauce for a smoother texture.
Q: How long do they need to freeze?
A: Usually about 3–4 hours, depending on mold size and freezer temperature.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients are tolerated. Make small portions for easy chewing.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These No-Bake Peppermint Dog Treats are the perfect mix of holiday cheer and simple, healthy ingredients. They’re cool, creamy, and bursting with festive freshness—ideal for a quick homemade gift or a cozy night in with your pup by the tree.
In just a few minutes, you can whip up a batch of safe, natural treats that keep your dog’s breath fresh and their tail wagging all season long. It’s a refreshing twist on holiday baking—no oven required, just pure joy in every bite.