Treats and chews
Can I make dog treats with oats?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes, plain rolled oats, either used whole or blended into a flour in a food processor, make a reliable, wheat free base for homemade treats and are well tolerated by most dogs, including many with wheat sensitivities. Oats also add fiber and a mild, appealing flavor without needing sugar or salt to make the finished treat palatable.
Turning oats into a usable base
Blending plain rolled oats in a food processor or blender for about a minute produces a rough oat flour suitable for treat dough, and this can replace wheat flour in most simple treat recipes at a roughly 1 to 1 ratio without needing other adjustments to the recipe.
Why oats suit dogs with sensitivities
Oats are naturally free of wheat gluten, making them a useful substitute for dogs that react poorly to wheat based treats, and they are generally well tolerated even by dogs with fairly sensitive digestion, though any new ingredient should still be introduced gradually over a few days.
Combining oats with other safe ingredients
Mixing oat flour with an egg and a small amount of plain pumpkin or unsweetened, xylitol free peanut butter creates a full recipe, while whole rolled oats can also be pressed into the surface of a treat before baking for extra texture and a slightly different mouthfeel.
Key takeaways
- Blending plain rolled oats makes an easy, wheat free flour substitute for treat recipes.
- Oats are naturally gluten free, useful for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
- Oat flour can replace wheat flour at roughly a 1 to 1 ratio in most simple recipes.
- Introduce oats gradually over a few days if your dog has not had them before.