Some days, loving your dog looks like long walks and belly rubs. Other days, it looks like standing in your kitchen, covered in flour, wondering why you didn’t just buy treats at the store.
I’ve had both kinds of days and honestly, the second kind usually ends up being my favorite.
I started making these Blueberry Peanut Butter Chew Sticks on one of those quiet afternoons when my dog sat at my feet, watching every move I made like I was preparing a five-star meal just for them.
You know that look the hopeful eyes, the gentle tail thump against the floor. That’s when I realized I didn’t just want to give my dog a treat. I wanted to give them something thoughtful, something I felt good about, something made with intention.
These chew sticks quickly became a staple in my home. They’re naturally sweet, lightly chewy, and made with ingredients you probably already trust and recognize.
No artificial colors. No mystery preservatives. Just real food, mixed with love, and baked into something your dog will proudly carry away like a prize.
Why Homemade Chew Sticks Just Feel Better
I used to buy dog treats without thinking twice. Cute packaging, catchy claims, straight into the cart.
But once I started reading ingredient labels really reading them I realized how many fillers and artificial additives were hiding in plain sight.
Making chew sticks at home gave me peace of mind I didn’t know I was missing.
When you bake treats yourself:
- You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body
- You can adjust textures for puppies, adults, or seniors
- You avoid unnecessary sugars, salts, and preservatives
- You turn treat time into a meaningful ritual, not just a reward
And honestly? Watching your dog crunch into something you made yourself hits different. It just does.
Why This Recipe Is Worth Making
I don’t say this lightly this recipe earns its place in your rotation.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
It uses simple, dog-safe ingredients
Peanut butter and blueberries aren’t just tasty they’re packed with nutrients dogs benefit from when used correctly.
It balances flavor and texture beautifully
These sticks aren’t rock-hard, but they aren’t crumbly either. They have just enough chew to keep dogs engaged without stressing their teeth.
It smells incredible while baking
If you’ve never smelled warm peanut butter and baked blueberries together, just wait. Even humans will be tempted.
It’s freezer-friendly and batch-friendly
Make once, enjoy for weeks. Perfect for busy dog parents.
It feels like a treat you’d be proud to give
This isn’t a “last-minute snack.” It’s a “I love you” kind of treat.
The Benefits of Blueberries for Dogs
Blueberries may be small, but they bring so much goodness into this recipe.
I love adding them because they:
- Are rich in antioxidants that support immune health
- Help fight inflammation naturally
- Contain fiber that supports digestion
- Add natural sweetness without sugar
When baked into chew sticks, blueberries soften and release their flavor gently, giving your dog little bursts of fruity goodness without overwhelming their stomach.
Tip from my kitchen:
If your dog is new to blueberries, start with smaller pieces or lightly mash them before mixing.
Why Peanut Butter Is a Dog Favorite (When Used Right)
Peanut butter is one of those ingredients that dogs recognize instantly. The smell alone is enough to make tails wag.
When choosing peanut butter, I always remind myself:
- No xylitol — ever
- Unsweetened and unsalted is best
- The shorter the ingredient list, the better
Peanut butter adds:
- Healthy fats for skin and coat health
- Protein for muscle support
- A rich flavor that makes treats irresistible
It also helps bind the dough together, creating that satisfying chew dogs love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is intentionally simple — because good treats don’t need to be complicated.
- 1 cup oat flour (or blended rolled oats)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 egg
- 2–4 tablespoons water (as needed)
That’s it. No fillers. No artificial extras. Just honest ingredients doing what they do best.
How to Make Blueberry Peanut Butter Chew Sticks
Step 1: Prep Your Kitchen
I like to start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gives me a calm, ready-to-go feeling before I even touch the ingredients.
Step 2: Mash the Blueberries
In a small bowl, gently mash the blueberries with a fork. You don’t want them completely smooth — those little bits create pockets of flavor in the final sticks.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the peanut butter, mashed blueberries, and egg. Stir slowly at first, then more confidently as everything comes together into a glossy, thick mixture.
Step 4: Add the Flour
Sprinkle in the oat flour and begin mixing. The dough will look shaggy at first — that’s normal. Add water one tablespoon at a time until you have a soft, workable dough that doesn’t stick to your hands.
Step 5: Shape the Chew Sticks
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Slice into stick shapes using a knife or pizza cutter.
This part always makes me smile — it feels like crafting something special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the sticks on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra chewiness, you can lower the oven to 300°F and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the chew sticks cool fully before serving. This helps them firm up and prevents any tummy troubles.
Texture Tips (Because Every Dog Is Different)
One thing I’ve learned over time is that no two dogs chew the same way.
- For puppies or seniors, bake slightly less for a softer chew
- For strong chewers, extend the bake time for a firmer texture
- For training treats, cut the sticks into smaller segments
You get to tailor this recipe to your dog — and that’s one of my favorite parts.
How to Store These Chew Sticks
I usually store mine:
- In an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature
- In the refrigerator for up to 10 days
- In the freezer for up to 2 months
Frozen sticks thaw beautifully and make great warm-weather treats too.
When I Love Giving These the Most
These chew sticks have become my go-to for:
- After a long walk
- Quiet bonding moments in the evening
- Training rewards that feel extra special
- Just-because days (my favorite reason)
Watching my dog settle down with one of these, completely content, reminds me why I started making homemade treats in the first place.
A Little Reminder From Me to You
You don’t have to make everything from scratch to be a good dog parent. But when you do choose to make something homemade, it should feel joyful not stressful.
This recipe isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing you gave your dog something made with care, intention, and love.
And honestly? That’s more than enough.
