Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe
If you’ve ever looked into your dog’s hopeful eyes as you snack on something delicious, you know the feeling: you want to share, but you want to keep them healthy, too! That’s why these Pumpkin Dog Treats are such a favorite in our house. Packed with wholesome pumpkin, a bit of peanut butter, and a pinch of cinnamon, these homemade biscuits are a breeze to make and guaranteed to spark some tail wags. They’re a fun, easy way to show your furry friend just how much you love them, all while sneaking in a little extra nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Pumpkin Dog Treats
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and to ensure your Pumpkin Dog Treats don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter. Stir them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This not only blends the flavors but sets up a great base for your dough.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the flour and, if you like, the ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until a dough forms. If the dough feels a bit sticky, add a touch more flour until it’s easy to handle but not dry.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your countertop and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. This is the perfect thickness for treats that are crunchy but not too hard, and it’s also ideal for cutting out cute shapes.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes—bones, hearts, or anything your pup will love. Place the shapes onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the treats are firm and just turning golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the Pumpkin Dog Treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. This ensures they’re crunchy and safe for your pup to enjoy.
How to Serve Pumpkin Dog Treats
Garnishes
While most dogs are happy with their treats just as they are, you can roll the tops in a little extra oat flour or sprinkle on a smidge of cinnamon before baking for a special touch. Just remember to keep it simple—dogs love the natural flavors!
Side Dishes
Pair these Pumpkin Dog Treats with a bowl of fresh water or alongside your pup’s favorite fruits and veggies (like apple slices or carrot sticks) for a healthy snack platter. It’s a fun way to make treat time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Stack the treats in a cute jar or gift bag for friends with pups, or arrange them on a plate at your next doggy playdate. You can even tie them with food-safe string for an adorable homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pumpkin Dog Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your home is especially warm or humid, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh even longer.
Freezing
These treats freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled biscuits in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, so you can always have a stash ready for your pup.
Reheating
If your dog prefers a softer treat, thaw the frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats and let them come to room temperature, or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Just make sure they’re cool before serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just roast, mash, and cool your fresh pumpkin before using it in the recipe. Make sure it’s plain and unsweetened for the best (and healthiest) results in your Pumpkin Dog Treats.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Yes, a small amount of ground cinnamon is safe for most dogs and adds a lovely aroma. However, always use it in moderation and avoid nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.
Can I substitute a different flour?
You sure can. Oat flour is a great gluten-free option, and rice flour also works well. Just keep an eye on the dough’s texture, as different flours absorb moisture differently.
How long do Pumpkin Dog Treats last?
Stored in an airtight container, the treats last about a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed for freshness.
Can people eat these treats too?
While these Pumpkin Dog Treats are made from wholesome, human-grade ingredients, they’re designed for canine taste buds—so they’re safe, but might seem a little bland to us humans!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something heartwarming about baking a batch of Pumpkin Dog Treats and watching your pup’s excitement when they get to taste your handiwork. Whether you’re making them as a gesture of love or sharing with furry friends, these treats are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try—you and your dog will both be glad you did!
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Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 small treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats are a healthy, delicious snack perfect for your furry friend. Made with wholesome ingredients like canned pumpkin, natural peanut butter, and whole wheat flour, they provide a nutritious treat that is easy to make and free from harmful additives. Ideal for dogs who enjoy a savory twist, these treats are perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing your pup some love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, eggs, and natural peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the whole wheat flour and the optional ground cinnamon. Mix well until a dough forms that is firm but pliable.
- Roll Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness for even baking and perfect crunch.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes, making the treats fun and personalized for your dog.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cut shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the treats are firm to the touch and lightly golden on the edges.
- Cool Completely: Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog to ensure safety and optimal texture.
Notes
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the treats and thaw as needed.
- Always verify that the peanut butter used does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- For dogs with gluten sensitivity, substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour or another dog-safe gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
