Looking to elicit a wag or a snuggle? These homemade peanut butter-pumpkin dog treats are sure to please your pup! They are preservative-free and made with 4 simple, clean ingredients. When baking for pets, I shy away from conventional pins and recipe posts. Instead, I prefer to roll up my sleeves and research veterinarian-approved recipes. This time I settled on one from Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.
My intent was to present my finished product to four discerning judges. In truth, they are all part of my extended family. But take confidence that none of them considered my feelings when providing feedback. They were serious about their responsibility and unbiased in their reviews. As the photos below clearly illustrate, each is of sincere and trustworthy character. Meet the judges: Cali, Rooney, Monkey, and Birdie.
I will say the results were unanimous. These Homemade Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Dog Treats received the Paw Print of Approval!
(Rooney voted twice by making off with the plastic bag and licking it clean!)
Are Homemade Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy?
I’ve researched each recipe ingredient for its nutritional value. Please check with your vet before feeding your dog any treats or foods that you are unfamiliar with. It is also important to note that as with any dietary item, always feed treats in moderation. These recipe ingredients are meant to be fed in small amounts. A little bit goes a long way.
I like knowing exactly what is in the treats I offer my pets. A homemade batch has the advantage of no preservatives, fillers or artificial flavoring. I also had the option to choose organic over highly processed ingredients.
Pumpkin:
Pumpkin is a good substitute for butter or other fats when baking homemade dog biscuits. The American Kennel Club notes pumpkin as a healthy choice for dogs. Canned pumpkin has a higher fiber and nutrient concentration than fresh pumpkin. WebMD for pets describes pumpkin as a superfood for dogs. It contains vitamin A, C and E as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Additionally, pumpkin has a high soluble fiber content and is good for your dog’s digestion. It is sometimes used as a natural stomach-soother. *Use canned pureed pumpkin rather than canned pumpkin pie mix. The pumpkin pie mix contains added sugar and spices.
Peanut Butter:
AKC.org lists as an excellent source of protein and healthy fat. It also contains vitamin B & E and niacin. Use unsalted peanut butter as the healthiest option for dogs. WebMD for pets states peanut butter is energy-dense; with around 180-200 calories /tablespoon. This recipe contains 3 tablespoons. Those 3 tablespoons are divided into approximately 3 dozen treats. It is important that the brand of peanut butter you choose does not contain xylitol or chocolate. Most people are familiar with the dangers of chocolate for dogs. Xylitol is a sugar replacement and is extremely poisonous to dogs, more so than chocolate.
Oatmeal:
Oatmeal is high in fiber, nutrients, minerals and antioxidants. AKC.org says when served in moderation, oatmeal is a great alternative carbohydrate. Furthermore, it contains vitamin B (for a healthy coat), linoleic acid (healthy skin) and is a great source of soluble fiber. WebMD for pets reminds us never to use flavored oatmeal or oatmeal with additives to your dog. For this recipe, I ground rolled oats until they had a flour-like consistency.
Eggs:
Some dogs can have allergies to the protein in eggs. If your dog can eat them, WebMD reports eggs as a healthy ingredient. They provide an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein. The AKC encourages us to remember that eggs are only as healthy as the chickens that lay them. They suggest using eggs from free-range farm hens that are fed an organic diet. Choosing eggs from a trusted source is ideal. In fact, healthier chickens lay healthier, more nutritious eggs.
Are Homemade Dog Treats More Expensive Than Store-Bought?
Prices are on a sliding scale and one grocery market may offer savings over another. If it helps for comparison, I’ll share my costs: My total came to $7.00 for approx. three dozen good-sized treats.
When calculating, I included a full 18 oz. container of rolled oats. I had a bit left over, but rounded up. Ditto with my pumpkin. I didn’t use the entire can, but added its full cost. I calculated the price for two eggs from my dozen as well as 3 tablespoons of peanut butter from a 16.3 oz. jar.
How Do You Store Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Dog Treats?
The fresh ingredients in these peanut butter-pumpkin dog treats are preservative-free. Moisture is the enemy. Store them in airtight containers to prevent mold and consider they will stay fresh and edible as long as a batch of home baked cookies. I wasn’t sure I would use my treats right away, so I stored some in the freezer. I have a vacuum sealer and that works great for freezer storage. If you don’t own a vacuum sealer, try to get as much air out of the bag as possible so the biscuits don’t get frosty. After you remove them from the freezer, they might need a little crisping up. Put them in a 250 degree oven on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 10 minutes or until they are crunchy again.
Ingredients:
Start by assembling your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a mixing bowl and spoon, measuring cups, rolling pin and a pizza stone or cookie sheet. Additionally, if you plan to grind the oats to make a flour like I did, you will need a food processor. Set oven to 350 degrees.
- 3 1/4 cups Oat Flour (Start with 2 1/2 cups. Add more until dough is firm and no longer sticks to your fingers.)
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- 3 tablespoons Peanut Butter
- 2 Eggs
Directions:
Add pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs to a mixing bowl.
Stir wet ingredients with a mixing spoon until smooth.
If you choose to make your own oat flour as I did, add rolled oats to your food processor and grind until they have a flour-like consistency.
Begin combining oat flour into wet ingredients. You will have to swap out the spoon for your hands when it starts to come together. The mixture will be wet and sticky at the beginning. Start with 2 1/2 cups of flour, but keep adding until the dough no longer sticks to your fingers.
Place dough on a flat surface.
Roll out with a rolling pin to 1/8 – 1/4″ thickness.
Cut dough with a cookie cutter and place on a pizza stone or cookie sheet. I prefer a pizza stone for even heat distribution and crisping the biscuits in the oven.
I saved the shaggy bits leftover from cookie-cutting and shaped them into tiny treats. No waste!
(Disclosure: Late Bloomer in Bakerville is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com )
Baking and Storing Peanut Butter-Pumpkin Dog Treats:
Bake in a 350 degree oven. Check biscuits at 20-25 minutes. Remove them from the oven when they are crisp and crunchy. Remove the biscuits from the pizza stone and place on a baking rack until fully cooled. Store cooled biscuits in an airtight container.
Because they are preservative-free, they will last as long as a batch of fresh-baked cookies or crackers. To prolong biscuit life, store them in the freezer for up to 6 months and use them as needed. If necessary, re-crisp biscuits on a pizza stone after taking them out of the freezer. Hope your beloved pup enjoys these homemade peanut butter-pumpkin dog biscuits!
Links for Other Homemade Pet Treats:
If you have an equine partner in your life, you might also be interested in this preservative-free/low carb treat recipe:
Thrilled to have this wonderful recipe … Rooney can’t wait!!!
Thanks Laura:)
Robin
Rooney is an inspiration and I’m glad he enjoyed them!
5 Stars! Cali will gobble these up anytime there around.