½ cup pumpkin puree

¼ cup applesauce

3 tbsp peanut butter

1 egg

2 cups whole wheat flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking soda

RECIPE FOR DOG TREATS INGREDIENTS

Pumpkin puree: Make sure that the pumpkin does not have pumpkin pie spice. Do not use pumpkin pie filling as it has added spices. The pumpkin puree should have no added ingredients, just pumpkin. 

Applesauce: You can use homemade applesauce or store bought.

Peanut butter: Make sure you use a peanut butter that doesn’t have xylitol in it. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Most peanut butter does not have xylitol, but make sure to double check just in case.

Egg: The egg will help bind the biscuits so do not omit it.

Whole wheat flour

Salt

Baking soda: If you have worries about using the baking soda, you can omit it. The treats will still firm up without it. A dog can safely consume 5 to 11 tsp per pound of body weight, we use 1/4 teaspoon for the entire recipe.

EASY HOMEMADE DOG TREATS SUBSTITUTIONS

Sub With Squash: Defrosted frozen butternut squash can substitute for the canned pumpkin if you want to try a different flavored dog treat.

Flour: In addition to whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown rice flour, grain-free or gluten-free flour works for this recipe.

For Sensitive Stomachs: You can use sorghum, oat, rice, or garbanzo bean flour if your dog has allergies or sensitivities.

Peanut Butter: You can use any non-natural peanut butter or natural peanut butter BUT DO NOT substitute almond butter or any other nut butter, as most nuts are toxic to dogs.

INSTRUCTIONS

RECOMMENDED TOOLS TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

• Stand or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl and tools
• Measuring tools
• Cookie cutter: I have this set and used the medium size for this recipe. You can use any of the sizes, but you may need to adjust the cook time. 
• Sheet pan and parchment paper
• Rolling pin

1. Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, peanut butter, and egg.
3. Mix in the whole wheat flour, salt, and baking soda. Beat until just combined.
4. Roll out the dough flat with a rolling pin. You will want about 1/4- 1/2 inch thickness (Pro Tip: Knead the dough together if it hasn’t come together all the way.)
5. Cut the cookies using a bone-shaped cookie cutter and evenly spread them out on the prepared sheet pan.
6. Bake in the oven for 15-25 minutes, until they reach your desired level of hardness.
7. Let the treats cool completely before serving to your favorite four legged person.

HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN DOG TREATS

To Store: Place these in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To Freeze: dog treats can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for a few months.

PUMPKIN DOG TREATS RECIPE FAQ

IS PUMPKIN GOOD FOR DOGS?

Pumpkin is very nutritious for dogs. Vets commonly advise owners whose dogs have either digestive issues to feed them plain canned pumpkin to calm their tummies. It is a good source of fiber and also settles their stomach, and many dogs love the taste, too. Even if your dog isn’t having stomach issues, pumpkin is great for digestion and a healthy natural ingredient that dogs enjoy, especially when paired with peanut butter in a dog biscuit!

IS PEANUT BUTTER GOOD FOR DOGS?

Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats, vitamin B, and vitamin E that adds nutrition to these dog treats. Make sure your peanut butter does not have any xylitol, a sweetener found in some brands, because it is toxic to dogs.

IS PEANUT BUTTER SAFE FOR DOGS?

Dogs can be allergic to food just like people. Consult your veterinarian or do your research if you have any questions about what to feed your dog.

IS APPLESAUCE GOOD FOR DOGS?

Applesauce is rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and calcium, and is beneficial for healthy bones, nails, and teeth. It also supports your dog’s heart health.

ARE EGGS GOOD FOR DOGS?

Eggs have great protein, fatty acids, and multiple vitamins that are good for dogs.

CAN I USE REGULAR FLOUR FOR THIS RECIPE?

If you only have regular all-purpose flour, you can certainly use it, but I prefer to use whole wheat flour because it includes vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.