Homemade Dog Treats with Pumpkin: Easy Recipe Guide
Welcome to your ultimate guide for making homemade dog treats with pumpkin! These treats are easy to make and healthier than many store-bought ones. You only need four ingredients: pumpkin puree, oats, eggs, and whole wheat flour.
These ingredients make nutritious snacks for your dog. Plus, making these treats can save you money. You also get to control what goes into your dog’s food.
Pumpkin is great for your dog’s diet because it’s high in fiber. It helps with digestion too. Our easy recipe will show you how to make treats your dog will love.
These treats can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Or, you can freeze them for up to three months. This way, your dog always has a tasty snack ready.
Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?
Homemade dog treats are great for your pet. You pick the ingredients, making sure they’re the best. This means no bad stuff like artificial additives or preservatives.
These treats are safe from common allergens. They’re a better choice for your pet’s health.
Homemade treats let you make recipes just for your dog. They might even like them more than store-bought ones. A pumpkin dog treat recipe got a 4.51 out of 5 rating. People say their older dogs love these treats.
Making these treats is easy. You can make about 85 of them. They’re also low in calories, so you don’t have to worry.
Storing them right keeps them fresh. Keep them on the counter for a week. Or, freeze them for even longer.
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin is great for dogs. It can make them healthier in many ways. It helps with digestion and makes their coats shiny.
High Fiber Content
Pumpkin has lots of fiber. This helps your dog’s digestion. It can stop constipation and diarrhea by making stools bigger and keeping the gut healthy.
Give your dog 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin with their meals. Make sure it’s just pumpkin, not pumpkin dog food with extra stuff.
Promotes Digestive Health
Pumpkin is a good snack for dogs. It helps with digestion and keeps them hydrated. It has fiber that helps good bacteria in the gut.
Use canned pumpkin, but check it doesn’t have bad stuff like sodium or spices. Nutmeg is bad for dogs.
Supports Healthy Coats
Pumpkin has vitamins and minerals that are good for your dog’s skin. Vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like potassium and iron, make their coat shiny. Antioxidants in pumpkin fight inflammation.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| High Fiber Content | Aids in digestion and regulates bowel movements. |
| Digestive Health | Supports hydration and alleviates gastrointestinal issues. |
| Healthy Coats | Enhances skin and coat condition with essential vitamins. |
| Low-Calorie Option | Offers a nutritious treat alternative for calorie-counting dogs. |
| Hydration | Helps maintain hydration, especially in hot weather. |
Ingredients for Pumpkin Dog Treats
Making yummy pumpkin dog treats at home is easy. You just need the right ingredients. This makes sure they are good for your dog and taste great.
Essential Ingredients
First, you need a few basic things. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or alternatives like oat flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (make sure it’s just pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (without Xylitol)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
These ingredients are the base of your treats. Always check with a vet about the flour. They can help make sure it’s safe for your dog.
Optional Add-ins for Flavor
You can make your treats even better with some extras. Think about adding:
- Oats for more texture and fiber
- Honey for a touch of sweetness
- Chopped meats or other safe ingredients for different tastes
Adding these extras can make your treats more fun for your dog. It also gives them more nutrients. Just remember to choose flavors your dog likes and that fit their diet.
Simple Steps to Make Dog Treats with Pumpkin
Making pumpkin dog treats is easy and fun. You’ll need 2 cups of flour, 1 egg, 3/4 cup of canned pumpkin, and 1/3 cup of peanut butter. You can pick from all-purpose, whole wheat, or oat flour for a healthier choice.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, get a baking sheet ready with parchment paper. Mix the pumpkin and peanut butter together, then add the egg. Slowly add the flour until it forms a dough.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your liking. Use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top if you want. Put the shapes on the baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until they’re firm.
Let the treats cool down completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Or, freeze them for up to six months. These recipes make about 50 small treats, so you’ll have plenty for your dog.
Variations on Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes
Trying different pumpkin dog treats can make your dog happy. You can mix flavors and use new ingredients. This way, you make healthy and tasty treats for your dog.
Adding Peanut Butter
Peanut butter makes treats taste better and adds protein. Dogs love this mix. Use Paw Power Dawg Butter or Teddie Unsalted Peanut Butter for Dogs. Add half a cup of peanut butter to your recipe for a fun change.
Grain-Free Options
For dogs with grain allergies, try grain-free treats. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of regular flour. This keeps treats healthy and safe for your dog.
| Ingredient | Standard Recipe | Variation with Peanut Butter | Grain-Free Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Puree | 1 cup | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| Flour | Whole Wheat | Whole Wheat | Almond or Coconut |
| Eggs | 2 | 2 | 2 (or chia seeds) |
| Time to Prepare | 25 minutes | 25 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Total Treats Produced | 90 treats | 90 treats | 90 treats |
| Shelf Life | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 2 weeks |
Try new things with your dog’s treats. Add peanut butter or make them grain-free. Your dog will love these yummy pumpkin dog biscuits.
Storing and Preserving Your Treats
Storing treats right is key to keeping them fresh for your dog. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh for a week at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, the fridge is your friend for up to two weeks.
Freezing is great for big batches. Frozen treats stay good for three months. Just thaw them a bit before giving them to your dog for the best taste and texture. If you dried pumpkin for treats, store the slices in mason jars. It keeps them fresh and makes a nice gift for pet lovers.
Follow these tips to keep your homemade dog treats fresh and safe. This way, you can give your dog yummy rewards without worry.
How Often Can You Give Pumpkin Treats to Your Dog?
Adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet can be very good for them. But, it’s important to not overdo it. Dogs can safely have 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin each day. This depends on their size and how much they need to eat.
Start with a little bit of pumpkin to make sure your dog likes it. This helps avoid any tummy troubles. Homemade treats have about 16 tablespoons of pumpkin. Make sure your dog doesn’t eat too much pumpkin.
It’s best to give your dog pumpkin treats a few times a day. They can have one or two treats at most. Canned pumpkin is a good choice because it’s cheap and helps their gut. Always talk to your vet before adding new treats to your dog’s diet.
To sum up, here’s how often you can give pumpkin treats:
| Dog Size | Recommended Pumpkin Amount (tablespoons) | Maximum Treats Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Small Dogs | 1 | 1-2 |
| Medium Dogs | 2 | 2-3 |
| Large Dogs | 3-4 | 3-4 |
Watch how much pumpkin your dog eats and give treats in moderation. This way, you can make sure they stay healthy and happy.
Other Healthy Natural Dog Treats to Consider
Pumpkin treats are great, but other natural ingredients are also good. Peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and apples are great choices. They give your dog important nutrients.
These ingredients help your dog’s immune system. They also support your dog’s overall health.
Adding different flavors to your dog’s meals makes them fun. It keeps them excited about eating healthy snacks. Here’s a look at some popular natural dog treats:
| Product | Price | Key Ingredients | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riley’s Organic Pumpkin & Coconut Bone Dog Treats | $8.19 (Chewy), $17.91 (Amazon) | Pumpkin, coconut oil | Supports digestion, rich in healthy fats |
| Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals with Duck & Pumpkin | $7.93 (Chewy and Amazon) | Duck, pumpkin | High-protein, grain-free |
| Greenies Pumpkin Spice Flavor Dental Dog Treats (12-Count) | $15.98 (Amazon), $15.99 (Chewy) | Pumpkin, natural flavors | Helps maintain dental health |
| Only Natural Pet® Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats (4-Count) | $9.99 (PetSmart) | Yogurt, fruit | Cool and refreshing, great for hot days |
| ACANA Singles Freeze-Dried Beef and Pumpkin Dog Treats | $14.99 (Chewy and Amazon) | Beef, pumpkin | Rich in protein, minimal ingredients |
| Good Lovin’ No Rawhide Pumpkin Flavored Puppy Teething Rings (4-Count) | $5.99 (Petco), $12.95 (Amazon) | Pumpkin, natural flavors | Safe teething option for puppies |
| Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Biscuits (5 oz. Bag) | $9.99 (Chewy and Amazon) | Pumpkin, whole grain | High in fiber, good for digestion |
Try different ingredients to make your dog’s diet better. Always pick natural treats that are good for them.
Using Pumpkin in Your Dog’s Diet Beyond Treats
Pumpkin is more than just tasty treats for dogs. It can be added to their meals to help with digestion. Make sure the pumpkin is plain, without sugars or spices, for the best benefits.
Adding 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to a 70-pound dog’s food can help with vomiting and diarrhea. Pumpkin is full of good stuff like vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and potassium.
This makes your dog’s digestion better and reduces gas. It also helps their immune system and eyes and urinary health. That’s why pumpkin dog food is getting more popular.
To make pumpkin puree, cook pumpkin slices in an Instant Pot for 12-15 minutes. Feed pumpkin in small amounts, like 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog’s weight. Always talk to your vet for advice. This simple change can make your dog’s life better.
