Introduction

These Homemade Dog Treats are made with peanut butter and pumpkin and are sure to be a hit with your furry friend. This simple recipe uses wholesome ingredients to create healthy, delicious snacks your dog will love. If you enjoy baking with pumpkin, you might also like the Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe for human treats. Making your own dog treats ensures you know exactly what your pet is eating.

Ingredients

These homemade dog treats combine the rich, nutty aroma of peanut butter with the sweet earthiness of pumpkin to create an irresistible snack your furry friend will adore.

• 1 cup oats (old fashioned, 1-minute oats, or instant), plus more if needed
• ⅓ cup pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: These Homemade Dog Treats are made with peanut butter and pumpkin and are sure to be a hit, and this recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need 2 cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free), 2 eggs, and ¼ cup water. Using natural, unsweetened pumpkin puree and peanut butter without artificial sweeteners ensures these homemade dog treats are safe and healthy for your pet.

Step 2 — Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Proper preheating ensures even baking and helps these peanut butter pumpkin dog treats cook consistently.

Step 3 — Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, eggs, and water. Stir until smooth and well-blended. The mixture should have a uniform consistency with no streaks of separated ingredients.

Step 4 — Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously. The dough will become thick and may require kneading by hand once it becomes too stiff to stir. Add a tablespoon of water if the dough seems too dry.

Step 5 — Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes your dog will love. For uniform baking, try to keep the treats similar in size.

Step 6 — Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place the cut treats about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows for proper air circulation and ensures these homemade dog treats bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the treats are firm and lightly golden around the edges. For crunchier treats, bake an additional 5 minutes. The peanut butter pumpkin aroma will fill your kitchen when they’re ready.

Step 8 — Cool Completely

Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving. This cooling process helps them crisp up and ensures they’re safe for your dog to enjoy.

Step 9 — Store Properly

Store these homemade dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. The peanut butter and pumpkin combination creates treats that maintain their texture well when stored correctly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	5g
Fat	2g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	25mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken — A lower-fat protein alternative that still provides great flavor for your pup.
• Swap peanut butter for unsweetened pumpkin purée — Reduces fat content while maintaining moisture and a dog-friendly taste.
• Try oat flour or coconut flour — Excellent gluten-free options that are gentle on sensitive stomachs.
• Replace wheat flour with chickpea flour — A high-protein, gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor.
• Use unsalted peanut butter — A simple low-sodium swap to support heart health.
• Add mashed sweet potato — A lower-carb alternative to some starchy binders, rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Incorporate plain Greek yogurt (dairy-free if needed) — For dogs without dairy sensitivities, it adds protein; use dairy-free options like coconut yogurt if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these homemade dog treats with a scoop of plain yogurt for a special snack
• Serve as training rewards during obedience sessions
• Offer alongside fresh water during hot weather for a refreshing treat
• Crumble over your dog’s regular kibble to add excitement to mealtime
• Present on a special dog-friendly plate for birthday celebrations
• Pack in a travel container for rewarding good behavior during car rides

These homemade dog treats made with peanut butter and pumpkin are perfect for any occasion where you want to show your furry friend some extra love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using peanut butter with xylitol. Fix: Always check labels for this toxic sweetener, which can cause liver failure in dogs.
• Mistake: Overbaking the treats, making them too hard. Fix: Bake just until firm to the touch for a chewy texture dogs love.
• Mistake: Using canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin. Fix: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin to avoid added sugars and spices.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to roll the dough evenly. Fix: Use a rolling pin for uniform thickness so treats bake consistently.
• Mistake: Not storing treats properly, leading to mold. Fix: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Mistake: Making the treats too large, posing a choking risk. Fix: Cut into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s breed.
• Mistake: Substituting flour with untested alternatives. Fix: Stick to dog-safe flours like whole wheat or oat unless your dog has allergies.
• Mistake: Adding salt or other seasonings. Fix: Omit all extra seasonings, as a dog’s palate is sensitive to sodium and spices.
• Mistake: Rushing the cooling process before serving. Fix: Let treats cool completely to avoid burning your dog’s mouth and ensure they set properly.
• Mistake: Ignoring your dog’s specific dietary needs. Fix: Consult your vet if your dog has health issues like pancreatitis before introducing new treats.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store these homemade dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Place treats in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm treats in the oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Always allow treats to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and spoilage.

Conclusion

These homemade dog treats are a simple and healthy way to spoil your furry friend. Made with just peanut butter and pumpkin, they’re sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below!

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FAQs

Can I substitute the peanut butter in this recipe?

Yes, but only use unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter to keep these homemade dog treats made with peanut butter and pumpkin safe for your pet. Xylitol is toxic to dogs, so always check the ingredient list.

How should I store these homemade dog treats?

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for about two weeks or freeze them for several months.

Are these homemade dog treats suitable for all dogs?

These homemade dog treats made with peanut butter and pumpkin are generally suitable for most dogs. However, always check with your vet if your dog has specific allergies or dietary restrictions, especially concerning pumpkin or peanut butter.