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Apples, Cinnamon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin…these are the flavors of the season. We go crazy for lattes, pie, cookies, candles, everything and anything containing those ingredients or scents. All the while, someone close to you is feeling very left out. Your best friend! Staring at you with those big eyes (I have an expert beggar on my hands), hoping you’ll be kind enough to share a bite.
Don’t leave your dog out when you’re celebrating the tastes of the season! Apples, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are actually all very common ingredients in homemade dog treats. Dogs love these flavors and they are really healthy for your pup. Homemade dog treats are super simple to make and you can easily tailor the recipe for any special diets. So next time you’re in the baking mood, whip up a quick batch of healthy homemade dog treats for your pooch!
Olive was very patient in letting me photograph her before eating these cookies. They are her new favorite treat!
I just know your pooch will love these biscuits as much as Olive did, so don’t let fall pass without baking them up at your house too. They’re also great as hostess gifts for pet-loving pals. Imagine the delight when your friends get to indulge in pumpkin cheesecake trifles and their pooch gets a mason jar full of homemade dog treats!
Homemade Dog Treats
Ingredients:
For Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain free flour)
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten free flour
- 3 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Sweet Potato Treats:
- 1 cup of canned sweet potato (you can sub fresh if you want)
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten free flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
For Apple Carrot Treats:
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten free flour
- 1 cup of grated carrots
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
Directions:
For Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
- Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/2 thick. Cut out using cookie cutter.
- The dough will be a little sticky, a dusting of flour for your hands and the rolling pin will help! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.
For Sweet Potato Treats:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Stir ingredients together in a large bowl until dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press dough down slightly so the biscuits are about about 1/4 inch thick. Bake until golden brown and let cool on a wire rack.
For Apple Carrot Treats:
- Preheat oven 350°F.
- Mix ingredients together until dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Press dough down slightly so the biscuits are about about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake until golden brown and let cool on a wire rack.
Notes:
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats:
- These are the treats that are pictured.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to these treats to help extend the shelf life but, it is optional.
- Cinnamon is fine to use in recipes for dogs, however do not use a pumpkin spice blend or anything that could contain nutmeg. It is toxic to dogs and even in small amounts can make them sick.
Sweet Potato Treats:
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to these treats to help extend the shelf life but, it is optional.
For Apple Carrot Treats:
- If the dough is really sticky, add a few more tablespoons of flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be added to these treats to help extend the shelf life but, it is optional.
- Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats are adapted from Sweet Pea's Kitchen.
- Sweet Potato Treats are adapted from Brown Eyed Baker.
- Apple Carrot Treats are adapted from For the Love of Pooch.
Follow Jamie on Instagram. We love to see what you're baking from MBA! Be sure to tag @jamiemba and use the hashtag #mbarecipes!
Do they need to be refrigerated?
Hi, Tonia! They don’t, but they’ll probably keep longer if they are. I hope your dog enjoys them!
How long can I store the pumpkin peanut butter dog cookies. I did not add the salt. I am giving them as a gift too. How do recommend storing the.?
Hi, Sharon! I would store them in an airtight container for two months in the refrigerator. I hope your dog enjoyed them!
We recently adopted our fur baby and I love baking for him. (I love baking for my family too). Why do all these recipes call for whole wheat flour. Is there something in regular flour that is harmful to pups? or is it just because whole wheat is better overall? Thanks
Hi, Corinne! The wheat gives a heartier texture, so I use it because my dog enjoys it more. I hope this helps!
Can we share this recipe on our vet clinic’s Facebook page?
Thanks!
Hi, Beth! Absolutely! I would add a note that says something like, since nutrition requirements vary, we recommend checking with your veterinarian before giving these treats to your pup. All the best to you!
I tried making the pumpkin and peanut butter treats but I wasn’t able to make the mixture get to a dough..it was way too dry. I used coconut flour. Is the recipe correct? 3 cups of flour? The sweet potato treats only use 1-1/2 cups of flour.. I put the dough in the fridge for now until I figure out what to do with it.
Hi, Cathy! I think the coconut flour may be the issue. Maybe try adding another egg or some water to make the dough more pliable? Let me know how it goes!
You have mentioned that some salt can be added for a longer shelf life. How long of a shelf life do they have if no salt is added?
Hi, Liz! Keeping the treats in an airtight container will help a lot. You should be able to store them in the refrigerator for about two months. I hope this helps!
Absolutely adore these puppy recipes!!! My girls love them!!! Clarify my yorkie and Siberian husky !! I make them twice a month!!!
That makes me so happy, Wendy!
I made two of these recipes for all the dogs on my Christmas list and I had rave reviews from all their picky owners! Thanks for some easy, healthy recipes!
What a darling recipe! I’m wondering how they would turn out if I tried using gluten free oats, like Bob’s Red Mill. Have you tried? Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Amanda! I haven’t tried it, but I don’t think it would be a problem. Take care!
What size can of pumpkin? 15? Want to make sure before I make these. Thanks! Look great
Hi, Alisse! A 15 ounce can of pumpkin should give you more than enough for your recipe. I hope your pooch enjoys them!