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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!
Hi I have been researching gluten free and grain free dog treats a lot as my dog seems to have reactions to everything …. I am just wondering is putting egg in them good for them? Also the gluten free flour I bought says to add xathiam gum or something to it do I need to do that with dog treats? Never used it before…. thanks!
My two dogs love all three recipes! I usually make two batches of each and freeze them, I put them in freezer zip lock bags. I purchase less treats these days from the store and I know what’s in my dogs treats is good for them. I also made them at Christmas time and gave each of my friends that have dogs some……and they all enjoyed them :)
Becky-
We are so happy to hear the recipe was a success and that they were loved by your pups! Thanks so much for reporting back! Have a great day!
-Jamie
Hi!
I want to make the apple carrot dog treats and I was
wondering can you sub the flour with oatmeal?
BTW your dog is ADORABLE!!!!!
Julia
Julia, I haven’t tried it, but I think it could work. Good luck!
– Jamie
What would you say the shelf life on these are?
I have used these type of recipes for a while. Have added chicken or beef broth to the cookie dough for meatier tasting cookies. These are so much more healthier than store bought, and my grandson loves to bake these for our dogs and his dogs as well! We have also used canned dog food, such as veal, or lamb. But if you don’t have canned food, you can water down your dog food to add to the mix. We always try to use fresh meats and veggies to keep it healthier!
I made triple batches of all three recipes for Christmas gifts this year. My mini doxie “LOVED” them. I do however have one suggestion for everyone….refridgerate the cookies or keep them in the freezer. ALL except the ones my dog ate went moldy! I had to call everyone who received them to tell them to toss them out! “Very expensive lesson learned!”
I made the peanut butter pumpkin treats for my Newfie and also gave some to friends for their 4-legged friends. Big hit with all the dogs! My Newfie can’t get enough of them and since they are good for her I don’t mind giving her a few extra treats in exchange for kisses! I can’t wait to try the other favors. Thank you for the great recipes.
Quick question about the sweet potato recipe -> if I wanted to sub in fresh sweet potatoes do they need to be pureed?
Can’t wait to try these!
Thanks,
Jennifer
Jennifer,
They need to be pureed or just mashed really well! Thanks so much!
Lindsay
If you dehydrate them rather that bake them they have a greater shelf life and can be shipped very easily…. I usually take 1 weekend a month and make a bunch for my 3 and my grand dog…. also do small ones for my moms 2 little ones…..
I also do some with deer meat in them….or turkey for some meat…. dont use eggs since i have a dog with yeast problems but use rye flour and whole wheat flour… can also grind some brown rice and sunflower seeds…… also grind up egg shells for some added calcium….. your recipes are a lot like mine…..
Jennifer,
Thanks so much! I never thought about dehydrating them! Have a great day.
Lindsay
What do u use instead of egg in the receipe for dogs with yeast problems?
I have been making the pumpkin treats for a couple of months now and the recipe called for a Quarter tea spoon of salt to preserve them is this ok to add salt? thanks Rae
Rae,
Salt in large amounts (like chips or pretzels) is harmful to pets but, that amount in treats will be fine for your dog. I just chose to leave it out of the treats! Thanks for the question. Have a great day!
Lindsay
Thank you so much Lindsay.