Ah, autumn—when the air turns crisp, leaves paint the streets in vibrant shades of orange, and pumpkin spice reigns supreme. If you’re anything like me, your kitchen becomes a cozy haven for all things pumpkin during the fall. But this year, I thought, why should my dog miss out on the fun? With a surplus of pumpkins from Halloween and a love for baking, I decided to whip up some pumpkin peanut butter dog treats! They’re simple, eco-friendly, and, judging by my dog’s reaction, absolutely delicious.
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
Making your own dog treats not only allows you to control exactly what your pup is eating, but it’s also a fantastic way to reduce waste. After carving your spooky jack-o’-lanterns, don’t toss those pumpkins! Instead, repurpose them into tasty snacks for your furry friend.
Store-bought treats can be full of preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary fillers. With this homemade recipe, you’ll know your dog is getting fresh, wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s an opportunity to reuse leftover pumpkins in an eco-friendly way, cutting down on food waste and packaging.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe!
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients:
- 150 grams whole wheat flour
- 50 grams pumpkin puree (either canned with no added sugar or salt, or homemade*)
- 50 grams peanut butter (check to make sure it’s free of xylitol—this is crucial, as xylitol is toxic to dogs!)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 ml water (adjust as needed)
Optional Add-ins:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (a tiny amount is safe for dogs and can add a festive fall flavor)
- A tablespoon of ground flaxseed for an omega-3 boost
Instructions:
- Prepare the pumpkin puree (if using fresh): Start by making your own pumpkin puree. Cut your leftover pumpkin into slices, remove the seeds (which you can roast for yourself—yum!), and pop the slices into the oven at 180°C for about 45 minutes. Once the pumpkin flesh is soft, scoop it out and blend it into a smooth puree. If you have extra, don’t worry—just freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays for future treats or soups.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder. If you’re adding any extras like flaxseed or cinnamon, toss them in now.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and water. You might need to add more or less water depending on the consistency, but aim for a dough that’s soft yet firm enough to roll out.
- Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. I like to use bone-shaped cutters (because let’s be real, they’re adorable).
- Bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the treats on the sheet. Bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Let them cool completely before giving them to your dog. And be prepared—your pup will probably be circling the kitchen, waiting for these to come out of the oven!
Storage:
These treats will last for about a week in an airtight container. If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze them and just thaw a few at a time when needed.
Why Pumpkin and Peanut Butter?
So, why did I choose these ingredients? Pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber, which helps with digestion and can soothe an upset tummy. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C, which boost your dog’s immune system.
Peanut butter, on the other hand, is packed with healthy fats and protein. Dogs love its taste (it’s basically dog candy), and it helps give the treats a chewy texture that dogs adore. Just be sure to choose a brand that doesn’t contain xylitol—it’s extremely harmful to dogs, so always double-check the label!
Eco-Friendly Treat-Making Tips
- Use leftover pumpkins: After Halloween, don’t toss those pumpkins in the compost just yet! Reuse them for dog treats. This reduces food waste and gives you a natural, preservative-free ingredient.
- Buy in bulk: When stocking up on ingredients like flour or peanut butter, buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste. It’s not only more eco-friendly, but also often more economical.
- Reuse baking supplies: If you’re a frequent baker like me, invest in reusable silicone baking mats instead of parchment paper. They last forever and help reduce waste.
Advantages of Making Your Own Dog Treats
Aside from the warm, fuzzy feeling you get knowing that you’re doing something good for your dog, there are several other perks to homemade treats.
1. Customization:
You can tweak the recipe based on your dog’s needs. Got a pup with allergies? Swap the wheat flour for oat flour or rice flour. Want to boost your dog’s omega-3 intake? Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or fish oil. The possibilities are endless!
2. No Preservatives:
Commercial dog treats often contain preservatives to keep them shelf-stable for months (or years!). When you make your own treats, you don’t need any of that. They’re fresh, wholesome, and natural.
3. Bonding Time:
There’s something special about baking for your dog. My dog sits in the kitchen, tail wagging, watching my every move. It’s a fun way to bond with your pup, and let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about seeing your dog’s excitement when you pull a batch of homemade treats from the oven.
Potential Downsides
As much as I love making dog treats, I’d be lying if I said there aren’t a few challenges.
1. Time-Consuming:
Between making the puree, mixing the dough, rolling it out, and baking, it does take some time. If you’re short on time, you might want to save this for a weekend project.
2. Nutritional Balance:
While these treats are a fun, healthy snack, they shouldn’t replace a well-balanced diet. Talk to your vet about how many treats are appropriate based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Final Thoughts
Making pumpkin peanut butter dog treats has become one of my favorite fall traditions. Not only do I get to use up leftover pumpkins in an eco-friendly way, but I also get to spoil my dog with fresh, homemade goodies. Plus, there’s just something about seeing your dog happily crunching away on a treat that you made with your own two hands.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that apron, fire up the oven, and give these treats a try. Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and wet-nosed kisses!
