Autumn is here and with it the promise of cooler weather, fuzzy sweaters, crisply falling leaves, and our favorite fall flavor: pumpkin. Pumpkin is such an easy treat for people and pups alike, and it’s packed with good things, like fiber and vitamin A. While you might enjoy warm pumpkin bread fresh out of the oven or a slice of pumpkin pie hidden under clouds of freshly whipped cream, your pup might have different ideas about the best pumpkin treats. We’re here to help with recipes you can whip up about as much time as it takes to say, “Who’s a good boy?”
Our Favorite Pumpkin Treat Recipes
Three-Ingredient Peanut Butter-and-Pumpkin Dog Treats
These simple treats take just over half an hour and use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned or quick oats
- ⅓ cup pure pumpkin
- ¼ cup natural dog-safe peanut butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add your oats to a food processor and grind to a fine powder. Gradually add the peanut butter and pumpkin and whirl until it forms a sticky dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. You can add more ground oats, whole wheat flour, or another flour to roll it out. Use a small cookie cutter to cut the treats, placing them about an inch apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake until dry or for about 25 to 30 minutes.
Frozen Pumpkin Pops
Satisfy their treat tooth with this easy-to-make freezer snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
Instructions
Mix the yogurt and pumpkin in a bowl. Divide the mixture evenly into molds and freeze for 24 hours. Pop the treats out of the mold and serve as desired.
You can also spread this mixture inside a kong and serve it fresh or frozen for a fun interactive treat.
Sweet Pumpkin Treats
If your dog has a sweet tooth, try this fruity twist on a fall favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 mashed banana
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Mix the eggs, mashed banana, and pumpkin puree together, and then mix the flour in gradually. Lightly dust the counter with flour, and roll the dough out to about ⅛” thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut the treats and place them on a prepared cookie sheet. Bake treats until dried or about 20 minutes.
Veggie Pumpkin Cookies
For an extra dose of veggie goodness, keep these treats on hand.
- 1 cup flour
- 1 egg
- 1 14-oz. Jar carrot baby food
- 1 14-oz. Jar green bean baby food
- ½ can pumpkin puree
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350F. Mix all ingredients together and blend well. Scoop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto a prepared baking sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Most treats will keep for about a week at room temperature or about two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep them in a sealed container to keep the flavor fresh. And most importantly, don't forget to be aware of any allergies your dog may have.
Contact Playful Pack today to learn more or to schedule a temperament test and a visit to our daycare.