Homemade Dog Cookies With Pumpkin & Oats

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Does your dog keep scratching or dealing with an upset stomach after eating those store-bought biscuits? A lot of commercial treats pack in cheap fillers and fake ingredients that can really upset sensitive pups.

You want to treat your dog to something healthy, but finding snacks that are actually clean and safe feels impossible sometimes.

Give this easy homemade dog cookies recipe a try. It’s just pumpkin, oats, and a few other natural ingredients. The result? Tasty, gentle cookies your dog will go crazy for.

Recipe Overview

This homemade dog cookie recipe is perfect for dogs with common allergies or sensitive stomachs because it is wheat-free and uses simple, recognizable ingredients.

The combination of pumpkin and rolled oats provides high fiber for healthy digestion and essential nutrients for skin and coat health.

• Purpose: Wheat-free, high-fiber, gentle treat for sensitive dogs.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 24-30 small cookies

Ingredients List

Here is what you will need for this recipe, plus an estimate of the ingredient cost in the USA.

We try to use common pantry items to keep the recipe simple and affordable.

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – $2.50
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free) – $1.00
• 2 eggs (large) – $0.50
• 2 cups rolled oats (uncooked, ground into flour) – $1.50
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor) – $0.25

Total Estimated Cost: $5.75

Substitutions: You can swap the rolled oats for rice flour or whole wheat flour if your dog is not sensitive to gluten. If you cannot use peanut butter, try plain almond butter, just ensure it is xylitol-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these cookies is straightforward. Just follow these steps and your dog will be happily snacking soon.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Grind the Oats: If you are using whole rolled oats, place them in a food processor or blender and process until they reach a fine flour consistency.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir them together until everything is smooth and fully mixed.
• Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the ground oat flour and cinnamon (if using) into the wet mixture. Stir until a stiff dough forms. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape.
• Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface—use a little extra oat flour if needed. Use a cookie cutter (small bone shapes or simple circles work well) to cut the dough.
• Bake: Place the shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are firm and lightly browned.
• Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing them.

Feeding Guidelines

These cookies are treats, so they should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Do not rely on treats alone for complete nutrition; use them as supplements or rewards.

• Small Dogs (under 15 lbs): 1 to 2 small cookies per day.
• Medium Dogs (15-40 lbs): 2 to 3 cookies per day.
• Large Dogs (over 40 lbs): 3 to 4 cookies per day.

If your dog is very active, they might need slightly more, but if they are overweight, reduce the serving size.

Always talk to your veterinarian before making major changes to your dog’s diet, especially for puppies, senior dogs, or pregnant/nursing dogs, as their nutritional needs are higher or different.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, offering significant health benefits beyond just being a tasty snack.

• Pumpkin: An excellent source of fermentable fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and supports healthy gut bacteria. It is also packed with Vitamin A (beta-carotene) for vision and immunity.
• Rolled Oats: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and non-fermentable fiber, which aids in stool consistency. Oats are generally easy on the stomach, making them a good alternative for wheat-sensitive dogs.
• Peanut Butter & Eggs: High-quality protein sources that provide essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, healthy skin, and coat maintenance. Eggs also offer choline, important for brain health.
• Cinnamon: While optional, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Storage and Serving Tips

Proper storage is important to keep these cookies fresh and safe for your dog.

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Serving Temperature: Serve the cookies at room temperature. Some dogs enjoy them slightly warmed, but make sure they are not hot before giving them to your dog.
• Serving Ideas: You can crumble one cookie over their regular kibble as a meal topper to encourage picky eaters.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree?

No, you absolutely cannot. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. You must use 100% plain canned pumpkin puree.

Do I need to add a vitamin supplement to these cookies?

Since these are treats and not a complete meal replacement, you usually do not need a supplement for the cookies themselves. If you feed your dog a homemade diet primarily, you should consult your vet about a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement for their main meals.

Why are my cookies crumbling when I try to cut them?

If the dough is too dry, it will crumble. This often happens if the oats were not finely ground or if the eggs were small. Add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin puree or water to the dough until it holds together easily when pressed.

Wrapping Up

Making these pumpkin and oat cookies is a simple, loving way to ensure your dog is getting healthy, wholesome treats without hidden fillers.

They are easy to bake and gentle on sensitive tummies. Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!