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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.
Nothing beats homemade treats when it comes to your dog’s health and your sanity.
Often, the store-bought ones are packed with strange fillers, artificial stuff, and unpronounceable ingredients, making you wonder what you are really feeding your best friend.
This is an issue that lots of dog parents I know have. In that case, what if I told you that there is a very simple, tasty, and healthy method to offer your dog a treat without any of that trouble? I will teach you the way.
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Recipe Overview
- This homemade dog treat recipe is all about simplicity and natural goodness.
- It takes just two main ingredients.
- You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and 25-30 minutes baking.
- This recipe makes about 24-30 small treats, perfect for a week of happy snacking.
- It’s ideal for all dogs, even those with sensitive tummies, thanks to limited, wholesome ingredients.
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Ingredients List
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!) – estimated cost: $2.50
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!) – estimated cost: $3.00
- (Optional) ¼ cup whole wheat flour or oat flour, if needed for consistency – estimated cost: $0.50
Total estimated cost: $5.50 – $6.00
Substitutions: You can use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin. For peanut butter, make sure it’s 100% natural, just peanuts, and no xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If your dog has a peanut allergy, you can try unsweetened, natural sunflower seed butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and peanut butter.
- Stir really well until everything is fully mixed and smooth.
- If the dough feels too sticky, you can add the optional ¼ cup of whole wheat or oat flour a little at a time until it’s easier to handle.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- You can also just use a knife to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles.
- Place the cut treats on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- The treats should be firm and lightly golden brown.
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog.
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Feeding Guidelines
- These treats are a healthy supplement, not a meal replacement.
- For small dogs (under 20 lbs), offer 1-2 treats per day.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can have 2-3 treats daily.
- Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can enjoy 3-4 treats per day.
- Adjust based on your dog’s activity level.
- Very active dogs might get a little more, while less active dogs should get fewer.
- Puppies and senior dogs might need smaller pieces or softer textures, so break them up if needed.
- Always talk to your vet to figure out the best feeding plan for your dog’s specific needs, especially if they have health conditions or are pregnant/nursing.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
- Pumpkin: It’s loaded with fiber, which is great for digestion and can help with both diarrhea and constipation. It also has vitamins A, C, and E, plus potassium and iron.
- Peanut Butter: This gives a good boost of protein, essential for muscle health. It also contains healthy fats, B vitamins, and vitamin E. Just remember, it needs to be natural and xylitol-free.
- Complex Carbs (from pumpkin and optional flour): These provide sustained energy for your pup.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Peanut butter offers good fats important for skin and coat health.
- Overall: These treats offer a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients in a natural form, supporting overall canine wellness without artificial additives.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Once completely cool, store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
- Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When you want to serve a frozen treat, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
- You can serve them at room temperature, or slightly warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to release more of their yummy aroma.
- They’re great on their own or as a special topping mixed in with your dog’s regular kibble.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?
No, definitely not. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugars, spices, and sometimes artificial sweeteners like xylitol, all of which can be harmful or toxic to dogs. Always use pure canned pumpkin puree, which only lists pumpkin as the ingredient.
My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little whole wheat flour or oat flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Different brands of peanut butter or pumpkin can affect the moisture content.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, these treats are generally safe for puppies, especially because they use simple, natural ingredients. However, make sure to cut them into very small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your puppy’s mouth size to prevent choking. Always supervise your puppy when they’re eating treats.
How can I make these treats crunchy?
For a crunchier treat, bake them for a bit longer, maybe an extra 5-10 minutes, until they are harder. Then, turn off the oven and let them cool inside the oven as it cools down, which can help dry them out further.
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Need more ideas on what to cook for your dog? Then you must check out my library of homemade dog food recipes today!
Wrapping Up
Making these 2-ingredient pumpkin and peanut butter swirls is such an easy way to show your dog some love with a healthy, delicious snack. They’re simple, quick, and packed with goodness your pup will adore.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
