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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.
Let’s be real. Giving your dog the same old store-bought biscuits every day gets dull fast. Plus, have you seen the ingredient list on some of those treats?
Half the stuff sounds like it belongs in a chemistry lab, not your dog’s bowl.
Good news though: making your own healthy treats at home is way simpler than it sounds. Grab your air fryer cos we’ve got an easy recipe that’ll have your dog begging for more.
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Recipe Overview
This simple air fryer recipe creates soft, chewy pumpkin and oat treats that dogs absolutely love. They are great for training or just a healthy snack.
These treats are grain-friendly and perfect for pups sensitive to wheat.
They are high in fiber, support digestion, and boost skin health.
Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 12–15 minutes (in batches).
Serving size: Approximately 30–35 small treats.
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Ingredients List
You don’t need many things for this recipe, and everything is super affordable.
1 cup whole rolled oats ($0.50) – Use old-fashioned oats, not instant.
1/2 cup pumpkin purée ($0.75) – Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
1 large egg ($0.30) – Acts as a binder and adds protein.
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter ($0.40) – Check the label; it must be xylitol-free.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ($0.05) – Adds a nice flavor and antioxidant boost.
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal ($0.15) – Great source of Omega-3s.
1/4 cup whole wheat flour ($0.10) – Optional; use rice flour or more oats if your dog has a wheat allergy.
Total estimated cost for the batch: $2.25
Substitutions: If your dog is sensitive to eggs, you can use 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as an egg replacer. If you don’t have peanut butter, try sunflower seed butter (also xylitol-free).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these treats in the air fryer is fast, but you will need to cook them in small batches.
1. Get the batter ready by mixing all the wet ingredients in a large bowl. Stir the pumpkin purée, egg, and peanut butter until they are fully combined and smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients: the oats, flaxseed meal, cinnamon, and flour (if using).
3. Mix everything thoroughly. You should end up with a very thick dough that you can scoop. If it feels too wet, add a tiny bit more flour or oats.
4. Prepare your air fryer basket. Line the basket with parchment paper that has been cut to fit, or use a reusable silicone mat. Do not use spray oils, as they can damage non-stick coatings.
5. Scoop the dough using a small spoon or cookie scoop. Roll the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and flatten them slightly with a fork. This ensures they cook evenly.
6. Place the flattened treats in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them so air can circulate. Work in batches.
7. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. The treats should look dry, lightly golden brown, and feel firm to the touch.
8. Remove the first batch and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining dough until all the treats are cooked.
9. Practical cooking tip: Keep a close watch on the treats after the 10-minute mark, as air fryer temperatures can vary greatly.
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Feeding Guidelines
Treats should only make up about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, so don’t overdo it.
Serving Size Recommendations
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Limit to 1–2 small treats per day.
- Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): Give 2–3 treats daily, depending on their activity level.
- Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Up to 4 treats per day, but only if they are very active.
- Note for Puppies: These treats are safe for puppies, but cut them into smaller pieces for easy chewing.
- Activity and Weight: If your dog is overweight, subtract calories from their main meal when you give them treats. Highly active dogs can handle a few more.
- Important: Always check with your vet or a certified canine nutritionist before making big changes to your dog’s diet, especially for puppies or dogs with existing health issues.
Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
This recipe is designed to be healthy, offering many key nutrients your dog needs.
- Pumpkin: This is a digestive powerhouse. It is high in soluble fiber, which helps firm up loose stools and manages diarrhea. It also contains Vitamins A and C.
- Oats: A great source of complex carbohydrates and non-fermentable fiber. They are easy on the stomach and good for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
- Eggs: Provides high-quality protein and essential amino acids needed for muscle and tissue repair.
- Flaxseed Meal: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Cinnamon: A small amount is safe and acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
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Storage and Serving Tips
Proper storage is essential since these treats contain fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
Serving Suggestion: Always serve treats at room temperature. They are chewy and hold up well, making them excellent pocket treats for training sessions.
Refrigeration: Store treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, flash freeze the cooled treats on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If frozen, you can reheat them quickly in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to make them soft again, or let them thaw on the counter.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting
Can I make these in a conventional oven?
Yes, absolutely. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the treats on a lined baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes. They might take slightly longer than in the air fryer.
Are these treats safe for dogs with kidney issues?
Because this recipe contains protein (egg) and phosphorus (oats), dogs with specific kidney conditions might need a lower-protein diet. You must consult your vet before feeding these treats to a dog with kidney disease.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough won’t hold together, you likely need more binder. Add another half-tablespoon of pumpkin purée or a splash of water, mixing until the dough is just sticky enough to roll into a ball.
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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
These simple, homemade air fryer treats are a fantastic way to spoil your pup while keeping their diet healthy and clean. Making healthy dog treats doesn’t need to be complicated, and your dog will absolutely love the fresh flavor of pumpkin and oats. Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
