Homemade Dog Treat Recipe for Allergies Using Pumpkin & Quinoa

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.

​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ At long last, a homemade treat for dogs with itchy paws.

It is really upsetting to see our dogs suffer from itchy skin and stomachs that are not okay, and to think that most of the bought-in-stores treats only exacerbate the problem.

But how about if you could simply make a healthy and tasty something right in your kitchen? This easy recipe will make the allergens disappear and your dog will be happy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌again.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: Gentle, hypoallergenic treats for dogs with food sensitivities and allergies.
• Benefits: Packed with fiber, essential nutrients, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Serving Size: Approximately 30-40 small treats

Ingredients List

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling) – $2.50
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, cooled – $1.00 (from dry quinoa)
• 1 large egg – $0.30
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) – $1.20
• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour (or grind rolled oats) – $1.50
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor) – $0.10

Substitutions:

• Sweet potato puree can replace pumpkin puree.
• Chickpea flour or brown rice flour can be used instead of oat flour.
• For peanut allergies, use unsweetened applesauce or pure pumpkin seeds ground into a butter.

Total estimated cost: $6.10

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, cooked quinoa, egg, and peanut butter until everything is well combined.
• Gradually add the oat flour and cinnamon (if using) to the wet ingredients. Mix until a firm dough forms.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour, a tablespoon at a time.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. You can also just slice the dough into small squares with a knife.
• Place the cut-out treats on your prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm.
• Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This makes them nice and crunchy.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day.
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 treats per day.
• These are treats, so they should not make up a significant portion of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
• Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and overall diet. An active dog might handle slightly more.
• For puppies, seniors, or dogs with specific health conditions, always talk to your vet first. They can give you personalized advice.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Pumpkin: A fantastic source of fiber, which helps with digestion and maintains healthy bowel movements. It’s rich in Vitamin A (beta-carotene) for vision and immunity, and potassium for heart health.
• Quinoa: A complete protein, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids dogs need. It’s also a complex carbohydrate, offering sustained energy without spiking blood sugar, and provides fiber, iron, and magnesium.
• Egg: Offers high-quality protein and essential fatty acids. It’s great for skin and coat health.
• Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): A good source of protein and healthy fats. Make sure it has no added sugar or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
• This recipe provides good quality protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. The fiber content supports gut health, which is often tied to allergy management.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• To thaw, simply take out the desired number of treats and let them come to room temperature.
• You can serve them as is, or crumble a treat over your dog’s regular food for an extra special meal.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree it first, and drain any excess water. Do not use pumpkin pie filling.

Are these treats good for puppies?

In moderation, yes. Always introduce new foods slowly to puppies to avoid upsetting their stomachs. Check with your vet if you are unsure.

My dog has a severe peanut allergy. What can I use?

You can substitute the peanut butter with unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or even a little bit of pureed sweet potato for binding and flavor.

How can I make these treats crunchier?

After baking, turn off your oven and leave the treats inside for an extra hour or two as the oven cools. This will help dry them out more and make them extra crispy.

Wrapping Up

Making your own dog treats is a simple way to give your allergic pup a safe, tasty snack. You control every ingredient, so you know exactly what they’re eating. Plus, it’s a sweet gesture of love for your best friend.

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