Alright, so picture this—you’re in the kitchen, and your dog is staring at you like you hold the key to the universe. Treat time.
But instead of grabbing some store-bought snacks with ingredients that sound like a science experiment, you could whip up something fresh, simple, and actually good for them. These pumpkin oat dog treats?
They’re ridiculously easy, a little bit messy (in a fun way), and, honestly, your pup will probably think you’re a wizard. Plus, they’re packed with all the good stuff—just enough crunch, just enough chew, and none of the weird additives.
Homemade Pumpkin Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a smaller batch of these tasty treats, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the treats from sticking and make cleaning up afterward much easier.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, and peanut butter (if using). Blend until smooth. Next, add 1 cup of oats and continue blending until fully incorporated. Then, manually stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of oats and any optional add-ins like bacon or cinnamon, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop small portions of dough and either roll them into bite-sized balls or flatten them into discs. For a fun touch, you can also roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use cookie cutters to shape the treats into bones, stars, or other fun designs.
- Bake the Treats: Place the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are firm and golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage. This way, you’ll always have fresh, homemade treats ready for your pup to enjoy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Preheating ensures that the treats cook evenly and helps them crisp up.
- Prepare the Dough: Follow the same instructions as above to mix the dough and shape it into small balls or discs.
- Cook the Treats: Place the shaped treats in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
- Cool and Store: Let the treats cool completely before serving. Store them in the same way as you would with the oven-baked treats—either in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for longer shelf life.
To make these treats even more flavorful and appealing for your dog, you can add the following ingredients:
1. Add Sweetness with Carrots or Apples
- Carrots: Grated carrots can add natural sweetness and additional fiber to the treats. The slight crunchiness also helps clean your dog’s teeth while they enjoy the treat.
- Apples: Finely chopped apples (without seeds or core) can provide a burst of natural sweetness and texture. They also help in digestion and promote hydration.
2. Add Coconut Flakes for Texture
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Incorporating shredded coconut adds both texture and a tropical flavor. It also offers additional healthy fats and fiber for your dog’s digestive system.
3. A Pinch of Turmeric or Ginger
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be a great addition for senior dogs or those with joint issues. It has a subtle, earthy flavor and works well with pumpkin.
- Ginger: A small pinch of ground ginger adds a slight zing to the treats and can help soothe an upset stomach, which is a nice bonus for dogs with sensitive tummies.
Why Pumpkin and Oats Are Great for Your Dog
Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber to support digestion and vitamins A and C for healthy skin, a shiny coat, and a strong immune system. Its natural sweetness makes it a tasty, low-calorie treat that helps keep dogs hydrated.
Oats provide sustained energy, are easy to digest, and are naturally gluten-free—perfect for sensitive stomachs. Rich in B-vitamins, iron, and heart-healthy fiber, they help regulate blood sugar and promote gut health.
Together, pumpkin and oats create a nutrient-rich, digestion-friendly combo that supports your dog’s overall well-being while keeping their tail wagging!
How to Safely Store Homemade Dog Treats
To keep your treats fresh and safe for your dog, proper storage is essential:
- Room Temperature: Store these pumpkin oat treats in an airtight container for up to a week. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid spoilage.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, store the treats in the fridge for up to two weeks. The cool temperature will help preserve the freshness and prevent any mold or bacterial growth.
- Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch, freezing the treats is a great option. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them out as needed or give them to your dog frozen for a fun, refreshing treat!
Conclusion: Why Homemade Treats Are Worth the Effort
At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t care about ingredient lists or nutritional breakdowns—they just know when something tastes great.
But, hey, if you can give them something that’s both delicious and kind of good for them, that’s a win. These pumpkin oat treats tick all the boxes—easy to make, budget-friendly, and way better than the mystery snacks from the pet aisle.
So, whether it’s for training, a special snack, or just because they’ve mastered the art of puppy eyes, you’ve got a go-to recipe that’ll keep tails wagging.