Maybe your New Year’s resolution, like many, was to eat healthier. Well, don’t stop with just you. Don’t forget about your pets. Homemade pumpkin peanut butter dog treats are a nutritious and tasty way to treat your pup and start their New Year off right, too.
These pumpkin peanut butter homemade dog treats are quick and easy to make. 4 ingredients. One bowl. They are sure to put a smile on your dog’s face and a wag in their tail.
So much of what is sold in big box pet stores is filler and junk. It’s easier, simpler, and more nutritious to make your own.
Dash, our nine year old cocker spaniel has always had a sensitive stomach and it’s often hard to figure out what might have given him an upset stomach. He’s not all that picky about what he eats despite the side effects. Making him homemade dog treats and knowing exactly what he ate was a good option.
These pumpkin peanut putter homemade dog treats use only 4 ingredients; rolled oats, pumpkin purée, peanut butter and egg and a single bowl (or food processor).
If you have kids in the house, this is also a fun rainy day or snow day activity. No eating the batter beforehand but eating one after they’re cooked is fine. They taste pretty good!
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Most peanut butter is completely safe for dogs to eat and can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
Just be careful of the store-bought salted varieties. High sodium levels can be problematic for dogs.
Also beware of other additives, especially xylitol.
Xylitol can be deadly for dogs. It causes a rapid release of insulin which results in a rapid decrease in blood sugar levels. It can be life threatening if left untreated and it happens in a short a time as 10-to-60 minutes.
What About Pumpkin?
Yes! Give the dog some pumpkin. Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat.
Mineral and vitamin-packed. Pumpkin contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Feeding plain canned pumpkin gives a great boost to your dog’s nutrition.
Pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dog’s digestive tract. Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog’s digestion. If you feed your dog some pumpkin, it will add bulk to their stool. This helps reduce issues with diarrhea.
Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie mix!)
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add oats to the bowl of a food processor and run for 2-3 minutes, or desired consistency.
- Let machine run for 2 – 3 minutes, until oats are almost flour consistency with a few big pieces left.
- Add the peanut butter, pumpkin, and egg.
- Mix until cohesive dough forms..
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured countertop.
- Roll the dough out to roughly 1/4″ to 1/8″ thick. If you go thicker, baking time may be longer.
- Cut or scoop treats out and place on baking sheet. Bake for 16 – 18 minutes, rotate trays halfway through.
- Cool completely.
Notes
- Be very sure to get 100% pumpkin and not the canned pumpkin pie mix.
- Chunky peanut butter also works fine. Watch the sodium. Unsalted is best. Beware of xylitol!
- You want the processed oats to be close to flour, but with a few remaining larger pieces.
- Can be stored in an air tight container for 2-4 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
