Homemade dog treats are a fantastic way to ensure your dog gets wholesome ingredients while enjoying a tasty snack.
One of the most popular and nutritious options is Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats. These treats are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to make your pup’s tail wag with joy.
Benefits of Pumpkin and Applesauce for Dogs
Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and is also loaded with vitamins A, C, and E. It helps with maintaining a healthy immune system and promotes good vision.
Applesauce, especially unsweetened, provides essential vitamins and antioxidants without adding unnecessary sugars. Combining these two ingredients results in a delicious treat that supports your dog’s overall health.
Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients:
To make these delectable treats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour (you can substitute with rice flour or oat flour for dogs with wheat allergies)
- 1/4 cup of rolled oats
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Bone-shaped cutters are particularly cute for dog treats!
- Bake: Place the cut-out dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each treat. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog. Store the treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips and Variations:
- Storage: These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Customization: Feel free to add other dog-friendly ingredients such as peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), shredded carrots, or mashed banana for added flavor and nutrients.
- Texture: If your dog prefers a crunchier treat, leave the treats in the oven to cool after turning off the heat. This will dehydrate them further, making them extra crispy.
Feeding Guidelines
While these DIY pumpkin applesauce dog treats are nutritious and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s important to feed them to your dog in moderation.
Here are some guidelines to ensure you’re giving your dog the right amount of treats:
1. Portion Control
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 1-2 small treats per day. Since smaller dogs have lower caloric needs, it’s important to keep treats to a minimum to avoid excess calorie intake.
- Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): You can give 2-3 medium-sized treats per day. Adjust the portion size depending on your dog’s activity level and overall diet.
- Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Larger dogs can enjoy 3-4 medium to large treats daily. Again, consider your dog’s overall daily calorie intake and adjust accordingly.
2. Balance with Regular Diet
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Ensure that the rest of their diet consists of well-balanced, nutritious meals.
- If you’re unsure how many calories your dog should consume daily, consult with your veterinarian to tailor a feeding plan that includes treats.
3. Monitor for Allergies
- If you’re introducing these treats to your dog for the first time, start with a small portion and monitor them for any signs of allergies or digestive upset. Symptoms might include itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.
4. Adjust for Activity Level
- Active dogs or those that participate in high-energy activities like agility training or long walks may benefit from slightly more treats as an energy boost. Conversely, less active dogs should have fewer treats to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Use for Training
- Break treats into smaller pieces to use as rewards during training sessions. This way, you can reward good behavior without overfeeding.
Why Do Dogs Need Treats?
- Training Aid: Treats are highly effective in positive reinforcement training. Rewarding good behavior with a treat can help reinforce commands and encourage obedience.
- Mental Stimulation: Providing your dog with treats in puzzle toys or during training sessions stimulates their mind, preventing boredom and related destructive behaviors.
- Bonding: Sharing treats with your dog is a great way to strengthen your bond. It creates a positive association between you and the rewarding experience.
- Dental Health: Certain treats are designed to help clean your dog’s teeth and improve oral hygiene by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.
- Nutritional Boost: Homemade treats can be tailored to include healthy ingredients that provide additional nutrients, complementing your dog’s regular diet.
Wrapping it up
Making homemade dog treats is a wonderful way to show love and care for your canine companion. These pumpkin applesauce dog treats are not only healthy but also incredibly tasty.
Your dog will appreciate the effort, and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in their treats. Give this recipe a try, and watch your dog’s excitement as they enjoy these homemade goodies!