Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably looked at your dog’s store-bought treats and wondered, “What’s actually in these?” That’s what got me into making homemade dog treats in the first place—and let me tell you, it’s way easier (and more fun) than I expected.

These Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats are one of my go-to recipes. They’re simple to whip up, full of good-for-them ingredients, and my dog goes absolutely nuts for them.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat your pup to something wholesome, this one’s a winner.

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

Here’s the lineup for these tail-wagging treats:

• Pumpkin Puree: ½ cup (100% pure pumpkin, not that pie filling nonsense).
• Unsweetened Applesauce: ⅓ cup (check it’s just apples, no sugar or weird stuff).
• Whole Wheat Flour: 3 cups (swap for rice flour or oat flour if your pup’s got wheat issues).
• Rolled Oats: ¼ cup for that extra chew.
• Egg: 1, to hold it all together.
• Ground Cinnamon: ⅓ teaspoon (optional, for a cozy kick—skip if your dog’s not into it).

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl: Big enough to get messy.
• Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Rolling Pin: For flattening that dough.
• Cookie Cutters: Bone shapes are peak dog vibes, but any shape works.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: No guesswork here.
• Wire Rack: For cooling like a pro.

Instructions

Step 1: Crank the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so nothing sticks. Easy cleanup, major win.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Stuff

In a big bowl, toss in the ½ cup pumpkin puree, ⅓ cup applesauce, and 1 egg. Stir it up with a spoon or whisk until it’s smooth and looking like a fall smoothie. Smells good already, right?

Step 3: Add the Dry Goods

Slowly mix in the 3 cups whole wheat flour, ¼ cup rolled oats, and ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir until it starts forming a dough. If it’s crumbly and acting stubborn, add applesauce, ¼ cup at a time, until it’s soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Roll It Out

Sprinkle a little flour on a clean counter to keep things from sticking. Grab your dough, plop it down, and roll it out with a rolling pin to about ¼ inch thick. Too thin, and they’ll burn; too thick, and they’ll be chewy instead of crunchy.

Step 5: Cut Some Shapes

Bust out those cookie cutters and go to town. Bone shapes scream “dog treat goals,” but hearts, stars, or circles work too. Cut as many as you can, then squish the scraps together, roll again, and keep cutting till you’ve used it all.

Step 6: Bake ‘Em

Lay your dough shapes on the baking sheet, leaving a tiny bit of space between each one (they won’t spread much). Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and feel firm when you poke ‘em. Your kitchen’s gonna smell like a doggy bakery.

Step 7: Cool Down

Pull the treats out and let them chill on a wire rack until they’re completely cool. No sneaking them to your pup early—they gotta set! Once cool, they’re ready for that first excited chomp.

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.