Looking for a wholesome homemade treat that’ll have your pup doing tricks before you can even say “sit”? Get ready to be your dog’s favorite baker with these ridiculously easy pumpkin oat treats!
Packed with fiber-rich pumpkin and hearty oats, these treats aren’t just delicious—they’re actually good for your four-legged friend. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought biscuits (the ones that cost more than your own snacks).
Whether you’ve got a picky Cavalier or a Labrador who thinks the entire world is edible, these treats are sure to be a hit. With just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch faster than your dog can destroy their favorite toy.
So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking!
Homemade Pumpkin Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients:
To make these tasty treats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- ¼ cup water (or more if needed to adjust dough consistency)
Bonus/Optional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (make sure it’s free of xylitol)
- 2-3 strips cooked, chopped bacon for extra flavor
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon for a little extra taste
Oven Method:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pumpkin puree, egg (or banana), and peanut butter (if using). Process until smooth. Then, add 2 cups of oats and blend until combined. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of oats and bacon pieces manually.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop out small portions of the dough and shape them into balls or flatten into cookies. You can also roll out the dough and cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
- Bake: Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
- Cool and Store: Allow the treats to cool completely before feeding your dog. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Prepare Dough: Follow steps 2-4 as outlined above to mix and shape your dough.
- Cook the Treats: Arrange the treats in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool and Store: Once done, let the treats cool completely. Store them the same way as you would for the oven method—in the fridge or freezer.
Tips for Customizing
- Egg Substitute: If your dog has an egg allergy or you’re out of eggs, you can easily swap the egg for a mashed banana. It binds the ingredients together just as well and adds a natural sweetness.
- Texture: For a crunchier treat, extend the baking or air frying time by a few minutes.
- Peanut Butter Option: If your dog loves peanut butter, adding 2 tbsp can make these treats even more delicious!
Benefits of Pumpkin and Oats for Dogs
Pumpkin is a powerhouse ingredient for dogs. It’s rich in fiber, which helps support healthy digestion, and loaded with vitamins A and C, which are great for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system. The natural sweetness of pumpkin also makes these treats extra tasty!
Oats are a fantastic source of energy and are easy to digest, especially for dogs with wheat sensitivities. They’re packed with nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which help keep your pup healthy and active. Plus, the fiber in oats helps regulate digestion.
Feeding Guidelines
As tasty as these treats are, moderation is key! You can give your dog 1-2 small treats a day, depending on their size.
Keep in mind that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Always monitor your dog when introducing new treats, especially if they have any food sensitivities.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of giving your dog a homemade treat made with love—and these pumpkin oat dog treats definitely deliver.
With simple ingredients, tons of health benefits, and a taste your dog will go crazy for, they’re the perfect snack to add to your treat-making rotation. Plus, you can feel good knowing exactly what’s in them!
Whether you stick to the basics or toss in a few extra goodies like bacon or peanut butter, your pup will be one happy (and healthy) camper. Happy baking!