Homemade pumpkin peanut butter dog treats are a fun way to spoil your pup with simple ingredients you can feel good about. They are made with canned pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and flour, then baked into crunchy little treats your dog can enjoy in moderation.
In our house, treats always get Dino’s and Cody’s attention. I like the idea of making something at home because I know what is going into the recipe, and I can keep the ingredients simple. These are not meant to replace your dog’s regular food, but they are a sweet way to add a little homemade love to their day.
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
Store-bought treats are convenient, but homemade dog treats give you more control over the ingredients. You can skip artificial colors, unnecessary fillers, and mystery add-ins while still making something your dog will be excited about. It also makes it easier to adjust the recipe if your dog does better with certain ingredients.
These pumpkin peanut butter dog treats are especially nice because the dough comes together quickly and can be cut into whatever shape you like. A small dog bone cookie cutter makes them look extra cute without adding any extra work.. If you already enjoy making DIY dog treats for holidays or special occasions, this is a great everyday version to keep in rotation.
Dog Treat Ingredient Safety
Before making any homemade dog treat recipe, it is important to double-check your ingredients. Peanut butter should always be xylitol-free, and it is also smart to look for the words birch sugar since that can be another name used for xylitol. The American Kennel Club explains that peanut butter can be safe for dogs in moderation, but the ingredient label matters.
You will also want to use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling usually includes added sugar and spices that are not needed for dogs. The AKC’s homemade dog treat tips recommend ingredients like pumpkin and peanut butter for homemade treats, as long as they are dog-safe.
As always, treats should be given in moderation. If your dog has food allergies, a sensitive stomach, pancreatitis concerns, or any medical condition, check with your veterinarian before adding new treats to their routine. The ASPCA also keeps a helpful list of people foods to avoid feeding pets, which is a good reminder that not every human food belongs in a dog recipe.
Simple Ingredients for Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
This recipe uses pantry-style ingredients, but each one has a purpose. Pumpkin helps add moisture to the dough, peanut butter gives the treats flavor that dogs usually love, and eggs help hold everything together. Whole wheat flour works well for this recipe, but oat flour can be used if that is a better fit for your dog.
The dough should be firm enough to roll out, but not so dry that it crumbles. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour. If it feels too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
Homemade Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour or oat flour plus extra for rolling
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup natural peanut butter xylitol-free
- 2 large eggs
- 1 to 2 tbsp water only if needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
- Add the flour a little at a time, mixing until a firm dough forms.
- If the dough is too dry, add 1 tbsp of water at a time until it holds together.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into shapes using a small cookie cutter.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
- For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let the treats sit inside with the door slightly open for another 20 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
Once the treats are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. They can usually stay at room temperature for about 5 to 7 days, but I prefer keeping homemade dog treats in the refrigerator so they last a little longer.
For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can pull out a few at a time as needed and let them thaw before serving.
Serving Homemade Dog Treats
Even though these treats are made with simple ingredients, they are still treats. Start with one small treat and see how your dog does, especially if pumpkin or peanut butter is new to them. Smaller dogs may only need a small piece, while larger dogs may be able to enjoy a full treat, depending on the size you cut.
Homemade treats are best when they are part of a balanced routine. Your dog’s regular food should still be the main source of nutrition, and treats should be used as an occasional reward alongside a balanced diet for your dog.
Love saving simple homemade pet treat ideas? Keep this pumpkin peanut butter dog treat recipe handy for the next time you want to bake something special for your pup.
A Homemade Treat Your Pup Will Love
There is something sweet about making a batch of treats just for your dog. These homemade pumpkin peanut butter dog treats are simple, cute, and easy to keep on hand for little rewards throughout the week. With a few dog-safe ingredients and a little baking time, you can make a treat that feels special without being complicated.add to your collection. These sweet potato oat biscuits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition: