As a puppy trainer who uses positive reinforcement to help puppies learn, I use a lot of treats in a day! Using tasty rewards helps guide puppies towards good behavior, and they can turn training sessions into fun-filled adventures where puppies feel like they’re winning the jackpot every time!
While treats are great for training, it’s also important for puppies, and all dogs, to eat nutritious food packed with vitamins and minerals. One way to do this is by ensuring they have a healthy and balanced diet for all meals, including the treats we give them!
These Pumpkin Dog Treats are made with wholesome ingredients and packed with love.
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
There are several advantages to baking your own dog treats. First, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your pup is getting only the highest quality nutrition. Second, homemade treats, like these pumpkin dog treats, can be tailored to your dog’s specific dietary needs, whether they have allergies, sensitivities, or require a special diet. Homemade treats can save you money since you already have the ingredients in your pantry! And making treats for your dog is a fun recreational activity, feels great, and makes training even more fun!
The Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient packed with fiber that offers numerous health benefits for dogs which is why I love these pumpkin dog treats. Fiber aids in digestion and can help make poops firmer, more regular and predictable while it also helps prevent constipation. Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin and coat. For dogs with sensitive stomachs, pumpkin can help soothe digestive upset and promote a healthier gut.
Improved Immune System
Pumpkin and beta-carotene play a vital role in strengthening a dog’s immune system by supporting both its first and secondary lines of defense. It serves as a precursor to vitamin A, which is crucial for the maintenance of healthy skin and the membranes lining the respiratory and intestinal tracts, forming part of the body’s initial defense.
Additionally, beta-carotene boosts secondary immune functions by enhancing B and T cell activity, leading to higher antibody production. In stressful situations, this immune boost can help dogs stay healthier and more resilient, contributing to their overall well-being and longevity. Doesn’t that make you feel like the best pup parent for making pumpkin dog treats?!
If you want to ramp up the health benefits in this recipe even further, drizzle in pawTree’s Wild Alaskan Salmon & Pollock Oil, packed with over 15 Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, including brain and eye-nourishing DHA from the salmon! It’s a simple yet powerful addition to your pup’s diet that also supports dogs’ skin, coat, joints, and overall well-being, which is why I love it.
Dre’s Healthy Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe
Here’s my easy-peasy recipe for healthy pumpkin dog treats that your pup will adore:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 tablespoon pawTree’s Wild Alaskan Salmon & Pollock Oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, Greek yogurt, honey, cinnamon, and salmon and pollock oil (if using). Mix well until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into desired shapes.
- Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm to the touch.
- Let the pumpkin dog treats cool completely before giving them to your dog!
Tips for Making Pumpkin Dog Treats
- For a softer treat, bake for a shorter time.
- To make the treats more durable, bake for a longer time.
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding other ingredients like peanut butter, applesauce, or carrots.
- Store homemade pumpkin dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Make ahead: Freeze the dough before you bake it to make treats anytime you want!
I always suggest breaking treats into smaller pieces so we don’t overfeed our dogs! I love to break the treats into pea-sized pieces and use them throughout the day for training.
Making homemade pumpkin dog treats is a great way to show your pup you care about their health, while also giving them a special homemade treat! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create this healthy and tasty treat that your dog will love.
Happy Baking!
Dre
Dre Nolon is the founder of My Loyal Hound, a digital space where dog parents can find tips, resources and training methods for building strong, loving relationships with their canine counterparts. She’s also the creator of The Puppy System, an easy-to-follow virtual puppy training course that turns new puppy parents into confident leaders raising the dogs of their dreams – in just four weeks! Learn more about The Puppy System and enroll today here.
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