The first time I made these Pumpkin Dog Treats, my whole kitchen filled with the warm, cozy smell of pumpkin, peanut butter, and a hint of baked autumn spices—even though there are no spices added. It honestly felt like I was baking a batch of fall cookies, except this time they were for my dog, who sat by my feet the entire time, tail thumping in anticipation. I loved how simple the recipe was, and I remember feeling a little proud knowing I was giving my pup something wholesome, homemade, and filled with ingredients I trusted completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it lets you make healthy, homemade treats for your dog using simple pantry ingredients, and as someone who has made these many times, I promise the satisfaction of watching your dog happily crunch into something you baked yourself is unmatched.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (no xylitol)
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
I’ve experimented with different ingredient combinations, and these amounts consistently produce treats that are firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough for dogs to chew comfortably. Make sure the peanut butter is free of xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. If your dog has a wheat sensitivity, oat flour works surprisingly well, though you may need a little extra. Applesauce should always be unsweetened, and pumpkin purée must be pure pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (bone-shaped if you have them)
I love using a bone-shaped cutter for these treats because it makes them look store-bought and adorable, but any shape or even simple squares work fine. The rolling pin helps get an even thickness so the treats bake consistently, though I’ve rolled the dough with a clean glass in a pinch. Parchment paper makes cleanup so much easier and prevents sticking, especially since this dough can be a bit tacky. A baking sheet is all you’ll need to get these crunchy and golden.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I make these treats, I start by preheating the oven and lining my baking sheet with parchment paper so everything is ready once the dough comes together. In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the pumpkin purée, applesauce, peanut butter, and egg. This mixture always smells so wholesome and earthy, and it feels good knowing every ingredient is dog-friendly and nutritious. I mix until it’s smooth, and the color turns this beautiful warm orange that already looks like fall.
Next, I add the flour, salt, and baking soda to the bowl. The dough starts off sticky, but as I mix, it becomes thicker and denser. I’ve learned not to add flour too quickly—letting it hydrate for a minute helps it come together without crumbling. When the dough reaches a firm but pliable texture, I lightly flour my countertop and knead it a few times. It’s always a satisfying moment because the dough transforms from soft and sticky into something easy to work with.
Then it’s time to roll it out. I aim for about ¼-inch thickness because anything thinner tends to get too crisp, and anything thicker can bake unevenly. When I cut out shapes with my cookie cutter, the dough lifts beautifully, and I love lining them up on the baking sheet—there’s something so joyful about seeing those little bone shapes forming row by row. If I ever have scraps left, I just gather them and roll the dough out again. Nothing goes to waste.(See the next page below to continue…)