These simple, healthy dog treats are a wonderful way to show your furry friend you care. All it takes are whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, natural peanut butter (not sugar free or reduced fat varieties, which often contain toxic xylitol) and eggs to create these delightful puppers!
Contents
Ingredients
These nutritious treats are easy to create with ingredients most households keep on hand in their pantry and fridge. Plus, the recipe can easily be customized according to the dietary needs of your furry companion – perfect if they have any food allergies or sensitivities!
Eggs provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are great for dogs, pumpkin puree is packed with fiber and vitamin A, and peanut butter is an excellent source of healthy fats – just be sure to opt for natural brands that do not contain xylitol, which is toxic for canines.
Combine pumpkin puree, eggs, water, peanut butter, vegetable oil, salt, cinnamon and ginger in a large mixing bowl using either a hand or stand mixer. Gradually add wheat flour until well mixed; if necessary add additional flour until desired cookie dough consistency is reached. Spread onto lightly floured surface before cutting with cookie cutter into shapes before baking until crisp and golden brown.
Steps
Homemade treats are always appreciated by 4-legged friends, and these Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats are sure to please! Quick to prepare with only three ingredients required, they’re a fun way to show your pups you care.
Start by preheating the oven and preparing a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or silicone mat. Next, in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together eggs, peanut butter and pumpkin until well mixed; gradually incorporate flour until there are no dry pockets remaining in your dough.
Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and salt for flavor, though cinnamon may not be toxic to pets. For added festive touches, use a cookie cutter to cut shapes like paw prints and Christmas trees for festive touches! These treats can last in room temperature storage for two weeks at room temperature or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations
Utilizing natural, nutritious ingredients allows for endless variations to this dog treat recipe. Experiment with different add-ins until you find what flavors your pup prefers most!
Whole wheat flour offers an abundant source of protein, vitamins, and minerals – it’s an ideal food choice for dogs with sensitivities to flour or gluten – making it suitable for those who suffer from it as an allergy relief solution. Large eggs make an excellent binding ingredient while cream peanut butter provides both protein and healthy fats; just be sure that it only has two ingredients and doesn’t contain toxic sweeteners such as xylitol!
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to approximately 1/2-inch thickness and cut desired shapes using cookie cutters. Bake until treats are crisp and golden brown – these treats should keep for one week in the fridge and three months frozen if stored properly in an airtight container!
Storage
Ingredients and methods of baking play an integral role in how long homemade dog treats will remain edible. In general, dry unbaked treats stored at room temperature should keep for one or two weeks in an airtight container; refrigerating will extend that period further and freezing them can make them last up to two months!
When it comes to baked treats, it is crucial that they cool completely before storage to preserve their crunchiness and avoid them becoming damp and thus spoiling.
For optimal results, opt for glass or ceramic storage containers with airtight lids made of glass or ceramic rather than metal containers as metal can leach into treats and weaken them over time. Also be sure to store them away from moisture sources like counters used for food preparation as well as inside of refrigerators – this may affect their freshness.
