There is something truly special about making homemade treats for your dog. You know exactly what goes into them, you can avoid all the preservatives and mystery ingredients found in store-bought options, and your dog gets to enjoy something made with love. Pumpkin and peanut butter are a match made in heaven for dogs. Both ingredients are packed with health benefits, and together they create an irresistible flavor that will have your pup’s tail wagging before the treats even come out of the oven.
This collection features six delicious and easy recipes, ranging from classic crunchy biscuits to fun donuts and soft cookies. Let’s dive in!
Important Safety First: Two Golden Rules
Before we get to the recipes, there are two very important rules you must always follow when making treats with peanut butter and pumpkin.
Rule 1: Always Use Pure Pumpkin Puree. You must use 100% pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling . Pie filling contains added sugars, spices like nutmeg, and other ingredients that are not safe for dogs. Always double-check the label to ensure it says “100% Pure Pumpkin.”
Rule 2: Check Your Peanut Butter for Xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts . Many sugar-free or low-sugar peanut butters contain this ingredient. Always read the label carefully and choose a natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts and maybe a little salt. This is non-negotiable for your dog’s safety.
Recipe 1: The Classic 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits
This is the most straightforward recipe and a great starting point. It uses just three basic ingredients, and the biscuits come out perfectly crunchy .
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the flour until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to bring it together .
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness .
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes, or simply cut them into squares with a knife.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm .
- Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Storage: These keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks .
Recipe 2: Extra Nutritious Oatmeal Pumpkin Biscuits
Adding oatmeal gives these treats an extra boost of fiber and a pleasant texture. This recipe also includes an egg, which acts as a great binder and adds protein .
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup instant oatmeal
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, scramble the egg, then add the peanut butter and pumpkin, and mix well .
- Add the oatmeal and half the flour and mix to combine. Add the remaining flour and mix until smooth .
- Bring the dough together into a ball. You can refrigerate it for a bit to make it easier to handle, but this is optional.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut out your shapes and place them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the treats are dry and slightly darker in color .
- Cool completely before serving.
Recipe 3: Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Cookies
Some dogs prefer a softer treat, especially if they are seniors or have dental issues. This recipe creates a soft, chewy cookie that is still packed with flavor .
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, safe for dogs in small amounts)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg until smooth .
- Gradually add the oat flour (and cinnamon if using) and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together .
- Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut out your shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft .
- Let them cool completely before serving. They will firm up slightly as they cool.
Storage: Because of their soft texture, these cookies won’t last as long at room temperature. It’s best to store them in the fridge or freezer.
Recipe 4: Fun Pumpkin & PB Pup Donuts
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic biscuit. Using a mini donut pan creates adorable, bite-sized treats that are perfect for training or a special snack .
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water (or low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the oat flour and baking powder.
- Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, egg, and water, and stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform .
- Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden .
- Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For an extra special treat, you can drizzle a little melted peanut butter on top of the cooled donuts.
Recipe 5: Crunchy Treats with Added Flaxseed
Flaxseed meal is a great addition to dog treats because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for a healthy coat and skin. This recipe makes a very crunchy biscuit .
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 2/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and pumpkin until smooth.
- Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and flaxseed meal until a soft dough forms .
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Rolling it thinner will result in crunchier treats.
- Cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes for softer treats, or 22-24 minutes for extra crunchy biscuits .
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Recipe 6: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats
This recipe is perfect for dogs with wheat sensitivities. Using oat flour makes these treats easily digestible and just as delicious .
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1.5 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg.
- Stir in the oat flour until well combined .
- Roll the dough into small balls, less than 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also press them into silicone treat molds for cute shapes.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the treats are dry and hard .
- Let them cool completely before feeding to your dog.
General Guidelines for Treats
- Serving Sizes: Remember that these are treats and should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. As a general guide: small dogs can have 1/2 to 1 treat per day, medium dogs 1-2, and large dogs 2-3 .
- Storage: Most baked biscuits can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, or frozen for up to three months .
- Consult Your Vet: Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, it is always a good idea to check with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any health conditions .
Conclusion
Making homemade treats for your dog is a wonderful way to show them love while ensuring they get wholesome, nutritious snacks. These six pumpkin and peanut butter recipes offer a variety of textures and flavors to keep your furry friend happy and excited. So, put on your apron, pick a recipe, and enjoy the tail-wagging appreciation that is sure to follow
