As a self-proclaimed obsessive dog mom, I am always trying to find ways to not only show love to my pooch, but to also keep her happy and healthy.  I’m sure you have seen the news reports and commercials and are well aware that dog food these days can be chock full of less than nutritious, and sometimes downright harmful ingredients. To combat the abundance of less than healthy foods bombarding the market, we have always made sure that Tilly has the best kibbles money can buy, and we plan to start making her homemade dog food so we completely control ingredients. We have already started making her homemade dog treats.  One of the easiest and most loved recipes I got from my mom.

My parents have a Golden Retriever named Penny, who has a sensitive stomach and sensitivities to a variety of foods.   The recipe I’m going to share is one that contains just 3 wholesome pup-friendly ingredients that Penny and Tilly both absolutely adore! They have been lovingly named Penny’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats.

You will need: 

• Food Processor or Blender
• Baking Sheet
• Saran Wrap
• Parchment Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon

Recipe:

• 1 cup old fashioned, 1-minute, or instant oats to make into oat flour (I use old fashioned)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin pureé (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter

Measure 1 cup of oats and add them to your food processor or blender. Blend until it makes a fine powder. Dump oat flour into mixing bowl then add in pumpkin and peanut butter. Mix ingredients together until a soft dough is formed. Instead of using more flour, line your counter with saran wrap, then dump dough on top. Place another sheet of saran wrap over the dough then roll out using rolling pin to about 3/8 of an inch or slightly thinner if you want them to be a little more crispy. Cut treats out using a cookie cutter of any desired shape (I prefer mini bones! You can find these on Etsy and Amazon!)

On your parchment-lined baking sheet, lay out dog cookies in a single layer and bake for about 25-30 minutes. They will be dry and hard like a cracker. Once they are cool they are ready for your pup to eat!

Make sure to store these in a airtight container. Your dog will be begging for these yummy treats!

I love this recipe because it is SO easy to make and only takes three ingredients. This recipe is also wheat-free which is perfect for dogs who have sensitivities to wheat, like Penny. Make sure when you are buying your ingredients that you purchase all natural peanut butter. Many peanut butters can be dangerous to dogs as they can have Xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol can be deadly to our canine friends so it is very important to be aware of what is in your peanut butter!

I hope you and your pup enjoy this quick and easy snack recipe! Do you make homemade dog food or treats for your pup? If you try this recipe out, let me know in the comments what your doggo thinks!

XOXO, Cait B.