You know those days when you glance over at your dog, and you can practically hear them begging for something better than boring old kibble? Yeah, that’s exactly why I started hunting down easy Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) recipes.
Store-bought snacks can get pricey, and sometimes I just worry about, well, those weird ingredients nobody can pronounce. So if you want to spoil your pup a little without turning your kitchen upside down, these treats are absolutely worth a try. Plus, my dog does a full happy dance every time I make them… which tells me I’m on the right track.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin): Why Even Bother?
Let’s be real here, if you’ve ever flipped around a bag of treats from the store and squinted at those mystery chemicals, you know the struggle. That’s the big reason I started making Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) in my own kitchen. Not only is this ridiculously simple, but honestly, you can sprinkle in a bit of peace of mind too.
Fresh pumpkin? Full of fiber and vitamins. Peanut butter? Dogs go wild for it (just make sure it’s the no-sugar, no-xylitol kind, please). And, truth be told, baking these at home means your pup gets a fresh snack with real food in it.
When I first whipped up a batch, even the neighbor’s finicky dachshund tried to beg her way in my back door. My own mutt actually thought she’d hit the jackpot. Trust your gut here, my friend. Home-baked treats just feel better for both you and your dog.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
Ingredients You’ll Need (Keepin’ It Simple)
This recipe for Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) does not call for a treasure map of fancy items. Trust me, most of this stuff is probably rattling around somewhere in your kitchen.
- 2 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (regular all-purpose will do in a pinch, don’t fret)
- 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin (not the pie stuff)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (double check, no xylitol!)
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: Splash of water, if the dough feels stubborn
The ingredients might seem basic, but the combo is a five-star restaurant treat for your dog. And really, if tomorrow you’re out of flour, just use oat flour. I’ve done it a ton.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
How to Make Them (and Not Lose Your Mind)
Directions sometimes freak people out, but don’t worry, this Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) recipe is plainer than a pancake. Here’s how I do it, every single time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or honestly, a little less if your oven is quirky).
- In a big bowl, mix pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter until it looks smooth-ish (don’t try for perfection).
- Add in the flour. Stir till a stiff dough starts forming. Knead with your hands if you really need to—gets the job done.
- If it’s way too dry or crumbly, splash in a tiny bit of water.
- Roll it out on a floured surface (about a quarter inch thick).
- Use a cookie cutter (bone-shaped if you’re feeling extra, or just use a butter knife).
- Plop them on a baking sheet. Leave a little elbow room.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re lightly browned on the edges.
Literally, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool down before you let the pups dig in.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Honestly, Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin) don’t last long in our house—our dog snags one anytime there’s a whiff of peanut butter in the air. Here’s how I keep things simple:
- Keep treats in an airtight jar on the counter for up to a week.
- If you made a mountain of them, toss extras in the freezer for longer storage.
- For older dogs or pups with little teeth, try breaking treats in half before serving.
- Pro tip: These treats make awesome neighbor dog gifts, too!
Neighbor once said,
“My beagle actually sits by the treat jar now, just hoping it’s one of your homemade dog treats (peanut butter and pumpkin) again!”
Yeah, I’m basically the favorite ‘treat lady’ on my street.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
Why Your Vet Approves (Probably) of Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
So, I ran the ingredients by our local vet the first time because, well, I didn’t want to end up on the dog-parent naughty list. She actually said this mix was a win for most dogs (as long as allergies aren’t a thing and you skip the sugar).
That pumpkin is good for digestion—go figure, right? She did remind me to steer clear of xylitol and check the label twice if I’m grabbing a new peanut butter jar.
Point is, both your furry friend and your vet will probably be nodding along. Just remember, treats in moderation—yeah, I know, it’s tough with those big brown eyes.
Homemade Dog Treats (Peanut Butter and Pumpkin)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 treats 1x
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Homemade
Description
Delicious and healthy homemade dog treats made with peanut butter and pumpkin that your furry friend will love.
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
- 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- Optional: Splash of water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add in flour and stir until a stiff dough forms. Knead if necessary.
- If the dough is too dry, add a splash of water.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the treats or cut with a butter knife.
- Place on a baking sheet with some space in between.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
Store treats in an airtight jar for up to a week or freeze extras for longer storage. For older dogs, break treats in half before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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