Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks always come to mind when my pup starts giving me that big-eyed “where’s my treat” stare. I mean, who hasn’t stood in the kitchen, reading ten thousand ingredients on a bag of dog snacks at the store—some words sound more like spaceships than food, right? So when I finally started making my own dog treats at home, everything just got simpler.
If you’re curious about making your own healthy dog snacks and want to keep your furry friend’s tail wagging, you’re in the right spot. Oh, and if your dog’s picky like mine, check out these other easy dog snack recipes for even more tasty ideas.
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Look, store-bought treats are everywhere, but have you ever actually counted how many weird things go in them? Half the bags don’t even say “real pumpkin” on them! Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks give you total control—no weird fillers, just real ingredients you’d eat yourself. Plus, making them is kind of fun and doesn’t need a chef’s hat or anything.
If your dog has allergies or a sensitive belly, you can skip whatever causes sniffles or sneezes. Oh, and your house will smell ridiculously good. No kidding—my neighbor once stopped by after a baking session, trying to figure out where the cinnamon roll scent was coming from.
“My picky beagle actually begs for these, and I love knowing exactly what’s inside. Way cheaper and so much healthier than the bags at the store!” – Jenny from Atlanta
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Tips for Perfect Dog Treats Every Time
Let’s talk about being real. Not every first batch turns out perfect. I’ve burned a few, dried a couple out too much, and one time—don’t laugh—I forgot the pumpkin. Lesson learned! Here are some tips for getting those Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks just right:
- Roll the dough out evenly so the treats bake at the same speed.
- Use a non-stick sheet or parchment paper, saves you a lot of cleanup.
- Don’t overbake unless your pooch likes extra crunchy (like, “break a tooth” crunchy).
- Cool them before taste-testing (for both of you—trust me, dogs are impatient).
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Healthy Variations to Try
Mix it up! Your dog will thank you, and honestly, so will your sense of adventure. Swapping out ingredients keeps snack time interesting. Sometimes I add a tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter or swap the oats for brown rice flour if I’m out of oatmeal. You can even grate in a little carrot or zucchini—nothing fancy, just whatever’s in the crisper drawer looks dog-safe. If your dog is sensitive to wheat, oat flour works like magic.
Probably don’t go crazy with flavors, though—dogs like simple, and their stomachs do too. A batch with blueberries went over shockingly well in my house, but spinach, not so much (can’t win ‘em all). Your pup, your rules.
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Why Pumpkin Is a Superfood for Dogs
If you haven’t heard about pumpkin’s magic for dogs, prepare to have your mind blown—or at least, pleasantly surprised. Pumpkin is basically dog gold. It’s full of vitamins, especially A, C, and E, plus a bunch of fiber that can smooth out your dog’s digestion. Ever had a “my dog’s tummy is making weird noises” panic moment? I have. Pumpkin helps settle those mini-storms. The best part is, it’s low-calorie but super filling, so dogs feel spoiled without packing on the pounds. You’re also sneaking in antioxidants—kind of like hiding veggies in your kid’s spaghetti sauce, but with less drama.
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Storage / Freezing Information
Nobody’s baking a fresh batch every other day, let’s be honest, so storage is key. These treats keep in a sealed container on the counter for up to a week. Honestly, mine disappear long before that, but still. For longer keeping, freeze them! I lay them out on a tray to freeze first (so they don’t clump) and then pop them into a freezer bag. They last a couple of months this way! Just pull out a few and let them sit a bit—your dog will probably hover until they’re soft enough. No judgment—they’re pretty irresistible.
| Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks tips | Storage | Healthy Variations |
| Use real pumpkin puree, not pie filling | Store in airtight container, 1 week | Add carrots or peanut butter for extra fun |
| Cool sticks before storing or freezing | Freeze for up to 2-3 months | Try oat flour for wheat allergies |
So there you go—homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks are seriously a game-changer. If your dog’s never had homemade treats before, get ready to see some tail-wagging excitement. Plus, you can get creative or just keep it simple, and either way your furry pal wins. I’ve seen a few sites like Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks – mydogrecipe with even more ideas and fresh takes, so poke around if you want to amp up your treat game. Have fun baking—your dog’s going to love you even more for it!
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Print
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog Cuisine
- Diet: Dog-friendly
Description
Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks are a healthy, simple treat for your furry friend, made with real ingredients and no weird fillers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated carrots or zucchini (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and water. Mix until a dough forms.
- Add peanut butter and any optional ingredients like carrots, if using, and mix well.
- Roll the dough out evenly onto a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into desired shapes and place on a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Reply