Homemade Dog Treats: Healthy Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Easy, healthy homemade dog treats with just a few ingredients: pumpkin, peanut butter (xylitol-free), eggs and flour. Plus storage tips and safety notes.
In this article
Making your own dog treats is easy, inexpensive and lets you know exactly what goes into them. These peanut butter pumpkin biscuits use just a few simple ingredients, and most dogs go crazy for them.
Important safety notes
- Use xylitol-free peanut butter. Xylitol (sometimes called "birch sugar") is extremely dangerous for dogs. Always check the label.
- Use plain pumpkin purée, not pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
- Skip toxic add-ins: no chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onion or garlic. See foods that are dangerous for dogs.
- Allergies: if your dog has a grain or wheat allergy, use oat flour or ask your vet about alternatives.
- Moderation: treats, including homemade ones, should make up about 10% or less of your dog's daily calories.
Healthy dog treat ideas (no baking)
- Baby carrots or green beans
- Apple slices with no seeds or core
- Blueberries
- Small pieces of plain cooked chicken
- Frozen plain pumpkin in an ice cube tray for a summer treat
How to store homemade dog treats
Because they contain no preservatives, homemade treats don't last as long as store-bought. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks, or freeze for up to three months. Drier, crunchier biscuits last longer.
Make it a gift
Package treats in a mason jar with a ribbon for dog-loving friends and neighbors. They're a perfect holiday gift.
New dog? Read our new puppy checklist and dog training tips. Training treats work best cut very small.
Homemade Dog Treats: Healthy Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, eggs and peanut butter until smooth.
- Stir in the flour. Add water a tablespoon at a time until a stiff, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until firm and lightly browned. For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and leave them inside to dry for an hour.
- Cool completely before serving.
