Spooky season is here! Halloween doesn’t need to just be for humans – your dog can join in on the fun with homemade pumpkin treats. Pumpkin is not only a spooky-season staple, but also a nutritious food source for dogs. Packed with fibre and vitamins, it's perfect for creating healthy Halloween-themed dog treats. Here are three easy recipes to get tails wagging this Halloween.
Pumpkin And Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups wholemeal flour
- 1/2 cup boiled pumpkin, cooled and mashed
- 1/4 cup pet-friendly peanut butter (unsalted and unsweetened, no xylitol)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water (as required, to soften dough)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- In a bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until well combined.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry or stiff, add a tablespoon or two of water to soften it (only if required).
- Dust your countertop with a little flour and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1cm thickness.
- Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes, such as pumpkins, ghosts, and bats.
- Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the treats are golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog. Store leftover treats in an airtight container in your pantry.
Pumpkin And Banana Frozen Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup boiled pumpkin, cooled and mashed
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened and unflavoured)
Instructions:
- Peel the banana and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin and plain yogurt to the mashed banana and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone moulds.
- Place the trays in the freezer and let the treats freeze for a few hours or until solid.
- Pop out the frozen treats from the moulds, and store them in a resealable plastic bag or container in the freezer.
DIY Halloween Treats for Dogs: Frozen Pumpkin Yoghurt Bites
Pumpkin And Oat Cupcake Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiled pumpkin, cooled and mashed.
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup wholemeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cupcake patty cases
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, honey, and melted coconut oil.
- Add the oats, flour, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each to about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the doggy cupcakes to cool before giving them to your pet. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the pantry.
FAQs for DIY Dog Treats
Can I use plain flour instead of wholemeal flour for dog biscuits?
Yes, you can substitute regular flour, but whole wheat flour offers more nutrients and fibre.
Is it safe to give my dog pumpkin?
While pumpkin is a healthy option for dogs, and a great ingredient for healthy treats, moderation is key. Too much of any treat can upset your dog's stomach.
Can I give my dog Greek yogurt?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a suitable option for dogs. Just make sure that whatever yoghurt you’re using doesn't contain any added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
How should I store my homemade dog treats?
Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on the recipe, to keep them fresh.
Can I customize the treat sizes for small or large dogs?
Absolutely! Adjust the treat sizes based on your dog's size to prevent choking hazards - you can also cut the treats up or break them into smaller portions to better suit your dog.
Can I decorate my treats?
Yes, you can customise and decorate your dog treats - but ensure you're using dog-friendly ingredients. We recommend using doggy carob or yoghurt drops.