Guaranteed 120 Calorie Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

You know what? There’s just something *so* special about making your own goodies for your furry best friend, right? It’s like a secret handshake between you and your pup! I whipped up these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats the other day for my golden retriever, Buddy, and let me tell you, he went absolutely bonkers for them! They’re ridiculously simple to make, packed with good-for-him ingredients, and honestly, just so much healthier and cheaper than anything you can buy in a bag. It’s my go-to because it’s healthy, simple, and totally delicious for my dogs!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Seriously, what’s not to love about these little guys? They’re a total win-win for you and your pup:

• Super Easy: You can whip these up in a flash! No fancy techniques needed.
• Healthy Goodness: Packed with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin and oats – way better than mystery stuff!
• Dog Approved: My Buddy goes crazy for them, and I bet yours will too!
• Cost-Effective: Much cheaper than store-bought treats, and you know exactly what’s going in them.
• Customizable: Perfect base to add other dog-safe flavors if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients for Delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Okay, so the ingredients list for these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats is super short and sweet, which is exactly how I like it! I’ve found that using good quality, simple ingredients really makes a difference.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour: This gives our treats a nice solid base. I usually just grab a standard bag from the grocery store.
• 1 cup rolled oats: These add a lovely texture and are great for your pup’s digestion. Just regular old rolled oats, nothing fancy!
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure you’re using plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! That stuff has spices and sugar that aren’t great for dogs. Real pumpkin is full of fiber and vitamins, which is awesome for them.
• 1/4 cup peanut butter: Oh yeah, the magic ingredient! Again, double-check that label – no xylitol, okay? That’s super toxic to dogs. Smooth or chunky, it’s your call!
• 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together beautifully.
• 1/4 cup water: This just helps us get the dough to the perfect consistency. You might need a little more or less, just go by feel!

Essential Equipment for Making Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

You really don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats! Just a few basics will do the trick and make the whole process super smooth.

Here’s what I always have on hand:

• A large mixing bowl for getting everything combined.
• A smaller bowl for whisking the wet ingredients.
• A rolling pin – don’t worry if you don’t have one, a clean glass bottle works too!
• Some fun cookie cutters! Think bone shapes, hearts, or just little circles.
• A couple of baking sheets so you can make a good batch at once.
• And of course, some parchment paper to line your baking sheets – trust me, cleanup is WAY easier this way!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats is seriously as easy as it gets. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro baker; these steps are super straightforward. First things first, always preheat your oven! I like to set mine to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your biggest mixing bowl because we’re going to combine the dry stuff.

Preparing the Dough for Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

So, in that big bowl, dump in your whole wheat flour and the rolled oats. Give ’em a quick little whisk to mix things up. Now, in a separate, smaller bowl, go ahead and get your pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and those two eggs all in there. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth, like a yummy, orange paste. Then, pour this wet mixture right into your dry ingredients. Start mixing it all up with a spoon, or even your hands if you’re feeling brave (and don’t mind a little mess!). You want it to come together into a dough. If it feels a bit too dry and crumbly, just add a splash of water, a tablespoon at a time, until you get a nice, workable dough – not too sticky, not too stiff. Believe me, oats are great for dogs, check out what the AKC says about dogs eating oatmeal!

Shaping and Baking Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your counter or a clean surface. Plop that dough out and roll it out. I like to go for about 1/4 inch thick. If you have cookie cutters, now’s the time to have some fun! Bone shapes, little circles, whatever makes your pup happy! If you don’t have cutters, you can just cut it into little squares or rectangles with a knife. Carefully place your cute little treats onto a baking sheet that you’ve lined with parchment paper (seriously, this makes cleanup a dream!). Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be golden brown and firm to the touch. Once they’re out, let them cool *completely* on the baking sheet before you dare give one to your eager pup. They’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.

Tips for Success with Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Okay, so you’ve got the ingredients, you’ve got the equipment, now let’s talk about making these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats absolutely perfect every single time! I’ve learned a few little tricks along the way that really make a difference. First off, that dough consistency? It’s key! If it’s too sticky, your treats might spread out funny in the oven. A little extra flour, just a tablespoon at a time, usually does the trick. Conversely, if it’s too dry and crumbly, a tiny splash of water will bring it back to life. And for baking? Keep an eye on them! Oven temps can be sneaky, so watching for that golden brown color means they’re done. Nobody wants a burnt bottom!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

So, you’ve got your ingredients list for these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats, but sometimes life throws you a curveball, right? Maybe your pup has a slight sensitivity, or you just ran out of something! Totally fine, we can totally tweak this. That plain pumpkin puree is pretty essential for moisture and fiber – it’s great for their tummies, and you can read more about why pumpkin is safe for dogs over at the AKC. If you absolutely can’t find plain puree, do NOT use pumpkin pie filling; that’s a big no-no because of the added spices and sweeteners. For the flour, whole wheat is great, but you could try a gluten-free blend if needed. Just be aware that different flours might change the dough consistency a bit, so you might need slightly more or less water. And peanut butter? Peanut butter is usually a HUGE hit, but if your dog has an allergy, you can totally try unsweetened sunflower seed butter or even a plain Greek yogurt in a pinch, though yogurt might make the dough a bit wetter!

Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

So you’ve made a big batch of these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats – yay! Now, how do you keep them fresh so your pup can enjoy them for days? Easy peasy! Just pop the cooled treats into an airtight container. I usually keep mine in the fridge; they stay nice and firm there for about a week. If you make a huge haul and want them to last even longer, just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for a couple of months! If you pull them from the freezer, just let them thaw on the counter for a bit before giving them to your dog. No need to reheat, really, but if you wanted them to be a bit softer, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave would do it, but make SURE they aren’t warm!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Got questions about whipping up these yummy Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats? I get it! Sometimes you just need that little bit of extra reassurance or a quick tip. Here are a few things people often ask me:

Are Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats Safe for All Dogs?

Generally, yes! These treats are made with simple, dog-safe ingredients. However, always be mindful of your individual dog’s allergies or dietary needs. If your dog has a known sensitivity to wheat or peanut butter, you might want to check the ingredient substitution section.

Can I Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats Without Peanut Butter?

Absolutely! If your dog is allergic to peanuts or you just don’t have any on hand, you can totally skip it or swap it out. Try using unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt instead. Just be aware that these might make the dough a little softer, so you might need a touch more flour.

How Long Do Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats Last?

These homemade goodies will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want them to last even longer, pop them in the freezer, and they’ll be good for a couple of months! They hold up really well, so you can make a big batch and not worry about them going bad too quickly.

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Now, I’m no registered dietitian for dogs, but based on the ingredients and the serving size of about 24 treats, each one has roughly 120 calories. You can expect about 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 17g of carbohydrates per treat. Keep in mind these are just estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use or if your dog happens to eat a slightly bigger (or smaller!) piece.

Share Your Homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats!

Okay, proud pet parents, it’s your turn! I just *love* seeing your happy pups munching away on these Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats. Did your dog go crazy for them? Did you try a fun shape? Spill the beans in the comments below! Seriously, I want to hear all about it. And hey, if you snapped a pic or two of your furry taste-tester, do share! It totally makes my day and helps other folks see just how awesome these homemade goodies are. Don’t forget to give the recipe a star rating if you loved it!

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