Making homemade dog treats can be a rewarding way to show your furry friend how much you care. These 3 Ingredient Dog Treats with Pumpkin are not only simple to make but also packed with nutrients your dog will love.
I’ll Show you how to make this healthy, easy-to-prepare recipe that will keep your pet happy and healthy.
Why You Should Make These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats
Making treats for your dog at home offers many benefits. Store-bought dog treats often come with preservatives, artificial additives, and questionable ingredients. Preparing treats yourself, you control what goes into them, ensuring they are as healthy as possible for your dog.
Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient to include in your dog’s diet. It is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to your dog’s overall health. Plus, these treats are easy to digest, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This 3-ingredient recipe uses pumpkin puree, which is packed with beta-carotene, and combined with just two other ingredients, it’s a delicious, nutritious snack your dog will love.
3 Ingredient Dog Treats Pumpkin
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cookie cutter (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients Needed:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 egg
How to Make Step by Step:
Step One: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking your dog treats, so they come out crisp and perfectly baked.
Step Two: Prepare Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree with 1 egg. The pumpkin is the key ingredient in providing moisture and flavor to your dog treats, while the egg helps bind everything together. Stir these two ingredients until fully combined. The consistency should be slightly thick but smooth.
Step Three: Add the Flour
Gradually add the 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour (or your choice of gluten-free flour) to the pumpkin and egg mixture. Mix it in until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough a bit to bring it together.
Step Four: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. The thickness is important because it affects the baking time and texture of the treats.
Step Five: Cut the Treats
Use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes for your dog treats. You can use any shape you like, from bones to stars to simple circles. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife to cut the dough into small squares or rectangles.
Step Six: Bake
Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t burn.
Step Seven: Let the Treats Cool
Once the treats are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
These dog treats are small and lightweight, so you can feed them as an occasional snack or reward. For small to medium dogs, give them one treat at a time, while larger dogs can have up to two treats at once. Always adjust based on your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Storage Tips:
Store your pumpkin dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the treats. To freeze, place them in a sealed container or ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw them out!
Nutrition Values Estimated (per treat):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
When making homemade dog treats, always prioritize your dog’s safety. Here are a few essential safety precautions to keep in mind when preparing these pumpkin treats:
- Avoid harmful ingredients: Stick strictly to the ingredients listed in the recipe, especially when substituting. Certain ingredients, like chocolate or xylitol, can be toxic to dogs.
- Supervise while eating: While these treats are safe, always supervise your dog while they are enjoying their snack to ensure they do not choke or consume too many at once.
- Avoid overfeeding: Though these treats are healthy, they should be given in moderation. Overfeeding, even healthy treats, can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
Ingredients to Avoid for This Recipe & Any Other One
There are certain ingredients that should never be used in dog treats, as they can be harmful or even toxic to your dog. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Chocolate: Toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, it can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar.
- Onions and garlic: These are known to cause gastrointestinal upset and can even lead to more severe health problems.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Nuts like macadamia nuts: They can cause lethargy, vomiting, and other symptoms.
- Artificial sweeteners: Such as stevia or aspartame, which can lead to a variety of health issues for dogs.
- Dairy products: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, which can lead to stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
Always double-check the ingredients to ensure your dog’s treats are safe.
How Healthy Dog Treats Should Be Made & What Nutrients They Should Contain
When making homemade dog treats, focus on providing treats that offer real nutritional value. A well-balanced dog treat should contain:
Essential Nutrients for Dogs:
- Protein: Helps maintain healthy muscle mass and is vital for energy. Common sources include chicken, beef, eggs, and peanut butter.
- Fiber: Supports digestive health. Ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and oats provide healthy fiber for your dog.
- Healthy Fats: Fats are necessary for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Include sources like fish oil, flaxseed, or coconut oil.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Dogs need various vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, such as vitamin A (for vision and immune function), calcium (for bone health), and vitamin E (for skin and coat health). Vegetables like carrots and leafy greens can provide these nutrients.
- Antioxidants: These protect your dog’s cells from damage. Ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin are packed with antioxidants.
The 3-ingredient pumpkin treat you made already includes a good balance of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. By occasionally mixing up your ingredients and providing a variety of nutrients, you can ensure your dog’s treats are both tasty and healthy.
Can I use canned pumpkin for dog treats?
Yes! Just be sure to choose unsweetened pumpkin puree and avoid any added spices or sugars that can harm your dog.
Is it okay to give my dog these pumpkin treats every day?
While these treats are healthy, they should only be given in moderation. Too many treats can lead to an upset stomach or weight gain. Keep treats as an occasional snack.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with another type of flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or any other dog-safe flour alternative, such as rice flour or oat flour, especially if your dog has sensitivities or allergies.
Can I add other flavors to these dog treats?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like peanut butter (unsweetened and without xylitol) or carrot puree to modify the flavor and provide extra nutrition. Just be sure to keep the recipe safe for your dog’s dietary needs.
How do I know if these treats are safe for my dog?
As long as you follow the recipe with dog-safe ingredients, these treats are safe. If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before introducing a new treat.
Final Thoughts
These 3 Ingredient Dog Treats with Pumpkin are an easy, healthy, and tasty way to spoil your furry friend. By making your own dog treats, you can ensure they are getting only the best ingredients.
Why not try this simple recipe and treat your dog to something special today? They’ll love it!
