Pumpkin and liver come together in these 4 amazing dog treats to provide a nutritious, tasty, and easy-to-make snack for your dog.
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and essential nutrients, these treats support your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make four different variations of pumpkin liver treats, each with unique benefits and flavors that your dog will love.
Why Should You Make These Pumpkin Liver Treats?
Making homemade dog treats allows you to control what goes into your pet’s food, ensuring that only wholesome ingredients are used.
- Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, while liver is rich in vitamins A, B, and iron.
- Combining these two ingredients in dog treats provides your furry friend with a nutrient-packed snack that can aid digestion, boost immunity, and even improve skin health.
Whether you’re trying to improve your dog’s diet or just want to spoil them with something special, these pumpkin liver treats are the perfect solution.
The 4 Pumpkin Liver Dog Treats Recipe
Let’s dive into the recipes! These 4 different variations of pumpkin liver treats are not only easy to prepare but are also tailored to suit various dietary needs and preferences.
Recipe 1: Basic Pumpkin Liver Dog Treats
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or knife
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chicken liver (cooked and pureed)
- 2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for greasing or spraying)
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and pureed chicken liver. Stir well until fully blended.
Step 3: Add the oat flour and egg to the pumpkin and liver mixture. Mix until the dough forms a sticky consistency. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Step 4: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 5: Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes (bone shapes or fun designs) from the dough. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can simply use a knife to cut squares or rectangles.
Step 6: Place the cut-out treats on the prepared baking sheet. If the dough is too sticky, you can use a little coconut oil to coat your hands or the rolling pin.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the treats turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
These treats are perfect for small to medium dogs. Serve up to 2 treats per day for smaller dogs, and 4 for larger dogs, depending on your dog’s size and activity level.
Storage Tips:
Store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Estimated (per treat):
- Calories: 50
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 2: Pumpkin, Liver and Sweet Potato Treats
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Potato masher or food processor
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chicken liver (cooked and pureed)
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for greasing)
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, and pureed liver. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Add the brown rice flour and egg to the mixture, and mix thoroughly until a dough forms.
Step 4: Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 5: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or squares. If you prefer, you can also roll the dough into small balls.
Step 6: Place the cut-out treats on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, you can lightly spray them with coconut oil.
Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Let the treats cool completely before serving.
Feeding Size:
These treats are slightly richer due to the added sweet potato. For small dogs, 1 treat per day should suffice, while medium to large dogs can have 2-3 treats per day.
Storage Tips:
Store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Estimated (per treat):
- Calories: 55
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
Recipe 3: Pumpkin, Liver and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie cutter
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chicken liver (cooked and pureed)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pureed liver, and peanut butter. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the oat flour and egg, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 4: Roll the dough out onto a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 5: Cut out shapes using your cookie cutter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
Step 7: Allow the treats to cool before serving.
Feeding Size:
One to two treats a day for small dogs and two to three for larger dogs should be just right.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Estimated (per treat):
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 3.5g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
Recipe 4: Pumpkin Liver Chewy Dog Treats
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Tools Needed:
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone molds (optional)
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup chicken liver (cooked and pureed)
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons honey
How to Make Step by Step:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, pureed liver, and honey.
Step 3: Add the coconut flour and egg, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Step 4: If using silicone molds, spoon the dough into the molds. Alternatively, spoon small amounts of dough onto the baking sheet to form small mounds.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the treats firm up and turn slightly golden.
Step 6: Cool the treats on a rack before serving.
Feeding Size:
Since these treats are chewy, they are perfect for dogs who prefer a softer snack. Feed one or two per day, depending on your dog’s size.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Estimated (per treat):
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 2.5g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
While making homemade dog treats is fun and rewarding, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your dog’s safety:
- Always check ingredient labels: Make sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Portion size: Treats should complement your dog’s regular diet, not replace meals. Overfeeding treats can lead to obesity and digestive issues.
- Allergies: Always check with your vet if your dog has food allergies, particularly to ingredients like peanut butter or eggs.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh liver and pumpkin to avoid spoilage. If using canned pumpkin, make sure it’s pure pumpkin without any added sugars or spices.
Ingredients to Avoid for This Recipe
Certain foods are toxic to dogs and should never be included in homemade treats. Here are ingredients to avoid when preparing pumpkin liver dog treats:
- Xylitol: Commonly found in sugar-free peanut butter and other sweeteners, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure.
- Onions and garlic: These can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Chocolate: Always keep chocolate far away from your dog, as it is toxic to them.
- Dough that rises: Do not use ingredients like yeast or baking soda that may cause dough to rise in your dog’s stomach, which can be dangerous.
Understanding How to Make the Recipe: How to Balance the Nutrients
When making dog treats, it’s essential to keep your dog’s nutritional needs in mind. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps support healthy digestion, while liver provides important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and iron.
Adding a small amount of coconut oil helps with coat health, and ingredients like egg provide protein for muscle maintenance.
- Balance of Protein and Carbohydrates: Make sure you use a combination of protein (from the liver or eggs) and carbohydrates (from pumpkin and flour) to ensure your treats are not too rich or too light.
- Fat content: While fat is necessary for energy and coat health, be mindful not to overdo it, as excess fat can lead to obesity.
Can I use beef liver instead of chicken liver?
Yes, you can substitute beef liver in these recipes. Just be sure to cook and puree it before using it in the dough.
Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, most of these treats freeze well. Simply store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
How do I know how many treats to give my dog?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust the amount based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
These treats are generally safe for puppies, but always consult your vet if your puppy has specific dietary needs or sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
These 4 pumpkin liver dog treats are a perfect way to treat your dog with a healthy, homemade snack. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they are also incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re looking to improve your dog’s digestive health or simply want to pamper them with something tasty, these treats are sure to hit the spot. Get in the kitchen, and start baking for your best friend today!
