3 Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats To Try Out Now

Who says healthy can’t be delicious? When it comes to whipping up homemade treats for your furry friend, pumpkin and applesauce are the dynamic duo you didn’t know you needed.

These powerhouse ingredients pack a nutritional punch while tantalizing your pup’s taste buds.

Pumpkin, the autumn favorite, isn’t just for lattes and pies. It’s a superfood for dogs, offering:

• Rich fiber content for digestive health
• Vitamin A for eye health and immune function
• Vitamin C to boost the immune system
• Beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant

Applesauce, on the other hand, brings its own set of benefits:

• Natural sweetness without added sugars
• Antioxidants to fight free radicals
• Low-calorie option for weight-conscious pups
• Vitamin C for overall health

Together, these ingredients create treats that aren’t just tasty, but also contribute to your dog’s wellbeing.

Ready to become your pup’s favorite chef? Keep reading to discover three mouthwatering pumpkin applesauce dog treat recipes that’ll have your four-legged friend begging for more!

2. Recipe 1: Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats with Peanut Butter

Let’s kick things off with a classic combination that’ll make your dog’s tail wag with excitement. This recipe combines the goodness of pumpkin and applesauce with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup applesauce
• 3 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your treats bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine pumpkin puree, applesauce, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: whole wheat flour, salt, and baking soda.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. Bone shapes are classic, but feel free to get creative!
7. Place the cut-outs on a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
9. Let the treats cool completely before serving.

Feeding Dosage:

Moderation is key, even with healthy treats. Stick to 1-2 treats per day, depending on your dog’s size. Smaller dogs should get fewer treats, while larger breeds can handle the upper end of this range.

Ingredients to Avoid:

When making these treats, always double-check your peanut butter. Some brands contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. Stick to natural, xylitol-free peanut butter to keep your pup safe.

3. Recipe 2: No-Bake Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats

No oven? No problem! These no-bake treats are perfect for hot days or when you’re short on time. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup applesauce
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 2 ½ cups old-fashioned oats

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, applesauce, peanut butter, and yogurt until well combined.
2. Gradually stir in the oats. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
3. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls.
4. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet or plate.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
6. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Feeding Dosage:

These treats are a bit more calorie-dense due to the peanut butter. Limit your dog to up to 3 balls per day, based on their weight. A 20-pound dog might get 1-2, while a 60-pound dog could have 2-3.

Ingredients to Avoid:

When choosing applesauce, opt for unsweetened varieties without additives. Some commercial applesauces contain extra sugars or artificial sweeteners that aren’t good for your pup.

4. Recipe 3: Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats

This recipe combines the goodness of pumpkin with fresh apple chunks, creating a crunchy treat your dog will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup finely diced apple (seeds removed)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• ½ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, egg, and water.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the diced apple pieces.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Feeding Dosage:

These treats can be given up to twice daily, adjusting for your dog’s size. A small dog might get half a treat, while a large breed could enjoy a whole one.

Ingredients to Avoid:

When preparing the apples, make sure to remove all seeds. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities.

5. Nutritional Benefits All These Ingredients

Let’s dive deeper into why these ingredients make such great dog treats:

1. Pumpkin:
   • High in fiber, aiding digestion
   • Rich in vitamins A, C, and E
   • Contains minerals like iron and potassium
   • Low in calories, great for weight management
2. Applesauce:
   • Provides natural sweetness without added sugars
   • Contains antioxidants that fight cell damage
   • Offers a good source of fiber
   • Low in calories, making it a guilt-free treat
3. Peanut Butter:
   • High in protein for muscle health
   • Contains healthy fats for coat shine
   • Offers vitamin B and E
   • Provides niacin for overall health
4. Oats:
   • Excellent source of fiber
   • Contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid for skin health
   • Provides a range of vitamins and minerals
5. Apples:
   • Rich in vitamins A and C
   • Provides fiber for digestive health
   • Contains antioxidants for overall wellness

By combining these ingredients, you’re not just making treats – you’re creating little nuggets of nutrition that support your dog’s health from the inside out.

What are the health benefits of pumpkin for dogs?

Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It aids in digestion thanks to its high fiber content. This makes it beneficial for both diarrhea and constipation. The fiber helps firm up loose stools and can also help move things along if your pup is backed up.

Pumpkin also:

• Supports weight management due to its low calorie content
• Promotes a healthy coat with its vitamin A content
• Boosts the immune system with vitamins C and E

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs in moderation. However, it’s crucial to choose the right kind. Look for natural peanut butter without added sugars or salt. Most importantly, make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.

Peanut butter offers:

• Protein for muscle health
• Healthy fats for energy
• Vitamins E and B for overall wellness

But remember, it’s high in calories, so use it sparingly.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! These recipes are flexible. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Flour: Swap whole wheat for almond flour or coconut flour for grain-free options
• Pumpkin: Sweet potato puree can work as a substitute
• Applesauce: Mashed banana can replace applesauce in most recipes
• Peanut butter: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter work well for dogs with peanut allergies

Always introduce new ingredients slowly and watch for any adverse reactions.

Ending….

Making homemade treats for your dog isn’t just about spoiling them (though that’s a great bonus). It’s about knowing exactly what goes into their food and tailoring it to their needs. With these pumpkin applesauce dog treats, you’re providing tasty morsels packed with nutrition.

Keep In Mind:

1. Always introduce new foods slowly
2. Keep treats to 10% or less of your dog’s daily calorie intake
3. Watch for any signs of allergies or digestive upset

Why not try one of these recipes today? Your furry friend will thank you with wagging tails and sloppy kisses. Plus, the smell of fresh-baked dog treats might just make your kitchen the new favorite spot in the house!