If you’re searching for an easy, vet-approved way to make your furry best friend’s tail wag with joy 🐕💖, I’ve got something for you.
I’m going to walk you through a wholesome, affordable, and dog-tested recipe for pumpkin peanut butter applesauce dog treats that I absolutely love, and I think you and your pup will too!
These aren’t your average bland biscuits, they’re flavorful, nutritious, and packed with real benefits like protein, fiber, omega-3s, and more 💪🐶.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks 🛒 or just love spoiling your four-legged family member 🥰, this recipe is going to be your new go-to. Let’s jump right in!
Why This Specific Recipe Is Worth Making ✅🐾
This isn’t just another trendy recipe floating around the internet 🧑🍳. It’s based on real-life, tested recipes that dog parents like you have tried and loved. What sets this recipe apart?
💡 It’s fully vet-approved, meaning it avoids harmful ingredients like xylitol, added sugars, or artificial stuff.
🥜🎃 It combines pumpkin, peanut butter, and applesauce—each known to promote healthy digestion, energy, and coat health.
🍳 With a few tweaks, I’ve enhanced the original version to be a complete, nutritious dog treat—think of it like a multivitamin biscuit your pup actually craves!
🛒 All the ingredients are super affordable and available on Amazon or at your local grocery store. Bonus: they go a long way! You can make 2–3 batches for less than you’d spend on one bag of boutique treats.
Recipe: Pumpkin Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Biscuits 🍪🐶
Prep Time & Cook Time ⏰
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Perfect for a weekend baking session with your furry helper by your side! 🐾
Tools Needed 🧰
- Mixing bowl 🥣
- Whisk or fork 🍴
- Rolling pin (or a wine bottle if you don’t have one!) 🍷
- Cookie cutters (bones, hearts, stars—get creative! ⭐🐾)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
No fancy tools needed—just some love and a bit of elbow grease 💪.
Ingredients Needed 🍎🎃🥜
- ✅ ½ cup 100% pumpkin puree (no pie filling!)
- ✅ ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (no sugar added)
- ✅ 3 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
- ✅ 1 large egg (for protein and structure)
- ✅ 2 cups oat flour (gluten-free, easier to digest)
- ✅ 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (adds omega-3s and fiber)
- ✅ ¼ teaspoon baking soda (optional, adds lightness)
- ✅ Pinch of sea salt (optional, for flavor balance)
💡 Substitutions:
- Allergic to oats? Try almond flour or chickpea flour.
- No flaxseed? Chia seeds work great too.
- Egg-free? Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
Yields: How Many Treats You’ll Get 🍪📦
Using this exact measurement, I got 32 medium bone-shaped treats—enough to fill a quart-size storage bag 🛍️. If you use smaller cutters, you’ll get around 50+ small training treats!
Follow This Steps Closely To Make This Treat 🍽️🐶
First Step: Mix the Wet Ingredients Together 🥄
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree 🎃, applesauce 🍏, peanut butter 🥜, and egg 🥚. Mix until it’s a smooth, creamy blend. This base is full of healthy fats, fiber, and moisture—perfect for soft-baked goodies!
Second Step: Add the Dry Ingredients Slowly 🌾
Gradually mix in your oat flour and ground flaxseed. If you’re adding baking soda and salt, this is the time. Stir until it forms a thick dough. It should be pliable but not sticky—if too dry, add a tablespoon of water; if too wet, sprinkle in more flour.
Third Step: Roll It Out & Get Creative 🎨
Dust a surface with flour and roll the dough to about ½-inch thick. Use cookie cutters or shape by hand into little nuggets. 🐾 You can even roll it into ropes and twist them into fun U-shapes!
Fourth Step: Bake to Golden Perfection 🍪🔥
Place your treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 20–25 minutes. For crunchier treats, bake up to 30 minutes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats 🦴
Serving size depends on your pup’s weight 🐕:
- Small dogs (<20 lbs): 1 treat per day
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–3 treats per day
- Large dogs (>50 lbs): 3–4 treats per day
Use them as a reward, not a meal replacement!
Nutritional Values Estimated 🍽️📊
Per Medium Treat (approx.):
- Calories: 35
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 1.8g (healthy fats from PB & flax)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Omega-3s: From flaxseed
These treats support digestion, energy, joint health, and shiny coats ✨🐾.
Dietary Suitability/Check list ✅❌
- ✅ Grain-free (if using oat or chickpea flour)
- ✅ Low sodium
- ✅ No added sugar
- ✅ Dairy-free (unless using Greek yogurt for frosting)
- ❌ Not suitable for nut-allergic dogs (unless you sub PB)
- ❌ Not ideal for high-protein restrictive diets
Storage Tips 🧊🍪
Treats that go bad too fast? No thanks! Here’s how to make sure yours last:
Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad? 📆
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving!
Tips for Perfecting This Treats 🧑🍳🎯
- Use silicone molds for uniform sizing! 🧩
- Add shredded carrots or blueberries for an extra health boost 🥕🫐
- Want a glossy top? Brush lightly with egg before baking! 🥚✨
- For picky eaters, drizzle a tiny bit of yogurt glaze on top 😋
Safety Notes: Pro Tip ⚠️🩺
Always read ingredient labels carefully! Peanut butter should never contain xylitol, and flavored yogurts or sweetened applesauce are a no-go ❌.
Safe Swaps for Ingredients Use In This Recipe 🔄🐶
- 🥜 Peanut butter → Sunflower seed butter (no xylitol!)
- 🍎 Applesauce → Mashed banana or grated apple
- 🎃 Pumpkin → Butternut squash puree
- 🥚 Egg → Flax egg for egg sensitivities
- 🌾 Oat flour → Almond, chickpea, or rice flour
The Health Benefits of Main Ingredients in the Treat 🌟🐕💚
- Pumpkin: High in fiber, vitamin A, and aids digestion
- Peanut Butter: Protein and healthy fats for energy
- Applesauce: Antioxidants and natural sweetness
- Oat Flour: Gentle on sensitive tummies
- Flaxseed: Omega-3s for skin and coat
- Eggs: High-quality protein source for muscle health
These aren’t just snacks—they’re nutritious mini power bites! 💪🐶
My Pup’s Reaction (and Yours Will Be Similar!) 🐾🐶❤️
The first time I handed my pup one of these treats, he sniffed it like a detective, gave it a cautious lick… then gobbled it in seconds and looked up for more 😍. Your dog’s reaction may vary, but trust me—these treats are a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters!
Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs 🧬✅
Veterinarians consistently recommend:
- Pumpkin for digestive support
- Unsweetened applesauce for natural fiber
- Xylitol-free peanut butter as a tasty protein source
- Flaxseed and egg for omega-3 and protein
These ingredients aren’t just safe—they’re beneficial when given in moderation 🩺🐕.
Trouble Shooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide
Above ❗🤔
- Too dry? Add applesauce or water 1 tsp at a time
- Too wet? Add more flour slowly
- Didn’t bake through? Try flattening your treats more or extending bake time
- Treats too hard? Bake less time or store with a slice of apple 🍏
Health Concerns You Should Take Note Of 🛑📋
- Avoid sweeteners like xylitol—toxic to dogs
- No chocolate, grapes, raisins, or onions—ever
- Limit salt and sugar—dogs don’t need it
- Too many treats = excess calories = weight gain
Cost: How Affordable is this Recipe? 💰🐾
From Amazon’s April 2025 prices:
- Pumpkin puree (29 oz): $3.29
- Applesauce (46 oz): $3.98
- Peanut butter (40 oz): $5.99
- Flour (5 lb): $4.29
- Eggs (12 count): $2.49
💡 Total: ~$20.04, but these quantities make 2–3 batches (100+ treats). Store-bought treats? $12–15 for 20 pieces. You do the math 🧠💸.
Convenience: How Simple is it to Make This Recipe? 🙌🍽️
All you need is 45 minutes, basic tools, and common pantry ingredients. Easy to whip up with kids, roommates, or solo on a chill weekend.
Will All Dogs Like This Recipe? 🐕🤤
Most likely! It’s flavorful, moist, and full of textures dogs love. For picky pups, try the no-bake or softer version by skipping baking soda and adding yogurt.
Cooking Techniques That Will Work For This Recipe 🔥🧑🍳
✅ Baking: Best for shelf life and structure
✅ Dehydrating: For long-lasting, crunchy treats
❌ Frying or Microwaving: Not suitable for this kind of dough
Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much? ⚖️🐾
Rule of thumb: Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calorie intake. If your dog eats 400 calories/day, treats = max 40 calories. That’s 1–2 of these per day!
Serving Suggestion 🍖🎯
These treats are perfect as:
- 🎯 Training rewards
- 🐾 Daily snacks
- 💕 Bonding moments
But don’t use them to replace full meals 🐶🍽️.
FAQs
What are the best alternative ingredients for pumpkin puree in dog treats?
Mashed sweet potato or butternut squash puree are great swaps 🎃. Just make sure they’re plain and unsweetened!
How can I ensure the peanut butter used is safe for dogs?
Check the label! It must be xylitol-free, unsweetened, and low in salt.
Are there any specific brands of applesauce recommended for dog treats?
Yes—Mott’s Unsweetened Applesauce or Santa Cruz Organic Unsweetened are great choices 🏆.
What are the potential health benefits of giving dogs these treats?
They help with digestion, promote shiny coats, boost energy, and support immune function. Plus, they keep your dog mentally engaged! 🧠🐕
How do I store these treats to keep them fresh for longer?
Refrigerate for a week, freeze for up to 2 months. Store in an airtight container to avoid moisture build-up 💨.
Final Thoughts 🎉🐶
Now you can see why these pumpkin peanut butter applesauce dog treats are a must-try! They’re easy to make, affordable, and way healthier than most store-bought options. With each batch, you’re not just baking treats—you’re baking love 🥰.
So grab those ingredients, preheat the oven, and let the tail-wagging fun begin! 🐕🍪💛
