Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
When I think about my dog’s wagging tail and bright eyes, I instantly feel joy. There’s something special about making treats at home for our furry friends. The first time I made these Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks, the smell of pumpkin filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait for my pup to try them. It’s heartwarming to know exactly what goes into the snacks they enjoy, and I love seeing the excitement on their face when they get a tasty reward. This recipe is special because it combines simple, healthy ingredients that not only taste great but are also good for our dogs. Your pup will love these tasty sticks!
Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade dog treats allows you to control the ingredients and ensure they are healthy and safe for your pet. Store-bought snacks can contain fillers and preservatives that aren’t good for dogs. By making these pumpkin and oatmeal sticks, you provide your furry friend with wholesome, flavorful treats without any unwanted additives. Plus, preparing the treats can be a fun activity that you and your dog can enjoy together!
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened, no spices)
- 2 cups oat flour (or finely blended oats)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the oat flour and cinnamon (if using). The dough should be thick but slightly sticky. Add more oat flour if needed.
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into sticks about 4–5 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the sticks are firm.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
You can serve these tasty sticks as a reward during training or as a snack during playtime. Your dog will love munching on them, and you can even break the sticks into smaller pieces if you want to use them as training treats. Always supervise your dog while they enjoy their snack and ensure they have plenty of water available.
How to Store Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Store the cooled sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them to keep them fresh for several months. Just remember to allow them to thaw before giving them to your dog.
Tips to Make Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree without any spices or sugars.
- If you don’t have oat flour, you can blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine.
- Consider adding a few chopped dog-safe ingredients, like carrots or sweet potatoes, for extra flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the dough by adding more oat flour if it feels too sticky.
Variation
You can swap out the peanut butter for other dog-safe nut butters, such as almond butter, to give a different flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices like turmeric or pumpkin spice, but make sure they are safe for dogs.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices.
2. How do I know when the dog snack sticks are done baking?
The sticks should be firm to the touch and have golden brown edges when they are ready.
3. Can I give these treats to puppies?
Yes, but always ensure that the ingredients are puppy-friendly and avoid giving them too much at once.
4. Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?
If your dog has allergies, check each ingredient and adjust as necessary. It’s always best to consult with your vet if you have concerns.
5. How many treats can I give my dog each day?
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Always consider their overall diet and activity level.
Homemade Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (unsweetened, no spices) Make sure it's pure pumpkin without any additives.
- 2 cups oat flour (or finely blended oats) If you don't have oat flour, blend rolled oats until fine.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) You can substitute with dog-safe nut butters like almond butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) Optional, ensure it’s safe for dogs if using.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the oat flour and cinnamon (if using). The dough should be thick but slightly sticky. Add more oat flour if needed.
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into sticks about 4–5 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the sticks are firm.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.