DIY Dog Treats: Pumpkin Edition

Guest post written by Casey Dickson, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation's largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.

DIY Dog Treats: Pumpkin Edition

Think no one could ever love fall as much as you do? Allow us to introduce you to: your dog. When you’re a furry four-legged with energy to spare, the warm cuddles that those humans love when it gets cooler outside pair perfectly with a finely-tuned treat palate, crisp air, and leaf piles.

Especially when it comes to those treats we mentioned. Fall is a fantastic excuse to give your pup a dose of extra nutrients that keep her happy and healthy—specifically, pumpkin. The magical pumpkin ingredient that makes its way into every tabletop treat is also a boon to your dog’s health. If extra fiber, potassium, iron, beta carotene and vitamin A, plus low quantities of fat and cholesterol, sound like a good idea for your best friend, you’re right on the (cold, slimy) nose—the folks at Rover.com are all about the pumpkin-treat life.

On that note, here are some delicious, DIY, doggy pumpkin delights that are sure to inspire wagging tails and eagerly licked chops.

Extra tip: the loads of nutrients mentioned above can contribute to a greater sense of satiation in your dog and subsequent weight loss. If that’s the direction you’d like to go in your dog’s diet, pumpkin is an excellent choice. Of course, always test the effects on your dog by doling out this treat in small quantities to see how he digests it and speak with your veterinarian about any diet changes.

Onto the recipes!

PUMPKIN PEANUT BUTTER CINNAMON TREATS

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Whole wheat flour – 2.5 cups

Eggs – 2

Pumpkin puree – 3.75 cups

Peanut butter – 3 tablespoons

Cinnamon – dash

Whip them up:

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together and roll out on floured surface. Use choice of cookie cutter (or round glass), place on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

PUMPKIN SEEDS

It’s as simple as that! Dole them out one at a time as treats (and limit the quantity!) or crush and add them to Fido’s meals for an extra-hearty touch. .

PUMPKIN OATMEAL BALLS

With no-bake prep and freezer-ready form, these round treats are a healthy go-to that Buddy will gobble up and feel great about.

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Oats – 2 ½ cups

Pumpkin puree – 1 cup

Peanut butter – ½ cup

Cinnamon – dash

Honey – 3 tablespoons

Whip them up:

Combine ingredients and roll into balls. Store in the refrigerator for 3 weeks and the freezer for 3 months.