Easy and Healthy Autumn Dog Treat Recipes
Ah, Fall! The season filled with crisp, cool evenings, cozy sweaters, brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow, the scent of cinnamon and apples, and, of course, pumpkin everything!
While we enjoy fresh apple crisp, butternut squash soup, and pumpkin lattes, our pups deserve to share in the tasty morsels this season brings, too! Why should they miss out on all the fun?
We may fill up on sugary sweet desserts and drinks, but we can make some simple treats for our dogs that are actually filled with healthy ingredients that will make your dogs drool and beg for more.
Actually, they smell so good, it may be hard for you to resist having a little taste too! This is all human food grade ingredients. So, no judgement here!
(Confession time: I tried a peanut butter oat ball myself and it was yummy!)
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The Ingredients
Simple, healthy ingredients can be used to make Autumn dog treats that will make your pup drool!
The Healthy Ingredients
By choosing basic, healthy ingredients, you can whip up a batch or two of yummy cookies for your furry friend to enjoy!
Pumpkin
A good source of fiber so it’s great for digestion. It contains A, C, and E vitamins, plus potassium and iron. You can cook your own pumpkin or use canned pumpkin. Make sure it’s just plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling that has added spices and sugar.
Sweet Potato
Another source of dietary fiber, potassium, iron, beta-carotene, Vitamins C and B6, calcium, and manganese. Not to mention it tastes delicious.
Oats
A source of soluble fiber which increases satiety, and contains lineolic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) which nourishes the skin and coat of your pup. Oats can be ground into a powder with a blender or food processor, instead of purchasing oat flour(which can be expensive).
Apple
Yet another source of fiber, apples are also rich in Vitamins A and C. Unsweetened applesauce can be used but note that the fiber content will be reduced.
Carrots
Carrots are high in beta-carotene(good for your pup’s eyesight), fiber, and essential vitamins and antioxidants for healthy skin and coat.
Egg
Eggs are high in protein, Vitamins A, B12, riboflavin, iron, and healthy fats. In these recipes, the eggs act as a binder to hold your dog cookies together.
Natural Peanut Buter
Peanut butter, as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol is safe, in moderation, for dogs. I use a natural peanut butter that contains only peanuts(no added salt or sugar). Peanut butter contains protein, healthy fats, and Vitamins B, E, and niacin. Just watch the amount with it’s higher fat content and calories.
The final product, ready to make your furry bestie drool for each and every bite!
The Dog Treat Recipes
All of these recipes contain only 3 or 4 ingredients so they’re simple to make. You don’t have to use dog-themed cookie cutters. Use simple circles or squares or have a little more fun with dog or fall themes. I went with these classic dog bone shaped cutters. They can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for about 2 weeks or in the freezer for at least 2 months.
Pumpkin Dog Treats
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 cups oat flour
1 large egg
Combine the pumpkin puree and the egg. Add in the flour and mix thoroughly. On a lightly floured surface, knead briefly and roll out to about about ¼ inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a pre-heated oven at 350°F(175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before storing or sharing with your furry friend.
Apple Cinnamon Twists
1 cup unsweetened applesauce or apple puree
2 cups oat flour
1 large egg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Combine the applesauce and egg. Add the flour and cinnamon and mix completely. On a lightly floured surface, knead lightly. Split the dough into two and roll each section into a long rope about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This doesn’t have to be exact so don’t stress about it. If you find the ropes are too long to handle you can always cut them in half again. Twist the two sections together to form a rope. Cut the rope into bite-size sections. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a pre-heated oven at 350°F(175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before sharing or storing.
Please Note: While making the twists is fun, you can simple flatten the dough to about ¼ inch thick and cut cookies. Reduce the cooking time to about 15 to 20 minutes.
Sweet Potato Paw Prints
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
1to 1½ cup rolled oats
¼ cup natural peanut butter
Combine ingredients and use a large spoon to scoop portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten with the back of the spoon to about ½ inch thick. Use a chopstick or your finger to make a large dent and 3 or 4 smaller ones above it to look like a pawprint. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F(175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before storing or sharing.
Carrot and Oat Treats
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut butter
½ cup shredded carrots
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Roll onto a lightly floured surface to ¼ inch thickness. Cut the dough into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown in a pre-heated oven at 350°F(175°C).
Peanut Butter Oat Balls (No-bake option)
1 cup natural peanut butter
1½ cup rolled oats
2 tablespoons honey(optional)
Combine ingredients thoroughly. Form into small balls by rolling spoonfuls in your hands. Place on a baking sheet or plate and put in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to become firm.
Chief Taste Tester
While Lucy is a Lab, and isn’t picky as long as it’s edible, she also shows extra enthusiasm for food she loves. She had so much enthusiasm for these treats. And, how could your resist giving her another?? I sure can’t and she knows it!
The Verdict
Of course, I had to employ my Chief Taste Tester, Lucy, to sample each of the treats. She, as always, took one for the team and was ready for more. Each one was as big a hit as the next!
To make all these treats, it took me about two hours in the kitchen. But if you were to do just one or two kinds, you could be done in half an hour or so. These treats are simple to make and, spoiler alert, your dog won’t give a hoot if they don’t look perfect. Just have fun!
The Alternatives
If you just don’t have the time or the energy or if your kitchen is more of a home decor feature than a place you actually cook or bake, you can get some delicious, healthy Fall-themed dog treats for your pampered pup. Check out these options:
