Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe

Whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty base for the treats and adds fiber.

Canned pumpkin: Adds moisture and a rich flavor that dogs love, while also being good for their digestion.

Peanut butter: Ensure it is xylitol-free; it adds a delicious taste and protein.

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add protein.

When rolling out the dough, make sure to flour both your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more whole wheat flour until it reaches the right consistency. Additionally, using a silicone baking mat can help ensure even baking and easy removal of the treats.

• whole wheat flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is a good alternative for dogs with wheat allergies and provides a similar texture.

• whole wheat flour - Substitute with brown rice flour: Brown rice flour is gluten-free and easy to digest for dogs.

• canned pumpkin - Substitute with sweet potato puree: Sweet potato puree offers a similar consistency and nutritional benefits, such as fiber and vitamins.

• canned pumpkin - Substitute with mashed banana: Mashed banana provides natural sweetness and moisture, making it a good alternative.

• xylitol-free peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter is safe for dogs and offers a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

• xylitol-free peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free option that is safe for dogs and provides a similar taste and texture.

• large eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water to replace each egg; this is a good binding agent and adds omega-3 fatty acids.

• large eggs - Substitute with unsweetened applesauce: Use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce to replace each egg; it adds moisture and acts as a binding agent.

• Allow the dog treats to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold.
• Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure the container is kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• For longer storage, place the treats in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored this way.
• To freeze the treats, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. This prevents the treats from sticking together.
• Once the treats are frozen solid, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of their freshness.
• Frozen treats can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the desired amount at room temperature for a few minutes or in the refrigerator overnight.
• If you prefer to serve the treats cold, they can be given to your dog directly from the freezer, especially on a hot day. This can be a refreshing and enjoyable treat for your furry friend.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the dog treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp.
  4. Allow them to cool before serving to your dog.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a few dog treats on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Check to see if they are warm enough; if not, continue in 5-second intervals.
  4. Let them cool before giving them to your dog.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Arrange the dog treats on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  4. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the dog treats in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overheat.
  4. Let them cool before serving to your dog.

• Oven: Used to bake the dog treats at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until well mixed.

• Rolling pin: Used to roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick on a floured surface.

• Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the dough.

• Cookie cutter: Used to cut out shapes from the rolled dough.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the cut-out dough shapes for baking.

• Cooling rack: Used to let the treats cool completely before serving to your dog.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the flour, pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs beforehand to streamline the mixing process.

Use a food processor: Combine all ingredients in a food processor for quicker and more efficient mixing.

Roll dough between parchment: Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to roll it out easily and avoid sticking.

Batch baking: Cut out all the shapes first, then bake multiple batches at once to save oven time.

Store extra dough: Freeze any leftover dough for future use, reducing prep time next time you make treats.