National "Cook for your Dog" Day

By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, Oct. 20, 2023
Miss Cindy Sue.jpg
Miss Cindy Sue

Since it’s National “Cook for Your Dog” Day, I thought it would be fun to send you a recipe to try out with your dog.

Get into the autumn spirit with these Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats. They are a delicious and healthy treat that your furry friend will absolutely love. They're grain-free and made with natural ingredients, making them perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies or dietary restrictions. Plus, they're super easy to make!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (make sure it's pure pumpkin puree with no added sugars or spices)
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsalted, no added sugar)
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix Pumpkin and Peanut Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin and natural peanut butter. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Add Egg: Add the egg to the pumpkin and peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is combined.
  4. Incorporate Coconut Flour: Gradually add the coconut flour and cinnamon (if using) to the mixture, stirring well after each addition. The dough will become thick and slightly crumbly. If it's too dry, add a bit of water (a teaspoon at a time) to help it come together.
  5. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough on a clean, floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. You can use Halloween-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes like pumpkins, gourds, or bats.
  6. Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
  7. Cool and Decorate: Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can decorate them with dog-friendly icing or carob chips for added Fall flair.

Storage:

Store these homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them and thaw as needed.

These Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats are not only a tasty reward for your dog but also a wholesome snack you can feel good about giving them.

Enjoy making your furry friend's tail wag with these delightful homemade treats!

Check out all of our FREE online nutrition articles!

https://direwolfproject.com/direwolf-guardians/food-nutrition/

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.