Pumpkin and Oatmeal Dog Treats Recipe: 5 Easy Steps

Okay, I’ll be honest with you. The first time I tried making pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats, I burned an entire batch because I got distracted watching Benji do that hilarious thing where he tries to catch his tail. The whole kitchen smelled like a pumpkin spice latte gone wrong, but guess what? My ridiculous beagle still begged for the crispy edges like they were gourmet cookies.

That disaster taught me something important: dogs don’t care if your treats look Pinterest-perfect. They care that you made something with love (and that it tastes good, obviously). Since then, I’ve perfected this pumpkin dog treats recipe through about a million batches, and now Benji practically does backflips when he sees me pulling out the mixing bowl. These pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats have saved my wallet and sanity, especially when Benji decided he was “too fancy” for store-bought biscuits.

Why Pumpkin and Oatmeal Make the Perfect Dog Treat Combo

Let me tell you why this combination isn’t just trendy dog-mom nonsense. Pumpkin is basically nature’s digestive miracle worker for dogs. Remember that time your pup had an upset stomach and the vet told you to give them plain pumpkin? Yeah, that’s because it’s loaded with fiber that helps everything, um, move along smoothly. Plus, dogs go absolutely bonkers for the taste.

Oatmeal brings its own party to the mix. It’s gentle on sensitive stomachs (looking at you, dogs who get gassy from wheat), and it adds that satisfying crunch that makes these oatmeal dog biscuits irresistible. The soluble fiber in oats also helps regulate blood sugar, which is pretty neat for keeping your pup’s energy steady instead of having those crazy zoomie sessions at 3 AM.

Together, these ingredients create pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats that are:

• Easy on sensitive tummies
• Naturally sweet without added sugars
• Full of vitamins A, C, and E from the pumpkin
• Loaded with beta-carotene for healthy skin and coat
• Budget-friendly (seriously, one can of pumpkin makes like 60 treats)

The beauty of this pumpkin dog treat recipe is its simplicity. Unlike complicated commercial treats with unpronounceable ingredients, these oatmeal dog biscuits use stuff you probably already have in your pantry.

Pumpkin and Oatmeal Dog Treats Recipe

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 48 medium treats
• Storage: 2 weeks in an airtight container
• Difficulty: Super easy (if I can do it while preventing Benji from stealing ingredients, you can too)

Ingredients

• Canned pumpkin puree: 1 cup (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)
• Old-fashioned oats: 2½ cups (regular oats work too)
• Whole wheat flour: 1 cup (can substitute with oat flour)
• Eggs: 2 large (room temperature works best)
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (optional but dogs love it)
• Water: 2-3 tablespoons (if dough is too dry)

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
• Rolling pin (or wine bottle works!)
• Cookie cutters or a knife
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Pro tip: I always make Benji sit in his bed during this part because he likes to “help” by trying to eat the parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In your large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and eggs until smooth. The mixture should look like a weird orange smoothie. Don’t worry, it gets better.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the oats first, then gradually add the flour and cinnamon. The dough will be somewhat sticky and thick. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time. Add a little more flour if it’s too wet.

Step 4: Roll and Cut

Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch on a floured surface. Use cookie cutters or just cut into squares with a knife. I have bone-shaped cutters, but honestly, Benji would eat them if they were shaped like tax forms.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place treats on your lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers feel firm. They’ll continue to harden as they cool.

Serving Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 25 lbs): 1-2 treats per day
• Medium dogs (25-60 lbs): 2-3 treats per day
• Large dogs (over 60 lbs): 3-4 treats per day

Keep in mind that treats should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. I learned this the hard way when Benji gained 3 pounds in a month because I couldn’t resist his puppy eyes.

Tips and Variations for Your Pumpkin and Oatmeal Dog Treats

Making Perfect Treats Every Time

Through my many (many) batches of these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats, I’ve learned some tricks that make all the difference:

• Use the Right Pumpkin
  This is crucial, folks. You want 100% pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling that’s loaded with sugar and spices. I once grabbed the wrong can and ended up with treats that smelled like Thanksgiving gone wrong. Check the label twice!
• Don’t Overmix
  Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing makes tough treats, and nobody wants to give their dog a jaw workout just to eat a biscuit.
• Test One First
  Before baking the whole batch, I always bake one test treat. This way, if the dough needs adjusting, you haven’t committed all your hard work to a potentially failed batch.
• Cool Completely
  Let them cool entirely before storing. Warm treats in a container create moisture, which leads to moldy treats. Gross.

Customizing Your Treats

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations of these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats I’ve tested (with Benji’s enthusiastic approval):

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter to the wet ingredients. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free!
• Apple Cinnamon Mix in ½ cup of finely diced apples. Benji goes nuts for these in the fall.
• Savory Version: Skip the cinnamon and add 2 tablespoons of chicken or beef broth powder. Perfect for pups who prefer savory over sweet.
• Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top before baking. Fancy!

Storage and Freshness Tips for Your Pumpkin Dog Treats

These pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats stay fresh for about two weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. But here’s what I’ve learned about storing your homemade oatmeal dog biscuits:

• Kitchen Counter: 2 weeks in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 month (but they might get a bit soft)
• Freezer: 3 months in freezer bags

I usually make a double batch and freeze half. Then, when I’m feeling lazy (or when Benji has been extra good), I just thaw a few treats. It’s like having a secret stash of doggy currency.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Let’s talk about troubleshooting, because even the best of us mess up sometimes:

• Treats Too Soft? Bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes. You can also leave them in the turned-off oven with the door cracked open to dry out more.
• Treats Too Hard? You might have added too much flour or overbaked them. Next time, reduce flour by ¼ cup or decrease baking time.
• Dough Too Sticky? Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable. The dough should be slightly tacky but not stick to your hands.
• Dog Won’t Eat Them? Rare, but it happens. Try the peanut butter variation or use beef broth instead of water. Some dogs are just picky little princes and princesses.

Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Look, I get it. Grabbing a bag of treats at the store is way easier than making your own. But after dealing with Benji’s sensitive stomach and seeing the ingredient lists on some commercial treats (what even is “meat meal”?), I became a convert to homemade.

These healthy homemade dog treat recipes give you:

• Complete control over ingredients
• No mysterious preservatives
• Customization for your dog’s preferences
• Serious savings (one batch costs about $2)
• That warm, fuzzy feeling when your dog loses their mind over something you made

Other Treat Adventures to Try

Once you master these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats, you might want to explore other homemade options. The 10 easy, crunchy homemade dog treats guide has been my bible for expanding Benji’s treat collection. And if your pup is anything like mine and goes crazy for peanut butter, the peanut butter and banana dog treats recipe is a must-try.

While these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats are perfect for fall, Cheddar & Apple Dog Biscuits make an amazing alternative when apples are in season. Benji goes absolutely wild for the cheese-apple combo, and they’re just as easy to make as this pumpkin dog treats recipe.

For dogs with stinky breath (we’ve all been there), Carrot & Parsley Crunchies work like natural breath fresheners. The parsley actually helps neutralize odors, while the carrots clean teeth. Way better than those expensive dental chews!

If you’re looking to boost your dog’s coat health, Salmon & Flaxseed Crunchers pack omega-3s into every bite. They smell a bit fishy while baking, but dogs lose their minds over them. Beef & Sweet Potato Biscuits offer a heartier option for dogs who prefer meaty treats over sweet ones like our pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats.

For the peanut butter-obsessed pups, Apple & Peanut Butter Chips combine two dog favorites into thin, crispy treats. Chicken & Rice Crackers work great for sensitive stomachs, while Tuna & Cheese Bites provide a protein punch. And for something fancy, Lamb & Rosemary Biscuits make special occasion treats that smell absolutely gourmet.

Safety First (The Boring but Important Stuff)

Before you rush off to make these treats, let’s have a quick safety chat:

• Always introduce new treats gradually to avoid upset stomachs
• Check with your vet if your dog has food allergies or health conditions
• Store treats properly to prevent mold growth
• Remember the 10% rule for daily treat intake
• Keep an eye on your dog after trying new treats

I’m not trying to be a buzzkill, but I once gave Benji too many new treats at once and spent the night cleaning up… well, you can imagine. Learn from my mistakes!

Key Takeaways

• Pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats are perfect for sensitive stomachs and picky eaters
• The recipe uses just 6 simple ingredients you probably already have
• Proper storage keeps treats fresh for up to 2 weeks (or 3 months frozen)
• Customization options let you cater to your dog’s preferences
• Homemade treats save money and give you ingredient control
• Always introduce new treats gradually and follow the 10% daily treat rule

Final Thoughts on Making Pumpkin and Oatmeal Dog Treats

Making these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats has become a sort of meditation for me. There’s something therapeutic about mixing simple ingredients and knowing exactly what’s going into my dog’s belly. Sure, Benji would probably be just as happy with store-bought treats, but the joy on his face when he hears me preheating the oven for his pumpkin dog treats recipe? Priceless.

The best part about these oatmeal dog biscuits is that they’re forgiving. Too much flour? They’ll just be extra crunchy. Forgot the cinnamon? Your dog won’t file a complaint. Burned the edges a little? Call them “extra crispy pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats” and move on with your life.

So grab that can of pumpkin that’s been sitting in your pantry since last Thanksgiving and give these a shot. Your dog will think you’re a culinary genius, and your wallet will thank you. Plus, your house will smell amazing, which is a nice bonus when you have a dog who occasionally smells like… well, dog.

Happy baking, and may your treats always be crunchy and your kitchen floors always be beagle-free during prep time!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree it first, and drain the excess liquid. I’ve done this with leftover jack-o’-lanterns (thoroughly cleaned, of course). Use about 1 cup of fresh puree to replace the canned version. The treats might need a few extra minutes in the oven since fresh pumpkin can be more watery.

My dog has a wheat allergy. What flour can I substitute?

Oat flour is my go-to substitute! Just grind regular oats in a blender until they’re flour-like. Rice flour also works well, though the treats might be a bit more crumbly. I’ve even used chickpea flour for Benji’s friend, who has multiple allergies. Start with ¾ cup of alternative flour and add more if needed.

How do I know when the treats are done baking?

They should be golden brown around the edges and feel firm to the touch in the center. If you break one in half, it shouldn’t be doughy inside. I usually sacrifice one treat to the “quality control test” (aka I break it open to check). They’ll continue to harden as they cool, so don’t overbake trying to get them rock-hard in the oven.

Can I make these treats smaller/larger?

Of course! For tiny dogs, I cut them into ½-inch squares. For big dogs, go wild with 2-inch bones. Just adjust the baking time: smaller treats need about 20 minutes, larger ones might need 35-40 minutes. I once made giant ones for my neighbor’s Great Dane, and they looked like actual cookies. He loved them!

Is it normal for my dog to become obsessed with these pumpkin and oatmeal dog treats?

Ha! Yes, completely normal. Benji has learned the sound of me opening the oat container and comes running from wherever he’s napping. Some dogs even learn to recognize when you’re making “their” pumpkin dog treats recipe versus human food. Just remember to stick to the serving guidelines for these oatmeal dog biscuits, no matter how much they beg with those puppy eyes!

References

• American Kennel Club
• PetMD – Oatmeal Benefits for Dogs
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• Spot Pet Insurance