Homemade Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Chews (Because Store-Bought Treats Are So Last Season)
Let’s be honest: anything with pumpkin and peanut butter is basically irresistible—and not just to dogs.
These chewy little bites combine two of your pup’s favorite flavors into one easy, drool-worthy snack. They’re soft, tasty, and smell way better than most things labeled “dog food.”
And the best part? You can make them in your pajamas in under 30 minutes. No shame, no judgment, just happy tail wags.
Why These Chews Slap (According to Your Dog)
- Pumpkin + peanut butter = dream team. Seriously, what more could your dog want?
- Soft texture. Perfect for seniors, puppies, or drama queens who hate crunchy things.
- All-natural ingredients. No fillers, preservatives, or weird meat dust.
- Ridiculously easy to make. If you can stir, you can make these.
Oh, and your kitchen’s going to smell amazing. Like a cozy fall candle that you can actually eat. Well, your dog can. You get the vibes.
What You’ll Need
Minimal, real-deal ingredients you might already have:
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Start Training Today! 🐾- ½ cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling, unless you want an emergency vet visit)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (check the label—no xylitol, ever)
- 1 egg
- 1¼ cups oat flour (or ground rolled oats)
- Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon for those extra cozy vibes
Wanna be extra? Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of flaxseed. But even basic is delicious.
Let’s Bake These Beauties
Step 1: Preheat
Crank that oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Look at you, already winning.
Step 2: Mix it all up
In a bowl, combine pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth-ish. Then add the oat flour little by little until you get a thick, doughy consistency.
It should be soft but not sticky. Like playdough that smells like dessert.
Step 3: Shape
Scoop into small balls or roll the dough and use cookie cutters. Go ahead and break out the bone-shaped ones you impulse bought off Amazon. This is their moment.
Step 4: Bake
Pop those babies in the oven for 15–18 minutes or until they’re just set and lightly golden. You want them chewy, not crunchy.
Step 5: Cool it
Let them cool completely before offering one to your very impatient taste tester. Tail thumping optional, but likely.
Common Mistakes (Let’s Not)
- Accidentally using pumpkin pie mix. Don’t do it. Dogs + sugar/spices = nope.
- Using sweetened PB. Again, xylitol is toxic. Natural only, please.
- Overbaking. These are meant to be soft. You’re not making biscotti.
- Making them massive. Smaller = easier to serve, store, and digest.
Customization Ideas (Because Variety Is the Spice of Life)
- Add banana for a tropical twist
- Mix in applesauce if you’re short on pumpkin
- Use almond flour for a grain-free version
- Top with a yogurt drizzle if your dog is Instagram-famous
Treat-making = low-stress creativity. Your dog will love you regardless of the shape.
FAQ
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the freezer and defrost as needed. They’re still chewy after thawing, which is chef’s kiss.
How long do they last?
About 5–7 days in the fridge. If your dog somehow doesn’t inhale them in 48 hours.
Are these okay for small dogs?
Yup! Just make them mini-sized so they don’t have to unhinge their jaws like a cartoon snake.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes. They work just fine, especially if you’re blending them into flour anyway.
My dog’s allergic to eggs—what now?
Try replacing the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Still works like a charm.
Can I eat one?
Technically yes. Will you love it? Depends how much you enjoy bland muffins with dog breath potential.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin and peanut butter might sound basic, but for dogs? It’s the equivalent of a five-star meal. These chewy treats are soft, healthy, and stupidly easy to make. Plus, they’re way cheaper than those $12 organic boutique bites you keep side-eyeing at the pet store.
Whip up a batch, toss ‘em in a jar, and prepare for your dog to stare at you like the snack god you now are.
Welcome to your new personality: homemade treat hero. 🐶👏
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
