Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Birthday Dog Treats

Your dog deserves better than store-bought treats packed with mystery ingredients. Imagine your pup’s tail wagging like a metronome set to “hyperdrive” when you pull out homemade Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Bites. These treats take less time to make than it takes your dog to destroy a squeaky toy.

No fancy skills required—just simple, wholesome ingredients. And guess what? Your dog will love you even more (if that’s possible).

Ready to become the ultimate pet chef? Let’s go.

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What Makes This Recipe So Good

These treats hit the trifecta: easy, healthy, and dog-approved. Pumpkin aids digestion, peanut butter delivers protein, and the whole recipe avoids artificial junk.

Even the laziest pet owner can whip these up—no culinary degree needed. Plus, they’re cheaper than boutique dog snacks. Your wallet and your pup win.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling—your dog doesn’t need sugar and spices)
½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free, unless you enjoy emergency vet visits)
2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free pups)
1 egg (for binding, not for your breakfast)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
Dogs don’t care about preheating, but proper baking demands it.
Mix wet ingredients—pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg—in a bowl. Stir until smooth. Lumps are for mashed potatoes, not dog treats.
Add flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour. Too dry? A splash of water fixes everything.
Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
Use a cookie cutter or just slice into squares. Your dog won’t judge your lack of artistic skills.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let them cool unless you enjoy your dog burning their tongue and giving you side-eye.

Storage Instructions

Store these in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

For longer shelf life, freeze them—they’ll last months. Pro tip: Label the container unless you want your roommate accidentally eating dog treats. FYI, peanut butter breath is a dead giveaway.

Benefits of the Recipe

Pumpkin soothes upset stomachs and keeps things moving (you’re welcome).

Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein. No preservatives mean no guilt. And let’s be real—watching your dog lose their mind over these is pure entertainment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using pie filling: Sugar and spices don’t belong here.
Stick to plain pumpkin puree.
Overbaking: Burnt treats are for compost, not your pup.
Skipping the flour adjustment: Dough too wet or dry? Fix it. Your dog deserves better than a crumbly mess.

Alternatives

Swap whole wheat flour for oat flour (gluten-free), or use coconut flour for a grain-free option.

Out of peanut butter? Try unsweetened applesauce. Dogs are flexible—unlike your gym routine.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin?

Yes, but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.

Your dog doesn’t need a sugar rush.

How many treats does this make?

About 20-30, depending on size. If your dog is a treat monster, double the batch.

Can I substitute almond butter?

Technically yes, but peanut butter is cheaper and dogs prefer it. IMO, save the fancy stuff for your toast.

Are these safe for puppies?

Absolutely!

Just cut them smaller unless you want a puppy zooming around on a sugar-free high.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Bites are stupidly easy, ridiculously healthy, and guaranteed to make your dog adore you. Stop overpaying for mediocre treats and spend 30 minutes making these instead. Your pup—and your wallet—will thank you.

David

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 😉