Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Rounds – Homemade Dog Treats

These soft, bite-sized treats are an easy win for dogs and their people. They’re made with pantry staples, shaped into simple rounds, and baked until just set. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just wholesome ingredients your pup will love.

If your dog goes wild for peanut butter, these will become your go-to. Plus, they smell amazing while they bake.

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Rounds – Homemade Dog Treats

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

• Unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free; ideally just peanuts and salt)
• Egg
• Old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats)
• Whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
• Optional: ground flaxseed (for a fiber and omega boost)
• Optional: cinnamon (a tiny pinch for aroma; skip if your vet advises)
• Water (as needed for dough consistency)

Instructions

• Preheat and prep: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with 1/2 cup natural peanut butter and 1 egg until smooth.
• Add the dry ingredients: Stir in 1 cup rolled oats and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour. If using, add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
• Adjust the dough: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but workable. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.If too dry, sprinkle in a teaspoon of water.
• Shape the rounds: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet and flatten gently to about 1/4–1/3 inch thick. Repeat, spacing the rounds about 1 inch apart.
• Bake: Bake for 14–18 minutes, until the edges look set and the tops are dry.For a softer treat, pull them closer to 14 minutes. For firmer treats, go toward 18 minutes.
• Cool completely: Let the rounds cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Cool fully before serving to your dog.
• Portion and serve: Offer 1–2 treats for small dogs, 2–3 for medium dogs, and up to 4 for large dogs, adjusting for your dog’s size and daily calories.

Why This Recipe Works

Peanut butter and pumpkin are a perfect pairing for dogs. The peanut butter adds flavor and protein, while pumpkin brings gentle fiber that supports digestion.

Oats replace refined flour, making these treats hearty and easy on the tummy. The texture stays tender, so even senior dogs can enjoy them. And the ingredient list is short, clean, and budget-friendly.

Shopping List

• Unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free; ideally just peanuts and salt)
• Egg
• Old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats)
• Whole wheat flour (or oat flour)
• Optional: ground flaxseed (for a fiber and omega boost)
• Optional: cinnamon (a tiny pinch for aroma; skip if your vet advises)
• Water (as needed for dough consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/2 cup pumpkin puree with 1/2 cup natural peanut butter and 1 egg until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in 1 cup rolled oats and 3/4 cup whole wheat flour. If using, add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and a tiny pinch of cinnamon.
4. Adjust the dough: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but workable. If too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.

   If too dry, sprinkle in a teaspoon of water.

5. Shape the rounds: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet and flatten gently to about 1/4–1/3 inch thick. Repeat, spacing the rounds about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake: Bake for 14–18 minutes, until the edges look set and the tops are dry.

   For a softer treat, pull them closer to 14 minutes. For firmer treats, go toward 18 minutes.

7. Cool completely: Let the rounds cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Cool fully before serving to your dog.
8. Portion and serve: Offer 1–2 treats for small dogs, 2–3 for medium dogs, and up to 4 for large dogs, adjusting for your dog’s size and daily calories.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 7–10 days in a sealed container.
• Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.

  Thaw a few at a time in the fridge or on the counter.

• Moisture control: Add a small piece of paper towel to the container to absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Digestive support: Pumpkin provides gentle fiber that can help with regularity.
• Simple, recognizable ingredients: You know exactly what your dog is eating—no fillers or artificial flavors.
• Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry items and makes a good-sized batch.
• Customizable texture: Bake time lets you choose soft or slightly crisp edges.
• Easy to digest: Oats and pumpkin are usually well tolerated by sensitive stomachs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using sweetened or flavored peanut butter: Check labels for xylitol, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.
• Grabbing pumpkin pie mix by accident: It contains sugar and spices your dog doesn’t need. Choose plain pumpkin puree.
• Overbaking: Too long in the oven makes treats hard and dry.

  Pull them when the tops are dry and edges are set.

• Skipping the cool-down: Hot treats can be tempting, but wait until they’re fully cool to protect your dog’s mouth.
• Ignoring portion size: Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Recipe Variations

• Grain-free option: Swap the flour for oat flour (finely ground oats) or use a blend of oat flour and coconut flour. Add water as needed—coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
• Crunchier rounds: Flatten thinner and bake 3–5 minutes longer. Cool in the oven with the door slightly open to dry them out further.
• Banana boost: Replace 1/4 cup pumpkin with mashed banana for extra sweetness and potassium.
• Chew-friendly mini bites: Make smaller, nickel-sized rounds for training treats.

  Bake a little less for a soft texture.

• Allergy-aware peanut swap: If peanut butter is an issue, try unsalted sunflower seed butter. Check that it’s xylitol-free.
• Herb hint: A tiny pinch of dried parsley can freshen breath. Avoid garlic and onion powders—they’re unsafe for dogs.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?

No.

Pumpkin pie filling has sugar and spices that aren’t ideal for dogs. Use plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree.

Is peanut butter safe for all dogs?

Most dogs can enjoy peanut butter in small amounts. Always choose xylitol-free peanut butter and avoid brands with added sweeteners.

If your dog has a history of pancreatitis or is on a special diet, ask your vet first.

How many treats can I give my dog per day?

Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. For small dogs, 1–2 treats is plenty. Larger dogs can have a few more, depending on their activity and diet.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes.

Substitute the egg with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree plus 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water. The texture will be slightly softer.

Do these work as training treats?

They can. Make quarter-size rounds and bake them on the softer side.

Smaller treats keep training sessions moving without overfeeding.

How do I know when they’re done?

The tops should look dry and the edges set. If you press one gently, it should spring back slightly without sticking to your finger.

Can I add meat or cheese?

A little shredded low-fat cheese is fine, but it may shorten shelf life. Avoid adding meats unless you plan to refrigerate or freeze immediately, as they spoil faster.

My dog is sensitive to wheat.

What can I use instead?

Use oat flour only, or a mix of oat flour and a small amount of coconut flour. Add water as needed since coconut flour is very absorbent.

How long will they last?

Up to 3 days at room temperature, 7–10 days in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer. Always check for mold or off smells before serving.

In Conclusion

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Rounds are simple to make, gentle on digestion, and full of flavor dogs love.

With a short ingredient list and easy steps, they’re perfect for weekend baking. Customize the texture, size, and ingredients to suit your pup, then store a batch for quick rewards all week. As always, keep portions reasonable and choose safe, clean ingredients.

Your dog will be waiting by the oven the next time you make them.

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 😉

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