Fall is in the air, and as the weather cools down, we’re all looking forward to cozy treats and seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon. But why should humans have all the fun? With a few simple ingredients, you can whip up some delicious, pet-safe treats that will let your furry friend enjoy the flavors of fall too!
Here are some easy DIY fall pet treats you can make at home. They’re healthy, simple to prepare, and sure to have your pet wagging their tail (or purring in contentment).
1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Pumpkin is a fall favorite and a great ingredient for dog treats because it’s packed with fiber and nutrients. Combined with peanut butter, it makes for a tasty, pet-friendly biscuit.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened, not pie filling)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon, mixing until the dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness, and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes (fall leaves or pumpkins are a cute option!).
5. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and firm.
7. Let cool before giving them to your dog.
These biscuits store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
2. Apple & Carrot Pupcakes
These mini “pupcakes” are perfect for a special treat! Apples and carrots are both safe for dogs, and they add a natural sweetness that dogs love.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour (you can make this by blending oats in a food processor)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the grated carrots, applesauce, and egg.
3. Add the oat flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined.
4. Spoon the batter into a mini muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the pupcakes to cool before serving them to your dog.
These pupcakes can be stored in the fridge for about a week or frozen for longer storage.
3. Catnip Pumpkin Bites for Cats
Cats may not get as excited about fall flavors as dogs do, but pumpkin is also beneficial for them! These treats combine pumpkin with catnip to create an irresistible snack for your feline friend.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the pumpkin and egg.
3. Gradually stir in the flour and catnip until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.
7. Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your cat.
These treats should be stored in the fridge and can last up to a week.
4. Sweet Potato Chews
If you’re looking for a single-ingredient, all-natural treat, sweet potato chews are a great option! Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and dogs love their natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
• 1 large sweet potato
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Wash and dry the sweet potato, then slice it into 1/4-inch thick strips.
3. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the chews are dry and slightly crispy.
5. Let them cool before giving them to your dog.
Store these chews in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
5. Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Cubes
For pets who might not be ready to say goodbye to summer, these frozen treats are a great way to offer them a cool, fall-flavored snack. These are perfect for dogs and can even be given to cats who enjoy pumpkin.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt and pumpkin.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
4. Pop the frozen treats out and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
These frozen bites are perfect for a cool treat after a brisk fall walk!
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy special treats with your pet. These DIY recipes are simple to make and use pet-friendly ingredients that are not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re whipping up pumpkin biscuits or baking apple pupcakes, your furry friend will be thrilled to get a taste of fall! As always, make sure to introduce new treats gradually and in moderation to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach. And if you have any concerns about your pet’s dietary needs or restrictions, check with your vet before introducing new foods. Happy fall baking!
Comments