Dog Treats with Pumpkin Puree and Oats

It started on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I was cleaning out the pantry when I noticed a half-used can of pumpkin puree and an almost-empty bag of oats. Normally, I’d have tossed them into muffins or overnight oats for myself—but that day, my golden retriever, Rocky , was lying by the oven with his head on his paws, giving me that look.

You know the one. The “is there any chance you’re making something for me?” look.

So I did. I mixed up a few simple ingredients, rolled them out on the counter, and baked them into the softest, coziest little dog biscuits I’ve ever made. Rocky’s tail thumped before they even came out of the oven.

That’s how these Pumpkin Puree and Oat Dog Treats were born—and they’ve been part of our routine ever since.

Rocky has a sensitive stomach , and store-bought treats didn’t sit well with him. I kept running into:

• Long ingredient lists I didn’t understand

• Fillers and preservatives

• Flavors he’d sniff and ignore

I wanted to make something:

• Simple and gentle for his tummy

• Made with real ingredients I already trusted

• Quick to whip up in the kitchen

• And honestly, enjoyable to make together
  
  

Pumpkin and oats are both pantry staples in our house, and it turns out—they’re a match made in treat heaven for dogs too.

These Dog Treats with Pumpkin Puree and Oats are made with just 4 simple ingredients (plus a few dog-friendly optional extras):

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  (Unsweetened, plain—not pumpkin pie filling!)

• 1¾ cups oat flour (or quick oats blended into flour)

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp natural peanut butter (xylitol-free only!)
  
  

🔔 Optional Add-ins:

• A dash of Ceylon cinnamon (safe in small amounts)

• 1 tsp unsweetened applesauce for extra softness

• 1 tsp coconut oil for coat and skin support

These treats aren’t just a yummy snack—they’re good for your dog too:

• Pumpkin – Rich in fiber, supports digestion, and adds natural sweetness

• Oats – Gentle on the stomach, and a great source of healthy carbs and beta-glucans

• Peanut Butter – Protein-rich and adds healthy fats (just be sure it’s xylitol-free!)

• Egg – High-quality protein and helps bind the treats
  
  

There’s no added sugar, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors—just ingredients you recognize.

Every dog has their own favorites. Here’s how you can adjust the recipe to suit yours:

• Use mashed sweet potato instead of pumpkin

• Add blueberries or shredded carrots for texture

• Sprinkle in flaxseed or chia for added fiber and omega-3s

• Bake longer for crunchier treats , or shorter for soft chews

• Roll smaller for training-size bites

Rocky doesn’t just show up for the finished product—he’s in it from the moment I grab the pumpkin. He stands patiently by the counter, nose twitching, and gives a little huff when I grab the rolling pin.

When they bake, he waits by the oven like it’s a portal to heaven.
And when I let him lick the spoon? Pure bliss.

These moments—the prep, the quiet waiting, the shared anticipation—they’ve become part of our bond.

• Room temperature (airtight container): 3–4 days

• Refrigerator: Up to 7 days

• Freezer: Up to 2 months – thaw a few minutes before serving

🎯 Pro Tip: Freeze in small bags and pull out one at a time for daily rewards.

• Dough too sticky? Add more oat flour 1 tbsp at a time

• Too dry? Mix in a splash of water, applesauce, or more pumpkin

• Spreading during baking? Chill the dough for 10 minutes before cutting

• No cookie cutters? Roll into balls and flatten with a fork

These treats aren’t just food—they’re time together.
They’re slow, intentional care in a fast-paced day. They’re a reminder that it doesn’t take much to make your dog feel loved.

These Pumpkin Puree and Oat Dog Treats are now part of our routine—easy, affordable, and made with the same ingredients I’d eat myself.

Rocky doesn’t know what’s in them. But he knows they were made for him. And honestly, that’s enough.

📌 Pin this recipe to your “Homemade Dog Treats” board and come back to it the next time you open a can of pumpkin—because you just know someone’s watching you with those eyes. 🧡