Pumpkin Puree and Banana Dog Treats
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Time to read 4 min
It all started one weekend when I had half a can of pumpkin puree left over from baking muffins and one lonely banana sitting on the counter. As I was about to toss the banana into a smoothie, my dog, Nami , came trotting into the kitchen with her soft, hopeful eyes—the kind that ask, “Is that for me?”
Right then, I knew I wanted to make something just for her. Something easy, healthy, and made with ingredients we both already loved. And that’s how these Pumpkin Puree and Banana Dog Treats were born. Since that day, they’ve become one of Nami’s favorite snacks—and one of mine to make.
💡 Why I Started Making Pumpkin Puree and Banana Dog Treats
Like many dogs, Nami has a bit of a sensitive tummy. After a few bad experiences with processed treats from the store, I wanted something:
Grain-free and easy on her stomach
Made with real, whole ingredients I already trusted
Quick enough to whip up during a busy day
And (obviously) tail-waggingly delicious
Pumpkin and banana are two dog-safe ingredients I always have in the house, and together they create the perfect balance of natural sweetness and digestive support.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
These soft, nourishing treats are made with just a few pantry staples and come together in minutes:
1 ripe banana (mashed)
¾ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not pie filling)
1¾ cups oat flour (or almond flour for grain-free)
1 egg
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (xylitol-free only!)
🔔 Optional Add-ins:
A dash of Ceylon cinnamon for cozy aroma
1 tsp unsweetened applesauce for extra softness
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep time: 5 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Yields: ~25 small treats
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mash the banana and stir in pumpkin puree, egg, and peanut butter.
Gradually add oat flour and stir until a soft dough forms.
Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper (½ inch thick).
Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (bone and heart shapes are our favorites!).
Place on baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes , until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool completely before serving to your pup.
What Makes These Treats Nutritious?
These Pumpkin Puree and Banana Dog Treats aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with goodness for your pup’s health:
Pumpkin – High in fiber, promotes healthy digestion, and packed with vitamin A
Banana – A natural source of potassium, vitamin C, and gentle energy
Peanut Butter – Adds healthy fats and protein (xylitol-free always)
Oat Flour – Whole grain and easy on most dogs’ tummies
Egg – Great source of protein and nutrients for coat and muscle health
🌟Customizing the Recipe
Every pup is unique! Here’s how you can make these treats just right for yours:
Swap oat flour for almond flour to make it grain-free
Replace banana with mashed sweet potato
Mix in finely shredded carrots or blueberries
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for a soft coat
Bake longer for crunchier biscuits, or shorter for softer chews
Bonding Time While Prepping
There’s something special about baking with Nami nearby. She doesn’t beg—she just sits quietly, nose in the air, soaking in the smells.
The moment I grab the cookie cutter, she knows. She inches closer to the oven while they bake, and I swear she listens for the timer.
Making these treats isn’t just about snacks. It’s our ritual. A little pause in the day that’s just for us. And when I hand her the first cooled treat, the joy in her eyes is everything.
Storing Tips
Room temperature (airtight container): Up to 3–4 days
Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months – thaw before serving
🎯 Tip: These are perfect for daily rewards or storing in treat jars around the house.
Quick Fixes for Common Mistakes!
Sticky dough? Add a bit more flour
Too dry or crumbly? Mix in a spoonful of pumpkin or applesauce
Treats too soft after baking? Add 3–5 minutes of extra bake time
Don’t have cookie cutters? Roll into small balls and flatten with a fork!
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about making something from scratch for someone you love—especially when that someone greets you with a wagging tail and a sparkle in their eye.
These Pumpkin Puree and Banana Dog Treats aren’t fancy, but they’re filled with care, real ingredients, and joy. And for Nami , they’ve become her favorite kind of homemade magic.
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Estimated Nutrition Per Treat
(Based on 25 small dog treats, ~10g each)
| Nutrient | Per Treat (~10g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~38 kcal |
| Protein | ~1.4g |
| Fat | ~2.3g |
| Carbohydrates | ~3.1g |
| — Natural Sugars | ~0.6g |
| — Fiber | ~0.5g |
| Sodium | ~4mg |
| Moisture | Varies (based on bake time) |
🔍 Nutrient Sources
Banana: Adds natural sugar, potassium, fiber
Pumpkin Puree: High in fiber, low in calories, great for digestion
Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): Source of healthy fats and protein
Oat Flour: Adds fiber and gentle carbohydrates
Egg: High-quality protein, great for coat and muscle support
🐶 Serving Guidelines (General)
Small dogs: 1–2 treats/day
Medium dogs: 2–3 treats/day
Large dogs: up to 4 treats/day
⚠️ Always introduce new treats slowly and watch for signs of food sensitivities, especially if your dog is new to ingredients like almond/oat flour or peanut butter.
📌 Pin this to your "Homemade Dog Treats" board so it’s ready when you have an extra banana or a spoonful of pumpkin left over—trust me, your pup will notice.
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