Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Treats

During my previous employment at a Doggie Daycare, I came to learn that dogs actually LOVE canned pumpkin.  Not only do my dogs go crazy for it when mixed in with their food, but it's a great source of fiber as well.

As I've asked in the past, please make sure your dog doesn't have any allergies to these ingredients!  Try in small doses if unsure, and make sure there aren't any upset tummies.  Yes, this recipe calls for cinnamon, which is fine for dogs in small doses, and has even been said to help increase blood flow.  If at all concerned, please leave it out, I'm sure your dog will still enjoy them. ;]

Some of the cookies I rolled into small balls and pressed slightly in a criss-cross pattern with a fork to resemble peanut butter cookies, others I used a small maple leaf cookie cutter.  I wanted some softer cookies as well as crunchy ones.  For softer cookies take them out of the over right away, whereas for harder cookies leave them in the turned off oven until they get as hard as you like.  If still not as hard as you want your treats to be, consider baking them for 5 minutes longer.

The only change I made was increasing the amount of canned pumpkin, as this made the dough more manageable without the addition of water.

Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Adapted from "Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats," by Kelly
www.allrecipes.com
Makes 25 medium servings, or 40+ smaller servings

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (plus some extra to flour surface)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (NOT PUMPKIN PIE MIX)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

~Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

~Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with a heavy spoon until a dough forms.

~Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it. You will then want to roll out your dough until it is about 1/2" thick.  At this point you can use your cute cookie cutters, or whatever means you like, to get your desired shapes and sizes.

~Bake your treats on your lined baking sheet for roughly 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly hard to the touch.  For a harder treat, rather than removing them from the oven at this point, turn your oven off, and let the treats sit for another 10-30 minutes. (If worried too hard, make sure a butter knife can break one)

~Cool them off completely, and let your puppies enjoy!  These should be stored in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

Daisy gets more of these than she should, haha, but how could I resist that face! xxoxx