Looking for a way to make the holiday kitchen less hectic and your dog happy? This guide shows you how to whip up quick, healthy, and vet-approved dog treats. You’ll need just three ingredients: oat flour, pumpkin purée or ripe banana, and creamy peanut butter. Mixing it up is quick, bake time is around 10 minutes at 350°F, and let them cool before giving them to your pup.
Make sure your peanut butter is plain and doesn’t contain xylitol, added salt, or oils. Choose pure pumpkin or a ripe banana for sweetness that’s safe for your dog. Oat flour makes the treats soft and is great for dogs who can’t eat wheat. Using small leaf or bone-shaped cutters, you can turn them into festive holiday biscuits. Each batch makes about 50 mini treats, each with around 18 calories, keeping treats below 10% of daily calories.
If you’re pressed for time, these treats take only 15 minutes. You just need a bowl, a spoon, and a baking sheet. For something even quicker, try frozen yogurt drops or banana-peanut butter bites that you can freeze. Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or freeze them. These pumpkin peanut butter treats are easy, make the holiday cheerful, and are safe for your dog.
Quick, Vet-Safe Ingredients for Festive Dog Treats
When baking holiday treats for dogs, use vet-safe ingredients. Simplicity is key. Avoid adding sweeteners or salt. A simple recipe works well for any batch size and makes Thanksgiving special.
Peanut butter: choose xylitol-free, unsalted, peanuts-only
Opt for peanut butter without xylitol and only made from peanuts. It should have no sugar, salt, or oils. Products like Smucker’s Natural or Trader Joe’s Peanuts-Only are good choices. Check with your vet for your dog’s specific needs and portion sizes.
Pumpkin or banana: pure pumpkin purée or ripe bananas for sweetness
Use pure pumpkin purée or ripe bananas for a natural sweet taste. These are perfect for making dog treats without artificial sweeteners. Choose unsweetened, plain pumpkin like the one from Libby’s.
Oats and oat flour: gentle fiber and wheat-free option
Rolled oats and oat flour offer gentle fiber and are great for dogs preferring wheat-free options. These ingredients are mild and support a healthy coat with B vitamins. Make sure treats are baked and cooled right.
Simple swaps: oat flour vs. all-purpose flour
For fresh oat flour, just grind rolled oats. Use plain all-purpose flour if your dog is okay with wheat. But remember to keep treats simple. Avoid harmful ingredients like onion, garlic, or too much salt.
Moderation matters: treats under 10% of daily calories
Keep treat sizes safe. Treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Mixing 1 cup rolled oats (or 3/4 cup oat flour), 1/2 cup pumpkin or banana, and 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter creates a festive flavor without overindulgence.
How to Make Thanksgiving Dog Treats
This easy dog treat recipe is great for a busy holiday. You can make small batches of crispy 350°F dog biscuits. They’re perfect for letting your pup join in on the Thanksgiving fun.
Three-ingredient base: oat flour, pumpkin or banana, creamy peanut butter
Begin with 3 simple ingredients: oat flour or rolled oats, pumpkin or banana, and peanut butter. This mix forms a dough perfect for baking into fragrant biscuits. It’s an easy recipe with ingredients you probably have at home.
15-minute method: mix, roll, cut, and bake at 350°F
First, heat your oven to 350°F and get your baking sheet ready. Mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and cut it into shapes. Then, bake the biscuits. In about 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll have yummy dog treats.
No-fuss prep: knead by hand, no extra flour needed to roll
Mix the dough with your hands until it’s just right. If it’s sticky, add a bit more oat flour; if it’s dry, add some peanut butter. You don’t need extra flour for rolling, which keeps things clean and easy.
Cut into small bones, leaves, or turkey shapes for holiday flair
Choose festive shapes like bones, leaves, or turkeys for your dog treats. Small cookie cutters make baking quick and add a fun touch. This makes the treats extra special for Thanksgiving.
Cool completely before serving to protect teeth and digestion
Bake them for about 10 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool on the pan, then move them to a rack. This makes the biscuits firm and easy to store. Once cool, they’re ready for your dog to enjoy.
5 Fast Recipes for the Holiday Rush
These quick dog treat recipes are perfect for a busy Thanksgiving. You can make them with easy-to-find pantry items. This way, you can cook while your other dishes are finishing. Just remember to keep the treats small. This helps them not to exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Oat–Pumpkin–Peanut Butter Biscuits:
Bake 10 minutes at 350°F Start by mixing 1 cup rolled oats or 3/4 cup oat flour with 1/2 cup pumpkin and 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter. Roll the dough until it’s 1/4 inch thick, cut it into shapes, and bake for 10 minutes. You’ll get about 50 mini biscuits, each with about 18 calories. They offer a warm fall taste and a nice, soft crunch.
Peanut Butter Banana Bites:
Mash banana, PB, oats; quick chill or bake Combine a ripe banana with some natural, unsalted peanut butter and oats. Form the mixture into little balls. Then, either chill or freeze them for 1–2 hours until firm, or bake quickly. These treats are quick to make and have a sweet aroma, all without extra sugar.
Apple Cinnamon Minis:
Whole wheat flour, applesauce, cinnamon, quick bake Mix whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and ground cinnamon into a dough. Roll it out, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F until firm. Adding a thin glaze of applesauce after cooling can make them shiny. These treats have a light spice flavor that’s a big hit with dogs.
Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats:
Freezer-friendly, minimal hands-on time Puree plain Greek yogurt with either peanut butter or fruit. Pour the mixture into silicone molds and freeze. These frozen treats are great for dogs who get warm in the kitchen. They offer a nice, cold snack.
Speed tip:
Toaster oven small batches while the turkey rests Use your toaster oven for treats when the main oven is busy. Baking small batches at 350°F works well, especially if you flip them halfway to crisp the edges. You can keep any of these treats in a sealed container on the counter for up to 5 days, in the fridge for two weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.
Step-by-Step: 15-Minute Pumpkin–Peanut Butter Oat Treats
Make quick, cozy treats with items from your cupboard and a bit of care. The steps are simple and sure, perfect for quick dog biscuits during busy times. You get a recipe for pumpkin peanut butter dog treats great for making healthy snacks and small batches without hassle.
Ingredients: Mix 1 cup of rolled oats (or 3/4 cup oat flour), 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter, and 1/2 cup pumpkin purée or ripe banana. This combo makes the treats wheat-free and easy on the stomach.
Make oat flour: Turn rolled oats into a fine powder with a blender if that’s what you’re starting with. Already ground? That works too, keeping your treat-making quick and without surprises.
Mix and knead: Combine oat flour, peanut butter, and pumpkin or banana together with a fork. Knead it with your hands until you have a solid ball of dough. If it’s too dry, add more peanut butter. Too sticky? Mix in more flour. Your aim is smooth, easy-to-handle dough for quick dog biscuits.
Roll and cut: Flatten the dough about 1/4 inch thick. Cut it into small shapes like bones, leaves, or turkeys, making them perfect for festive, evenly baked treats.
Bake and cool: Put them on a sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Ensure they cool down fully before you give them out, keeping the treats crisp but gentle.
Yield and calories: You’ll make around 50 tiny biscuits, each with about 18 calories. This recipe is a great base for making healthy treats in small batches, or even a thoughtful gift box.
Smart Storage, Safety, and Travel Tips
To store homemade dog treats, let them cool down first. Then, put them in airtight containers. They stay fresh on the countertop for up to five days if your kitchen is cool and dry. If you refrigerate them, they can last about two weeks. Freeze treats in freezer-safe bags or boxes for longer storage; they can last for months. Many dogs like them cold too.
For small holiday batches, bake treats in a toaster oven. They’ll cook quickly and evenly. Use parchment paper on trays to stop them from sticking. Crispy treats keep well at room temperature. If you need to hide a pill in a treat, softer bakes are better. For traveling, pack dry, firm snacks in a hard tin to stop them from breaking. Also, take a resealable bag for any leftovers.
If your dog is on a special diet, try making treats from canned dog food. Spread it thin, cut into small squares, and bake until firm. This will give the treats a good texture, which is easier to store and less messy. Bake them at 350°F, flipping once.
Freeze yogurt or banana–peanut butter treats in ice cube trays. They are easy to grab and give to your dog. But they thaw quickly, so they’re not great for travel. If you do take them on a trip, keep them cool with an ice pack. And remember to note the bake date on the containers to track their freshness.
Whenever you make dog snacks, keep them safe. Always read labels for harmful ingredients like xylitol and added salt. Avoid sugars and cook oats instead of serving them raw. Treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is on a special diet like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat, check with your vet first.
Conclusion
Making Thanksgiving dog treats is easy and safe with this guide. Start with a simple mix: oat flour, pumpkin or ripe banana, and creamy peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol. You just mix, roll them out, and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. In no time, you’ll have about 50 mini treats, each with roughly 18 calories. It’s a fast, healthy option for pet owners with a lot on their plate but still prioritize their dog’s health.
Choosing the right ingredients is key. Only use peanut butter made from peanuts, unsweetened pumpkin, ripe bananas, and cooked oats. These ingredients add soft fiber and tasty flavors. These DIY dog biscuits quickly cool down and keep their shape, perfect for cutting into cute shapes. Just keep the treat sizes small and remember to follow your vet’s advice on treat portions. Treats shouldn’t be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Also, check with your vet if your dog needs a special diet.
Storing these treats is hassle-free. You can refrigerate them for a few days or freeze them for longer. Many dogs love these pumpkin peanut butter cookies straight from the freezer. If they’re softer, they can be great for hiding pills. Don’t worry if your main oven is busy. You can make small batches in a toaster oven without messing with your holiday cooking.
For different flavors without extra work, try making frozen yogurt treats, apple cinnamon mini treats with unsweetened applesauce, and banana–peanut butter snacks. Each recipe is quick and tasty. By using some basic ingredients and taking things one step at a time, you can share the holiday joy with your pet through delicious, healthy treats. These are all based on real, vet-approved advice for dog snacks.
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