A great way to nurture your child and dog’s relationship and create positive interactions is to help them feel involved in their dog’s pet care. This Halloween presents one such opportunity – they can get creative and do something fun for their pooch by baking some spooktacular treats.
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats
See below for instructions on ‘how to…’ and above image for your ingredients list.
- Wash hands and have your aprons on.
- Pop all the ingredients into a large bowl.
- Mix together (water is optional to help bind the mixture if your dog peanut butter is very thick).
- Once all mixed together, transfer this onto a clean work surface.
- Work the mixture with your hands until a dough has formed.
- Roll out the dough and either cut it into strips or stamp it with your favourite cookie cutters.
- Pop onto a baking tray.
- Bake at 350°F/175°C for 40 minutes until crunchy.
- Once out of the oven, keep them out of the way of curious noses and paws to allow these to cool.
Alternative options for dogs with a sensitive stomach
For pups with sensitive tummies, here are some gentle recipe alternatives for you and your family to create. Do adapt for your own dog’s individual tolerances and needs.
Pumpkin and Oat Bites
What you will need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not spiced or sweetened).
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (or ground oats for texture).
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute).
How to make it:
- Mix pumpkin puree and egg (or applesauce) in a large bowl.
- Gradually add oat flour until you have a thick dough.
- Roll out and cut with cookie cutters, or simply form small balls for a quick treat.
- Bake at 350F/175°C for 30 minutes, until the treats are firm.
- Let the treats cool before serving.
Carrot & Apple Nibbles
What you will need:
- ½ cup finely grated carrot.
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce.
- 1 ½ cups oat flour.
How to make it:
- Combine applesauce and grated carrot in a bowl.
- Gradually add oat flour until a thick dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes or strips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, until firm.
- Let these treats cool before serving; they provide a naturally sweet, gentle-on-the-stomach snack!
🎃Have a spook-tacular time baking!🎃
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