Did you know that you can make your own Halloween-appropriate pet treats using leftover pieces of pumpkin?
Pumpkin is actually very good for many animals, as it contains lots of fibre which can help keep pets’ digestive systems healthy and functioning. Before you dive into making your own pet treats, you should first learn which types of pumpkin are healthy for your pet to eat, and how much you can safely give them each day.
These ideas are also great for using up any pumpkin leftovers from cooking or carving, reducing the amount of waste you create as a bonus to being tasty for your pets.
Can my dog eat pumpkin?
Pumpkin is great for dogs in moderate amounts, as it helps their digestive system stay healthy. However, you should be aiming for only 4–5 tablespoons a couple of times per week — assuming your dog is of medium size — as too much can cause constipation. Adjust this amount accordingly if your pet is smaller or bigger. For dogs, the pumpkin should always be fresh (not tinned) and you should remove the rind, pulp, and stem as it can cause intestinal blockages.
You might be surprised to learn that cats can happily eat both fresh and tinned pumpkin. However, they should be given it in moderation as too much can cause diarrhoea. Try cutting the fresh pumpkin into chunks and steaming it to give your cat a treat that can keep their stomach healthy.
Pumpkin spice Puppuccino
Complement your furry friend’s tasty Halloween treats with the perfect drink. While it’s a good idea to give them their water bowl alongside the snacks, why not give them something fun as a treat too? A pumpkin spiced latte may be a popular Halloween beverage for many of us, but it can also be made for your pooch to enjoy too using only 3 ingredients.
Blend a small amount of plain (xylitol-free) whipped cream, a spoonful of fresh pumpkin puree and a pinch of ground cinnamon, pour into a small cup and voila you can share the drink of the season with your pooch!
Frozen pumpkin yoghurt treats
Not only can dogs and puppies eat pumpkin in moderation, but they can also eat Greek yoghurt in small quantities. As it contains lactose, you should keep yoghurt portions to only treats, rather than feeding it in higher quantities, but it can be a great choice to add protein and probiotics to your pooch’s diet, which assists good digestion.
Take equal parts fresh pumpkin and Greek yoghurt, measuring with cups or a measuring jug depending on what’s easier for you. Mix the two ingredients together thoroughly and portion the mixture into ice cube trays with a spoon. Then, put them in the freezer for at least a few hours —preferably overnight.
In the morning, you should have lots of cube-shaped dog treats all ready for your puppy or adult dog. Add one or two to their dinnertime meal or give the treats as a reward for responding to commands. Your pooch will love the new variety in their diet!
Baked pumpkin dog biscuits
Every dog loves dog biscuits. They’re a simple, crunchy, and satisfying snack. But did you know that you can make them yourself? These baked pumpkin dog treats will keep well in the fridge for up to a week in an air-tight container, and for three months in the freezer. They only contain three ingredients and are easy to whip up. You’ll need 400g of rolled oats (not quick-cooking or porridge oats), two eggs, and 140g of fresh pumpkin. Preheat your oven to 180° Celsius, and then blend the oats in a food processor until they are almost flour consistency but have some bigger pieces left.
Add the pumpkin and eggs to the blender and grind the mix until it forms a dough. Your pumpkin should blend into a puree consistency as you do this. Scoop out tablespoons and make small cookie shapes on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. Flatten them with a fork dipped in flour to avoid it sticking. Bake them for 15–20 minutes, turning them over halfway through cooking. Cool the treats completely before giving them to your dog.
Peanut butter pumpkin balls for dogs
If you want a good treat to take with you on the go, look no further than these pumpkin peanut butter balls. All you’ll need is some fresh pumpkin blended to a puree, peanut butter, and porridge oats. Take 136g of fresh blended pumpkin, 68g of xylitol-free peanut butter and 340g of porridge oats. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl — start with a spoon, then switch to your hands as the mixture becomes thicker and dough-like.
When the mixture is thick enough, take a small amount and roll it into a ball. Complete this for the rest of the dough. Portion the treats according to your dog’s size, as smaller dogs and puppies will need little bites, and larger dogs will want something more substantial. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and put them in the fridge for a few hours. After they have been in the fridge for an hour or more, they should hold their shape, and you can then store them in a covered container without needing to keep them chilled.
This is a guest post by Pet Range. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email [email protected].
