3 Pumpkin and Oat Dog Cookies (Easy Recipes)

For many dog owners, the treat aisle at the local pet store can be a source of frustration. When “Luna,” a Golden Retriever with a sensitive stomach, began turning her nose up at highly processed biscuits, her owners decided to investigate the labels.

They found a long list of unpronounceable preservatives and fillers. This discovery sparked a transition to the home kitchen. By focusing on two powerhouse ingredients fiber-rich pumpkin and soothing oats they developed a trio of distinct, easy-to-make cookies.

From a crunchy classic to a savory peanut butter variation, these recipes provide a wholesome, cost-effective way to reward good behavior without compromising digestive health.

A Quick Guide to Safe Treat Ingredients

Before preheating the oven, it is essential to understand why these specific ingredients are chosen and how to select them safely.

1. The “Simple Digestive” Pumpkin Oat Snap

This foundational recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those new to homemade treats. It focuses purely on the digestive benefits of pumpkin and oats without competing flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Purée
• 1 large Egg (shell removed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the rolled oats into a food processor and pulse until they resemble a coarse flour.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, pumpkin purée, and egg.
4. Mix thoroughly until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a sprinkle more oats; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
5. Roll the dough into small balls (approx. 1 inch) and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Use a fork to flatten each ball into a cookie shape, about ¼ inch thick.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are hard.
8. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Assumed Batch Size: ~30 cookies

Per-Treat Summary:

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:

If your dog enjoys a harder crunch which helps clean teeth, turn the oven off after baking but leave the cookies inside with the door slightly ajar for an extra 30 minutes to dehydrate them further.

2. The “Peanut Butter Power” Drop

For dogs who are highly food-motivated, the addition of peanut butter makes this recipe a high-value reward. This variation is slightly higher in calories and healthy fats, making it perfect for active days.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• ¾ cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Purée
• ¼ cup Natural Peanut Butter (No Xylitol)
• 1 large Egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pulse the oats in a food processor until fine.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
4. Add the processed oats to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
5. Knead the dough lightly with your hands.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface (use oat flour) to ¼ inch thickness.
7. Use a cookie cutter or cut into small squares.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes.
9. Cool completely before storage.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Assumed Batch Size: ~30 cookies

Per-Treat Summary:

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:

Use a bone-shaped silicone mold for these! The peanut butter dough presses easily into molds and holds the shape beautifully after baking.

3. The “Fruity Harvest” Apple & Pumpkin Cookie

This variation introduces apple for a touch of sweetness and extra vitamins. It is an excellent choice for dogs who prefer a lighter, fruitier taste over the savory profile of peanut butter.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• ½ cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Purée
• 1 small Apple (peeled, cored, and grated)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 pinch Ceylon Cinnamon (Optional ensure it is true Ceylon cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pulse 2 cups of the oats into flour; leave 1 cup whole for texture.
3. Peel and grate the apple finely (discard the core and seeds, as seeds are toxic).
4. Mix the pumpkin, egg, and grated apple in a large bowl.
5. Fold in the oat flour, whole oats, and cinnamon.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the baking sheet and press flat with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until crispy.
8. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Estimated Calorie & Nutrition Breakdown:

Assumed Batch Size: ~35 cookies

Per-Treat Summary:

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip:

Leaving 1 cup of oats whole provides a chewy texture that many dogs enjoy. It mimics the texture of granola clusters, offering variety from the standard hard biscuit.

How to Store Your Homemade Treats

Proper storage is critical to prevent mold, as these homemade versions lack the heavy chemical preservatives found in commercial treats.

• Baked Treats (Crunchy): Ensure they are 100% cool before packing. Warmth creates condensation, which leads to mold. Store in an airtight container or cookie jar on the counter for 3–5 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, press out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw a few at a time in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Which Batch Will You Bake?

Making treats at home allows for total control over nutrition and quality.⁴ Whether you choose the “Simple Digestive,” the “Peanut Butter Power,” or the “Fruity Harvest,” you are providing a snack free of mystery ingredients.

Which recipe from this collection will you try first? Whip up a batch for your canine companion and let the community know how they liked them! Tag #HealthyDogTreats on social media with a picture of your pup enjoying their fresh cookies!