Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Treats

The cookie tray is going to the dogs.

When making up Christmas cookies tray for friends and neighbors, I thought that I would add a little something for the woofs. Does anyone else give their pets Christmas gifts? We don't give Hayden anything big, just a bone and perhaps a toy. He always loves some treats though.

Hayden thinks that he should have a bite of our cookies so why not make something that is healthy and safe for him to eat. Due to the nutmeg in the cookies, I modified the spices to make it safe for dogs to eat. These would also make great fall treat but Hayden loves pumpkin anytime. Lip-licking good.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Treats 

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup water

2 Tablespoons canola oil

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

1/2 cup oatmeal

1 1/2-2 cups whole wheat flour

Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Combine pumpkin, oil, water, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir well and gradually add oatmeal and flour in 1/2 cups until a stiff dough forms. (I used 1 1/2 cups in the dough and then about 1/2 additional when rolling out). Roll dough to 1/4″ thick and cut with cookie cutters. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 40 minutes. If using smaller cutters like pie crust cutters (like the little man) bake for about 25 minutes. Treats are done with they are a bit crisp and have darkened slightly in color.

Note: Do not make a double batch of dough. As treats bake the dough will become very stiff and hard to knead/roll.
This recipe makes enough treats to fill 2 LARGE cookie sheets full.

Adapted from It's the Dogs' Life

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Peanut butter that doesn't stick on roof of the mouth.

One of the funniest things is watching a dog that has peanut butter on the roof of its mouth. Now Hayden is much to danty of a dog for that too happen too. He drinks water from the corner of the bowl, so he doesn't slop it all over when finished. He savors the licks of peanut butter of the beaters when I made these treats. (Gross yes, dishwasher after) Even though Hayden prances, he is still a rough and tumble dog. He loves to chase ANYTHING that runs from him, you know-rabbits, birds, lizards (in AZ), cows, deer, and even a moose. So these treats are good for dogs in your purse or the dogs in the field.

Peanut Butter Doggie Treats

2 cups whole wheat flour                            
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 cup peanut butter (Chunky or smooth)
1 cup milk (doesn't matter the %)
1 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoons peanuts, smashed (if using smooth pb and want a bit of a crunch)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, milk, and honey until well combined. Add in peanuts if using. Add in flour and baking powder, mix well.
Lightly flour a surface, place dough down on it and knead.
Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (doesn't always have to be a dog bone) to cut out shapes. Place on a greased cookie sheet-or with a slip-mat, or parchment paper. They don't spread, so it is okay t place them close together but give them a bit of breathing space.
Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool completely on a rack before giving to woofer, or storing in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Dog Drops

A drop for the dogs.

I finally admit that it is fall, with the crisp morning and nights! I LOVE it! My little woof loves the fall, too! He spends his days laying out on the deck soaking in the cooler temperatures or carrying his football around the yard. Hayden also really enjoys pumpkin! So in order to give him a little taste of fall, I made him these pumpkin drops. I don't want him to feel left out from the fall baking. 

These little drops were sitting on the counter when my husband got home from work. When he had his mouth full entering the family room, I just laughed. He gave me a confused look. I told him that was nice that Hayden was sharing his treats. The response "Well they aren't half bad, lucky little guy!" Hayden enjoys them too, he was staring them down when I was trying to photograph them outside.

Pumpkin Dog Drops

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 Tablespoons butter (can leave out but keeps really moist)
1 whole egg
1/2 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put a silicon slip-mat or parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter.
In a medium bowl, beat egg with buttermilk and pumpkin. Combine with flour mixture, mix until well combined. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Drop tablespoons of dough unto cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, edges will be slightly golden. Let cool and then have the woof perform a trick.