Pumpkin is a superfood for humans and dogs. It's a great ingredient to add to any homemade dog food or treats, and most dogs find it delicious. Whether you choose to cook and prepare your own pumpkin or you purchase the canned variety, this fruit (yes, pumpkin is considered a fruit) is safe and healthy for your canine companion.
The flesh and seeds of a pumpkin are known for aiding in urinary tract health. If your pet suffers from urinary incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections, adding pumpkin to his regular diet may be a natural way to help. Of course, you don't want to try to treat any health issues on your own without consulting your veterinarian.
Pumpkin is also a great source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Just one tablespoon of pumpkin added to your pet's diet each day can help with constipation, diarrhea and just keeping your pooch regular. It may also ease stomach issues if Fido isn't feeling well.
Did you know pumpkin is low in calories? It's great to add to homemade treats, like these dog biscuits, because it adds flavor without unnecessary calories. These treats are fairly easy to make, and your dog is sure to love them!
MORE RECIPES HERE: Homemade Dog Food & Treats Recipes
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits Recipe for Sensitive Stomachs
Ingredients
- 1 egg (if your dog is allergic to egss, just leave this out)
- 2/3 cup pureed pumpkin
- 2.5 tablespoons flaxseed oil or olive oil
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 1/3 cup cold water
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg. Then add the pureed pumpkin. If you're purchasing canned pumpkin, DO NOT buy pumpkin pie filling. It is filled with added sugars and artificial ingredients that your dog does not need. Also, try to get organic pumpkin if possible.
Add the flaxseed oil and brown rice flour and stir until the mixture forms a dough. You'll notice the dough is very dry.
Add the water slowly to the mixture. You'll see that the dough quickly absorbs the water. If you notice the dough becoming sticky, stop adding water. Once the dough is smooth, you can roll it onto a floured surface.
As I explain in the video guide above, you'll want to roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick. Roll it as evenly as possible so the biscuits will all cook thoroughly. If you have thick spots and thin spots, you'll have biscuits that are over-cooked and some that are under-cooked.
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Once you've rolled the dough, you can use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. You can also use a pizza cutter or butter knife to cut the dough into squares, like I did. Place each biscuit on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
Since there is no rising agent in this recipe, you can place the biscuits close together on the cookie sheet. They won't rise and stick to each other. Bake the pumpkin dog biscuits at 350° for 35-40 minutes. You'll notice they turn a darker orange and begin to crack ont he top when they're finished.
You can store these dog treats in an airtight container for up to 10 days or freeze them in an airtight container to keep for up to 6 months
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