Halloween is a fun time for everyone in the family, including your furry friends. Treat your canine companion to some homemade, spooky-themed dog treats that are not only delicious but also safe for them to enjoy. This recipe combines the flavours of pumpkin and peanut butter for a tasty Halloween delight.
Ingredients:
For the treats:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour (gluten-free if your dog has allergies)
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the icing:
– 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and water. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
- Add flour and cinnamon: Gradually add the flour and cinnamon (if using) to the wet ingredients, mixing to form a dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour to achieve the right consistency – the dough should be firm and not too sticky.
- Roll and cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 0.6cm. Use Halloween-themed cookie cutters (like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats) to cut out the treats. Place the cut-outs onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the treats in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm.
- Prepare the icing: While the treats are cooling, mix the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter in a small bowl to create the icing.
- Decorate: Once the treats have cooled, drizzle or spread a small amount of the peanut butter-yogurt icing on each treat to create spooky designs. You can get creative with Halloween-themed decorations, like adding yogurt ‘spiderwebs’.
- Let the icing set: Allow the icing to set for a little while before giving the treats to your dog. You can refrigerate them briefly to help the icing firm up.
- Serve: Present these homemade Halloween treats to your dog and watch them enjoy this seasonal delight.
Take home message
Remember that while these treats are made with dog-friendly ingredients, moderation is key. Halloween is a time for fun, but it’s important to ensure that your dog’s treats are part of a balanced diet. If your dog has any food allergies or sensitivities, adjust the recipe accordingly or consult with your vet for guidance. Enjoy celebrating Halloween with your canine companion!
