I made these Pumpkin & Oat Dog Biscuits for Nalla last weekend, and she went absolutely wild for them! It’s such a simple recipe, perfect for when you want to whip up a batch of wholesome treats without a lot of fuss. Plus, the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin baking in the oven just makes the whole house feel cozy.
Ingredients
- [ ] 1 1/2 cups (180g) whole wheat flour
- [ ] 1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats
- [ ] 1/2 cup (120g) plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- [ ] 1 large egg
- [ ] 2 tbsp (30ml) unsalted chicken or bone broth, or water
- [ ] 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, egg, and broth until smooth.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a firm dough forms. If the dough is too dry to hold together, add water 1 tsp at a time.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Cut into 1.5-inch bone or round shapes and place on the baking sheet with 1/2 inch between pieces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are dry to the touch.
- Cool completely on a wire rack — they crisp as they cool.
Nalla’s verdict
Nalla usually takes a moment to sniff new treats, but she practically inhaled the first one of these biscuits. She gave me her best puppy-dog eyes for another, and then another! I think the crunchy texture and the subtle pumpkin flavor were big hits with her.
Our Pick: Tools Used in This Recipe
What I actually use at home when cooking for Nalla:
- Mini Dog Bone Silicone Mold (18-cavity) — Bone-shape silicone — pops out frozen treats and baked biscuits cleanly. Dishwasher safe. The mold I batch-freeze yogurt bites in. View on Amazon
- VIVAGLORY Silicone Pet Food Mat (24"x16", waterproof) — Raised-edge silicone catches every spill and drip. Wipes clean in seconds — saves the floor from homemade-stew splash zone. View on Amazon
- IRIS USA WeatherPro Airtight Pet Food Container (25 lb / 33 Qt) — Foam-sealed lid + snap latches keep kibble and homemade-batch leftovers fresh for weeks. Wheels make it actually pleasant to roll out. View on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we actually use.
FAQ
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree?
No, please don’t! Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices like nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs. Always use 100% plain canned pumpkin puree. A tiny bit of cinnamon is okay, but skip other strong spices.
How should I store these biscuits?
Once completely cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months.
How many biscuits can I give my dog?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For small dogs (under 20 lb), one biscuit a day is a good guide. Medium dogs (20-50 lb) can have two, and large dogs (over 50 lb) can enjoy up to three. Always adjust based on your dog’s activity level and overall diet.
Portion guide
- Small: 1 biscuit/day
- Medium: 1-2 biscuits/day
- Large: 2-3 biscuits/day
Storage
Airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, refrigerator for 2 weeks, or freezer for 3 months.
Safety note
Use plain canned pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling (which contains sugar and nutmeg — nutmeg is toxic to dogs). Cinnamon in small amounts is safe; do not substitute nutmeg, allspice, or clove.