Like many of you, I am a proud pet parent. My dog Brady has been a member of the family since I was 5 or 6 years old, and I can’t imagine life without him. Unfortunately, as he’s gotten older, he’s lost some of the spring in his step, and he now spends his days sleeping and searching for crumbs on the floor. As his health continues to degrade with old age, my family and I spend more and more time searching for ways to improve the quality of his life. We have tried everything, from wheatgrass pills to fish oil to glucosamine supplements, yet the change that has made the biggest difference is much simpler: real food. After switching out a large portion of his dog food for home-cooked meals consisting of vegetables, cooked grains, and clean proteins, we have noticed a huge improvement in his overall well-being.

In addition to making more of his meals from scratch, we have also switched to mostly homemade dog treats. The treats sold at pet stores are filled with low-quality scraps from the human food industry, making them far less than ideal for the optimal health of our furry friends.  By making them at home, you can control exactly what goes into your dog’s biscuits! Plus, it’s quite simple to make dog treats at home; all it takes is an hour every few weeks. If you would like to improve the quality of your dog’s life but aren’t quite ready to start cooking all their meals from scratch, this simple dog treat recipe is the perfect way to get started!

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Chia Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 3 chia eggs 3 tbsp chia seed + 2/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour substitute some or all for whole wheat flour to make these treats even healthier!

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Stir together chia seeds and water to create chia eggs. Allow mixture to stand for 5-10 minutes, or until a gel-like consistency has formed.
3. Beat together chia eggs and pumpkin until well blended, then mix in salt, cornstarch, and flour.
4. Work dough with your hands for several minutes, then roll into a 1/2″ thick sheet.
5. Use cookie cutters to cut into your desired shape, rerolling scrap dough until none remains.
6. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 1″ between treats.
7. Bake for 40 minutes, flipping treats once halfway through baking time.
8. Allow biscuits to cool and let your dog(s) dig in!

Tips:

1. Adjust Treat Size: Tailor the size of the biscuits to your dog’s breed and preference. Smaller treats are ideal for little pups, while larger dogs might appreciate heartier portions.
2. Experiment with Shapes: Have fun with different cookie-cutter shapes. Not only does it add a playful touch, but varied shapes can also be exciting for your furry friend.

How to Store Pumpkin Chia Dog Biscuits

Once the biscuits have cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For short-term storage, keeping them at room temperature works well. If you’ve made a larger batch, consider refrigerating for extended freshness. To store even longer, freeze the biscuits in a freezer-safe container or bag. This ensures your homemade treats stay delicious and ready for your furry friend whenever they deserve a tasty reward.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Ensure it’s cooked and mashed before adding it to the recipe.

Can I substitute cornstarch with another ingredient?

Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives to cornstarch.

How long do these dog biscuits last?

When stored in an airtight container, these biscuits can last up to two weeks. Refrigeration or freezing can extend their shelf life further.

Can I customize the treat shapes for my dog?

Absolutely! Use various cookie cutter shapes to add a fun and personalized touch to the biscuits.

Is whole wheat flour a healthier option?

Yes, substituting some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour adds nutritional value, making the treats even healthier for your dog.

Pumpkin Chia Dog Biscuits

Recipe by Food by Ayaka

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

29.05

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

Instead of heading to the store for your dog’s treats, try making this homemade version instead. Filled with nutritious ingredients like pumpkin and chia seeds, these treats will keep your pup healthy and happy!

Ingredients

• 3 chia eggs 3 tbsp chia seed + 2/3 cup water

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour substitute some or all for whole wheat flour to make these treats even healthier!

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Stir together chia seeds and water to create chia eggs. Allow mixture to stand for 5-10 minutes, or until a gel-like consistency has formed.
• Beat together chia eggs and pumpkin until well blended, then mix in salt, cornstarch, and flour.
• Work dough with your hands for several minutes, then roll into a 1/2″ thick sheet.
• Use cookie cutters to cut into your desired shape, rerolling scrap dough until none remains.
• Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving 1″ between treats.
• Bake for 40 minutes, flipping treats once halfway through baking time.
• Allow biscuits to cool and let your dog(s) dig in!