This simple and wholesome recipe for homemade air fryer dog treats is a delightful way to pamper your furry friend while ensuring they enjoy a healthy snack. Crafted with just a handful of simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs, these pumpkin dog treats not only offer a burst of flavor that dogs adore but also provide essential nutrients.
I spend a lot of time cooking delicious meals for my humans but I can't forget our four-legged friends. Our pups truly are like family members and they deserve to be pampered and enjoy special treats just like the rest of us. I love cooking in my air fryer and now I'm even cooking for my dog!
Store-bought treats are convenient but they are often loaded with fillers and questionable ingredients. By making your own treats, you can prioritize your pet's well-being, steering clear of additives and preservatives often found in store-bought alternatives. And these simple recipe for air fryer pumpkin dog treats are made with just 4 wholesome ingredients!
These homemade dog biscuits are also a good gift to give to a neighbor that has a fur baby. I put them in a cute sealed bag along with a copy of the printable recipe card on it so everyone knows exactly what's in these air-fried dog treats. This is a big hit during holiday season.
Air frying takes just a few minutes, allowing you to create a batch of these canine delights in no time. Your pup will wag its tail in anticipation of these golden, homemade air fryer dog treats. Treat your furry friend to a batch, and watch them savor the love you've baked into each bite.
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Ingredients
- Flour – All-purpose flour is a convenient and affordable option or opt for whole wheat flour for added nutritional value.
- Pumpkin Puree – Pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and moisture to the treats. Not only does it taste great, pumpkin is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and providing a nutrient boost.
- Peanut Butter – Peanut butter contributes a delicious nutty flavor that dogs love. It also serves as a binding agent in the dough. Make sure you use dog-safe peanut butter which means that the peanut butter has no added sugar and has zero xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that can be harmful to dogs. Natural peanut butter options are readily available at your local grocery store.
- Eggs – Eggs act as a binding agent and help provide structure to the treats. They also add moisture, making the treats tender. Additionally, eggs offer protein and essential nutrients for your dog's overall health.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs to a large mixing bowl and mix until fully combined. Add in 1 cup of flour and mix until combined. Add in another cup of the flour and mix until a doughy mixture forms.
2. Knead the dough by hand and add the remaining flour as needed, until the dough reaches a soft, but not sticky or crumbly consistency.
3. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out as many cookies as you can with your cookie cutter (I used the bone) and set aside on a cookie sheet or similar dish.
4. Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper and place treats in a single layer without touching. Cook in batches at 370 degrees for 4-5 Minutes or until just lightly browned on the top.
Hint: The treats will be warm when they are fresh out of the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes before feeding to your pooch!
How to Bake Dog Treats in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is a standard baking temperature for dog treats. Place the treats on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each treat. Bake the treats in the preheated oven for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. Allow the treats to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and produce a crunchy treat.
Variations
- Sweet Potato Treats – Substitute sweet potato puree for pumpkin puree. Sweet potatoes are another dog-friendly vegetable and great option to add natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
- Cheese – Add a small amount of dog-friendly cheese (make sure it doesn't contain any harmful additives) to the dough for a cheesy variation that many dogs find irresistible.
- Applesauce – Replace a portion of the pumpkin puree with unsweetened applesauce to introduce a hint of apple flavor and provide additional vitamins.
- Oatmeal and Banana – Incorporate rolled oats into the dough and add mashed bananas for a treat that's not only tasty but also rich in fiber.
- Carrots– Grate carrots and mix them into the dough for a crunchy texture and a vegetable boost. Carrots are also good for your dog's teeth.
- Parsley – Mix in a small amount of finely chopped fresh parsley for breath-freshening properties and added nutrients.
Equipment
While you can use any cookie cutter shape you like, as a small bone cookie cutter adds an extra level of cuteness to these air fryer dog treats.
The number of treats you can cook in a single batch will depend on the make and model of your air fryer. No matter how small or large your air fryer, the key is to place the treats in a single layer with no overlapping while they cook. A larger air fryer can cook more delicious treats but cook in batches if necessary.
Storage
Allow the treats to cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold.
Store the treats in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale. A sealed container also helps keep out humidity.
While most homemade dog treats can be stored at room temperature for a week or two, if you've added ingredients like fresh fruits or vegetables with higher moisture content, consider refrigerating the treats for extended freshness. This is especially important if the treats don't contain preservatives.
If you've made a large batch or want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the treats. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen treats can typically be stored for several months.
Air Fryer Baking Tips
- Ensure that all ingredients used in your homemade treats are safe for dogs. Avoid ingredients like chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol), as they can be harmful to dogs.
- The dough should be soft but not sticky or crumbly. Add flour gradually and knead until you reach the desired texture.
- When rolling out the dough, use additional flour on the surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to cut out shapes and transfer them to the air fryer or oven.
- Have fun with different cookie cutter shapes, but ensure they are of an appropriate size for your dog. Bone shapes are classic, but hearts, stars, or other fun shapes can add variety.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Preheat your air fryer or oven before placing the treats inside. This helps ensure even cooking and better results.
- If your air fryer doesn’t let you set it to 370, use 365 instead. If it also doesn’t have that setting, use the next closest, as long as that option isn’t very far over the suggested temperature.
- Keep a close eye on the treats during the cooking process. Cooking times can vary based on the size of the treats and the appliance used. Remove them when they are lightly browned.
- The dog treats may curl a little as they cook. No worries, your dog will still love them.
- For crunchier dog treats, extend the cooking time.
- Allow the tasty treats to cool completely before offering them to your dog. This helps them firm up and improves the texture.
FAQ
Homemade dog treats can be safe for your dog, as long as you use dog-friendly ingredients and avoid harmful substances like chocolate, onions, garlic, and artificial sweeteners. It's essential to be aware of your dog's specific dietary needs and any allergies they may have.
You can easily adjust the ingredient measurements to half the recipe or double it and store the treats for later use.
The basic recipe can be used for various dog breeds. Select a cookie cutter size that is suitable for your dog.
Treats should be given in moderation and incorporated into your dog's overall diet. Consider your dog's size, activity level, and dietary requirements when determining treat frequency.
If you like this pumpkin dog treats recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Air Fryer Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups Flour
- 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
- ⅓ cup Peanut Butter
- 2 large Eggs
Instructions
- Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs to a large mixing bowl and mix until fully combined.
- Add in 1 cup of flour and mix until combined. Add in another cup of the flour and mix until a doughy mixture forms.
- Knead the dough by hand and add the remaining flour as needed, until the dough reaches a soft, but not sticky or crumbly consistency.
- Lay out a large piece of parchment paper and sprinkle lightly with flour before dumping the dough onto the prepared surface.
- Roll out with a rolling pin to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out as many cookies as you can with your cookie cutter (I used the bone) and set aside on a cookie sheet or similar dish.
- Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper and place as many treats as you can, in the bottom, without them touching. I was able to fit 6-7 at a time in my particular air fryer.
- Cook on 370 degrees for 4-5 Minutes or until just lightly browned on the top. Remove and let cool for a few minutes before feeding to your pooch!
- Repeat until all treats are done. Store in an airtight container away from moisture and heat.
Notes
Nutrition
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