These Homemade Dog Treats are made with peanut butter and pumpkin and are sure to be a hit! This easy recipe is made in one bowl with just 5 ingredients – simple and delicious!
Don’t forget the humans! Try these peanut butter treats: Reese’s Peanut Butter Fluff, Peanut Butter Icebox Cake, and The BEST Peanut Butter Brownies!
Homemade Dog Treats
My son Bryce has always been super obsessed with Beagles. He has approximately 9,261 stuffed beagles but about 5 years ago, he started asking for a “real” puppy. Every time we would pass a dog, he would squeal with delight and get so excited it just made my heart melt.
But Chris, the hubby, was not on board. He didn’t grow up with dogs and pretty much thought our life would be over if we got one.
It took years of begging, negotiating, and tears to get my husband to agree to it. We got our Beagle puppy, Copper, almost exactly one year ago today.
Puppy Problems
The first few months were insanity, as all you dog owners can relate, I’m sure. It was like having a newborn in the house again. There were many days that I was outright crying because it seemed like we would never get him potty trained.
All that seems like a distant memory now and we laugh about how we thought we couldn’t be good dog parents.
Copper has changed all our lives in so many ways. He literally is a member of our family and we now question how we ever lived without him. He is constantly getting into trouble, as Beagles are well known for, but we even love that about him. We always say he’s “naughty by nature”.
We love his little snores and his constant need for belly rubs. His super soft ears are where the boys turn to when they need a little comfort after a hard day and Chris…. well, let’s just say that if Copper had to pick one parent over the other, it’d be daddy for sure.
Every night he curls up on Chris’ lap to sleep, follows him around constantly during the day and knows he’s a sucker for puppy dog eyes. It’s the cutest thing EVER.
It’s Okay To Spoil Your Pet
We spoil him rotten and love every minute of it. He’s a terror with toys – ripping out the “heart” aka squeaker of the toys, usually within minutes of getting it and then prancing around showing off his handiwork while we pick up the stuffing strewn about the house.
One of the ways that we show our love to Copper is with homemade dog treats. They are super simple to make and he loves them so much!
We have tried several different variations and make sure to switch things up now and again because like his mama, he’s a total foodie and gets bored lol!
What’s In These Dog Treats?
This particular dog treat recipe features his all-time favorite, peanut butter, and a new favorite that is perfect for fall, pumpkin! I wasn’t sure how he was going to feel about the pumpkin. I knew it was good for him though and thought I’d give it a try. He LOVES it!
It’s just 5 ingredients total (including one optional!):
- pumpkin puree
- peanut butter* (see note below)
- eggs
- whole wheat flour
- cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (optional, make your own pumpkin pie spice and omit the nutmeg as it can be toxic to some dogs)
Dog Treat Recipes
There are so many options for dog treats out there and I love giving them a try to see which ones Copper likes. We also make a variation of this recipe that includes applesauce and oats and that one is always a big hit too.
I worked on this recipe tirelessly trying to pack in as much peanut butter and pumpkin flavor while using as little flour as possible and still have a manageable dough. I’m thrilled with the results!
How To Make Dog Treats
These dog biscuits are made much like you would make sugar cookies. The dough is stiff and a little sticky. You will need to roll it out with a rolling pin and cut out shapes with cookie cutters or even a shot glass would work. I used the dog bone cutter from this set for this post but we also like to use circles, stars, trees (for Christmas), pumpkins (for Halloween) – you get the idea.
Make the dog treats as big or little as you like – whatever your pup prefers. Place the treats on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and bake until the treat is as crunchy as you like.
We found the sweet spot for Copper to be about 35 minutes. The peanut butter dog treats are fully baked at 20 minutes and will get crunchier the longer they bake. They also get crunchier after they’ve cooled so keep that in mind.
How To Store Dog Treats
These dog treats should be stored just like cookies, in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or in the refrigerator, for up to 1 month.
Can I Freeze These Dog Treats?
Yep. After they have cooled, place in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Let’s Talk Peanut Butter
Now, peanut butter is one of those things that almost ALL dogs love. But please be aware that you need to use natural peanut butter in this recipe or at least make sure that the peanut butter doesn’t contain Xylitol.
You can find more about peanut butter and dogs here.
Since you’re making pumpkin treats for your pup…
Pumpkin Recipes for Humans
- Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Muffins
- Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Bars
- Sweet Pumpkin Empanadas
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
Homemade Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup peanut butter natural, NO Xylitol or sugar substitutes
- 2 cups whole wheat flour all purpose can be used instead
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon (check your pumpkin pie spice or make your own – NO nutmeg, can be toxic to some dogs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter. Stir until completely combined.1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup peanut butter
- Add in flour and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) – stirring just until combined.2 cups whole wheat flour, ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Lightly flour a flat surface and roll out dough to one quarter inch, using flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.
- Cut shapes out of dough (here is the cookie cutters I used) and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 40 minutes – depending on desired level of crunchiness.
- Remove treats from oven and let cool on a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer.
Video
Notes
Tools and Equipment (affiliate links): Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Half Sheet Baking Sheet | Silicone Baking Mat | Parchment Sheets | Cookie Cutters
Please see post above for more information, step-by-step process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
Nutrition
Updated September 19, 2025. Originally published September 7, 2019.
Chris L. says
My 3 pups love these! Thanks for the recipe. Easy to make. I used Gluten Free Flour because I had it on hand, and it worked just fine. My dog bone cookie cutter was too big for their size, so I used cookie cutters shaped like K, L, P for their name initials 🙂
Brenda says
These are very easy to make! I wanted to make something special for my pups first birthday. I will be making these often now to have on hand. Cheaper and SO much better than store bought!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe Brenda! Thank you so much!
Crafdee says
I made a double batch of these cookies today. I used whole wheat flour, since that’s what I had on hand. By making a double batch, I could use a whole can (15oz) of pumpkin puree… the dough was a little dry, but it rolled out fine and most importantly, My Dogs Love These Cookies – even our more finicky (treat eating) 9y/o rescued male Wheaten Terrier. I’ll definitely be making these again!
Thyra Arundel says
I have been making your dog treats for 3 years. Our dog loves them. I bought a dehydrator last year and have been dehydrating the baked biscuits so they last longer, no refrigerating and are very crunchy. Thank you for the great recipe.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That is such a GREAT idea! I need to give it a try!
Anna Welch says
I just found this recipe upon searching on pinterest, they are in the oven! I used carrots instead of pumpkin, just what I had on hand. I also added some ground flax seed. I’m always timid buying treats from the store- who knows the quality of food being used. Thanks for sharing this! I’m saving it for next time 🙂 Tell your dogs my hounds say hello! (Gordie- 5 y/o Basset Hound/German Shepherd and Goose- 3 y/o Basset Hound/Labrador)
Peace and Blessings to you all.
Katie says
I made these and my girl loves them!! At first she was suspicious but, ya know XD I added a little bit of tuna because normally she’s not interested in pumpkin or peanut butter. I wasn’t able to get a shapeable dough, mine was a bit sticky no matter how much flour I added.. still a great recipe tho. ( I stopped adding flour after awhile so, who knows if adding more would’ve helped. It probably would’ve)
Kelly says
Thank you for sharing your recipe. Today is my StellaBlu’s 5th Bday and although I don’t want her to age I do know it’s inevitable. So on her birthday I love to celebrate her even more than usual. I made the recipe but cut it in half, as she won’t be able to eat all of them at once and then I can freeze the rest for her day camp day friends or give them to her a few a week. I only needed 20 minutes per tray and they were done. I put in a sealed container after fully cooling, so they will be fresh this week. Thank you again
Raymond Gustimbelli says
Just made these for my gsd gussies 7th bday he and his brother and sisterter all love them!!!
mayra says
My dog likes all the treats and more
Trish says
Hi, I ran out of you homemade dog treats (pumpkin and peanutbutter recipe), can I substitute sweet potato instead of the pumpkin puree?
Trish says
I modified the recipe because I didn’t have pumpkin puree. I used 1 cup of sweet potatoes instead. Every this else was the same. My dog loved them. He sat in front of the oven waiting for them to finish baking.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes absolutely!
Sue says
Yes, I’ve done that. This time I was a little short on pumpkin and added applesauce
Mary says
I just made these for my daughter’s dog’s 3rd birthday.
I admit … I ate one! It was pretty good!
I know that Cookie will loves these cookies! She is a peanut butter freak
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Fantastic! Our little guy just celebrated his 2nd birthday just 2 days ago and we made a batch for him too lol!
BB says
I didn’t have pumpkin so I just used a microwaved sweet potato….worked like a charm! Second time making them this way and our pup loves em!
Sarah says
My dog loves them. It’s the only treat she gets. I add oatmeal and a bit of coconut oil. I freeze them and take out enough for each day.
Lydgia Girard says
My dog is allergic to peanut butter. Any recipes without peanut butter.
Mac says
My dog seems to love these. I made them for his 4th bday/1 year adoption day. I’m always hesitant about the treats I buy, so it’s nice having a simple recipe that I can make myself. Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you gave it a try Mac!
Kristi Wheeler says
Your pup is too cute! These homemade dog treats look so easy to make thank you for the great recipe and post!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much! He’s trouble but we love him lol!
Randy says
Good trouble!
Trish H says
From one Trish to another, these dog cookies were easy to make and my Tucker loves them!! I used real pumpkin in the recipe. My mom spoiled me as a kid with making pumpkin pies and pumpkin bars with real pumpkin so I have a hard time buying canned pumpkin. I have plenty of pumpkin in the freezer.