You know that tail-wagging excitement when your pup hears the treat bag crinkle? Now imagine their joy when you pull out homemade chicken & pumpkin biscuits—fresh from your oven! I started baking these for my golden retriever Max after he turned his nose up at store-bought treats. One whiff of these golden-brown goodies, and he does his happy dance by the kitchen door. What I love most? They’re packed with simple, wholesome ingredients—real chicken, fiber-rich pumpkin, and nothing artificial. And trust me, if I can make these (someone who once burned microwave popcorn), you absolutely can too. Your furry friend will thank you with slobbery kisses!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Dogs
Let me tell you why these little biscuits have become my go-to treat for Max (and all his furry friends who come visiting). First off, they’re ridiculously easy to make – like, “I-can-do-this-while-my-coffee-brews” easy. But the real magic is in what they do for your pup:
- Happy tummies: Pumpkin keeps things moving smoothly (if you know what I mean)
- Protein power: Real shredded chicken keeps tails wagging
- No mystery ingredients: Just 5 simple things you can pronounce
- Budget-friendly: Costs way less than fancy store-bought treats
- Tailor-made: You control the size and shape for your pup
Plus, that proud feeling when your dog chooses YOUR biscuits over anything else? Priceless.
Ingredients for Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Dogs
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just five ingredients that you probably already have. But listen up, because a couple of these need special attention:
- 1 cup cooked chicken – Shred it finely (I use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil a breast). No skin or bones, please!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – NOT pie filling! That sugar and spice will upset pup tummies. Look for plain 100% pumpkin in cans.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour – Gives these biscuits their sturdy crunch. If your dog has wheat sensitivities, oat flour works too.
- 1 large egg – Our binding superstar. Room temperature blends best.
- 1/4 cup water – Just enough to bring everything together. You might need a splash more depending on your pumpkin’s thickness.
Pro tip from my messy kitchen adventures: measure the pumpkin first – it keeps the measuring cup greasy enough that the flour won’t stick when you measure that next!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets here! Just grab these basic tools from your kitchen:
- A trusty mixing bowl (I use my favorite chipped one)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment (saves cleanup time!)
- Rolling pin (or a wine bottle in a pinch – I’ve been there)
- Biscuit cutter or knife (cookie cutters make fun shapes!)
That’s it! No stand mixer required – these come together beautifully with just some good old-fashioned arm power.
How to Make Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Dogs
Alright, let’s get baking! I promise this is so simple even my cat could do it (though she’d never admit to cooking for the dog). Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have your pup’s new favorite treats in no time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – fire up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. No parchment? A light spritz of cooking spray works too. This little step saves you from scrubbing stuck-on biscuits later (trust me, I learned the hard way).
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now the fun part! In your mixing bowl, combine that shredded chicken, pumpkin puree, and egg. I like to use a fork to really mash everything together until it looks like a chunky orange paste. Don’t worry about perfection here – a few chicken stringies are totally fine! That’s where the flavor lives.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Time to bring it all together. Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour, about 1/2 cup at a time. Add the water as you go – the dough should come together without being sticky. If it’s too dry, add water teaspoon by teaspoon. Too wet? A sprinkle more flour. You’re aiming for playdough consistency.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Too thick and they won’t crisp up nicely. Now for the creative part! Use cookie cutters for fun shapes (bones, paws, fire hydrants – go wild!) or simply slice into squares with a knife. My secret? A pizza cutter makes quick work of this step.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Arrange your biscuits on the prepared sheet – they don’t spread much so you can crowd them a bit. Pop them in the oven for 25 minutes until golden. Then comes the hardest part – letting them cool completely before your pup gets a taste. I usually distract Max with a walk while we wait!
Tips for Perfect Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Dogs
After making dozens of batches (and watching Max do his taste-test dance every time), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for biscuit success:
- Watch the clock: These can go from golden to overdone fast. Set a timer – 25 minutes is usually perfect, but ovens vary. You want them crisp but not rock-hard.
- Dough drama? If it’s too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Too dry? A few drops of water or extra pumpkin does the trick.
- First-time treaters: Start with just one biscuit to check for allergies – especially if it’s your pup’s first time with pumpkin or wheat.
- Size matters: Smaller dogs get smaller biscuits (I make half-dollar sized ones for my neighbor’s Chihuahua).
Remember – if your first batch isn’t perfect, dogs are the most forgiving food critics!
Storage & Shelf Life
Here’s the best way to keep those biscuits fresh so your pup gets perfect crunch every time! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature—they’ll stay good for about a week. I use mason jars because Max thinks it’s fun when I shake them (his version of a dinner bell). For longer storage, freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just pop one out whenever you need it—they thaw in minutes, but my dog happily eats them frozen too (extra crunch!).
Nutritional Information for Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Dogs
Now, I’m no vet, but here’s the scoop (get it?) on what’s in these treats per biscuit: about 50 calories with 3g protein from that good chicken, 1g fiber from pumpkin, and minimal fat. But heads up—these are estimates based on my kitchen scale and grocery store brands. Your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your chicken’s leanness or pumpkin brand. Always check with your vet about portion sizes, especially for pups watching their waistlines. Max gets two a day as rewards—any more and he’d have me baking full-time!
Frequently Asked Questions
After sharing this recipe with so many pup parents, I’ve gotten some great questions! Here are the answers to what everyone wants to know:
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Absolutely – that’s what I use! Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling (that has sugar and spices that can upset doggy tummies). A 15-oz can gives you enough for a batch with some leftover for your next baking session.
What flour substitutes work?
If your dog has wheat sensitivities, oat flour or coconut flour work great. With coconut flour, you’ll need less – start with 1 cup and add more as needed since it’s super absorbent. My neighbor’s gluten-free pup loves the oat flour version!
How many treats per day?
This depends on your dog’s size and diet. For my 60-pound golden, 2-3 biscuits daily is perfect as training rewards. Small dogs? Maybe just half a biscuit. Always subtract treat calories from their regular meals to avoid weight gain – your vet can give you the perfect portion for your pup!
Can I make these without chicken?
Sure thing! I’ve used pureed sweet potato instead when chicken wasn’t handy. The texture changes slightly, but dogs still go nuts for them. Just keep the same 1 cup measurement of whatever protein or veggie you swap in.
Share Your Experience
Did your pup go wild for these biscuits? Snap a pic of their happy face (or crumbs everywhere!) and share below. I’d love to hear your baking adventures – and so would Max! You can also find more dog treat inspiration on Pinterest.
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3-Ingredient Chicken & Pumpkin Biscuits for Happy Pups – Simple & Wholesome
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 20 biscuits
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Homemade chicken and pumpkin biscuits for your dog. These treats are easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chicken, pumpkin, and egg in a bowl.
- Gradually add flour and water until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into small shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Check for allergies before feeding.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
