You know that look your dog gives you when you’re eating something delicious? That “please share” face? Well, I finally found a treat that makes both of us happy – these sweet potato pumpkin balls! After my vet warned me about store-bought treats packed with preservatives, I started experimenting with simple, wholesome ingredients. What I came up with has become my pup’s absolute favorite.
These little golden nuggets combine two of dogs’ favorite flavors – sweet potato and pumpkin – in one nutritious bite. My golden retriever Max goes crazy for them, and I love knowing exactly what’s into his treats. No mystery ingredients, no artificial colors, just real food that’s as good for him as it is tasty.
Why Your Dog Will Love These Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls
- Natural ingredients mean no weird chemicals – just wholesome foods you recognize
- Easy to digest thanks to the pumpkin’s fiber content (perfect for sensitive stomachs!)
- Irresistible taste – the sweet potato and pumpkin combo is like doggy dessert
- Soft texture makes them great for puppies and older dogs alike
- Nutrient-packed with vitamin A from the sweet potatoes and fiber from pumpkin
The best part? These treats smell amazing while baking – like autumn in dog treat form. My whole kitchen fills with this warm, sweet aroma that gets Max’s tail wagging before they’re even out of the oven!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these wholesome dog treats. I keep it simple because, honestly, that’s how the best recipes always are. Gather these ingredients and let’s get baking:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium potato, roasted and peeled)
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sweet potato: Roast it whole at 400°F for about 45 minutes until super soft – this brings out the natural sweetness Max goes crazy for. Let it cool before peeling and mashing.
Oat flour: Can’t find it? Just pulse rolled oats in your blender until powdery. For grain-free pups, almond flour works too, but you might need an extra tablespoon of pumpkin to bind everything.
Coconut oil: If you don’t have any, a neutral oil like sunflower works fine. I just prefer coconut oil for its added benefits.
The key here is using pure pumpkin puree – the canned stuff with no added sugars or spices. Accidentally grabbing pumpkin pie filling once led to some very… energetic behavior from Max!
How to Make Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls for Dogs
Okay, let’s get baking! These sweet potato pumpkin balls come together so easily – Max practically dances circles around my feet when he smells them cooking. Here’s exactly how I make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, this saves so much cleanup!
- Mix everything in a big bowl. Start with your mashed sweet potato and pumpkin puree, then add the oat flour, egg, and melted coconut oil. Stir until it forms a thick, sticky dough. If it seems too wet, sprinkle in a little extra oat flour.
- Roll into balls about 1-inch diameter (think ping pong ball size). Pro tip: Keep a bowl of water nearby to wet your hands – this prevents the dough from sticking!
- Bake for 20 minutes until firm to the touch but still slightly soft inside. They’ll firm up more as they cool.
- Cool completely before serving. I usually let them sit for at least 30 minutes – Max hates waiting but it’s worth it!
The whole process takes about 30 minutes start to finish, and your kitchen will smell incredible. I always make a double batch because these disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Perfect Dog Treats
- Don’t overbake! They should be firm but still slightly soft – they’ll harden as they cool.
- Sticky dough? Wet hands make rolling so much easier.
- Size matters – keep them small for little dogs, bigger for large breeds.
- Test one first – bake a single ball to check cooking time if your oven runs hot.
- Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
My first batch came out rock-hard because I got distracted (thanks, Max begging!). Now I set a timer religiously – perfect treats every time.
Storing and Serving Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls
These treats never last long in my house (Max has a sixth sense for when they’re ready!), but here’s how to keep them fresh. Store cooled sweet potato pumpkin balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days – though mine are usually gone in 2! For longer storage, pop them in the freezer where they’ll keep for 3 months. I freeze them in single layers on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. No need to thaw – Max loves them straight from the freezer as a cool summer treat!
For serving, I give Max 1-2 balls per day depending on his size (he’s 65 lbs). Smaller dogs might do best with half a ball. They make perfect training rewards too – just break them into pea-sized pieces. Pro tip: Warm them for 5 seconds in the microwave to make the kitchen smell amazing and get those tails wagging!
Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls Nutritional Info
Let’s talk about what makes these treats so good for your pup! (Remember, these numbers are estimates – actual values may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients.) Each sweet potato pumpkin ball contains about:
- 50 calories – perfect for training rewards
- 1g protein from the egg and oat flour
- 7g carbs for energy (the good kind!)
- 1g fiber thanks to that pumpkin and sweet potato
- 2g healthy fats from the coconut oil
What you won’t find? Artificial junk, excessive salt, or mystery fillers. Just real-food nutrition that makes both you and your dog happy. Max’s vet always compliments his shiny coat – I swear it’s these treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies eat these sweet potato pumpkin balls?
Absolutely! I’ve been giving them to puppies (in smaller pieces) for years. Just remember their tummies are smaller, so start with half a ball to see how they handle it. The soft texture is perfect for those baby teeth!
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you’re in a pinch, mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce works, though the texture will be slightly different. Whatever you do, don’t use pumpkin pie filling – the spices and sugar aren’t dog-friendly. Ask me how I learned that lesson!
How many treats can I give my dog per day?
I stick to 1-2 balls for my 65 lb golden retriever as a general rule. Smaller dogs should get less. Remember, treats should only make up about 10% of their daily calories – no matter how much they beg with those puppy eyes!
Are These Treats Safe for All Dogs?
While most dogs handle these ingredients well, always check with your vet first if your pup has food sensitivities or special dietary needs. I learned this the hard way when my friend’s bulldog turned out to be allergic to oats – now we make a grain-free version for him!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your pup enjoys these sweet potato pumpkin balls! Did they go crazy like Max does? Snap a photo of your dog’s “happy dance” when you pull these from the oven and share it in the comments below. Your baking stories and pup reactions make my day!
Print
7 Irresistible Sweet Potato Pumpkin Balls Your Dog Will Devour
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious treat for your dog, made with sweet potatoes and pumpkin. These balls are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients your pet will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
- Let them cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Consult your vet if your dog has dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
