If your dog has ever given you that “puppy eyes” look while you’re munching on a snack, you know how hard it is to resist sharing. But let’s be honest—store-bought dog treats can be pricey and full of questionable ingredients. That’s why I started making these Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks. They’re healthy, easy to whip up, and my pup absolutely goes nuts for them. Plus, with just four simple ingredients—pumpkin, oatmeal, peanut butter, and an egg—you can feel good about what you’re feeding your furry friend. Trust me, once you see their tail wagging after the first bite, you’ll be hooked on making these at home.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Honestly, these little sticks are a game-changer for any dog owner. Here’s why:
- Healthy goodness: Packed with pumpkin for digestion and oatmeal for energy – way better than mystery-meat treats
- Super simple: Just 4 ingredients and one bowl? Even my 8-year-old can help make them
- Tail-wagging approved: My picky eater Luna goes crazy for these – and she’s the toughest food critic I know
- Budget-friendly: Costs pennies compared to store-bought treats, especially if you buy oats in bulk
The best part? Watching your pup’s happy dance when they smell these baking. Pure magic.
Ingredients for Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients—I promise your pantry probably has most of them already!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling—just plain pumpkin!)
- 2 cups oatmeal (old-fashioned rolled oats work best)
- 1 egg (helps bind everything together)
- ¼ cup peanut butter (must be unsweetened and xylitol-free—this is crucial for dog safety)
That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no weird additives—just good stuff your pup will love. Pro tip: I always keep extra pumpkin puree in my freezer for impromptu treat-making sessions.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gear for these pup-approved treats. Just grab:
- A good-sized mixing bowl (I use my favorite speckled one)
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper—trust me, cleanup is a breeze)
- Your hands (for shaping those perfect little sticks!)
That’s seriously it. No stand mixers, no special tools—just simple baking the way dogs (and busy humans) like it.
How to Make Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Alright, let’s get baking! These treats come together so fast, your pup will think you’re a kitchen magician. Just follow these simple steps—I promise it’s easier than teaching “sit”!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick saves so much cleanup time, and the sticks won’t stick (see what I did there?).
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Now the fun part! Dump that pumpkin puree, oatmeal, egg, and peanut butter into your mixing bowl. Get in there with your hands or a sturdy spoon – you want everything fully combined into a slightly sticky dough. Pro tip: If it feels too wet, add a sprinkle more oats.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Time for playdoh skills! Pinch off small handfuls and roll them into little logs about the size of your pinky finger. Space them out on your prepared sheet – they won’t spread much. Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re firm to the touch and slightly golden.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Here’s the hardest part – waiting! Let those sticks cool completely before serving. I know those puppy eyes will be intense, but warm treats can upset tummies. Once cooled, watch your dog’s tail go wild!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
After making dozens of batches (my pup demands weekly production), I’ve learned a few tricks:
- Peanut butter patrol: Always double-check labels for xylitol—this sneaky sweetener is deadly for dogs. For more dog-safe recipes, check out our Pinterest board.
- The firmness test: Sticks should feel like dog biscuit texture when done—if bendy, bake 2-3 more minutes
- Cool completely: They’ll crisp up as they cool—impatient pups get crumbly treats!
- Storage smarts: Keep extras in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh about a week (if they last that long!)
Bonus tip: Freeze half the batch if you make extras—my dog loves them cold for summer treats!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These treats stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week—if your pup doesn’t devour them all first! I don’t recommend reheating—they keep their perfect chewy-crispy texture best at room temp. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer where they’ll last up to 3 months (just thaw before serving).
Nutritional Information for Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Each little stick packs wholesome goodness without the guilt! Here’s the scoop per treat (based on making 12 sticks):
- Calories: About 50
- Fat: 2g (mostly from the peanut butter)
- Protein: 2g (thanks to the egg and peanut butter)
- Carbs: 7g (slow-digesting oats keep energy steady)
Remember—these numbers can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients. But compared to most store-bought treats? These are practically health food for pups!
FAQ About Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I hear about these pup-approved treats:
- Can I use instant oatmeal? Sure, but old-fashioned rolled oats work better for texture. Instant oats can make the sticks a bit too soft.
- How long do these treats last? About a week in an airtight container at room temp—or freeze them for up to 3 months!
- Can I substitute the peanut butter? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s xylitol-free. You can also use unsweetened applesauce if your pup has a nut allergy.
- My dog is allergic to eggs—what can I use instead? Try a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) as a binder—it works like a charm!
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m happy to help!
Share Your Feedback
Did your pup go crazy for these treats? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below or snap a pic of your happy dog—nothing makes my day more than seeing those wagging tails enjoying homemade goodness.
“4-Ingredient Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks Your Pup Will Devour”
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Healthy and easy-to-make dog snack sticks using pumpkin and oatmeal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups oatmeal
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, oatmeal, egg, and peanut butter.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small stick shapes.
- Place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool completely before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Ensure peanut butter does not contain xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
