We all know that this time of year brings about plenty of off-limits treats to tempt our four-legged family members. While most of our pets are probably happy to simply celebrate the holiday with their favorite humans, we enjoy any opportunity we have to shower them with a little extra love. That’s why we’ve dug up our 3 favorite homemade pet treat recipes- no tricks included.

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies

• 2 Cups oats (old fashioned or instant)
• ½ Cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling- check the ingredients if in doubt. It should be 100% pumpkin with nothing added)
• ½ Cup peanut butter

Directions:

1. Combine pumpkin puree and peanut butter in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Pulse oats in a food processor until it has been ground into a fine powder.
3. Add ground oats to peanut butter and pumpkin mixture and combine.
4. Roll the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface (use brown rice flour if your pet is sensitive to wheat)
5. Cut the dough with a festive cookie cutter (we like pumpkins or dog bones!), and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 300° for 25 minutes or until hard and dry.

Pumpkin Carrot Muffins

• 1 Cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 Cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling- check the ingredients if in doubt. It should be 100% pumpkin with nothing added)
• 1 Cup shredded carrot (approx 2-3 large carrots)
• ½ Cup Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.
2. Scoop approximately 2-3 tablespoons into each well in a muffin tin (an ice cream scoop works well for this)
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 350º

Pumpkin Ginger Puppy Puffs

• ½ Cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling- check the ingredients if in doubt. It should be 100% pumpkin with nothing added)
• 1 Cup rice flour
• ½ tbsp cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tbsp ground ginger
• 1 egg
• ½ Cup honey

Directions:

1. Thoroughly beat pumpkin puree, egg, and honey in a bowl. Set aside
2. Mix rice flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl, and then add in pumpkin mixture. Mix until thoroughly incorporated. The mixture should be cookie dough consistency. If it is too runny, add more rice flour.
3. Spoon balls of dough approx ½ – ¾” in diameter onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15 minutes at 175º.

Keep in mind that although these treats are pet-safe, they are best enjoyed in moderation. Happy Halloween!

To learn about the Essential Pet brand and our trusted products, please visit www.21stessentialpet.com.

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