Limited Ingredient Pumpkin Oatmeal Soft Dog Treat (wheat free and doubles as pill-pocket)

I've been making dog treats for some time now. Truthfully, the commercial ones just scare me. Too many recalls, too many sick dogs, too many questionable ingredients. I have posted several of my favs on this blog in the past but this recipe has become my "go to" treat.

Reasons I love this recipe.

• You can make the treats crunchy or soft
• The treats can double as a pill pockets
• It's wheat free
• It only has 3 ingredients
• Only takes a few minutes to mix (one bowl)
• My dogs LOVE them
• They contain pumpkin, great for constipation or diarrhea and generally very healthy.

One of my senior dogs has awful food allergies and we have to be careful about what he eats. He has never had a reaction to any of the three ingredients in these easy to make treats and I like knowing they are so good for him. 

Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber which is especially beneficial to senior dogs who may struggle with bowel irregularity. It is also a great alternate grain for dogs who are allergic to wheat (including whole wheat).*

Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. Eggs can give dogs that are prone to digestive upset a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog's food is a healthy treat but make sure you use cooked whole egg since raw egg whites can cause a biotin deficiency.**

Pumpkin is wonderful for dogs. It's good for both diarrhea and constipation because its loaded with fiber. Its also high in beta-carotene which is converted to vitamin A. But don't give too much as too much A is toxic to dogs. A couple of teaspoons for puppies or a couple of tablespoons for big dogs should keep them on track. ***

Let me talk to you a bit first about the oatmeal flour. I make my own and try to keep some on hand in an airtight container. Just add regular rolled oats (oatmeal) to a food processor and whirl away until its close to a cornmeal consistency. Make extra so you have some ready for next time. If your dog doesn't have a problem with wheat you can substitute all purpose flour or whole wheat flour.

So, this is how you make them.

Whisk your egg a little

Add the pumpkin and oatmeal flour

Stir around to mix well.

Form into balls using about 1 Tablespoon for each and place on pan lined with parchment paper.

Bake in preheated 350º oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

To use for giving pills to your dog: Let them cool completely and just push the pill into the soft treat before giving to your furry friend.

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix!)
• 3/4 cup oatmeal flour

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350º
• Line cookie sheet with parchment paper
• Whisk egg a bit with a fork
• Add pumpkin and oatmeal flour and mix well
• Shape into balls using about 1 Tablespoon for each.
• Bake about 20 - 25 minutes
• Let cool completely

Makes 16-17 treats


Options:

• If you don't want to use as pill pockets, shape into patties and bake about 10 minutes for soft to 20 minutes for crispy. After they cool you can tell how soft or hard they are adjust your next batch accordingly.
• If want a fancier look you can roll out on floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. But really, its not like the dog cares. lol
• You could also make with whole wheat or all purpose flour instead of oatmeal flour

*  Dog Approved People Food - Cesar's Way (https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/dog-approved-people-food

**  10 "People" Food for Dogs - Modern Dog Magazine (moderndogmagazine.com/articles/10-people-foods-dogs/1896

***  Dog Nutrition: A to Z - Cesar's Way (https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/dog-nutrition-a-to-z)