Harvest-Time Treats: DIY Fall Dog and Cat Treat Recipes

The arrival of crisp air and falling leaves makes it the ideal time to celebrate the season with delectable, homemade snacks for your four-legged pals as well as yourself! Fall offers a bounty of delicious and healthful ingredients that are suitable for your dogs, like apples, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. These goodies with a fall theme will make your curious cat or energetic dog wag their tails and purr with happiness.

Why Make Homemade Treats for Your Pets?

Making your own pet treats is a terrific way to keep an eye on what goes into your pet’s diet and make sure that there are no unhealthy fillers, artificial preservatives, or excessive amounts of salt and sugar. It’s also a playful way to express your affection in the cosy fall months.

These are some delectable and healthy meals that you can quickly prepare at home with ingredients that are in season. Now let’s get going!

1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

A falltime favorite, pumpkin is full of vitamins and fiber that are excellent for your dog’s digestive system. These sweets are guaranteed to be a smash when combined with peanut butter!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
3. Slowly add in the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into fun fall shapes like leaves or pumpkins.
5. Place the treats on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until firm.
6. Let them cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

2. Sweet Potato Bites for Cats

Not only are sweet potatoes a fantastic fall food for people, but they’re also terrific for your feline companions! Packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, these snacks provide your cat’s immune system a healthy boost.

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken (plain, no seasoning)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, shredded chicken, and egg until well mixed.
3. If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a little oat flour to create a firmer texture.
4. Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
5. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and golden.
7. Allow them to cool before serving to your cat. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

3. Apple and Cheddar Dog Biscuits

Your dog will find these biscuits appealing because they combine the savory flavor of cheddar cheese with the crisp flavor of fall apples. Apples are rich in antioxidants and fiber, while cheese gives your dog a small amount of calcium and protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple (grated or finely chopped)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the grated apple, cheddar cheese, applesauce, and water together.
3. Slowly stir in the flour until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
5. Place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm.
6. Let them cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

4. Tuna & Pumpkin Cat Cookies

Tuna is a favorite food of cats, and the pumpkin flavoring makes these treats especially festive for fall. This is an easy-to-make meal that tastes great and won’t take long to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp oat flour (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, mix the tuna, pumpkin, and egg until smooth.
3. If the mixture is too soft, you can add a bit of oat flour to thicken it.
4. Drop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are firm.
6. Allow them to cool completely before giving them to your cat. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

5. Carrot & Apple Dog Chews

These chews are a low-calorie, chewable treat that is ideal for your dog because they contain two nutritious fall ingredients: carrots and apples.

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots (grated)
• 1 apple (grated)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the grated carrots, apple, and egg.
3. Slowly add in the flour, oats, and water until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into small logs or balls, then place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and chewy.
6. Cool completely before serving.

Closing Remarks

Not only can you employ seasonal items in homemade treats, but you can also manage the nutritional value and quality of your pet’s food. These healthy, straightforward dishes can add a particular touch to your pet’s fall season and are very simple to make.

Introduce new treats sparingly, and before giving your pet any new meals, check with your veterinarian if they have any dietary needs or medical issues. Cheers to creating sweets!