Fall for Flavor: Baking a Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Snack for Your Pup
Fall has arrived …
and there’s something truly undeniably cozy about staying home, indulging in the warm hues of autumn, and spoiling our furry companions with homemade treats. As a dog lover, photographer, and nature enthusiast based in Southern California, I find immense joy in capturing the essence of this season, both through my lens, in my home and in my kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe using healthy ingredients that not only nourishes your dog but also gets you into the seasonal spirit of kindness and sharing.
Why Homemade Dog Treats?:
As an animal advocate, I believe that our pets deserve the very best. That's why I love creating homemade dog treats. You have full control over the ingredients, ensuring your pup gets a tasty and healthy snack without any hidden additives. Plus, there's something special about the act of making treats from scratch—it's a way to show our dogs just how much we care. So let’s get to it!
Commitment time is about 1 hour: 15-30 minutes prep time, 40 minutes baking time.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup canned pureed pumpkin (unsweetened - not pumpkin pie filling)
2 tablespoons natural organic peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol)
2 eggs (pasture raised organic fed hens are happy hens, and they make healthy eggs!)
2 1/2 cups organic flour (try oat flour, I used less than what the recipe called for, about 2 cups.)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for that extra fall flair. I use Ceylon, a healthier inflammatory fighting option than regular Saigon cinnamon)
1 teaspoon water, or more if necessary (optional)
Recipe Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Gradually add the flour and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix until you have a dough-like consistency. If you’ve baked homemade pie crust before, it should have a similar consistency. You can start by adding the 2 cups of flour and then gradually add more as needed. If the dough is not workable, this is when you can add the optional water.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 thickness if using cookie cutters to create fun shapes that your pup will adore. Else, keep the rolls like I did rolled at 1/4 inch thickness and simply cut into into bite size pieces.
Place the cutout treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
Once baked, let the treats cool completely. You can even add some decorative touches like a drizzle of peanut butter on top!
*Cookies should keep for about a week, or longer in dry desert areas. Inspect for freshness before feeding to your puppers.
Fall Flair and Atmosphere:
To truly embrace the fall spirit while baking, light some cinnamon-scented candles, put on your coziest sweater, and let the warm colors of the season inspire your photography. Capturing the process is just as rewarding as indulging in the final product.
Photography Tips: For those of us who cherish both our dogs and our cameras, here are a few tips to capture the essence of fall in your photos:
Embrace natural light: Take advantage of the soft, golden sunlight that autumn brings. Shoot near a window or outside to enhance those warm tones.
Incorporate fall props: Think colorful leaves, rustic baskets, or a plaid blanket backdrop to infuse a touch of autumn into your shots.
Capture the joy: Don't forget to snap candid moments of your pup eagerly waiting for their treat or savoring it with pure delight.
Puppy Taste Test:
The best part of baking homemade treats is watching your pup's excitement when they finally get to taste their reward. But if your pups are anything like mine, they’re usually lurking right underneath the table waiting for “samples” to drop before I’m even done! I let them enjoy “licking the bowl” and taking part in the entire process. It makes us all so happy!
Either way, I guarantee you'll be greeted with wagging tails and eager eyes. Just remember to ensure the treat is suitable for your dog's size and dietary needs.
Shown: My two quality Assurance Managers, Grizli and Bells are hard at work.
Conclusion:
This fall-inspired baking adventure is not only a wonderful way to treat your dog but also an opportunity to capture beautiful moments in your cozy kitchen. Embrace the season's warmth, flavors, and colors, and share these delightful moments with your furry friend. After all, fall is about appreciating the simple joys in life, and there's nothing simpler or more joyful than a wagging tail and a homemade treat.
If you enjoyed this recipe and photography tips, consider sharing your own baking adventures with me on social media, and don't forget to check out my photography portfolio for captivating moments with pets and nature.
Happy baking, happy photographing, and most importantly, happy fall to you and your beloved furry companions! 🍁🐾
