Homemade Dog Treats

My two rescues, Ralphie and Gracie, make my life so much sweeter. They're my heartstrings and I will do anything for them -- including making them homemade dog treats. And maybe turning on Animal Planet for them to watch. And also holding them like babies. Whatever. 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can of pumpkin puree

• 8oz of peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs

• 2 ½ cups of flour

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Quick tip – if you want the parchment paper to adhere to the cookie sheet, lightly spray cooking oil around the edges of the cookie sheet and then put the parchment paper on top.

In a stand mixer, mix together the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs on medium speed until uniform.

Turn the mixer on low and add in the flour a half cup at a time until incorporated. Lastly, add in the graham cracker crumbs and mix on medium until combined. At this point, your dough should no longer be sticky. If it is still sticky, mix in more flour until you reach the right consistency.

Now, take the dough out of the mixer and knead on a floured surface until smooth. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick and cut out shapes with your preferred cookie cutter.

Once you’ve cut out the treats, roll the excess dough back out and cut even more until all of the dough is gone.

Place the shapes on the parchment paper that is lining your cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. If your pups prefer a crispier treat, you can extend the baking time by about 3-5 minutes at a time, being sure to check the consistency often so as not to overcook. Just ask your dog if they’re more into a softer treat or a well-done one. Act accordingly.

Once your dog is satisfied with your decision on texture and the treats are all done, take them out of the oven and let cool completely. Then give your very good boys and girls several. Follow your heart. Maybe 5 each.