Crunchy Pumpkin–Apple Oat Biscuits: Healthy Homemade Treats for Your Dog

Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

Homemade dog treats aren’t just a fun way to spoil your pup, they’re a smart, healthy, and budget-friendly alternative to store-bought snacks. When you bake treats at home, you’re choosing to nourish your dog with wholesome ingredients, eliminate unnecessary additives, and tailor recipes to suit their unique dietary needs.

Here’s why homemade treats like these crunchy pumpkin–apple oat biscuits are more than just cute kitchen moments:

Health and Ingredient Control

Making your own treats means you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s body. No preservatives, artificial colors, mystery meat by-products, or hidden sugars, just real food. Especially for dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or specific dietary needs, homemade treats offer peace of mind.

Cost-Effectiveness & Better Value

Premium natural dog treats can cost a small fortune. When you make them at home using pantry staples like oats, apples, and pumpkin, you often spend less per treat, especially when batch-making and freezing for later. Even if costs are similar, the quality and customization you get is far superior.

Fun, Creative & Bonding Time

From shaping biscuit dough to watching your pup’s nose twitch with excitement as they bake, making treats is a joyful experience. It’s also a chance to bond, reward, and express love with something made just for them. Whether it’s a rainy Sunday or a feel-good weekend project, baking for your dog is deeply rewarding.

Part of a Natural Feeding Philosophy

Homemade treats align with a natural approach to dog nutrition. That’s why I’ve developed a full online course on preparing raw and cooked meals for dogs, where I guide you through balanced, whole-food nutrition for long-term health. If you love this treat recipe, you’ll love the course. Click here to explore it.

 

Crunchy Pumpkin–Apple Oat Biscuits Recipe

Makes: ~40 mini biscuits

Oven: 160 °C (fan 150 °C) → finish-dry at 120 °C

Prep & Cook Time: ~1.5 hours including drying time

 Ingredients (All Organic)

• 200 g pumpkin purée (plain, thick) – homemade by steaming or roasting, then mashing
• 1 small apple, cored, finely grated (80–100 g), juice squeezed out
• 1 large egg
• 1–2 tbsp coconut oil, melted (use 1 tbsp for sensitive stomachs)
• 160 g oat flour (blend porridge oats finely — a coffee grinder works well)
• 30 g porridge oats (optional, for texture)
• 30–40 g unsweetened coconut shavings or desiccated coconut
• Optional: 1 tbsp brewer’s yeast; ½ tsp turmeric
• Adjust: Add 20–50 g more oat flour if the purée is wet

 Method

1. Preheat oven to 160 °C. Line 2 baking trays.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, grated (and squeezed) apple, egg, melted coconut oil, and optional yeast or turmeric.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in oat flour, coconut, and optional whole oats. Let rest for 5–10 minutes to hydrate.
4. If sticky, add more oat flour until you get a soft, workable dough.
5. Shape the dough: Roll or press it between baking paper sheets to 5–6 mm thick. Cut out shapes or score into small squares.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, rotating trays once. Flip biscuits, bake another 20–30 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
7. Dry for crunch: Lower oven to 120 °C and bake 30–45 minutes more, or switch oven off and leave biscuits inside with the door ajar for 45–60 minutes until bone-dry.
8. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for 2–3 months.

Customizations & Tips

• No apple? Add 20–30 g more oat flour + a splash of water
• Tiny dogs? Roll thinner (3–4 mm) and cut coin-sized pieces
• Want extra crunch? Omit whole oats and dry longer
• Add-ins we love:
  • Rosehip powder
  • Dandelion leaf
  • Nettle leaf
  • Spirulina
  • Barley grass

These superfoods add micronutrient boosts and are perfect for dogs on a natural diet.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

 – Pumpkin Purée

Packed with fibre and nutrients that support healthy digestion and a shiny coat. It’s soothing for sensitive tummies and a great low-calorie base for treats.

– Apple (grated, no seeds)

Apples are full of vitamins A & C, plus antioxidants. Their natural sweetness adds flavor dogs love — just be sure to remove seeds and the core.

– Oats (flour & whole)

Gentle on digestion, oats provide lasting energy, natural fibre, and texture. Oat flour makes the dough easy to work with, while optional whole oats add bite.

– Coconut Oil & Shavings

A source of healthy fats and a favourite for skin, coat and digestion. Coconut adds aroma and chew without unnecessary sugar or salt.

– Optional Boosters

• Brewer’s yeast: Natural source of B-vitamins for skin & coat health.
• Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory.
• Spirulina, Rosehip, Nettles: Support immunity, detox, and vitality.

 

 

How Much Does It Really Cost?

While exact prices depend on your area, making ~40 biscuits with pantry items like oats, coconut and pumpkin often costs less than a pack of premium, all-natural treats. Even better, these biscuits freeze well, making batch cooking more efficient.

What you gain in value:
✔️ Organic ingredients
✔️ Tailored to your dog’s needs
✔️ Superfood add-ons
✔️ No waste
✔️ Better health outcomes over time

• For dogs with allergies, always test a small piece first.

• Hygiene matters –  clean surfaces, hands, and tools when using fresh ingredients like eggs.

Love This Recipe? Want to Feed Your Dog Naturally Every Day?

This delicious treat recipe is just a taste of what you can achieve with natural dog nutrition. If you’re passionate about feeding your dog better, join me in my online course: An Introduction to Home-Prepared Raw & Cooked Food for Your Dogs.

I’ll show you how to build balanced meals, choose the best ingredients, and feed with confidence.

👉 Explore the course here

FAQs

Q: Can I use sweet potato instead of pumpkin?
Yes! Just make sure it’s cooked, mashed, and not too wet.

Q: Are these treats safe for puppies or senior dogs?
Absolutely, just adjust size and texture based on chewing ability.

Q: How many biscuits can I give per day?
Depends on dog size, diet, and daily calorie needs. Keep it under 10% of their intake.

Q: What if my dog doesn’t tolerate oats?
Try fine-ground rice flour or buckwheat flour, but always test in small amounts first.

Q: Can I add peanut butter or banana?
Yes, but ensure peanut butter is xylitol-free, and use small amounts to keep balance.