Pumpkin: A Healthy Treat

The girls patiently waiting for their pumpkin treat!

I don’t know about you, but here at Ashling Place, November is one of our favorite times of the year. There is something about the spirit of this thanksgiving season that makes us feel so grateful. Sure, there are some bittersweet feelings as we put the garden to bed for the winter; however, we are extremely thankful for the bountiful harvest from which we will delight in during the cold months ahead. 

A garden favorite here at the homestead is pumpkin - specifically pumpkin pie and pumpkin cookies. It never fails that when asked to bring something to an event or dinner party, it is usually one of these two items. I thoroughly enjoy baking with pumpkin; however, I often find that my recipes never use all of the pumpkin I spent the whole morning roasting! Most recipes call from anywhere to a cup to 2 cups of pumpkin puree, so regardless of whether you use pie pumpkins (my preference) or canned pumpkin (comes in a 15oz can when you need 16oz), chances are you will have extra puree. So, what to do with it? 

Fortunately if you are a dog owner, your pups will gladly take that extra pumpkin off your plate. You certainly can store it and add it as a small treat to your favorite pups meals, or you can use it to make a scrumptious goodie for your pup. Pumpkin is a healthy treat option for our canine companions. Its high fiber content is not only good for their digestive system, but it has also been shown to be beneficial for dogs that suffer from urinary incontinence and can even help with weight management (please consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes to your pet’s diet). 

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Here is the recipe we use here at the farm. Not only is it healthy, but it’s easy and can be prepared while your pies are baking in the oven…


Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog treats

2 1/2 Cups Oat flour (use Bobs Red Mill)
1/2 Cup Pure Pumpkin Purée 
2 Tbsps Krema Nut Peanut Butter
2 Large eggs, beaten
1 Tsp cinnamon 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together into one bowl. Roll dough out onto surface (sprinkle oat flour on surface to prevent sticking). If using cookie cutters, roll dough into about 1/4 inch thick sheet, or you can just roll into log and slice into 1/4 inch pieces. Bake for 40 minutes. Using your finger, test to the cookies to make sure they are hard in center. If not, continue to bake, extending the time in 3 minute increments until the cookie is firm to the touch.

Store in air tight container - should keep about 2 weeks if stored properly.

Using a 1 inch sized pumpkin cookie cutter, this recipe makes approximately 9 dozen treats! Plenty to share with your favorite furry companion, as well as all your canine loving friends.


Enjoy!! 

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