Welcome to My Cozy Kitchen, Pup Parents!

Hey there, kitchen adventurers! Harper here, wooden spoon in hand and a cloud of cinnamon swirling around my sunlit kitchen. 🍂✨ You know that happy dance your pup does when you rustle the treat bag? Imagine creating that magic yourself with the cozy, comforting scents of fall filling your home. That’s exactly why we’re whipping up these Dehydrated Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats today! If you’ve ever side-eyed store-bought treats with their mystery ingredients (seriously, what is “meat by-product”?), you’re in the right place. These wholesome bites are like a warm hug for your furry bestie – packed with tail-wagging flavor and made with love in your own oven or dehydrator. They’re grain-free, gently dried to lock in nutrients, and perfect for training rewards, stuffing into KONGs, or just saying, “You’re my good boy/girl!” on a crisp autumn afternoon. Let’s turn your kitchen into a pup-patisserie and bake some joy! 🐾💛

Biscuits, Blunders, and One Very Patient Pup

Picture this: It’s my first autumn with my rescue mutt, Barnaby, a goofy lab mix with eyebrows that look permanently worried. I was drowning in pumpkin puree after going slightly overboard at the patch (who can resist those cute little sugar pumpkins?!). Determined to channel my inner canine chef, I attempted dog biscuits. Let’s just say my first batch resembled charcoal briquettes more than treats. Barnaby, bless his patient heart, gave one a dubious sniff… then promptly buried it under the couch cushions! 😂 That humble (and slightly embarrassing) start taught me a golden rule: Low and slow is the way to go for pup treats! Dehydrating, not baking, became my secret weapon. Seeing Barnaby’s tail whip into a frenzy when I finally nailed these chewy, apple-kissed bites? That’s the moment I knew I had to share them. It’s not just about the treat; it’s about that shared moment of pure, uncomplicated joy between you and your furry sous-chef.

Your Pup’s Pantry Staples: Simple & Wholesome

Gather these goodies! Remember, always use unsweetened, additive-free versions for pups.

1/2 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened): The superstar! Packed with fiber (hello, happy tummies!) and vitamins. Chef’s Tip: Not canned pie filling! Ensure it’s plain pumpkin. Leftover puree? Freeze in ice cube trays!
1/2 apple, finely grated (no seeds or core!): Adds natural sweetness and crunch. Safety First: Apple seeds contain cyanide – core meticulously! Grating helps release moisture and flavor.
1 egg: Our binder and protein boost. Substitution: For egg-free pups, use 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit 5 mins to gel).
1/2 tsp cinnamon (Ceylon preferred): Warmth without the worry! Key Insight: Ceylon cinnamon is gentler and safer for dogs than Cassia. A little goes a long way!
1 1/2 cups oat flour or coconut flour: The base! Flexibility Wins: Oat flour (blitz rolled oats!) is classic. Coconut flour is grain-free but SUPER absorbent – start with 1 cup and add more as needed for a playdough-like dough.
Optional: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal or chia seeds: Omega-3 boosters for shiny coats! Mix right in.

Let’s Make Some Tails Wag: Step-by-Step!

Ready? Aprons on, pup eagerly supervising! Here’s how we create magic:

Preheat & Prep: Fire up your oven to its lowest setting (usually 170°F/75°C) or set your dehydrator to 165°F (74°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper – trust me, cleanup is way easier! Chef Hack: If your oven doesn’t go that low, crack the door slightly with a wooden spoon handle for airflow.
The Flavor Party: In your favorite mixing bowl (mine’s the chipped blue one!), combine the pumpkin puree, finely grated apple (squeeze out excess liquid with your hands first!), egg, and that lovely Ceylon cinnamon. Stir with gusto until it looks like a vibrant, speckled orange hug. Pro Tip: Taste isn’t for us, but smell it! That’s the cozy aroma your pup will adore.
Flour Power: Gradually add your chosen flour (remember the coconut flour caution!). Stir with a sturdy spoon, then get your hands in there! Knead gently just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Texture Check: It should hold together without being crumbly. Too sticky? Add flour 1 tbsp at a time. Too dry? A tiny splash of water or more pumpkin.
Roll & Cut: Lightly flour your surface (oat/coconut flour works). Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness – think sturdy cracker, not thin cookie. Grab your cutter! Bone shapes are classic fun, but small circles or hearts work too. Re-roll scraps. Time Saver: Skip rolling! Pinch off small pieces and flatten into rustic “bites.” Barnaby approves of all shapes!
Low & Slow Drying: Arrange treats on the parchment, leaving a smidge of space. Place in the oven/dehydrator. Now, patience, grasshopper! This takes 4-5 hours. Secret Weapon: Rotate the trays halfway through for even drying. They’re done when completely hard and dry through the center – no soft spots! Let them cool COMPLETELY on the sheet. Why? Trapped steam = mold risk. Yikes!

Pup-Serving Perfection: How to Shine!

Presentation matters, even for pups! Store these gems in an airtight container at room temperature (up to 2 weeks) or freeze for months-long freshness. For extra flair:

Pop one into a puzzle toy for mental stimulation.
Crush slightly over their kibble for a “gourmet” dinner topper.
Hand out during training sessions – they’re the perfect motivational size!
Package some in a cute jar tied with twine for your dog park besties (pup popularity guaranteed!).

Shake It Up! Tasty Twists for Every Pup

Got a picky pupper or dietary needs? Let’s riff!

Peanut Butter Power: Swap 2 tbsp pumpkin for unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter. Pup heaven!
Blueberry Boost: Replace apple with 1/4 cup mashed blueberries (antioxidant bonus!).
Single-Ingredient Simplicity: Just slice sweet potato or apple thinly, dehydrate solo! Easiest “treat” ever.
Salmon Sensation: For fish lovers, replace pumpkin with canned salmon (in water, drained well) and omit apple/cinnamon.
Puppy Teething Relief: Make them thicker (1/2 inch) and dehydrate longer (6+ hours) for serious chewing.

Harper’s Heart-to-Heart: Notes from the Counter

Oh, friends, this recipe is my love letter to Barnaby and all the furry hearts out there. It evolved from those early hockey-puck failures into our most-requested “biscuit” (Barnaby literally herds me towards the pantry!). The biggest lesson? Dogs don’t care about perfection. A lopsided bone or a slightly thicker bite? They only taste the love (and pumpkin!). I keep a big jar on the counter, and the clink of the lid is Barnaby’s dinner bell. Seeing him wiggle with anticipation never gets old. Remember to introduce new treats slowly, watch for tummy upsets (though pumpkin usually helps!), and adjust size for your dog. Most importantly? Enjoy the process! Blast some tunes, let your pup “help” clean the floor (ahem), and savor making something truly special for your four-legged family. That’s the real magic. 🐶✨

Your Pup Treat Questions, Answered!

Let’s tackle those head-scratchers:

Q: My treats are still soft in the middle after 5 hours! Help!
A: Ovens/dehydrators vary! They likely need more time. Check hourly. If using coconut flour, it absorbs moisture slowly. Ensure they’re spread evenly – overcrowding traps steam. If still soft tomorrow, pop them back in!
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Roast or steam plain pumpkin (no spices!), puree until smooth, and drain WELL in a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth overnight. Canned is just easier and consistent!
Q: Is cinnamon REALLY safe? I’ve heard mixed things.
A: Great question! Ceylon cinnamon (often labeled “true cinnamon”) is safe for dogs in small amounts (like our 1/2 tsp). Avoid large quantities or Cassia cinnamon. When in doubt, omit it! The pumpkin and apple are still delicious.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog per day?
A: These are treats, not meals! Factor them into your dog’s daily calorie intake. Generally, 1-3 small treats per day for an average-sized dog is a safe guideline. Adjust for size/activity level. Consult your vet if unsure!

Dehydrated Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

Author: Harper Callahan
Total Time: ~5 hrs

Print Recipe

Description

Hey, pup parents! Imagine whipping up homemade treats that smell like fall and get full-body wiggles from your furry bestie. These chewy, wholesome bites are packed with pumpkin, apple, and a sprinkle of cinnamon—made with love, not mystery ingredients. Perfect for training, treat puzzles, or just being the Best Human Ever. Let’s make tails wag the cozy way!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
½ apple, finely grated (no seeds/core)
1 egg (or 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, soaked)
½ tsp Ceylon cinnamon (optional but pup-safe!)
1½ cups oat or coconut flour
Optional boost: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal or chia seeds

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 170°F (or use a dehydrator at 165°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Mix magic: Combine pumpkin, grated apple (squeeze out liquid), egg, and cinnamon. Stir well.
Dough time: Gradually mix in flour until you get a soft, rollable dough. Adjust with flour or a splash of water as needed.
Shape: Roll to ¼” thick and cut into bone shapes (or pinch into rustic bites).
Dehydrate: Bake 4–5 hours, flipping once, until fully dry. Cool completely before storing.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 4–5 hrs

Nutrition

Calories: 20 cal per serving
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g

Nutritional Nibbles (Per Treat, Approx.)

Calories: 20
Fat: 0.5g
Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g

Remember: This is an estimate. Values can vary slightly based on exact ingredients and treat size.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Treat

At the end of the day, these pumpkin-apple-cinnamon bites aren’t just about filling a cookie jar—they’re about filling your dog’s life with little moments of joy. Whether it’s Barnaby’s “happy dance” when he hears the treat bag or the pride of handing a homemade goodie to a fellow pup parent, this recipe is a celebration of the bond we share with our dogs.

So here’s to the burnt batches, the flour-dusted kitchens, and the wagging tails that make it all worthwhile. Keep it simple, have fun, and remember: To your dog, you’re not just a cook—you’re a culinary wizard. Now go forth and dehydrate like a boss!