The air is turning crisp and pumpkin spice is everywhere. With fall looming, many are preparing for the upcoming holidays – the first being Halloween.
Grocery stores are brimming with candy, but trick-or-treating shouldn’t be reserved for kids. For those who are looking to whip up some fall-inspired treats for their furry friends, consider the following:
Spooky Pupaccino
Okay, maybe there’s nothing particularly spooky about whipped cream in a cup. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up the drive-thru classic made popular by Starbucks. Mix some 100% pumpkin puree to some lite whipped cream and voila – an easy and seasonal treat for your best bud! Sprinkle some cinnamon on top to really go the extra mile.
As a bonus, pumpkin puree is a fabulous addition to your dog’s diet. It supports gut health and is a great source of fiber.
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Treats
Flex your baking skills with a simple combination of pumpkin, peanut butter, flour, and some eggs. There’s a variety of different recipes all using these simple ingredients. Pick one that uses some staple pantry ingredients you have on hand to keep things easy. In just a few minutes you can become the Dog Parent of the Year with this veterinarian approved treat.
Pumpkin “Ice cream”
The word “ice cream” is used loosely here because it’s actually frozen yogurt. By mixing equal parts pumpkin puree with non-fat plain yogurt, you get an effortless and quick batter that can be poured into an ice tray or festive mold and popped in the freezer for several hours. If the batter is too thick, stir in some water to thin it out.
To add more flair, mix in some blueberries, cinnamon, chopped spinach leaves, or other dog-friendly veggies and fruits.
One thing to consider with this treat is your dog’s sensitivity to dairy. While small portions of dairy generally do not harm dogs, some may be sensitive. Pay attention to your dog and monitor him for any adverse reactions like itching and swelling after ingesting a dairy product.
Store Bought
When all else fails, buy some treats! If you’re short on time and ingredients, there’s no shame in grabbing a box of your dog’s favorite snack from the store. You may even have a local bakery or creamery that offers dog-safe goodies to go.
To be perfectly honest, our dogs usually don’t care what treat they get. But in the off chance that you have a picky pup, offer them a food you know they can’t resist (even if it’s just some of their kibble).