Pumpkin & Oat Bones – Christmas Dog Treat Recipe

The holidays are a fun time to spoil your dog with a homemade treat. These Pumpkin & Oat Bones are easy to prepare, affordable, and made with simple ingredients.

The bone shape also makes them perfect for Christmas treat jars, stocking stuffers, or a homemade gift for another dog lover.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

These treats combine pumpkin, oats, egg, and natural peanut butter into an easy homemade snack.

Simple ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples without added sugar.
Easy to customize: Change the size, shape, or optional ingredients to suit your dog.
Budget-friendly: Most of the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find.
Nice texture: They bake up firm on the outside with a slightly softer center.
Perfect for Christmas: The bone shape gives them a fun holiday look.

Disclosure: As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Shopping List

Old-fashioned rolled oats (you’ll blend some into oat flour)
Unsweetened canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Egg
Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsweetened)
Ground cinnamon (optional, dog-safe in small amounts)
Ground ginger (optional, tiny pinch)
Water (as needed for texture)
Optional add-ins: finely chopped parsley, unsweetened applesauce, or a splash of low-sodium bone broth

How to Make It

Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Make the oat flour: Put 2 cups of rolled oats into a blender or food processor. Pulse until they become a coarse flour.
Mix the wet ingredients: Add the pumpkin, egg, and peanut butter to a bowl. Stir until smooth.Add a small pinch of cinnamon or ginger if using.
Make the dough: Gradually mix the oat flour into the wet ingredients.If the mixture feels dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. If it is too sticky, add a little more oat flour.
Roll the dough: Lightly dust your work surface with oat flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut the bones: Use a small bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Gather the leftover dough, roll it again, and continue cutting.
Bake: Place the bones on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes for a slightly softer texture.For crunchier treats, lower the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
Cool completely: Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and let them cool fully. They will become firmer as they cool.
Serve: Start with one cooled treat and see how your dog responds.

How to Store

Room temperature: Store fully baked treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them refrigerated for 1–2 weeks for better freshness.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Keep them dry: A small piece of dry paper towel in the container can help absorb moisture and maintain their texture.

Benefits of This Recipe

Pumpkin: Provides fiber and is an ingredient many dogs tolerate well.
Oats: Offer carbohydrates and are suitable for many dogs.
Egg: Adds protein and helps hold the dough together.
Simple recipe: There are no added artificial colors or unnecessary sweeteners.
Few ingredients: Using a short ingredient list makes it easier to keep track of what goes into your dog’s treats.

What Not to Do

Don’t use pumpkin pie filling: Use plain pumpkin puree instead.
Don’t use peanut butter containing xylitol: Always check the ingredient label before adding peanut butter.
Don’t serve them hot: Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your dog.
Don’t use too much spice: A small amount is enough. Avoid nutmeg.
Don’t use them as a meal: These are treats and should be given alongside your dog’s normal diet.

Recipe Variations

Grain-free twist: Replace the oat flour with a suitable flour blend. If using coconut flour, remember that it absorbs a lot of moisture, so adjust the liquid carefully.
Apple-pumpkin bones: Replace 1/4 cup of the pumpkin with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Parsley version: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley into the dough.
Extra-crispy bones: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside for another 30–45 minutes to dry further.
Tiny training bites: Cut the dough into small squares instead of bones and reduce the baking time to around 12–15 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes.

Cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then allow it to cool completely. Don’t add salt, oil, or spices.

If the puree contains a lot of liquid, drain some of it before making the dough.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Plain peanut butter can be given to dogs in moderation as long as it is xylitol-free and doesn’t contain unnecessary sweeteners.

Always check the label before using it.

How many treats can my dog have?

Treats should generally stay within about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

The right number depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and the size of each bone.

My dough is crumbly. What should I do?

Add water one teaspoon at a time and gently knead the dough.

Keep adding small amounts until it becomes soft enough to roll without falling apart.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes.

You can use about 2–3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin as a binder.

The finished texture may be a little different, but the dough should still work.

Do I need a bone-shaped cutter?

Not at all.

You can use any small cookie cutter or simply cut the dough into squares and rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.

Are these suitable for puppies or senior dogs?

They can be, but the texture and size should be adjusted.

For a softer treat, reduce the baking time slightly. Dogs with dental problems or special dietary needs may need a different type of treat.

How do I make them extra festive?

Try Christmas-themed cutters such as stars or trees instead of bones.

You can also package cooled treats in a small gift bag or jar for another dog owner.

Can I add cheese or meat?

A small amount of finely shredded low-fat cheese or plain cooked ground turkey can be added.

Keep additions limited because they can change the texture and storage life of the treats.

Why did my treats soften after a day?

Humidity can make homemade treats lose their crunch.

Place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, then let them cool completely before storing them again.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin & Oat Bones are an easy homemade treat for the holiday season.

They use simple ingredients, are fun to shape, and can be made ahead for your own dog or shared as a festive gift.

Make a batch, let them cool completely, and keep a few ready for training, walks, or a special Christmas reward.