At Dan’s Pet Care, we love fall for so many reasons. The air is crisp and fresh, and it’s not too hot to take your dog for a walk in the sunshine. The falling leaves are beautiful on Long Island this time of year, too! And of course, fall means plenty of s’mores, apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal snacks.
Your dog doesn’t have to miss out on fall flavors — the good news is that many of our favorite seasonal treats are good for your dog to eat, too! Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite fall ingredients and how to share them with your furry friend.
Discover fall dog treats your furry friend will love
There are many seasonal ingredients you can safely incorporate into treats for your dog. But let’s take a look at a few of the top contenders: pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and apples!
Pumpkin: A key ingredient in homemade fall dog treats
Dogs love pumpkin, and it’s a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and fiber. Canned pumpkin with no added sugars or spices is wonderful for your dog’s health — ask your veterinarian about adding it to their diet. See some Halloween treats from 2022.
Apples: A tasty addition to your homemade fall dog treats
Who doesn’t love visiting an apple orchard in the fall? Coming home with bags full of apples in all different varieties is fun for your whole family, including your dog! With the seeds and core removed, apples can be a great snack for your dog. Be sure to cut them into small, bite sized pieces to avoid choking. Of course, be sure to carefully wash apples to remove any pesticides or labels.
Sweet potatoes: A nutritious choice for making your own fall dog treats
Sweet potato pie is a yearly classic at many Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients and fiber, and your dog can safely enjoy them much like pumpkin. Simply bake or steam the sweet potatoes until tender, and then mash them up for your dog.
Three easy recipes to make your own fall dog treats: A DIY guide
Ready to start cooking up some fall treats for your dog? Check out our easy, delicious recipes!
1. DIY Dog Treat: Pumpkin and peanut butter bites
Ingredients:
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup peanut butter with no artificial sweeteners
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine pumpkin and peanut butter in a bowl, then gradually add the flour to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the treats are golden brown. Cool and serve!
2. DIY Dog Treat: Apple cinnamon biscuits
Ingredients:
1 cup oat flour
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup chopped apples
1 /2 tsp cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the flour and cinnamon, then add apple ingredients to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place the dough on it. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and serve!
3. DIY Dog Treat: Sweet potato chews
This is the simplest fall dog treat recipe on our list, with one ingredient: sweet potatoes!
First, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub your sweet potatoes to remove any grit or dirt. Slice them into thin, 1/4 inch thick strips. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, and ensure they aren’t touching each other. Bake for about 2 hours. Strips will become dry and chewy. Your dog will love snacking on these once they’re cool!
Tips for giving your dog treats
Keep in mind that treats are not meant to replace meals. Make sure to practice portion control when feeding your dog treats. You may need to reduce your dog’s mealtime calories to replace any significant calories from treats, under your vet’s supervision.
Store your dog’s treats in a cool, dry location. Since they don’t have added preservatives, they should be consumed soon after baking. You can freeze them to preserve them for a longer period of time!
Before rolling up your sleeves to bake, make sure your dog isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients you’re using. Take an extra look at the ingredient labels to ensure nothing contains substances that are harmful to dogs, like xylitol or chocolate.
Treat your dog to expert care this fall!
If you need pet care services on Long Island, from grooming to boarding to daycare, walks and more, Dan’s Pet Care can help. We’re Long Island’s favorite pet care service for a reason: we put your dog’s health and happiness first! Fill out our form today to learn more.
