Go Back
Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks recipe card

Vet-Inspired Pumpkin & Oatmeal Dog Snack Sticks

Gentle, fiber-rich homemade dog treats inspired by a vet’s “pumpkin + oats” tummy-friendly advice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 18 snack sticks
Course: Dog Treats
Cuisine: American
Calories: 60

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree plain, unsweetened, not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats lightly pulsed in a blender
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour plus extra for dusting
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil melted
  • 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter xylitol-free, no added sweeteners, optional
  • 1 –2 teaspoons water as needed for consistency
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil for lightly oiling the grill pan

Method
 

  1. Add the egg to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until lightly beaten.
  2. Stir in the pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of oil, and peanut butter (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Add the pulsed rolled oats and the flour to the bowl and stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
  4. If the dough is too wet to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour; if it is crumbly or dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
  5. Lightly flour your work surface and your hands, then turn the dough out onto the surface.
  6. Divide the dough into 2–3 portions, then roll each portion into a log about 1/2 inch thick.
  7. Cut the logs into snack sticks about 4–5 inches long, or shorter for small dogs, reshaping gently as needed.
  8. Preheat a grill pan over medium-low heat and lightly oil it with the remaining teaspoon of oil, wiping away any excess with a paper towel.
  9. Place the snack sticks on the warm grill pan in a single layer without crowding.
  10. Cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side, until firm and lightly browned with grill marks.
  11. Turn each stick and cook for another 4–5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning.
  12. Continue turning the sticks every few minutes for a total cook time of about 15–20 minutes, until the outside feels set and lightly crisp while the inside is cooked through.
  13. Transfer the cooked snack sticks to a wire rack and cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog.
  14. Store cooled sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.

Notes

- Always use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which can contain sugar and spices that are unsafe for dogs.
- Only use smooth peanut butter that is completely xylitol-free and does not contain artificial sweeteners.
- Adjust the size and thickness of the sticks based on your dog’s size and chewing style, and always supervise while they enjoy a new treat.
- For a slightly chewier texture, cook on the lower end of the time range; for a firmer, crunchier stick, extend cooking by a few minutes while watching closely.
- You can freeze fully cooled sticks in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.