Ingredients
Method
- Add the egg to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until lightly beaten.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, 1 tablespoon of oil, and peanut butter (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lightly flour your work surface and your hands, then turn the dough out onto the surface.
- Divide the dough into 2–3 portions, then roll each portion into a log about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the logs into snack sticks about 4–5 inches long, or shorter for small dogs, reshaping gently as needed.
- 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.
- Place the snack sticks on the warm grill pan in a single layer without crowding.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side, until firm and lightly browned with grill marks.
- Turn each stick and cook for another 4–5 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- 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.
- Transfer the cooked snack sticks to a wire rack and cool completely to room temperature before serving to your dog.
- 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.
- 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.
