If you’re a pet parent like me, you know the joy of making homemade treats for your dog. There’s something special about seeing their tail wag with excitement when you bake something from scratch just for them.
One of my go-to recipes is Butternut Squash Dog Treats Recipe—a simple, healthy, and delicious snack packed with vitamins and nutrients.
These treats are easy to make and require just a few wholesome ingredients. Let’s dive in!
How To Make Butternut Squash Dog Treats Recipe
Recipe Overview
◈ Prep Time: 10 minutes
◈ Cook Time: 25 minutes
◈ Total Time: 35 minutes
◈ Cuisine: Dog Treats
◈ Course: Snack
◈ Difficulty Level: Easy
◈ Yield: About 20 treats
◈ Calories per Serving: Approx. 30 kcal per treat
Ingredients
◈ 1 cup butternut squash cubes (fresh or frozen)
◈ 2 eggs
◈ ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
◈ 3 cups oat flour
Ingredient Notes
◈ Butternut Squash: A great source of vitamin A and antioxidants, helping support your dog’s immune system and vision.
◈ Oat Flour: Easy to digest and gluten-free, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
◈ Eggs: Add protein and help bind the dough together.
◈ Unsweetened Applesauce: A natural sweetener that also provides fiber and moisture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
If using fresh squash, steam or boil the cubes until soft. If using frozen, thaw completely. Mash the squash into a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine mashed butternut squash, eggs, and applesauce. Mix well. Slowly add oat flour, stirring until a dough forms.
Step 3: Roll & Cut
Lightly flour your surface with oat flour. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes.
Step 4: Bake the Treats
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your pup. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
◈ Substitutions: You can swap butternut squash with pumpkin (just avoid pumpkin pie mix).
◈ Crunchier Treats: Leave them in the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes for a crunchier texture.
◈ Make-Ahead: Store dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
◈ Dough too sticky? Add a little more oat flour.
◈ Dough too dry? Mix in a bit of water or extra applesauce.
◈ No cookie cutter? Use a knife to cut small squares.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these treats as a reward for training sessions or simply as a healthy snack. You can also crumble them over your dog’s food for added flavor and nutrition.Can you make dog treats with butternut squash?
Can you make dog treats with butternut squash?
Yes! Butternut squash is a safe and nutritious ingredient for dogs when prepared correctly.
Is butternut squash good for dogs?
Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support digestion and overall health.
Which is better for dogs: sweet potato or butternut squash?
Both are excellent choices. Sweet potatoes have more fiber, while butternut squash is lower in sugar and calories.
Conclusion
Making Butternut Squash Dog Treats at home is an easy way to provide your pup with a healthy, homemade snack. Try this recipe and let me know how your furry friend likes it. Happy baking!
Butternut Squash Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- ◈ 1 cup butternut squash cubes fresh or frozen
- ◈ 2 eggs
- ◈ ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ◈ 3 cups oat flour
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
- If using fresh squash, steam or boil the cubes until soft. If using frozen, thaw completely. Mash the squash into a smooth consistency.
- Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine mashed butternut squash, eggs, and applesauce. Mix well. Slowly add oat flour, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Roll & Cut
- Lightly flour your surface with oat flour. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out fun shapes.
- Step 4: Bake the Treats
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your pup. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
