Cranberry Oat Dog Cookies

As a newly dog mom, I wanted the best for my dog Emmett. When I would go to the pet stores to get him treats, I saw such a huge variety of ingredient labels and found them difficult to understand. That’s when I decided to start making my own recipe with nutritious ingredients that would compliment my dog’s diet. Being able to make treats has turned into a hobby I never thought I would have.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (extra will be needed for rolling and kneading)

• 1/2 cup oats (quick oats or old fashioned will work)

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (less sugar version preferred)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F.

2. In a mixer, combine the oats, pumpkin, egg, and cranberries. Mix on a medium speed for 1-2 minutes until combined.

3. Add in the flour while mixing on a low speed.

4. On a floured surface or baking mat, pour the dough out. Use additional whole wheat flour to knead the dough until it is no longer sticking to your hands.

5. Roll out the dough using a rolling pin until 1/4 inch thickness. 

6. Use cookie cutters to cut out cookies and place on either a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking sheet.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cookies feel firm.

8. Store in an airtight container. You can freeze the cookies for 3-4 months and take out treats as you need them. Thaw cookies before giving them to your dog.

Tips

• For crunchier/firmer dog treats, roll your dough out thinner.

• You can use this dough with any dog-friendly fruit.

• If you are unable to find pumpkin puree, peanut butter can be used instead. Peanut butter must be Xylitol free.

• Any cookie cutter will work. Using a 4-in, small cookie cutter, this recipe will make approximately 60 dog treats. 

• Mason jars make good freezer and counter-safe airtight storage containers.

Geena Rhoades is a local dog mom and home baker. Follow Emmett (the dachshund) on Instagram @emmett_skips_leg_day