Pumpkin Cat Treats Recipe
This homemade pumpkin cat treats recipe focuses on a simple, from-scratch method using a short ingredient list and straightforward preparation. The dough comes together easily, bakes evenly, and can be shaped and portioned without special equipment.
If you’re interested in similar methods, you may also want to look at my homemade chicken cat treats. It follows the same uncomplicated approach.
Let’s talk about this recipe
When pumpkin season rolls around, this recipe offers a simple way to make homemade pumpkin cat treats using a short ingredient list and a straightforward baking method. The mixture comes together quickly and can be shaped and baked without extra steps or special equipment.
Why this method works
- Simple ingredients keep the process straightforward and easy to prepare at home.
- No fillers or additives means the ingredient list stays short and transparent.
- Easy to scale, so you can make a smaller batch or a larger batch as needed.
- Familiar pantry ingredients bake into a cohesive, well-structured treat.
- Firm baked texture holds its shape well after cooling.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Oat flour provides structure to the dough and helps the treats bake evenly. It can be made quickly by blending rolled oats into a fine powder or used pre-made if preferred.
- Pumpkin purée should be plain, 100% pumpkin with no added spices or sweeteners. It blends smoothly into the mixture and adds moisture to the dough.
- Applesauce should be unsweetened and made with only apples and water. It helps bind the ingredients and keeps the mixture easy to work with.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Make them your own
- Swap pumpkin for another winter squash such as butternut, acorn, or kabocha to change the base flavor and texture slightly.
- Add a small amount of tuna liquid to adjust the aroma and moisture of the mixture before baking.
- Mix in salmon purée to alter the flavor profile while keeping the dough workable.
- Incorporate finely shredded cooked chicken to change the texture and add more structure to the finished treats.
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How To make pumpkin cat treats
Step 1: Mix all ingredients together and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Split the dough in half and roll each piece to about ½-inch thick on a floured surface.
Step 3: Cut into bite-sized pieces with a small cookie cutter.
Step 4: Place the cutouts on a silicone-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, flip, and bake another 10 minutes. Cool on the pan.
Step 6: Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 10 days.
Recipe FAQs
You can, but oat flour works best in this recipe because it creates a consistent dough and bakes into a firm, evenly textured treat.
Yes. Pumpkin can be swapped with another plain winter squash or a similar puréed ingredient, as long as the consistency remains similar so the dough holds together during mixing and baking.
Yes. The finished treats can be stored in an airtight container for several days, or frozen for longer storage.
Yes. The dough can be portioned into smaller or larger pieces before baking, as long as the thickness stays consistent so the treats bake evenly.
How these treats are handled
These treats can be prepared in advance, stored in an airtight container, or frozen for longer storage. Frozen treats can be thawed as needed before use.
Tips for consistent results
- Use extra flour on the counter to make the sticky dough easier to roll and cut.
- Let the dough rest before rolling so the oat flour has time to hydrate and the texture smooths out.
- Work with half the dough at a time to keep it manageable and reduce sticking.
- Cut the dough into small pieces so it bakes evenly and produces uniformly sized treats.
- Watch closely while baking since the pieces cook quickly and benefit from turning halfway through.
- Freeze for later storage by chilling the baked treats on a parchment-lined sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
Other Pet Treat Recipes You’ll Love
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Pumpkin Cat Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups oat flour
- 3/4 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce unflavored
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: Combine pumpkin purée, applesauce, oat flour, and egg in a bowl. Stir until a soft dough forms, then let it rest for 10 minutes so the oat flour fully hydrates.
- Roll the dough: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion out to about ½-inch thick on a floured surface. Add extra flour, and use a bench scraper, as needed to prevent sticking.
- Cut into shapes: Use a small cookie cutter or pastry wheel to create treat-sized pieces. A ¾-inch cutter works perfectly for cats.
- Arrange for baking: Place the cut treats on a silicone-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake until crisp: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely on the pan.
- Store for freshness: Keep treats in an airtight container for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze them — lay the baked treats out on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Notes
- Hydrate the oat flour: Letting the dough rest helps the oat flour absorb moisture from the other ingredients, making it smoother and easier to work with.
- Use extra flour: The dough is sticky, so dust your surface well and keep a little extra flour nearby for rolling.
- Freeze for later: Arrange baked treats on a parchment-lined tray and freeze solid before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Cut small: These treats bake up firm, so shaping them into smaller pieces helps ensure even baking and consistent results.
- Watch while baking: Because they’re small, they can brown quickly — flip them halfway through to bake evenly.
- Work in halves: Splitting the dough in two makes rolling and cutting much easier to manage.
- Occasional treat only: These treats are meant to be given as an occasional snack and are not intended to replace a complete, balanced cat food.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These little pumpkin treats are such a fun way to bring your cats into the fall season fun! I love how simple they are to make — just a few real ingredients, and a little time spent in the kitchen, and you’ll have a batch of treats that will last your kitty all season long.
~ Diane Gail