These homemade butternut squash dog treats are a cozy, crunchy way to spoil your pup during fall and winter! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they bake up just like cookies, and your dog is going to love every last crumb. They’re an awesome way to celebrate winter squash season with your furry friend.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so rewarding about baking treats for your dog, especially when they’re wagging their tail and gobbling them up with joy. These butternut squash dog treats are sure to be a favorite for both you and your pup. Here’s why:
Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with real food. There are no additives, preservatives, or mystery ingredients like the ones hiding in store-bought biscuits.
Easy to Make – If you’ve ever made cookies, you’ve got this. Just mix, roll, cut, and bake.
Crunch – That satisfying snap when your pup bites down? They’ll love the crunchy texture.
Save Money – Homemade treats cost a lot less than the fancy ones at the store, and you get way more of them!
Fall Flavors – With butternut squash and apples, these treats are full of cozy, seasonal flavors.
Perfect for Winter Squash Season – A great way to use butternut squash when it is at its peak and so plentiful at the market.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats
These dog treats are made with just a few easy-to-find ingredients. Each one adds something special:
- Butternut Squash – Full of vitamins and fiber, it brings natural sweetness and that beautiful orange color.
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Adds moisture and a touch of sweet fruity flavor that dogs love.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together and add a little protein boost.
- Oat Flour – A gentle gluten-free flour that’s easy for dogs to digest.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making these treats, there are some simple swaps and additions you can try:
You can substitute butternut squash with plain pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potatoes. Just be sure to avoid pumpkin pie mix because it may contain spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
For an extra fiber boost, add 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the dough.
Don’t have oat flour? Make your own by blending old-fashioned rolled oats in a food processor or blender until it looks like flour. One cup of oats yields about ¾ cup flour.
You can swap the oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. Skip using whole wheat flour on its own because it’s too dense for this recipe.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the kitchen items needed to make the treats. Using dog paw cookie cutters makes them extra cute.
How to Make Butternut Squash Dog Treats
Making these treats is just like baking a batch of cookies! Here’s how:
- If using fresh squash, roast or boil it until it’s fork-tender. If using frozen, defrost it under cold running water in a strainer until softened.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the squash in a blender or food processor and pulse until mostly smooth. It doesn’t have to be perfectly pureed.
- In a medium bowl, mix the blended squash, eggs, and applesauce until well combined.
- Add the oat flour to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms. Use your hands to finish bringing it together if needed.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes using your favorite cookie cutter. Re-roll and cut as needed.
- Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Let the treats cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Tip: If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares or rectangles.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 1 week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can people eat these butternut squash treats?
Yes, they sure can! Every ingredient in these treats is safe for humans. They’re not sweet like regular cookies, but they make a nice little snack. They’re great if you’re looking for something with no added sugar.
More Homemade Dog Treats
Do you want to make more tasty homemade treats for your spoiled hound? Try these recipes!
- Acorn Squash Dog Treats
- Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Beet Dog Treats
- Chia Seed Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats
- Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- Zucchini Dog Treats
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Butternut Squash Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butternut Squash Cubes fresh or frozen
- 2 Eggs
- ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 3 cups Oat Flour
Instructions
- If using fresh butternut squash, boil or roast it until it is fork-tender. If using frozen, place it in a strainer and run cold water over it until defrosted and softened.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Place the squash in a blender or food processor and blend. It does not have to be a smooth puree.
- Place butternut squash, egg, and applesauce in a medium bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Add oat flour to the wet ingredients and combine until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut shapes using your favorite cookie cutter. Re-roll and cut as needed.
- Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Allow the baked treats to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re not sure how much is right for your dog, check with your vet.
And if this is your pup’s first time trying one of these ingredients, start with a small amount to make sure there are no allergies or sensitivities.
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