Homemade Dehydrated Pumpkin for Dogs is a delicious and nutritious treat your fur baby will love!
Whether you use a dehydrator or an oven, these DIY treats are the perfect way to spoil your pup with the rich benefits of pumpkin. Great for their digestion and packed with vitamins, they’re a treat both you and your furry friend can feel good about!
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- Why Make Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Advantages of Feeding Pumpkin to Dogs
- Ingredients
- Best Pumpkins for Dehydrating
- Equipment Needed
- How to Make Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Recipe Variation – Oven Method
- Pumpkin Powder with Dehydrated Pumpkin
- How to Store Homemade Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
- How long does dehydrated pumpkin last?
- How Much Dehydrated Pumpkin to Give a Dog
- Can humans eat dehydrated pumpkin for dogs?
- More Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes
- Favorite Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes
- Dehydrated Pumpkin for Dogs
Why Make Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
For numerous dog enthusiasts, the vitality and wellness of their cherished canines are paramount. As we explore the assortment of foods and snacks suitable for our four-legged pals, dehydrated pumpkin treats emerge as a wholesome and advantageous choice. So, why should you think about crafting homemade dehydrated pumpkin treats for dogs? Here are some compelling reasons:
- Making your own dehydrated pumpkin dog treats ensures that your pet gets a snack free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives often found in commercial treats.
- Dehydrating preserves the essential nutrients in pumpkin. So, your dog gets a concentrated dose of the vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber inherent in fresh pumpkin.
- Dehydrated treats have a longer storage life than fresh pumpkin, allowing you to prepare batches in advance and have a healthy treat on hand whenever needed.
- Instead of spending on high-end natural dog treats, you can make your own cost-effective treats at home, especially during pumpkin season when they’re most abundant and affordable.
- Dehydrated pumpkin treats are low in calories, making them a guilt-free snack for dogs, especially those watching their weight.
- Depending on the drying time, you can customize the texture of the treats, from slightly chewy to crispy.
- Their enticing aroma and flavor make dehydrated pumpkin treats an ideal reward during training sessions.
Advantages of Feeding Pumpkin to Dogs
Pumpkin is much more than a seasonal decoration or pie ingredient. It’s brimming with nutrients that can do wonders for your dog’s health. In fact, there are a lot of health benefits for dogs in pumpkin.
Here’s a look at why you might want to consider adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet:
Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber that supports healthy digestion. This fiber bulks up your dog’s stool, absorbs water, and breaks down into beneficial fatty acids.
Abundant in Vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin offers your dog a dose of antioxidants that help counteract harmful free radicals. These vitamins are essential for maintaining good vision and bolstering the immune response.
The unique fiber profile of pumpkin makes it a versatile remedy, assisting in alleviating both diarrhea and constipation. Whether hardening soft stools or easing hard ones, pumpkin is a gentle solution to a range of minor digestive disturbances.
With its low-calorie content, pumpkin is an excellent dietary addition for managing your dog’s weight.
Is dehydrated pumpkin good for dogs? Yes! Giving your dog pure pumpkin treats can offer an array of health enhancements. It’s clear why both dog enthusiasts and vets endorse this vibrant superfood.
Ingredients
There’s only one ingredient needed for making these treats:
- Fresh Pumpkin – Different varieties should be available in a grocery store during pumpkin season. See below for which ones to select.
You’ll need to use an organic pumpkin to make organic dehydrated pumpkin treats for dogs.
There are a couple of optional simple ingredients if you want to add some flavor:
- Ground Cinnamon (Yes, a small amount is safe for dogs)
- Liver Sprinkles – a great ingredient for treats that dogs just love.
Best Pumpkins for Dehydrating
When considering pumpkins for dehydrating, it’s important to select the right type for the best flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits. Here’s a list of the best pumpkins to use for dehydrating:
- Sugar Pumpkins aka Pie Pumpkins: These are the most popular choice for cooking and dehydrating. They are smaller, have a sweeter flavor, and have a smoother texture compared to the larger carving pumpkins.
- Baby Pam Pumpkins: A variety of sugar pie pumpkin, Baby Pam is known for its creamy texture and sweet taste, making it ideal for dehydration.
- Cinderella Pumpkins: With a deep orange color and sweet, creamy flesh, these pumpkins are not just pretty to look at but are also great for dehydrating.
- Long Island Cheese Pumpkin: Shaped like a wheel of cheese, this pumpkin has a dense, creamy texture that retains its shape well when dehydrated.
- Kakai Pumpkins: Recognized for their hull-less seeds which are often roasted, the flesh of Kakai pumpkins is also suitable for dehydration.
- Red Kuri Squash: Although not a traditional pumpkin, Red Kuri’s sweet chestnut-like flavor and vibrant color make it an excellent choice for dehydration.
- Jarrahdale Pumpkin: Originating from New Zealand, this blue-grey pumpkin has a dense, sweet orange flesh that dehydrates beautifully.
When selecting pumpkins, it’s essential to choose ones that are fresh, free from blemishes, and feel firm to the touch. Avoid using large carving pumpkins; they tend to be watery and lack the rich flavor of the smaller pie varieties.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the kitchen items, but here’s a list just in case:
- Large Sharp Knife – Pumpkins are tough to cut through and a dull, flimsy knife won’t work.
- Cutting Board – A large wood or plastic one with anti-slip rubber grips is best.
- Food Dehydrator to dehydrate the pumpkin.
How to Make Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
These are the simple steps for this easy recipe:
- Cut the whole pumpkin in half and remove the pumpkin seeds.
- Cut the halves into slices, from ¼ to ½-inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to dehydrate and be more like dehydrated pumpkin dog chews. Thinner slices will be crispier.
- Trim off the skin and stringy membranes.
- Cut longer slices in half.
- Sprinkle on seasoning if using it.
- Place the slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays, leaving a little room between them.
- Dehydrate at 135°F for 8 to 12 hours or until fully dried.
- Cool the treats to room temperature.
- Place the treats in a container with a lid for storage.
Recipe Variation – Oven Method
If you don’t have a food dehydrator you can dehydrate them in the oven. Here’s how:
- Prepare the pumpkin slices as directed in the dehydrator method.
- Place the slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake at the lowest oven setting for 6 to 8 hours or until fully dried. Keep the oven door slightly propped open with a wooden spoon.
Regardless of your method, remember that thicker slices take longer to dehydrate than thinner ones.
Pumpkin Powder with Dehydrated Pumpkin
You can make pumpkin powder with the dehydrated pumpkin pieces. Make sure they are fully dried and crispy because it won’t work if they have any moisture in them. Place the pieces in a food processor and process them until they are a powder consistency.
You can use the powder as a food topper or mix it with water to make pumpkin puree.
How to Store Homemade Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
Store dehydrated pumpkin pieces in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
How long does dehydrated pumpkin last?
Dehydrated pumpkin can have a relatively long shelf life when prepared and stored correctly. It can last anywhere from 6 months to a year when stored in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent any moisture from entering.
The storage environment plays a significant role in the longevity of dehydrated pumpkin. Store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. A pantry or a dark cupboard is ideal.
If you vacuum seal the dehydrated pumpkin, you can extend its shelf life even further. Vacuum-sealed dehydrated pumpkin can last up to 18 months or more.
While dehydrated pumpkin is meant to be shelf-stable, you can store it in the freezer to further prolong its shelf life. In the freezer, it can last for several years.
Periodically check your stored dehydrated pumpkin for any signs of moisture, mold, or off-odors. If you detect any of these signs, it’s best to discard the product.
Including a desiccant packet, like those made from silica gel, can help absorb any residual or accidental moisture, further ensuring the longevity of your dehydrated pumpkin.
The key to the long shelf life of dehydrated pumpkin is the removal of moisture during the dehydration process and preventing moisture from reaching the product during storage. Properly dehydrated pumpkin should be crisp and free of any noticeable moisture.
How Much Dehydrated Pumpkin to Give a Dog
How much DIY dehydrated pumpkin dog treats you give your pet depends on what else they ate that day. This is a pretty low-calorie snack, but it is still a snack. This should not be their main source of calories.
As with introducing any new foods, it is best to start with small amounts and watch for any adverse reactions.
The serving size also depends on your dog’s size. Small dogs need fewer calories than large dogs. Generally, a serving is 2 pieces.
Can humans eat dehydrated pumpkin for dogs?
Yes, absolutely! It’s a great snack to enjoy at any time. In fact, this is a great way to share a treat with your furry friends.
More Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes
Favorite Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes
These are some tasty different ways to make pumpkin treats for dogs:
- Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree for Dogs
- Pumpkin Dog Cake
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Find lots of yummy and easy homemade dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Dehydrated Pumpkin for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 small Pie Pumpkin aka Sugar Pumpkin
Optional Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons liver sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Dehydrator Method
- Cut pumpkin down the center, stem to bottom, and remove the seeds.
- Lay the halves flat side down and cut them into ¼ to ½-inch slices, going all the way across the halved pumpkin.
- Using a paring knife, cut off the pumpkin peel and the stringy edge of each slice. You may want to cut some of the larger slices in half.
- If using seasoning, sprinkle it over the slices.
- Lay slices evenly spaced on dehydrator trays.
- Set your dehydrator to 135°F.
- Dehydrate for 8 to 12 hours until the pieces are hard or completely dried.
- Cool the dehydrated pieces to room temperature.
- Store treats in an airtight container.
Oven Method
- Place the slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Set your oven to the lowest temperature (140 to 160°F) and crack the door slightly. You can do this by placing a wooden or silicone spoon between the top of the door and the oven.
- Bake for 6 to 8 hours or until fully dried, checking the pieces every couple of hours to see when they are fully dried.
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