Homemade treats are a nice way to know exactly what your dog is eating, and these Pumpkin and Flaxseed Dog Biscuits make a wholesome, fiber-rich option. They can be especially useful for dogs who may benefit from a little digestive support or who are sensitive to more common treat ingredients. Pumpkin is known for its natural fiber content, which can help regulate a dog's digestive system, while ground flaxseed adds essential omega-3 fatty acids and more dietary fiber. Because this recipe skips common allergens like peanut butter, it can be a great alternative for many pups, and the ingredients are balanced so the biscuits hold together well and bake to a satisfying texture. As with any new treat, it's a good idea to talk with your veterinarian before making major diet changes, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or dietary restrictions. That way, you can be sure these biscuits are a safe and beneficial addition to your dog's diet.
Safety first: Keep treats and extras under about 10% of your dog's daily food - the regular diet should do the heavy lifting.
Foods to avoid
Never use pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugars, spices (like nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs), and other ingredients harmful to dogs. Always ensure you are using 100% pure canned pumpkin puree. Absolutely avoid using xylitol (a sugar substitute), chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts in any dog treats, as these are highly toxic to dogs. Always check ingredient labels carefully if using pre-packaged items like broth to ensure no harmful additives.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace & Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. The parchment keeps the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 100% pure pumpkin puree and the large egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be the wet base for your biscuit dough.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and ground flaxseed. Mix them well so the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before they go into the wet mixture.
Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a thick dough begins to form. Add the water or broth 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together and feels firm enough to handle without being overly sticky; depending on the moisture in your pumpkin, you may not need all the liquid, or you might need a tiny bit more.
Roll and Cut Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two, until smooth. Roll it to an even thickness of about ¼ inch, cut shapes with your favorite dog-safe cookie cutters, then gather the scraps, re-roll, and keep cutting until all the dough is used.
Bake Until Golden: Carefully transfer the cut biscuit shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small space between each one. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm, slightly golden brown, and dry to the touch; the exact baking time can vary with the thickness of your biscuits and your oven.
Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the biscuits cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before storing, since they will firm up further as they cool.
Made this recipe?
Tap the paw so other pet parents know it’s worth making.
Be the first to make it
Tips & serving
These biscuits are a delightful supplement to your dog's balanced diet, not a meal replacement. Offer them in moderation, adjusting the quantity based on your dog's size, activity level, and overall caloric intake. As with any new treat, introduce them gradually. Always discuss significant dietary changes or concerns with your veterinarian.
- Digestive health support (rich in fiber)
- Source of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed
- Natural source of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin A from pumpkin)
- Wholesome, simple, and natural ingredients
- Excellent alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common allergens
- Dough Consistency is Key: The ideal dough should be firm enough to roll without being overly sticky. If your dough is too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more water or broth, a teaspoon at a time. If it's too sticky, incorporate a small amount of additional flour.
Storage
Once completely cooled, store these biscuits in an airtight container. Thaw frozen biscuits at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions
- Flour
Oat flour or a dog-safe gluten-free flour blend can be used as a direct substitute for whole wheat flour for dogs with gluten sensitivities. The texture might vary slightly.
- Puree
Plain, cooked, and mashed sweet potato puree can be used in place of pumpkin. Ensure it's unsweetened and unseasoned.
- Egg
For an egg-free option, you can try a 'flax egg' (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like). However, the dough might be more delicate and harder to handle.
Dogs recipe FAQ
Can Wholesome Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dog Biscuits for Digestive Support replace my dog's regular diet?
Treat it as an occasional extra, not a meal plan. These biscuits are a delightful supplement to your dog's balanced diet, not a meal replacement. Offer them in moderation, adjusting the quantity based on your dog's size, activity level, and overall caloric intake.
Is pumpkin okay for dogs?
This recipe uses pumpkin in a small, dog-appropriate amount. Skip it if your dog has a known sensitivity, and read the foods-to-avoid note on this page before serving.
How long does Wholesome Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dog Biscuits for Digestive Support keep?
Once completely cooled, store these biscuits in an airtight container. They will keep fresh at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
How should I introduce this treat?
Start with a taste-size portion next to your dog's usual food, and hold off on serving more until you have seen that it agrees with them.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure it's cooked (steamed, boiled, or roasted), pureed plain without any seasonings, and cooled before mixing into the dough. The consistency might be slightly different from canned, so adjust liquid accordingly.
How much of these biscuits can I give my dog?
Treats should always be given in moderation and should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The appropriate amount depends on your dog's size, activity level, and overall diet. It's best to consult your veterinarian for specific guidance tailored to your dog's needs.
Sources