Our pets can even get into the fall spirit with some homemade, seasonal treats that are delicious and nutritious. In fact, some of our favorite fall flavors, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins and orchard-picked apples, have similar nutritional benefits for our furry companions.
Here are a couple of quick DIY fall recipes to try at home for your cats and dogs.
Crazy easy sweet potato dog treats
Found online and edited by Kimberly Gauthier, a dog blogger and Pet360's natural contributor, these healthy sweet potato treats for dogs are easy to whip up. Sweet potatoes help promote eye health and reduce inflammation in our canine friends. This food also aids with dog digestion and can soothe an upset stomach.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (homemade)
- 4 cups coconut flour
- 3 eggs
- Extra virgin coconut oil
Directions:
- Stab the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork and heat in the microwave until they're soft enough to scoop the potato out of the skin (discard the skin).
- Core the apples (you can leave the skin on), chop into small squares and puree for your applesauce.
- Mash the sweet potato in a large bowl and mix in coconut flour, applesauce and eggs.
- Spoon mixture into a greased (with coconut oil), bite-sized muffin pan.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes (time depends on your oven) until crisp.
- Let cool before serving them up to your eager pups.
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Apple pumpkin berry Kong recipe for dogs
If you happen to have a Kong toy, this great frozen-recipe option (also contributed by Kimberly Gauthier) will keep your dogs occupied and provide your pup with a wholesome antioxidant boost.
Ingredients:
- Apples
- 100 percent canned pumpkin (not the one with spices)
- Blueberries
- 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt*
Directions:
- Use a food processor to blend all of the ingredients until they're nearly smooth and spoon the mixture into a Kong toy.
- Freeze overnight.
- Hand out this special treat when it's time for your dog to take a break.
* If your dog has trouble with yogurt, you can reduce the amount of yogurt or eliminate it from the recipe. Your dog will love this treat either way.
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Photo credit: IvanMikhaylov/iStock/360/Getty Images
Pumpkin pie treats for cats
No fall get-together is complete without a tasty piece of pumpkin pie for dessert. But don't let your kitties miss out on all the fun. This recipe, contributed by Valerie Trumps, a personal chef and pet writer, is a fun and simple way to give your cats the delicious flavors of fall in a safe treat form.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown rice flour
- 1/2 cup uncooked oatmeal
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce
- 1/4 cup brown rice flour for rolling
Directions:
- In a food processor blend pumpkin, applesauce and carrots until smooth.
- Mix brown rice flour and oatmeal in a bowl.
- Add wet ingredients to the bowl and mix by hand until dough forms.
- On a floured countertop or cutting board, roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutter to form cute shapes or cut into small squares.
- Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 7 minutes. Flip treats over and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool thoroughly. Store in fridge or freezer.
Disclaimer: Consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog or cat any new foods.
