Molasses and Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe

When Oscar has tummy troubles, a little spoonful of pumpkin puree goes a long way. That’s why I love using it in my recipes. So when I came across the Molasses and Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe, I knew I had to put it to the test. Molasses gives this treat a bit of sweetness as well as the extra benefit of minerals that do a body good.

Makes 30-40 cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

2 tablespoons molasses

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons of water

2 1/2 cup flour, all-purpose or whole wheat

1 tablespoon bran flour

2 tablespoons dry milk

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, molasses, oil, and water and mix well. In a separate bowl, mix flour, bran flour, dry milk, and baking soda.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix into dough. Add more water if dough if needed, but make sure not to add too much water, as the dough should be dry and stiff.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with a cookie cutter
5. Place cookies on non-stick cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
6. Let cool on cooling racks.

Here’s a handy tip you can use for leftover pumpkin puree. Because the only option available in my grocery store is the super-sized can, I’ve started freezing the puree that’s left over. Just spoon it into freezer bags, squeeze the air out and freeze it until you need it again. It’ll save you money and you can use it in your recipes down the road.

We often talk about ‘miracle foods’ or ‘super foods’ when it comes to our own diet, but did you know that the same exists for our dogs? Pumpkin is packed with nutrients and offers so many incredible benefits that referring to it as anything less than a ‘super food’ would mean selling it short.

Pumpkin puree is a common suggestion for dogs that are experiencing digestive upset including nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. High in fibre, it works to encourage the digestive system to function optimally while also helping to bulk up their stool. However, there are many more benefits that your dog can experience. This low-calorie treat can be added to your dog’s daily meals as a food topper, boosting the nutritional value of your dog’s kibble and improving their overall health and well-being.

High vitamin A levels promote better eye health for your dog, both combating the decline in eyesight that is often experienced by aging dogs as well as working to prevent the development of night blindness. It is also high in vitamin C and zinc, boosting you dog’s immune system and encouraging healthy skin and a shiny, luxurious coat. Moisture in the puree helps to account for the lack of moisture in a standard kibble diet, helping to keep your dog hydrated.

Best of all, most dogs find that pumpkin puree is a delicious treat, encouraging them to dig into their meals with a renewed excitement. This, coupled with the digestive benefits, makes it a great choice for any dog that may be feeling ‘off’ or hesitating to eat their usual meals.

With so many great benefits, why wouldn’t you add this super food to your dog’s diet?

You’re sold on the pumpkin, what dog parent wouldn’t be after reading all the great benefits that it has to offer, but what about the molasses? Molasses is a by-product of sugar creation, a dark, sticky substance that is often used to add flavor when used in cooking. However, it offers more than just flavor. In fact, it’s a healthy addition to the diet of many vegetarians due to the many nutrients that it has to offer.

Molasses is often used by vegetarians due to the fact it’s a low-calorie, iron-rich substance that also contains an incredibly high amount of vitamin B12. In addition to those major benefits, it is also credit with being high in calcium, copper, and vitamin B6. These substances work together to promote stronger bones, healthy teeth, reduced joint pain and arthritis symptoms, and a boosted digestive symptom.

Some of the lesser-known benefits of molasses include the presence of chromium. This important element has the ability to improve your dog’s glucose tolerance, helping to prevent the development of diabetes in those that may be at risk. While it’s not a treatment or guaranteed solution, any ounce of prevention is a positive in our books!

When selecting the molasses for your dog treats, take the time to read the packaging before running with the first option that you spot. It’s available in a variety of different colors due to the varying sugar levels. Blackstrap molasses is a dark black variety that has little to no sugar, making it a great choice for your dog’s treats. Lighter brown molasses, however, will have a higher sugar content and should be avoided.