Description
These Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks are a wholesome, crunchy treat designed specifically for dogs. Made with natural ingredients like pumpkin purée and ground flaxseed, these sticks support dental health while providing essential nutrients and fiber. Easy to make at home, they are free from artificial additives and perfect for rewarding your furry friend.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened, no spices)
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons water (if needed for dough consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dental sticks.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée and egg, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, stir together the oat flour and ground flaxseed to evenly distribute the flaxseed throughout the flour.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spoon until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water a little at a time to reach a workable consistency that holds together but isn’t sticky.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut Sticks: Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into sticks approximately 1/2 inch wide and 3-4 inches long, suitable for dog treats.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the sticks are firm and golden brown. This ensures a crunchy texture that promotes dental health.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and allow the dental sticks to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Use unsweetened pumpkin purée with no added spices to avoid any harmful ingredients for dogs.
- Oat flour is gluten free; if your dog has wheat sensitivity, use oat flour exclusively.
- Adjust water quantity carefully to get the right dough texture; too much water will make the dough sticky and hard to work with.
- These treats should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Always supervise your dog when introducing new treats to avoid allergic reactions.
- Flaxseed adds omega-3 fatty acids which are beneficial for skin and coat health.
