If you’re searching for a wholesome homemade reward your pup will love, these Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs are about to become your new go-to treat. They’re packed with pumpkin puree for a gentle, tummy-friendly base, plus flaxseed for a boost of healthy fats and fiber. The addition of fresh parsley helps with doggy breath, while a touch of cinnamon brings subtle flavor. Not only are these sticks crunchy and satisfying for your dog to chew, but they’re also easy to make and use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Get ready to see some seriously happy tail wags!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 large egg
- 2–4 tablespoons water, as needed for dough consistency
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for fresh breath)
How to Make Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze so you can get right to the fun part—baking!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, egg, ground flaxseed, parsley, and cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined and you can smell that lovely, earthy aroma.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Gradually add the flour into your wet mixture, stirring as you go. The dough will start to come together—if it seems a little dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s cohesive but not sticky. The secret to these Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs is a dough you can easily shape without it falling apart.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Your Sticks
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to about 1/4 inch thick—aim for even thickness so your sticks bake uniformly. Cut into sticks using a knife, pizza cutter, or your favorite bone-shaped cookie cutter if you want to get fancy!
Step 5: Bake to Crunchy Perfection
Arrange the sticks on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until they’re firm and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing and your dog will probably be circling with excitement. Let the treats cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs
Garnishes
For a touch of flair (and extra fresh breath), sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley on top of the sticks just before serving. It’s a simple way to make them look special and add a pop of green.
Side Dishes
While these treats are designed as a stand-alone snack, you can make treat time extra fun by pairing them with a small scoop of plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of unsweetened pumpkin puree. Always keep portions small and dog-safe!
Creative Ways to Present
Try tying a bundle of Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs with a festive ribbon for gifting to furry friends, or display them in a jar labeled with your pup’s name. They also make adorable party favors for dog birthdays or playdates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them crunchy and fresh for your pup’s daily treat routine.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, these dental sticks freeze beautifully. Place cooled sticks in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just take out a few at a time to thaw as needed.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat, but if your sticks lose a bit of crunch after storage, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again. Always let them cool before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute oat flour for the whole wheat flour to make gluten-free Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious for your pup.
How many treats can my dog have per day?
Like all treats, these should be given in moderation. One or two per day is perfect for most dogs, depending on their size and dietary needs—always check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Can I add other herbs or flavors?
Sure! As long as the herbs are dog-safe (like mint or basil), you can experiment. Avoid anything toxic to dogs, such as garlic or onion powder.
How do I know when the sticks are fully baked?
The dental sticks will look golden brown and feel firm to the touch when done. If in doubt, you can break one open—it should be cooked through with no damp spots inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like seeing your dog enjoy something you made with love. These Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs are as rewarding to bake as they are for your pup to crunch on. Give them a try and watch those tails wag with every treat!
Print
Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks for Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 sticks (depending on size) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin & Flaxseed Dental Sticks are a healthy, homemade dog treat designed to support your pet’s dental health while providing wholesome nutrition. Made with natural ingredients like pumpkin puree, ground flaxseed, and whole wheat or oat flour, these dental sticks are a tasty, crunchy snack that helps freshen your dog’s breath and promote digestion. Perfect as an occasional treat, they are easy to bake and store, making them a convenient addition to your dog’s diet.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 large egg
- 2–4 tablespoons water, as needed for dough consistency
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for fresh breath)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, egg, ground flaxseed, parsley, and cinnamon until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a workable dough forms. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry, aiming for a consistency that is firm but not sticky.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even cooking and the desired texture.
- Cut Into Sticks: Use a knife, pizza cutter, or bone-shaped cookie cutters to cut the dough into sticks or shapes as preferred. This size and shape help with dental cleaning while being easy for dogs to chew.
- Bake the Sticks: Arrange the pieces on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping and bake for 30–35 minutes until the sticks are firm and golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and crunchy.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the dental sticks to cool completely on a wire rack before offering them to your dog or storing them to maintain their crunchiness.
Notes
- Store the dental sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze the treats for up to 2 months and thaw before use.
- Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats to your dog’s diet to ensure they are appropriate for your pet’s health.
- Avoid using canned pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that can be harmful to dogs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
