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
Scale
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
