Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Pumpkin Paws Dog Biscuits?
They are nutritious and delicious homemade treats for dogs made with wholesome ingredients like real pumpkin, eggs, and whole wheat flour.
What are the main ingredients in these dog biscuits?
The recipe requires eggs, canned pumpkin puree, salt, dry milk, whole wheat flour, and water as needed.
Is pumpkin safe for dogs in this recipe?
Yes, pure pumpkin puree is a healthy ingredient for dogs; however, ensure you use plain pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains harmful spices and sugar.
How many biscuits does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 20 dog biscuits.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Can I use a different type of flour?
The recipe recommends whole wheat flour for its nutritional benefits, but you may substitute it depending on your dog's dietary needs.
How long do the biscuits need to bake?
The biscuits bake for a total of 40 minutes: 20 minutes on one side, then flipped and baked for another 20 minutes.
Why do the biscuits need to be flipped during baking?
Flipping the biscuits ensures they become firm and golden brown on both sides.
How much water should I add to the dough?
Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a dry and stiff consistency.
Why should I mix the dough by hand?
The dough becomes very tough and stiff as you add the flour, making it too difficult for a standard electric mixer to process.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch.
What shapes can I cut the treats into?
You can use any cookie cutter to create fun shapes like bones or paws for your pet.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, the instructions specify placing the cut shapes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
How many calories are in one biscuit?
Each biscuit contains approximately 30 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 0.75g of fat.
How much protein is in each dog treat?
There is approximately 1.25g of protein in each biscuit.
Is there fiber in these pumpkin dog treats?
Yes, each biscuit provides about 0.3g of fiber.
How many carbohydrates are in each treat?
There are approximately 5g of carbohydrates per biscuit.
What type of canned pumpkin should I buy?
Look for pure canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie mix.
How do I know when the dough is ready?
The dough is ready when it is dry and stiff enough to be rolled out, even if there are a few crumbs left in the bowl.
Is dry milk necessary for this recipe?
Dry milk adds nutrition and helps with the texture, but you should ensure your dog does not have a dairy sensitivity before including it.
How far apart should I place the biscuits on the baking sheet?
Place the cut shapes about 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet.
Should the biscuits be soft or hard?
These biscuits are meant to be firm and golden brown once they have finished baking and cooling.
Can I use these for training?
Yes, these are perfect for rewarding your dog or using as a special snack during training sessions.
How should the biscuits be cooled?
Allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack or flat surface before serving them to your dog.
Is salt safe for dogs in this amount?
The recipe calls for a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) which is generally fine for healthy dogs, but consult your vet if your dog is on a low-sodium diet.
What is the preparation time for these treats?
Preparation involves whisking, mixing, and rolling, which typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes before the 40-minute baking time.
Can humans eat these biscuits?
While the ingredients are human-grade and safe, they are specifically formulated for a dog's palate and may be quite bland or hard for humans.
Are these treats natural?
Yes, they are made with natural ingredients like eggs, wheat, and pumpkin without artificial preservatives.
How should I store the finished biscuits?
Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and firmness.