Get ready to become your dog’s favorite person when you pull these treats out of the oven.
These Pumpkin Carob Sandwich Cookies for Dogs combine the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the dog-safe, chocolatey vibe of carob.
Your pup will probably hover around the kitchen the moment they smell the peanut butter and cinnamon hitting the heat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (substitute with oat flour for sensitive tummies)
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (ensure it is NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (must be Xylitol-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened and low-fat)
- 3 tablespoons carob powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies do not stick.
- Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the whole wheat flour and the ground cinnamon until they are well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the pumpkin puree and the natural peanut butter.
- Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the dry flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms.
- Use your hands to knead the dough a few times inside the bowl to make sure all the flour is fully incorporated.
- Lightly flour a clean counter surface and roll the dough out to about a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use a small circular cookie cutter (or even the rim of a shot glass) to cut out small circles, as you will be stacking two of these for each sandwich.
- Place the circles on your prepared baking sheet and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they feel firm to the touch.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before you even think about adding the filling.
- While the cookies cool, whisk the plain Greek yogurt, carob powder, and honey together in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Once the cookies are cold, spread a small dollop of the carob cream onto the flat side of one cookie and press another cookie on top to create the sandwich.
- Let the finished sandwiches sit for about 10 minutes so the filling sets slightly before serving them to your eager pup.
Calories and Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount Per Sandwich Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 42 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Serving Size | 1 sandwich cookie |
Feeding Guidance: For small dogs (under 20 lbs), stick to half a sandwich or one small cookie per day.
Medium dogs (20-50 lbs) can enjoy one full sandwich. Large dogs (over 50 lbs) can safely have two sandwiches as a special treat.
Always account for these treats within your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent weight gain.
Storage Tips
Since these cookies contain a yogurt-based filling, you cannot leave them out on the counter like standard dry biscuits.
Moisture is the enemy of a shelf-stable cookie, and the yogurt will spoil if it stays at room temperature for too long.
IMO, the best way to keep these fresh is to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cookies might soften slightly because of the moisture in the yogurt, but your dog certainly won’t mind the texture change.
- Freezing: If you made a massive batch, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze them solid first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months.
- Serving from frozen: You can give your dog a frozen sandwich cookie on a hot day for a chilly, crunchy snack that takes them a little longer to finish.
Feeding Suggestions
Treat these Pumpkin Carob Sandwich Cookies for Dogs as a high-value reward rather than a meal replacement.
While they are packed with great ingredients, they are still “extra” calories.
If your dog is watching their waistline, you can skip the sandwich part and just give them the plain pumpkin biscuits.
- Break them up: For tiny dogs like Chihuahuas or Yorkies, break the sandwich into quarters so they don’t get too much at once.
- Special occasions: These look fancy enough to serve at a “gotcha day” party or a doggy birthday bash.
- Training: If you use these for training, use only the biscuit portion broken into tiny crumbs to keep their focus without overfeeding.
- Watch the drool: Be prepared for a mess, especially if you have a breed like a Boxer or a Mastiff. The carob filling can get a little smeary if they take their time eating it!
Nutritional Benefits
Every ingredient in this recipe supports your dog’s health in a different way. Together, they create a treat that is both tasty and nutritious.
- Pumpkin is packed with soluble fiber, which helps support healthy digestion. It can help dogs dealing with mild diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is also rich in Vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and a strong immune system.
- Carob gives these treats a chocolate-like flavor and color without the danger. Unlike chocolate, carob contains no theobromine or caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. It also provides nutrients like:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
The filling also includes ingredients that support your dog’s gut health and energy levels.
- Greek yogurt contains probiotics, also known as good bacteria, that help support a healthy digestive system. Always choose plain yogurt because flavored varieties often contain too much sugar or harmful artificial sweeteners.
- Whole wheat flour provides complex carbohydrates for steady energy.
- Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, which can help keep your dog’s coat soft, healthy, and shiny.
Health Considerations and What to Avoid
While these treats are safe for most dogs, you must be a label-reading detective.
The biggest danger in modern kitchens is Xylitol (also listed as birch sugar).
Some peanut butter brands use this sweetener to cut calories, but it is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause rapid liver failure.
Always double-check that your peanut butter contains only peanuts and maybe a little salt.
Avoid using “pumpkin pie filling” at all costs. This canned product looks exactly like pure pumpkin puree on the shelf, but it is loaded with sugar, nutmeg, and other spices that can upset a dog’s stomach.
Nutmeg, in particular, contains a toxin called myristicin which is harmful to dogs in large amounts. Stick to 100% pure canned pumpkin.
If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, you should be careful with the fat content. Peanut butter and egg yolks are high in fat, so consult your vet before introducing these treats to a dog with a sensitive pancreas.
Lastly, remember that carob is NOT chocolate. Never substitute carob with actual cocoa powder or chocolate chips, as these can be fatal to your furry friend.
