Irresistible Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews Your Dog Will Devour

Let me tell you about the day I became my dog’s favorite chef—it all started with a sad-looking pumpkin and a few apples rolling around my kitchen. My golden retriever, Max, was giving me those big, pleading eyes (you know the ones), and I thought, “Why not whip up something special?” That’s how these apple and pumpkin bone-shaped chews were born. They’re packed with natural goodness—pumpkin for digestion, apples for a little crunch, and absolutely nothing artificial. Max goes crazy for them, and I love knowing exactly what’s in his treats. Trust me, once you see your pup’s tail wagging over these homemade goodies, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Why Your Dog Will Love These Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

These homemade chews aren’t just adorable—they’re packed with everything your pup craves. My dog Max practically dances when he smells them baking! Here’s why your dog will go nuts for them too:

• Irresistible taste: The combo of sweet apple and earthy pumpkin drives dogs wild (mine starts drooling the second I open the oven)
• Perfect texture: They’re firm enough to satisfy that chewing instinct but gentle on teeth—great for pups of all ages
• Digestive benefits: Pumpkin works magic on tummy troubles, while apples give a fiber boost
• No mystery ingredients: Just real, recognizable foods you’d eat yourself (I’ve taste-tested—they’re surprisingly good!)
• Dental bonus: The chewing action helps clean teeth naturally between brushings

The best part? Watching your dog’s excitement when you pull these from the treat jar. That tail-wagging joy is worth every minute of baking time!

Ingredients for Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these chews your dog will beg for. Here’s what you’ll need—and trust me, it’s all simple stuff you probably already have in your kitchen:

• 1 cup pureed pumpkin (make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pie filling—no spices or sugar!)
• 1 cup grated apple (peeled and cored, because those seeds aren’t pup-friendly)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (this gives the chews their sturdy texture)

1 large egg (it binds everything together for the perfect chew)

That’s it! Just four ingredients, and you’re ready to make something your dog will absolutely adore. I like to use fresh pumpkin when it’s in season, but canned pure pumpkin works just as well—just double-check the label to make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. And for the apples, I grab a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala—Max seems to love the extra sweetness. Ready to roll? Let’s get baking!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these chews! Just grab these basic kitchen tools:

• A big mixing bowl (I use my favorite ceramic one)
• A rolling pin (or even a clean wine bottle in a pinch!)
• A bone-shaped cookie cutter (the star of the show)
• A baking sheet lined with parchment paper

That’s seriously all you need. See? Told you this was easy!

How to Make Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making these adorable chews! I’ve made this recipe so many times for Max that I could probably do it in my sleep. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of tail-wagging treats in no time.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this gives it time to get nice and toasty while you prep. In your mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, grated apple, and egg. Stir until it looks like a chunky orange mess (trust the process!). Then, gradually add the flour, mixing as you go. The dough should come together into a slightly sticky ball that holds its shape when pressed. If it’s too wet, add a sprinkle more flour; too dry? A splash of water does the trick. Easy peasy!

Step 2: Shape the Chews

Lightly flour your counter and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness—think the width of two stacked quarters. Too thick and they won’t crisp up nicely. Now for the best part! Press that bone-shaped cutter firmly into the dough. Wiggle it slightly to help release, then transfer each cute little bone to your parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about an inch apart—they won’t spread much, but you want good airflow.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn golden and the centers feel firm to the touch—no squish! Let them cool completely on the baking sheet (this is crucial for texture). I know it’s hard to resist those puppy eyes, but warm chews can be too soft. Once cooled, they’ll have the perfect chewiness that keeps dogs happily occupied. Pro tip: The longer they cool, the crispier they get!

Tips for Perfect Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

After making dozens of batches for Max, I’ve picked up some tricks to ensure these chews come out perfect every time. Here are my top tips:

• Test the dough: If it sticks to your fingers, add a bit more flour—it should be pliable but not sticky
• Watch the clock: Set a timer for 25 minutes and check—overbaked chews get too hard
• Cool completely: I know it’s tempting, but wait until they’re room temp for the best texture
• Store smart: Keep in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh for a week (if they last that long!)
• Size matters: For small dogs, use a smaller cutter—big chews can be overwhelming

Follow these, and you’ll be your dog’s personal pastry chef in no time!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients—I get it! Here’s what works (and what absolutely doesn’t) when making these chews:

• Flour swaps: Whole wheat flour can be replaced with oat flour or coconut flour (use 25% less since they absorb more moisture)
• Apple alternatives: No fresh apples? Unsweetened applesauce works beautifully—use 3/4 cup since it’s wetter than grated fruit
• Pumpkin pro tip: Sweet potato puree makes a great substitute if you’re out of pumpkin—same measurement, same great results
• Egg-free option: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water, let it thicken for 5 minutes before adding

Big no-nos: Never use xylitol (deadly for dogs!), nutmeg (toxic in large amounts), or sugar substitutes. When in doubt, check with your vet—Max’s safety always comes first!

Storing and Serving Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

These chews disappear fast in my house, but when they do last (rare!), here’s how to keep them fresh. I stash them in an airtight container—Max can sniff them out otherwise! They’ll stay good for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks. Always supervise your pup during chew time—safety first! And trust me, you’ll want to watch that happy tail wagging anyway.

Nutritional Information for Apple and Pumpkin Bone-Shaped Chews

Just like with our own snacks, it’s nice to know what’s in these homemade chews! Keep in mind these are estimates—actual values can vary depending on your apple’s sweetness or pumpkin’s thickness. Each bone-shaped chew contains roughly:

• 35 calories (perfect for training rewards!)
• 0.5g fat (from the egg and whole wheat flour)
• 1g fiber (thanks to pumpkin and apple’s natural goodness)

Always adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s size and dietary needs—my vet helped me figure out Max’s perfect treat allowance!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about these apple and pumpkin chews all the time—here are the most common questions from fellow dog lovers (and my answers from years of testing this recipe with Max!):

• Can I use canned pumpkin? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin—no added spices or sugar. I keep a few cans in my pantry for last-minute treat sessions.
• How long do these chews last? Stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Pro tip: I sometimes freeze half the batch—they thaw in minutes and stay just as tasty!
• My dog is wheat-sensitive—any alternatives? Oat flour works great! Use 1 3/4 cups instead of 2 cups wheat flour—it makes slightly softer but still delicious chews.
• Can puppies have these? Yes! Just break them into smaller pieces for tiny teeth. My neighbor’s lab puppy goes crazy for the crumbs when I’m cutting shapes.
• Why bone shapes? Honestly? Because it makes me smile! But any cookie cutter shape works—Max doesn’t judge my lopsided hearts one bit.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—I love swapping dog treat tips with fellow pet parents!

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