Yes, even dogs can have pumpkin spice (just not the same stuff the humans get)!
If it’s good enough for Starbucks, it’s good enough for us, so we decided to get on the pumpkin spice bandwagon here at the farm! This week we introduced our new Pumpkin Spice dog cookies at our local store (where the Dadz works!).
It’s important to know that many pumpkin spice products made for humans are not safe for dogs. For our cookies, we use the dog-safe spices cinnamon, ginger, and parsley. Pumpkin is high in fiber and very good for dogs, but as with most things, moderation is key. It is good for their digestion, but too much could cause issues either way.
I use organic spices only in my dog cookies, and the parsley is fresh from our own herb garden. Parsley is full of antioxidants and vitamins. It has many benefits for dogs; it is said that it can ease arthritis, aid digestion, and promote fresh breath. Two caveats: It’s important to note that “spring parsley,” (a member of the carrot family that resembles parsley) is toxic to dogs and cats in large amounts, and parsley is not good for dogs with kidney issues, or pregnant dogs.
Ginger also benefits dogs’ digestion, can relieve nausea, and may even relieve or prevent bloat (please note: bloat is a serious condition requiring a vet’s care!). It is a natural anti-inflammatory, has immune-boosting power, and could even be a cancer fighter (it was recommended by Dr. Dressler to be part of our golden retriever Sheba’s diet when she was fighting cancer).
Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory that can be good for painful joints and arthritis. It can also help benefit digestion and relieve upset stomachs. It’s also said to improve circulation, benefiting the heart, and is a natural preservative, which makes it a perfect ingredient to include in my dog cookies. Our cookies are organic and all-natural, so there are no other preservatives.
If giving to your dogs, all these ingredients should be used in moderation, and it might be best to check with your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet for help with any health issues.
I actually took an old recipe I had for pumpkin dog cookies and just changed it up a bit to make it into our pumpkin spice version. I wonder if they’ll be a hit (I’ll keep you posted)?
I hope one day be able to offer my cookies for sale here on the website; that is going to be one of my winter projects! In the meantime, there are a lot of other pet companies already on the pumpkin spice bandwagon. One of our favorites is The Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Spice Latte*. Your dog can have that while you have the Starbucks version! We’ve also seen Pumpkin Spice Greenies* and Fruitables Skinny Minis*, though we haven’t personally tried those products (Luke is now insisting I order some).
Since everything seems to be “pumpkin spiced” every autumn now, it’s no wonder some people are not fans of it all! Where do you stand on the pumpkin spice debate – are you on the bandwagon, or just watching the parade go by? 😊 Has your dog tried any pumpkin spice products?
Yummy!!! I would be drooling all over da floor if those were in front of me 😉
xoxo,
Matt (& Matilda)
Sometimes Luke manages to hold back the drool for a bit! LOL
I hope you do sell on the website. I can see there are a lot of ingredients in your cookies, that could help Sampson. 🙂
I do stock up on canned pumpkin when my local warehouse carries it. We use it at every meal for the dogs, but I don’t do a lot of baking in the heat. I have a favorite recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, but I need to de-gluten it. 🙂 You’ve got me feeling pumpkin-y. 🙂
Oohh…pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, now those sound good!
I’m glad to hear that you like the ingredients that I use, and that I have customers waiting when I get going on that! I just need to figure out better packaging for shipping, and how to keep shipping costs down too. And how to actually sell through my website…so I do have some research ahead of me!
Pumpkin is always a hit and good for he pooches! Nice job on the snacks!
Thank you!!
Good Morning! Neither Sam nor I are fans of pumpkin anything. And, while Shadow and Ducky would eat just about anything, I have to be super careful of what I give them. (Especially with Sam’s propensity to give them large amounts of whatever he eats.)
My hubby is with you and Sam, he doesn’t like pumpkin anything. I love it! But I don’t get pumpkin pie or bread very often, because I’d have to eat it all myself! 🙁
PS…I was thinking of you today today when I saw on the weather that that tropical storm is probably heading your way. They didn’t give many details though.
Tropical storm, huh? I haven’t heard a word about it. The only news Sam watches is MSNBC – national politics – and I have little use for the weather app on the phone so…
But thank you for thinking about me!! ❤️❤️🤗🤗
Yum, those sound great! We haven’t dared try pumpkin spice things with Shyla. She has a nervous GI tract… plain pumpkin is fine though!
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Luke can eat just about anything I think!
I am sure they will be a hit 🙂
Thank you, Ellen!
I pretty much love anything with pumpkin and so does Ruby. Definitely want her to try the Honest Kitchen’s Pumpkin latte for dogs! Also, didn’t know parsley was toxic to dogs!
It’s just that one kind of parsley (which I had never even heard of until researching for this post). I plant flat or curly leaf and that’s fine.
Both Luke and our cat Sam love the Pumpkin latte!
The mom says those sound good enough for her to eat!
I’m thinking of just adding a little sugar to make a batch for myself! 🙂
Luke, you are such a good boy! Your hard work is really paying off in that last shot! Is it bad that I admit that these treats sound good … for dogs or not?
No, it’s not bad at all. You should smell them when they’re baking!!
Hopefully it’s a hit. I like my pumpkin spice as a pie, with lots of whipped cream!
Mmmm….yes, pie with lots of whipped cream is one of my favorites too!
Oh those look delicious!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE your packaging!!!! You are so clever!! Well done!!
Thank you so much, Caren!!
I’m a big pumpkin lover, my sisters like it, but I love it! Those cookies sound pretty good.
Luke is a huge fan too. He enjoys a big spoonful on his breakfast every other morning!
Now that’s the way to spice up the yum!
I love pumpkin spice! The boys enjoy pumpkin too so we will be looking for some seasonal treats.
I love it too. I wonder if the Pumpkin Spice muffins are out at DD yet? 🙂
Love your packaging! Picky Sam thinks they’re quite tasty; Elsa eats wool socks so who knows how she feels about pumpkin treats. But she never lets one get away from her. Have a good weekend.
Ha ha, Luke is like Elsa….we can’t really trust his judgement since he’ll eat just about anything. Except cucumbers and celery so far. LOL
oooh they look fantabulous, dig in Luke and don’t furget the morsels ;O)
He never misses a crumb!!