Make miniature DIY dog food treats using oats, pumpkin, and peanut butter; measure, mix, bake with adult supervision to learn nutrition and safe cooking.



Step-by-step guide to make miniature DIY dog food
Step 1
Check the peanut butter label to make sure it does not contain xylitol.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 3
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 4
Measure 1 cup of rolled oats into a mixing bowl.
Step 5
Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree to the mixing bowl.
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons of xylitol-free peanut butter to the mixing bowl.
Step 7
Stir the ingredients with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
Step 8
Pinch or scoop tiny pieces of dough and roll them into small balls about 1/2 inch across.
Step 9
Arrange the mini balls on the lined baking sheet leaving space between each treat.
Step 10
Have an adult place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 325°F for about 18 minutes until the treats are firm.
Step 11
Have an adult remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts.
Step 12
Set the hot baking sheet on a heat-proof surface or cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 13
Put the cooled treats into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
Step 14
Share your finished miniature dog food treats on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can I use if I can't find xylitol-free peanut butter or canned pumpkin?
If xylitol-free peanut butter is unavailable, substitute xylitol-free sunflower seed butter using the same 2 tablespoons and if canned pumpkin is hard to find use 1/2 cup plain unsweetened canned sweet potato or applesauce in the 'Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree' step while checking labels for no added sweeteners.
My mini balls are falling apart or the dough is too wet—what should I try?
If the mixture in the bowl isn't sticky after you 'Stir the ingredients until a sticky dough forms,' add 1 teaspoon of extra pumpkin at a time to bind it, but if it's too wet add 1 tablespoon more rolled oats, reshape the mini balls, and then bake at 325°F as instructed until the treats are firm.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers let them help 'Measure 1 cup of rolled oats' and 'Pinch or scoop tiny pieces' while an adult handles the oven steps, for school-age kids have them mix, roll, and arrange the balls, and for teens let them scale the recipe, manage baking, and post the finished treats to DIY.org.
How can we enhance or personalize the miniature dog food treats?
To personalize the treats stir in a tablespoon of finely grated carrot or chopped parsley during the 'Stir the ingredients' step, press shapes before baking, and after the 'Set the hot baking sheet...to cool completely' step freeze extras instead of refrigerating for longer storage.
Watch videos on how to make miniature DIY dog food
Facts about homemade pet treats and kitchen safety for kids
🔥 Always bake with an adult: measure precisely, watch the oven, and let treats cool completely before giving them to your pet.
🐶 Homemade dog treats let you choose real ingredients and avoid added preservatives—many pups prefer the fresh taste!
🌾 Oats are a gentle whole grain that many dogs digest easily and provide steady energy.
🥜 Plain peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, but never use peanut butter with xylitol — it's toxic to dogs.
🎃 Pumpkin is rich in fiber and vitamin A and can help a dog's digestion; use plain pumpkin, not spiced pie filling.


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