I don’t just cook or bake for people, I bake for our family dog – Panda! I know, I have a dog named after a bear. There is a funny story to that…

Months before we adopted Panda, we were talking about having a dog – you know, normal questions and discussions like ‘What breed of dog?’ ‘How big or small do we want?’ ‘What should we name it?’ ‘How will we care for the dog, who will be responsible for what.’

When it came to names, Addi had a list of her three top names. Number 1 was Panda. My response, ‘No way. We are not naming our dog after a bear.’ Funny thing is that I don’t remember anymore what the other two name options were.

Flash ahead 3 months, we were out with family attending this event for pets at a local brewery and there was this very adorable puppy up for adoption who wouldn’t leave Addi alone. He kept laying on her feet, winding around her legs, and no matter how many people played with him, he came back to Addi. It didn’t take us long before we knew we had found our family dog, or should I say, he found us. This puppy came with a name – PANDA. All I can do is laugh because I can’t think of a better name for that face. I filled out the adoption application on the spot and in 3 weeks, we had our family dog.

I am not sure why it took until he was 2 years old for me to make him treats, but I’m not going to stop now. I have also made frozen bacon oatmeal balls for him (he LOVES those), and I’m dying to try making some sort of chicken biscuit that I’ve seen recipes for. There is no question – this dog is spoiled.

Baking for your dog family is almost no different than baking for your human family. Measurement, watch the cook time, don’t let it burn. The main difference is, although it is edible, I’m not testing the finished product. But I do not need to…Panda lets me know how good they are by the smiling face and wagging tail when those treats are brought out.

Panda’s Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs in a stand mixer fitted with the batter blade. Slowly add the flour until combined. Dough will be dry and crumbly.

Wrap in plastic wrap and place in fridge for 30 minutes. On a floured surface, roll out the dough until 1/2 inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes.

Bake for 25 minutes and let cool fully when out of the oven. Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks or freezer for up to 2 months.

Your pup can enjoy frozen, chilled or at room temperature. I guarantee they will like each option.

Happy Tail Wagging!

*Recipe from DamnDelicious.net website.