DIY Dog Treats & Toys: Your Ultimate Fall Pet Project Guide

Autumn is in the air! This means it's time for some fun activities and treats with your furry friends. As the leaves turn golden and the wind becomes breezy and crisp, let's all dive in on some DIY dog toys, treats, and projects that are sure to make tails wag.

Part 1: Treating Your Pup Right - Fall-Themed DIY Dog Treats

Before we get started, remember to:

• Always supervise your doggos with new toys.
• Remove any damaged or loose parts.
• Check with your vet about ingredients, especially if your pup has dietary restrictions.
• Use pet-safe materials only.

Let’s start with a few yummy DIY dog treat recipes you can do with your puppers. Thank you to Allrecipes for these amazing recipets!

Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon water, or more if necessary (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
• Blend flour, eggs, peanut butter, pumpkin, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; stir until combined.
• Transfer the mixture to your work surface and work it with your hands until it comes together. Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time (if needed) to make the dough workable. Don't add too much, as it should be dry and stiff.
• Roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness.
• Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 40 minutes or until the dog treats are golden brown and crunchy.
• Let cool and serve.

Super Simple Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato
• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
• Prick sweet potatoes a few times with a fork. Cook in the microwave on high for 6 minutes or until tender. Set aside to cool.
• Cut the potato in half, scoop the flesh into a bowl, discard the skin. Mash the potato and transfer about 1 cup to a large bowl; save the remainder for another use.
• Mix flour, eggs, and applesauce into the sweet potato until a dough forms.
• Place dough onto a well-floured surface and roll it to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter. Arrange cookies on an ungreased baking sheet.
• Bake until crisp, about 35 to 45 minutes. Let cool before placing on a wire rack.

Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats

Ingredients: 

• 4 cups rolled oats, or as needed
• 1 medium apple, cored and grated
• 1 egg
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• ¼ cup rolled oats

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400° F (200° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place oatmeal in a food processor bowl and pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
• Mix in the grated apple, canned pumpkin, and egg until well combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
• Sprinkle your work surface with the extra oats, and roll the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and transfer them to your baking sheet.
• Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp and golden. Let cool on a wire rack.

Part 2: Toy Story - Fall DIY Entertainment

Here are a few DIY dog toy ideas you can do for your pup’s fall entertainment:

Simple Rope Dog Toy

Materials:

• Old t-shirt or fleece blanket, preferably in fall colors: orange, red, yellow, or brown
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Cut fabric into 3 strips with a 3-inch width and about 2 feet length
• Make the loop by folding the strips in half. Push the ends through the folded loop and pull tight.
• Braid the strips like hair, keeping it snug and going down.
• Finish the toy with another loop by making a small loop at the end. Push the ends through and pull tight.

Snuffle Ball Toy

Materials:

• An old tennis ball
• A sharp knife or scissors
• Your dog's fave treats

Instructions:

• Carefully cut a small hole or two in the ball.
• Insert a variety of treats inside the ball.

Jelly-Fish Dog Toy

Materials:

• Old t-shirts or fabric scraps in fall colors (orange, red, yellow, brown, etc.)
• Scissors
• Needle and thread (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the fabric into long, thin strips. The width of the strips will determine the thickness of the tentacles.
• Tie the strips together in the middle, creating a knot that will serve as the body of the jellyfish. You can adjust the tightness of the knot to create different shapes for the body.
• Fluff out the tentacles to create a jellyfish-like appearance. You can also trim the ends of the tentacles to create a more defined shape.

Optional: If you want to add a squeaker to the toy, you can sew it into the body of the jellyfish.

Part 3: Autumn Fun Activities with Your Pup 

When you're done DIYing the treats and toys, you can now enjoy a few bonding moments with these fall activities with your puppers:

Autumnal Photo Sessions

• Gather fall leaves and make a pile as your backdrop.
• Prop some pumpkins and gourds.
• Dress in fall-themed clothes and accessories (yes, both you and the doggo).
• Or you can take a shortcut and get a fall-themed pet portrait from the pros.

Pro Tips: 

• Bring the DIY treats and toys you made to get your pup's attention.
• Schedule the shoot during the golden hour for the best ambiance.
• Get the help of a family member or friend.
• Don't forget to take breaks.

Find the Treat Autumn Scent Game

• Create a leaf trail in your yard.
• Hide treats under fallen leaves.
• Let your dog discover them with their nose.

Cozy Indoor Activities

• Indoor treasure hunt: hide treats around the house. Create obstacle courses with autumn-scented toys (apple, pumpkin).
• Snuggle and train: practice new tricks. Give massages while having quiet bonding time.

Bonus Section: Seasonal Dog Safety Tips

To keep enjoying the beauty of autumn, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Ingredients Watch-List:

• When making homemade dog treats, avoid chocolate, raisins, and xylitol.
• Be careful when using fall ingredients such as pumpkin spice, nuts, and certain fruits (grapes, cherries, citrus, and tomatoes)
• Control the portions of treats you give your dogs, moderation is key.

Toy Safety 101:

• Consider the size of the toys you give your dogs. Ensure they are appropriate for your pup's size to prevent choking.
• Always supervise your dogs with new toys.
• Replace toys that show signs of wear and tear.

Remember that every dog has different energy levels and interests. Adjust your DIY fall treats, toys, and activities to match their age, health, and enthusiasm levels. Always end your sessions on a positive note!