Turns out pumpkin, in addition to filling pies, soups, and being eminently carvable, works a special enzyme magic on stomach irritation. Does it work on people?  I don’t know.  My job was to get it into the dog. “Feed her a tablespoon of pumpkin,” he said, “mixed in her food. Or right from the spoon – if she’ll take it.”

Would she? Her first move was to stuff her mouth with Ducky, thus avoiding whatever was on the spoon. Take it?

No.

And no.

And no way.

So I mixed it with her food – and for a while, she snubbed the food. By now, several rounds later, she’ll eat it.  She finally seems to know that snacking on shrubs, or snail shells, or used Kleenex will earn her dinner a pumpkin garnish.  Still, I like an ace up my sleeve; over the course of three dogs I’ve seen a lot of three a.m’s, a lot of snowy, moonlit grass. I wanted an extra pumpkin delivery system, and for me, baking something “in” is the easy answer. Cleo is sweet and trusting. She’s also not bright enough to suspect a biscuit.

Rolling dough got her attention…

…and while they cooled on the counter, she even forgot the edible bits in the yard. Dogs love these simple biscuits and they make great treats, sick or not sick. Oh, they’re delightful – but here’s my best advice: buy wastebaskets with lids. Don’t plant poisonous shrubs, shut bathroom doors, avoid the tastiest pens. And by all means, keep a handy can of pumpkin.

Cleo’s Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons dry milk
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 1/2 cups brown rice flour *
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth. Stir in dry milk, sea salt, and dried parsley (if using, optional). Add brown rice flour gradually, combining with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough. Turn out onto lightly floured surface (can use the brown rice flour) and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.

Roll dough between 1/4 – 1/2″ – depending on your dog’s chew preferences, ask first – and use biscuit or other shape cutter to punch shapes, gathering and re-rolling scraps as you go. Place shapes on cookie sheet, no greasing or paper necessary. If desired, press fork pattern on biscuits before baking, a quick up-and-down movement with fork, lightly pressing down halfway through dough. Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully turn biscuits over, then bake additional 20 minutes. Allow to cool completely on rack before feeding to dog.

* Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promotes better dog digestion. Many dogs have touchy stomachs or allergies, and do not, like many people I know, tolerate wheat.

Makes up to 75 small (1″) biscuits or 50 medium biscuits

Please note: These biscuits are a healthy everyday treat, and good for a dog with minor digestion issues. If your dog is having serious stomach distress, remove all food and contact your veterinarian.