The first time I baked these homemade brownies for dogs my pup hovered near the oven, tail swooshing like a feather duster. They smelled warm and pumpkin-rich, and when I finally set them down to cool, my dog sat like a perfect angel waiting for his turn.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (exact measurements)
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Oat flour | 1 cup | Fiber and protein for steady energy |
| Carob powder | 4 tbsp | Antioxidants; safe chocolate alternative |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | Digestive aid and immune support |
| Large eggs | 2 | Essential proteins and amino acids |
| Coconut oil, melted | ¼ cup | Healthy fats for skin and cognitive function |
| Peanut Butter Swirl: | ||
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
| Pumpkin puree | ½ cup | Extra fiber and vitamins |
| Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) | ½ cup | Protein and healthy fats |
| Medium egg | 1 | Extra protein and nutrients |
Required equipment: 8-inch baking dish, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring tools, cooling rack, knife, toothpicks.
Quick Tips Before You Start
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper so the brownies lift out easily.
Use room-temperature ingredients, especially eggs, to help everything mix smoothly.
Measure all ingredients ahead of time to keep the process simple.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the dish. Lightly grease the 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper with enough overhang to lift later.
- Make the swirl. In a small bowl mix ½ cup pumpkin, ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter, and 1 medium egg until smooth. If the mix seems too thick, add 1 tbsp warm water; if too thin, add a spoon of peanut butter.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl whisk 1 cup oat flour with 4 tbsp carob powder.
- Mix the wet base. In a large bowl stir 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup melted coconut oil. Make sure the oil is warm, not hot, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Combine into batter. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture gradually. Stir until just combined.
- Assemble and swirl. Spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan. Add 6–8 spoonfuls of the peanut butter swirl mixture on top. Use a knife or toothpick to gently create a marbled pattern.
- Bake. Bake 30–35 minutes. Look for edges pulling slightly from the sides, a soft springy top, and a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs. Internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C).
- Cool and cut. Cool the brownies in the pan on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
Toy (under 10 lb): ¼ small square
Small (10–25 lb): ½ square
Medium (25–50 lb): 1 square
Large (50+ lb): 1–2 squares
Keep all treats, including these homemade brownies for dogs, under 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Storage & Shelf Life
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap individual squares and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
Oat flour supplies gentle fiber for digestion and steady energy.
Carob adds a sweet, dog-safe chocolate-like taste and antioxidants.
Pumpkin supports gut health and immunity.
Eggs offer complete protein for strong muscles and a shiny coat.
Coconut oil and peanut butter provide healthy fats that support skin, coat, and energy.
Vet Safety & Warnings
Never use chocolate; only carob is safe for dogs.
Always confirm peanut butter is xylitol-free. Xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs.
Check with your vet before offering new treats if your dog has allergies, pancreatitis, or dietary needs.
Easy Homemade Brownies for Dogs
homemade brownies for dogs pumpkin carob and peanut butter swirl
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Oat flour | 1 cup | Fiber and protein for steady energy |
| Carob powder | 4 tbsp | Antioxidants; safe chocolate alternative |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup | Digestive aid and immune support |
| Large eggs | 2 | Essential proteins and amino acids |
| Coconut oil, melted | ¼ cup | Healthy fats for skin and cognitive function |
| Peanut Butter Swirl: | ||
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
| Pumpkin puree | ½ cup | Extra fiber and vitamins |
| Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) | ½ cup | Protein and healthy fats |
| Medium egg | 1 | Extra protein and nutrients |
| Required equipment: 8-inch baking dish, parchment paper, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, measuring tools, cooling rack, knife, toothpicks. |
Instructions
-
Prep the dish. Lightly grease the 8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper with enough overhang to lift later.
-
Make the swirl. In a small bowl mix ½ cup pumpkin, ½ cup xylitol-free peanut butter, and 1 medium egg until smooth. If the mix seems too thick, add 1 tbsp warm water; if too thin, add a spoon of peanut butter.
-
Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl whisk 1 cup oat flour with 4 tbsp carob powder.
-
Mix the wet base. In a large bowl stir 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup melted coconut oil. Make sure the oil is warm, not hot, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
-
Combine into batter. Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture gradually. Stir until just combined.
-
Assemble and swirl. Spread the brownie batter evenly in the pan. Add 6–8 spoonfuls of the peanut butter swirl mixture on top. Use a knife or toothpick to gently create a marbled pattern.
-
Bake. Bake 30–35 minutes. Look for edges pulling slightly from the sides, a soft springy top, and a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs. Internal temperature should reach about 160°F (71°C).
-
Cool and cut. Cool the brownies in the pan on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Whole-grain flour can work, but oat flour is easier on digestion. Reduce the amount slightly if substituting.
2. Are carob brownies truly safe for dogs?
Yes. Carob contains no theobromine, making it a safe alternative to chocolate.
3. Why are my brownies crumbly?
They may be overbaked or contain too much flour. Try checking them earlier next time.
4. Can puppies have these brownies?
Give very small pieces and check with your vet if your puppy is under 12 weeks.
5. What if my dog is allergic to peanut butter?
Use unsweetened sunflower seed butter or skip the swirl and add extra pumpkin.