Until I needed them, I never realized how expensive those pill hiding treats are (can't say the real name because I think it's trademarked).
Not only that but most of them contain unbelievably unhealthy ingredients – like sugar (molasses, corn syrup and sorbitol) and other filler ingredients to get that soft, pliable texture, like wheat gluten and glycerin. So, I came up with a pumpkin dog treat for hiding your pet's medication, and one you can feel good about giving!
I wanted a treat that my dog could have every day with his supplements and medications (multiple times a day, even) without being complete garbage for him! I also wanted the treat to be pliable, like soft dough, so it was easy to hide medication of all sizes. And I wanted to use few or minimal ingredients - ones I could remember off the top of my head!
This no-bake recipe is so easy and so simple you’ll wonder why you ever wasted money month after month when this recipe is a fraction of the cost. Moreover, you can easily switch up the ingredients for this recipe to please your pet's finicky palette, and I share alternatives and additions at the bottom in the FAQ section of this post.
The two main ingredients in this recipe are pumpkin and coconut flour. THAT’S IT.
Like with anything we give our pets, we shouldn't give it blindly. Treats are meant to be in moderation, including treats surrounding medication. All in all, be sure to do your research on the benefits and risks, start small (in small increments) and talk to your veterinarian beforehand.
*Note: Item costs can vary based on location, inflation, brand, and sale price. I do my best to buy/suggest the most cost-effective option. I also may not factor certain ingredients into the price where their amounts have an inconsiderable impact, such as salt, oil or baking powder.
| Item purchased | Item Cost | Cost to make recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Canned pumpkin | $2.79 | $2.79 |
| Coconut flour | $4.99 | $0.52 |
| Total item(s) cost: $7.78 | Total recipe cost: $3.31 |
When it comes to finding ways to get our pets to take their medication, it can be tricky for picky eaters and finicky pill takers let alone finding treat options that don't cost a fortune or equate to a fast-food meal (especially if your pet takes medications multiple times a day). That's why I came up with a super simple, no-bake, 2-ingredient pumpkin treat recipe for your pet's medication that is both cheap and healthy.
Canned pumpkin typically has a high moisture content, so if you can it is recommended to strain your pumpkin to separate some of the liquid first.
Otherwise, pour contents of pumpkin into a mixing bowl.
Add in the 1/4 cup of coconut flour. Refer to other alternatives listed in the FAQ section below the recipe instructions, but do not use raw flour or APF.
Mix together using a spatula until contents form into a somewhat pliable dough. The dough may not be perfectly non-stick (again, I recommend straining the pumpkin first), but enough so that you can use to sneakily cover your pet's medications and supplements.
For dividing out the pill dough, you can store what you need for up to 5 days in the fridge and the rest must be kept frozen (for up to 3 months).
*You can either separate portions out on wax or parchment paper using an ice cream scooper or spoon, or use ice cube molds.
The number of servings for this recipe is an average estimation and is based on the number of medications given per day, their size, and how much dough you'll need to hide the pill (as well as to successfully trick your pet).
*This recipe is intended for intermittent feeding/snacking only, not as a well-balanced meal. Before giving your dog any new/certain ingredients, you are advised to talk to your veterinarian.
*Eat Rich Live Full is not a nutritionist or dietitian. For nutritional information, it is advised to refer to a nutritionist, dietitian or an online nutritional resource calculator. Nutritional information can vary depending on ingredients, ingredient types and brands used for each recipe.