Well, Travis’s 30th birthday has come and gone, but the celebrating continues in our house this week!
Our puppies are turning 2 tomorrow, and we are those people making a “thing” about it.
Partly because…why not? Those that know us know that our doggies are very much at the center of our lives right now, so we (I) feel the need to spoil them and make sure they know they are loved. They are doing a pretty darn good job of filling the void we feel for a human baby, so they deserve the extra recognition.
And also because…we are realllly hoping that by turning 2, they will suddenly grow up and become perfectly behaved dogs. We hoped for the same thing last year, but that was really just wishful thinking. I think there’s hope for them this time. 
Jack and Macey are Mastiff American Bulldog Mix siblings from the same litter, and are SO much bigger than I ever anticipated. I mean, I saw both of their parents when we got them, but I think I was just so in love with them as puppies that I was completely in denial about their probable size. 
Jack weighs in at about 130 lbs and Macey is just a measly 90. We now find ourselves in a bit of a “Clifford Situation” as I like to call it, with such big dogs living in our small house. Most of their destruction is simply because they are so large, but also because 2 puppies at the same times = quadruple the trouble. If you’ve ever had 2 puppies together, you know what I mean and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it 😉 
But our puppies bring SO much love and joy into our lives and I couldn’t imagine not having either one. I know it drives people crazy when I compare them to “real kids”, but they have been a great dry run for us as future parents. Travis and I have already learned a lot about the role we will take on as parents-it has been established who is the “fun parent” (Travis), who is the enforcer (Travis) and who makes sure they stay alive with food, water, and consistent exercise (Me) 😉 
Because food is my love language, I of course needed to make my babies a special treat for their special day. For the 2nd week in a row, I had a major recipe fail and am really starting to question my cooking abilities.
Our first round of cookies were supposed to be rolled out flat and cut into dog bone shapes, then baked. Well there was NO rolling this sticky dough. I did salvage the batter and bake some “drop cookies” that totally passed the taste test, but just weren’t pretty enough to share on my blog. (I still think this recipe is worth trying again. I made a couple minor substitutions and my peanut butter was extra runny, so I think that is why we had issues.) 
I took a few deep breaths, did a little more “research” and got back to work. I had to redeem myself!
I ended up having success with this super simple, no-bake cookie ball that my dogs loved! (I let them have a little taste test early…don’t tell The Enforcer. Macey says they were lip-lickin’ good!) 
I love that these cookies are fresh and made up of healthy ingredients for my dogs. They require a lot of food, so I try my best to make sure they are eating as wholesome and healthy as possible. Just like for myself and my husband, I want them to thrive and live long lives! The ingredient list is short and made up of things you probably have in your pantry.
Whether you have an unhealthy obsession with your dog (guilty!) or you just want to make them a special treat for fun, these cookies are easy enough to throw together in minutes and will be sure to make your K-9 a happy pup! 
(Recipe adapted from showmetheyummy.com)
Ingredients 
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, and yogurt until smooth.
- Stir in oats.
- Using a tablespoon and your hands or a cookie scoop, form into balls.
- Store in fridge or freezer until it’s puppy treat time!
Happy Birthday, Pups!
These healthy dog treats are full of wholesome, clean, and organic ingredients and require no baking! Throw them together in a jiffy and then watch your dog chow down on a good-for-you treat!
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
-
In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, applesauce, peanut butter, and yogurt until smooth.
-
Stir in oats.
-
Using a tablespoon and your hands or a cookie scoop, form into balls.
-
Store in fridge or freezer until it's puppy treat time!
Disclaimer: I used all organic, unsalted, no sugar added, gluten free products, so read your labels based on those preferences. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pets.
You May Also Like
