Hey, fellow furball fanatics and sourdough sidekicks! Picture this: Your bubbly starter's been churning out discard faster than your pup chases squirrels, and that tangy glob in the fridge is eyeing you like yesterday's bad decision. But hold the compost bin—let's spin this sour surplus into chewy, drool-worthy dog treats that'll turn your four-legged troublemaker into a begging superstar. Inspired by a rainy afternoon when my rescue mutt, Biscuit, turned a kitchen mishap into his new obsession (one accidental lick of discard, and boom—lifelong love affair), these goodies blend probiotic punch with pumpkin's cozy vibes and peanut butter's nutty hug. Simple as a belly rub, baked in under 30 minutes, and gone faster than a game of fetch. Your vet-approved snack squad yields 30-40 bite-sized biscuits—perfect for rewarding those “good boy” moments without the guilt. (P.S. Stick to xylitol-free PB and plain pumpkin, and chat with your vet on portions—treats should be just 10% of daily chow.)
Ingredients (For a Pack of Wagging Wonders: 30-40 Treats)
- 200g sourdough starter discard (unfed, room temp): The zingy secret weapon—straight from the fridge? Give it a quick warm-up hug for mix-master magic.
- ½ cup (120g) pumpkin puree (plain, canned or fresh): Moisture maven and fiber friend—swap in sweet potato if your pup's feeling fancy.
- ¼ cup (64g) natural peanut butter (unsalted, unsweetened): Nutty nectar that dogs dream about—stir if it's being stubborn.
- 2 tbsp (28g) tallow, melted: Beefy bliss for shine and healthy fats—grass-fed glow-up recommended.
- 1 large egg: The glue that holds the party together—whole for that extra nutrient nudge.
- 1½ cups (135g) rolled oats: Texture tango—pulse half into coarse flour (cornmeal vibes) for dough drama, keep the rest whole for chewy charm.
Instructions: Whip Up the Woof-Worthy Dough
1. Oat Overhaul: Gear Up Your Grain Game
Fire up your food processor or blender and blitz ½ cup of those oats into a gritty flour (think sandy beach, not powdered sugar). Toss it with the whole oats crew. Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C) and parchment-line a baking sheet—your canvas for canine couture.
2. Wet Whirl: Stir the Sloppy Symphony
In a big bowl, whisk that discard, pumpkin mush, PB powerhouse, melted tallow, and egg into a creamy dream. It'll start soupy (like a pup after a puddle romp) but smooth out—lumps are the enemy, so channel your inner barista.
3. Dough Duel: Build the Ball of Fun
Sprinkle in the oat flour and whole oats bit by bit, mixing till it forms a soft, squishy blob (playdough's jealous). Too sticky? Dust with extra oat flour. Too crumbly? Splash in water like a sneaky splash park attack. Rollable? Victory bark!
4. Shape Shift: Cutie Cutter Chaos
On a lightly oiled or parchment-dusted stage, roll that dough to ¼-inch thick (pup-sized perfection). Grab a bone cutter or knife for 1-2 inch squares—hearts, paws, or wonky blobs all welcome. Plop 'em on the sheet (no spreading drama here). Re-roll scraps like a pro puzzle master.
5. Bake Blitz & Chill Thrill: Golden Goodness Awaits
Slide into the oven for 20-25 minutes till edges glow golden and they firm up (rotate halfway for even tan lines). Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes—they crisp like magic. Serve warm for that “just for you” sparkle, or stash in the fridge for a week (freezer for 3 months—thaw and treat!).
Pro Pup Perks & Playful Twists
These bad boys pack probiotics from the discard for tummy TLC, oats for omega-3 zen, and tallow for joint-jiving fats—hello, healthier hikes! For extra flair, press fork tines into the dough pre-bake for paw-print pizzazz. Sensitive snout? Test tiny bites first.
