Pumpkin treats can be fun to make for our dogs, especially in the fall and during Halloween. While you're snacking on your kids' Halloween candy, they can enjoy a treat alongside you.
These fun snacks could also be a great gift if you're having a dog-friendly Halloween party or are searching for something to hand out to the pups that come to your door.
Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Frozen Treats
Pumpkin dog treats not only offer fiber, but the peanut butter adds a touch of sweetness to the treat along with some valuable vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup peanut butter (unsalted and xylitol-free)
- 1 cup water or unsalted chicken broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and peanut butter
- Slowly add water or chicken broth to the mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for several hours until solid.
Pop the treats out of the molds when they're done and store them in a zipper bag in the freezer. When you're ready to give your dog a treat, pop one or two out of the tray and watch them savor the taste.
Carefully check the peanut butter label to make sure it doesn't contain xylitol.
Pumpkin & Banana Frozen Treats
Bananas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, offering dogs a low-calorie and healthy treat option that can support digestive health and boost their immune system.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup plain yogurt (optional)
- A splash of water, if needed
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree and mashed banana.
- If you're using yogurt, fold it in.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
- Freeze for several hours until solid. Like the pumpkin & peanut butter treats, offer one or two at a time.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats
Pumpkin is beneficial for dogs due to its high fiber content, while oats are a great source of carbohydrates and protein.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups whole oats
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
- Pinch of cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- Place the whole oats in a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches a flour-like consistency.
- In a large bowl, mix the canned pumpkin, egg, and unsweetened applesauce.
- Add the oat flour to the wet mixture and stir until well combined. If you're using cinnamon, add it to the mix.
- Using your hands or a spoon, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can also roll the dough flat and use cookie cutters to make shapes.
- Place the treats in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
- Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once the treats have cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage. Offer your dog one treat a time. If you would like to offer your dog more, make sure these treats don't exceed 10% of their daily diet.
Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats
Applesauce is generally safe for dogs to consume and is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole oats or oat flour
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup of other dog-safe ingredients like finely chopped carrots, blueberries, or a tablespoon of peanut butter, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
- If you're using whole oats, pulse them in a blender or food processor to create oat flour for a smoother texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, pumpkin applesauce, and egg. If you are using additional ingredients like chopped carrots or blueberries, fold them into the mixture.
- Use a spoon or your hands to form small balls or patties. Place these on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they start to turn golden brown at the edges.
Once the treats are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Your dog can have a treat or two each day or you can break the treat into smaller pieces if you're training your pup.
If you want these to be special shapes, chill the batter for 30 minutes. Roll it, and use a cookie cutter to cut them into shapes.
Other Dog Treats to Consider
If you're looking for more pumpkin dog treats, consider these options.
- Pumpkin Spice Puppuccinos: Lola the Pitty knows how much people love their pumpkin spice every fall. Share the pumpkin spice love with your pups with this easy-to-make recipe.
- Pawfect Pumpkin Spice Spookies: Healing Fur Souls has developed this yummy snack incorporating many different herbs to boost your dog's health. This recipe is more difficult than others because it requires many different ingredients, but it's awesome if you're ready for a challenge.
- Candy Corn Frozen Dog Treats: Beagles and Bargains has found a way to share the sweetness of candy corn without the high sugar content. Offer one treat at a time to keep their nutritious food as the bulk of their diet.
Ingredients to Avoid
It's fun to make homemade dog treats, but it's important to remember you can't make dog treats the same way you make your own. Here's a list of ingredients to avoid.
- Chocolate - Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
- Grapes/raisins - Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions/garlic/leeks/chives - Can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset.
- Xylitol - An artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, candies, and gums that can be lethal even in small amounts.
- Nutmeg - Contains compounds that can cause hallucinations and seizures in dogs.
- Macadamia nuts - Can cause lethargy, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
- Avocado - Contains persin, which can cause gastrointestinal distress.
- Alcohol - Even small amounts can cause poisoning in dogs.
- Butter and oil - High-fat content can contribute to obesity and pancreatitis.
- Artificial sweeteners, colors, and preservatives - These can cause digestive problems or allergic reactions in some dogs.
- Salt - High sodium levels can cause increased thirst, urination, and risk of sodium poisoning.
- Yeast dough - Can expand and cause gas to accumulate in your dog's digestive system, leading to pain or worse.
If your pet has allergies, digestive issues, or other health problems, consult your vet to see if the ingredients are okay to add to their diet.
Tasty Pumpkin Treats for Your Dog
When you make your own treats, you know exactly what's going in them, so you can skip all the artificial ingredients and preservatives that you usually find in store-bought options. It's a great way to make sure your dog is eating something healthy, especially if they have special dietary needs. Plus, you get to pick flavors and ingredients you know your dog will go nuts for, and you can be proud to be the one who made them.
