Looking for a healthy, tasty treat for your dog? Pumpkin is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support your dog’s digestive health and overall well-being.
These 4 easy-to-make homemade pumpkin dog treat recipes will not only satisfy your pup’s taste buds but also provide the nutrition they need for a happy, healthy life!
Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
#1 Peanut Butter Pumpkin Crunchies
These crunchy, protein-packed pumpkin treats are perfect for training or just as a special reward for your pup.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (pure, not pie filling)
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil for healthy fats and a rich flavor (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the treats from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add the ground cinnamon for a subtle flavor boost and the baking powder to help the dough rise slightly.
- Add the Flour: Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes like bones, paws, or hearts. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them with a fork.
- Bake: Place the shaped treats onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the biscuits are firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
#2 Pumpkin Oat Chews
These soft and chewy treats combine the goodness of pumpkin and oats, making them an ideal snack for dogs with sensitive teeth or dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for added fiber and omega-3s (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, aromatic touch (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make sure the cookies don’t stick and come off easily when they’re done.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and egg. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in the rolled oats and whole wheat flour, stirring until everything is well combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a spoon to drop dollops of dough onto the baking sheet. For uniform cookies, you can also use a cookie scoop. Flatten the tops of each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookies firm up. Be sure not to overbake, as you want them to stay soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.
#3 Apple Pumpkin Bites
These wholesome bites blend the natural sweetness of apple and pumpkin for a delicious and healthy snack your pup will love.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2/3 cup whole wheat flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened) for texture and healthy fats (optional)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (natural, xylitol-free) for added flavor and richness (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and egg. Stir until smooth. If you find the mixture a little thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out slightly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated into a dough.
- Shape the Treats: Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into small balls or flatten them into discs. If you prefer, you can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden and the treats firm up.
- Cool: Let the treats cool completely before serving. You can store these in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.
#4 Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Popsicles
These refreshing frozen treats combine the creamy goodness of yogurt with the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, making them the perfect cool snack for your dog!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened and unflavored)
- 1 tablespoon honey for a natural sweetness boost (optional)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (natural, unsweetened, xylitol-free) for a creamy, nutty flavor (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, stir the pumpkin puree and yogurt together until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps, and the mixture is uniform.
- Fill the Molds: Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or muffin tins. For easier serving, silicone molds work best as they make it easy to pop the treats out.
- Freeze: Place the filled molds in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely solid.
- Serve: Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds and serve them as a refreshing snack. Store extras in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Tips for Making These Treats Even Healthier
While these pumpkin dog treats are already packed with nutrition, here are a few suggestions to boost their health benefits:
- Add Omega-3s: To promote a shiny coat and support joint health, consider adding flaxseed or chia seeds to the dough. Both are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which also have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Boost Digestive Health with Probiotics: Add a spoonful of plain yogurt to the dough (instead of using it as the primary ingredient) for added probiotics. These good bacteria promote gut health and digestion in dogs.
- Use Sweet Potato: Swap out the pumpkin in some of the recipes for cooked sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are also packed with fiber and vitamins, making them a great alternative.
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
Proper storage is key to preserving the freshness and safety of your homemade dog treats:
- Room Temperature: Treats that don’t contain perishable ingredients (like yogurt or meats) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Make sure they are fully cooled before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
- Refrigeration: If your recipe contains yogurt, eggs, or other perishable items, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep the treats in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen treats can last for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. For a cool treat, serve them directly from the freezer!
How to Use These Treats for Training and Enrichment
Homemade pumpkin treats aren’t just for snack time—they can be used to support training and mental stimulation:
- Training Treats: Because these pumpkin treats are soft, they make great training rewards! You can break them into smaller pieces to encourage good behavior throughout the day.
- Interactive Games: Hide these treats around the house or in a puzzle toy to engage your dog’s mind. This type of enrichment can reduce boredom and encourage problem-solving skills.
- Frozen Treats for Teething Puppies: If you have a teething puppy, you can freeze these pumpkin treats for extra relief. The cold will help soothe sore gums while providing a tasty, refreshing snack.
Conclusion: Healthy, Homemade Pumpkin Treats for Your Dog
These homemade pumpkin dog treat recipes are a great way to provide your dog with a delicious and nutritious snack. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, pumpkin supports your dog’s digestive health, immune system, and overall wellness.
Whether you’re baking peanut butter pumpkin biscuits or freezing pumpkin yogurt treats, your dog will love these healthy homemade snacks. Best of all, they’re simple to make and free of preservatives and additives found in many store-bought treats. Enjoy making these recipes for your furry friend and watch their tail wag with delight!