Pumpkin dog treats are one of the easiest, healthiest snacks you can make for your dog at home. They require simple ingredients, most dogs love the taste, and pumpkin is packed with nutrients that support digestion, weight control, and gut health. Whether you want crunchy cookies, soft training treats, or no-bake snacks, this guide gives you everything in one place.
In this complete recipe guide, you’ll learn:
✅ Why pumpkin is good for dogs
✅ The best ingredients to use (and which to avoid)
✅ A beginner-friendly pumpkin dog treats recipe
✅ 5 delicious variations, including pumpkin bread and pumpkin pie for dogs
✅ Storage tips, FAQs, and expert advice
Let’s get started!
Why Pumpkin Dog Treats Are So Popular
Pumpkin isn’t just tasty — it’s nutrient-rich and dog-friendly. Many pet owners use pumpkin treats as a healthy alternative to store-bought biscuits.
Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Yes — according to veterinarians and organizations like the AKC, pure pumpkin offers:
✅ High fiber for digestion
✅ Low calories for weight management
✅ Rich vitamins A, C, and E
✅ Helps firm up loose stools and soothe upset stomachs
Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin: Which Is Better?
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Pure canned pumpkin is safe and convenient
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Fresh cooked pumpkin works well too
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Avoid pumpkin pie filling → it contains sugar, spices, and nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs
How Much Pumpkin Can Dogs Eat?
General vet-approved guideline:
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Small dogs: 1–2 teaspoons
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Medium dogs: 1 tablespoon
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Large dogs: 2–4 tablespoons
When Pumpkin May Not Be Suitable
Avoid giving pumpkin treats if your dog:
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Has diabetes (consult a vet first)
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Has severe digestive issues
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Is allergic to pumpkin (rare, but possible)
Ingredients You Need for Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
The best part? You only need a few simple ingredients — most of them already in your kitchen.
Dog-Safe Ingredients
✅ Pure pumpkin purée (not pie mix)
✅ Oat flour or rolled oats
✅ Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
✅ Eggs
✅ Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
✅ Whole wheat flour (optional)
Ingredients to Avoid
❌ Nutmeg (toxic to dogs)
❌ Sugar, chocolate, raisins
❌ Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol)
❌ Pumpkin pie filling
Can Puppies Eat Pumpkin Treats?
Yes, but only very small amounts. Soft, no-bake treats are easier for puppies to chew. Avoid hard biscuits until adult teeth develop.
✅ Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe (Easy Step-by-Step)
This is the simplest, most beginner-friendly recipe — and it smells amazing while baking!
Ingredients
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1 cup pure pumpkin purée
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2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
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1 egg
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Optional: 2 tablespoons peanut butter (xylitol-free)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
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Mix pumpkin, egg, and peanut butter in a bowl
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Slowly add flour and stir until a dough forms
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Roll dough into ¼-inch thickness
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Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (bones, hearts, stars)
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Bake for 25–30 minutes until firm
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Cool completely before serving
Texture Options
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Softer treats: bake for less time
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Crunchy treats: bake longer or leave in oven to dry
Storage
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Room temp: up to 7 days
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Fridge: 10–12 days
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Freezer: 2–3 months (airtight container)
✅ 5 Easy Pumpkin Dog Treat Variations
1. 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats (No Oven)
Perfect for hot weather or quick snacks.
Ingredients
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Pumpkin purée
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Rolled oats
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Peanut butter
Blend, roll into small balls, refrigerate for 1–2 hours.
✅ Great for puppies
✅ Easy to digest
✅ No baking required
2. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Cookies
Add banana for extra flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
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Pumpkin
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Peanut butter
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Mashed ripe banana
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Oat flour
Bake 20–25 minutes for soft cookies.
3. Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites
Best summer treat!
Mix equal parts pumpkin and plain Greek yogurt.
Pour into silicone molds and freeze.
4. Pumpkin-Oat Training Treats
Cut dough into tiny squares for training rewards.
Soft, bite-sized, low-calorie.
5. Grain-Free Pumpkin Treats
Great for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
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Pumpkin
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Coconut flour
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Egg
Bake 20–25 minutes. Coconut flour makes them light and soft.
✅ Dog-Safe Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Many owners search pumpkin pie recipe — but human pumpkin pie is not safe for dogs because it contains sugar, nutmeg, and spices.
This version is dog-friendly!
Ingredients
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Pumpkin purée
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Oat flour
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Egg
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Plain yogurt
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients
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Pour into mini pie molds
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Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
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Cool and serve in small amounts
Perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
✅ Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Regular pumpkin bread contains sugar, spices, and butter → not safe for dogs.
This version is healthy and easy.
Ingredients
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Pumpkin purée
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Egg
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Whole wheat flour
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Unsweetened applesauce
Bake in a mini loaf pan for 25–30 minutes.
Slice into small cube-sized bites.
✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many homemade dog treat recipes online are actually unsafe. Avoid these mistakes:
Adding Sugar or Human Ingredients
Chocolate chips, raisins, and nutmeg are dangerous.
Using Pumpkin Pie Filling
It contains sugar and spices.
Overfeeding Pumpkin
Too much can cause diarrhea due to high fiber.
Unsafe Peanut Butter
Some brands contain xylitol, which is toxic.
✅ Storage & Shelf Life
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Fresh baked treats: 5–7 days
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Refrigerated: up to 12 days
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Frozen: 2–3 months
Freeze in small batches to make snacks last longer.
Image suggestion:
Jar of homemade pumpkin dog treats on a kitchen counter.
ALT text: “Stored pumpkin dog treats in an airtight jar.”
✅ Best Store-Bought Pumpkin Dog Treats
If you don’t want to bake, here are safe options to buy:
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Grain-free biscuits
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Soft pumpkin chews for seniors
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Pumpkin & peanut butter cookies
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Training bites with pumpkin and oats
✅ Expert Tips for Baking Dog Treats
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Introduce new treats slowly
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Adjust portion size by dog’s weight
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Use silicone molds for fun shapes
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Break treats into small pieces for training
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Always cool baked treats before serving
If your dog has food allergies, try coconut flour or oat flour instead of wheat.
✅ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs eat pumpkin every day?
Small daily amounts are fine, but too much fiber can upset the stomach. Always start slow.
2. Is canned pumpkin safe for dogs?
Yes — as long as it is pure pumpkin and not pie filling.
3. Can puppies have pumpkin dog treats?
Yes, but only soft treats in tiny amounts.
4. What happens if a dog eats too much pumpkin?
They may get diarrhea or loose stool due to fiber. Reduce serving size.
5. Can diabetic dogs eat pumpkin treats?
Pumpkin is low in sugar, but check with a veterinarian first.
6. How long do homemade pumpkin treats last?
Up to 7 days at room temperature, 12 days in the fridge, and 2–3 months frozen.
✅ Conclusion
Homemade pumpkin dog treats are healthy, affordable, and incredibly easy to make. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and flavor dogs love. With one simple recipe and a few creative variations, you can make crunchy cookies, soft training treats, pumpkin bread, or even dog-safe pumpkin pie at home.
Give these recipes a try and see which one becomes your dog’s favorite!
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