Pumpkin Treats for Dogs: 6 Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes to Try

So, you've finally decided to embrace the fall spirit by wearing funny dog shirts and baking a batch of pumpkin treats for your furry friend. After all, Fido deserves to indulge in the seasonal flavors as much as the next Instagram influencer. 

Before you know it, you're elbow-deep in a bowl of mushy pumpkin guts, attempting to follow a recipe that promises pumpkin dog treats so good you'll want to eat them yourself. Spoiler alert: you will not want to eat them yourself. But your dog will surely thank you for your valiant effort and sacrifice of kitchen counter space.

Just make sure to snap a pic of their adorable head tilt and paw lift for the 'gram. Dog influencer status, here you come! Now get that pumpkin and show it who's boss. Your dog's taste buds will be howling with delight.

Why Pumpkin Is Good for Dogs

Let's face it: your pooch would happily scarf down just about anything edible you put in front of them. But pumpkin isn't just another treat. This big orange gourd is chock-full of nutrients that are great for your dog's health and digestion.

For starters, pumpkin is loaded with fiber, which helps keep your pup regular. A few tablespoons of canned pumpkin added to their food should get their bowels moving within a day. And the best part is, unlike harsh laxatives, pumpkin is gentle and non-irritating. 

Pumpkin also contains antioxidants like vitamin E, C, and beta-carotene, which give it immunity-boosting superpowers. The beta-carotene, in particular, can help support eye health and may even slow down age-related vision degeneration in dogs.

Last but not least, pumpkin is a natural remedy for diarrhea and constipation in dogs. The fiber in pumpkin helps firm up loose stools while also helping things move along when backed up. Talk about a miracle gourd!

So give your dog some pumpkin goodies, or add a dollop of pureed pumpkin to their dinner. Their tummy and overall health will thank you for it. And who knows, they may end up with an orange tint to their fur come Halloween (kidding)!

Here are some simple recipes for easy pumpkin dog treats you can make at home. (Don't forget to save a little plain pumpkin for your cat when she's constipated or coughing up hairballs!)

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
(kevinandamanda.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare your peanut butter, puree, and wheat flour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Stir together ½ cup natural peanut butter and 1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree.

Step 3: Stir in 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour ¼ cup at a time until dough is not sticky.

Step 4: Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thick between two sheets of parchment paper.

Step 5: Cut with a cookie cutter and place on pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight container (or freezer).

We all know that dogs love peanut butter. Preparing peanut butter dog treats for your dogs is not just easy to make; it's a guaranteed hit for all the dogs in your life, too!

No Bake Pumpkin Oat Treats
(twolittlecavaliers.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Combine ¾ cup pumpkin puree and ¼ cup water in a bowl.

Step 2: Add 2 ½ cups of oats to the pumpkin mixture and stir well.

Step 3: Roll the dough into small balls.

Step 4: Spread additional oats on a plate and roll the balls in oats to coat them.

Step 5: Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving so that the treats become firm.

This no-bake oat dog treat will surely make your dog happy. It only has three ingredients, and you can easily stock up on a lot. Just prepare them once, pop them in your fridge, and you can have lots of treats ready for your dog.

Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe: FroYo Bites
(irresistiblepets.net)

Directions:

Step 1: Mix 1 cup plain nonfat frozen yogurt, ½ cup canned pure pumpkin, and ¼ cup water.

Step 2: Pour mixture into ice cube trays.

Step 3: Freeze for 3-4 hours (or overnight) before serving.

This is an easy homemade dog treat recipe that your dog will love, especially on hot days!

Gluten-Free Cheddar Pumpkin Treats
(doggydessertchef.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Mix 1 cup pureed pumpkin, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ cup oats, and ½ cup soy flour until well combined.

Step 3: Spread on a baking sheet to ¼ inch thick.

Step 4: Score the dough into a checkerboard pattern with a pizza cutter.

Step 5: Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and break into squares. Keep refrigerated.

Pumpkin Spice Puppuccinos
(lolathepitty.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Combine ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk (or almond or goat milk), ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 cup pure pumpkin in a blender.

Step 2: Blend until well mixed.

Step 3: Pour into small cups (or ice cube trays and freeze for a frozen version).

Pumpkin Carrot Bites
(mypawsitivelypets.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ¾ cup pure canned pumpkin, one slightly beaten egg, ¼ cup shredded carrots, and 1 cup whole wheat flour until moistened.

Step 2: Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake for 30-35 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.

Benefits Of Making Homemade Dog Treats 

Homemade dog treats are the gift that keeps on giving. Not only will your pup go bonkers for them, but you'll feel all warm and fuzzy knowing precisely what's in them. Talk about a win-win!

Health Benefits

Commercial treats often contain weird chemicals, fillers, and artificial flavors — yuck! Homemade treats let you control what goes in. Pumpkin, for example, is chock full of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. It's also gentle on tummies and helps with digestion.

• No weird additives. You can pronounce all the ingredients, and so can your pup! You can be sure your crunchy treats and doggie biscuits don't contain anything toxic to dogs.
• Tailored to your dog's needs. Make treats for sensitive stomachs, weight loss, or just because they're adorable.
• Budget-friendly. Homemade treats cost way less than fancy store-bought ones. More money left for toys and belly rubs!
• Irresistible taste!

Your dog will devour these treats and give you sloppy kisses to show appreciation. Be prepared for the love! Their little tail wags and happy grins will make it worth the extra effort. Homemade with love — what could be better? Your dog certainly doesn't think anything could!

Tips For Storage

So, you went ahead and made a big batch of pumpkin dog treats. Now what? Unless you have a doggie daycare to supply, you'll need to properly store those tasty morsels to keep them fresh for your furry friend. Here are a few tips to prevent your homemade treats from going to the dogs (in a bad way):

Store At Room Temperature

Don't refrigerate the treats. Keep them in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen. The fridge can cause treats to spoil more quickly and may affect the texture. 

Use Within 1 Week

Homemade treats don't have the preservatives of commercial treats, which also means they won't last as long. For maximum freshness and to avoid spoilage or foodborne illness, treat your dog to the treats within seven days. 

Consider Freezing for Longer Storage

If you want to keep treats for longer or just made too many to use up in a week (no judgment here!), freeze them. Simply seal treats in an airtight container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before serving to your dog. 

Use Airtight Containers 

Use a sealable lid, like a plastic or glass container with a lid. This will prevent air exposure and keep treats from getting stale. Metal containers also work great. Just make sure it's labeled clearly as dog treats so no one mistakes them for people snacks! 

No Pests Allowed!

Make sure to also protect treats from our furry friends of the insect variety. Store in a spot free from pests to avoid contamination. 

By following these handy tips, your dog will enjoy delicious pumpkin goodies for days to come. Your dog's taste buds (and belly!) will surely thank you for your thoughtfulness.

FAQ

How long do pumpkin dog treats keep for?

Can dogs eat pumpkin and peanut butter?

Can I substitute sweet potatoes for pumpkins?