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

Pumpkin is the base of all six pumpkin dog treat recipes below, and every other ingredient is one the AKC covers for dogs. Fall is a good time to put your dog in funny dog shirts and bake a batch of treats.

The AKC says “Plain, canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog.” It also says to check with a vet first: “Consult your veterinarian before introducing new homemade treats or ingredients.”

Which Pumpkin to Use

The AKC says “Both fresh and canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber.” It adds that canned pumpkin “contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin,” and that “canned pumpkin with added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives can irritate your dog’s stomach further, counteracting the beneficial effects of the pumpkin.” The AKC says to look for a can where “the ingredients list includes 100% pumpkin and nothing else.”

Pumpkin pie mix is a different product. The AKC says “you should never use canned pumpkin pie mix, as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.”

Why Pumpkin Is Good for Dogs

Pumpkin is chock-full of nutrients. The AKC says “Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron.”

For constipation in dogs, the AKC says “Adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin per meal to the diet of a dog suffering from constipation can help ease mild constipation.” It adds “It’s important to make sure that dogs are well hydrated any time you increase the fiber content of their food, as dehydration can make constipation worse,” and “It’s also imperative to find out why your dog is constipated.” Pumpkin is one of several natural home remedies for dog constipation.

For loose stools, the AKC says “Pumpkin is best for mild, non-serious diarrhea and not a substitute for veterinary care in severe cases.” Its advice for a dog with ongoing trouble is “If your dog is suffering from consistent diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, you should take them to see your veterinarian.”

Before You Bake

The AKC says “you should always check with your vet before giving your dog anything other than dog food, commercial dog treats, and prescribed medication.” It lists the top five allergy-provoking ingredients for dogs, in order, as beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and egg. Some recipes below use dairy, flour, or egg, and the AKC says “feed your dog a small amount at first and see how they react.”

Treats are a small part of the day’s food. The AKC says “In general, treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.”

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

Directions:

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

Step 2: Stir together ½ cup unsalted peanut butter that has no xylitol and 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree.

Step 3: Stir in 1¾ cups plain 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).

The AKC says “Yes, dogs can eat peanut butter as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain xylitol,” and “The healthiest option is unsalted peanut butter, dog-specific peanut butter, or homemade peanut butter.” VCA Animal Hospitals lists peanut butter among products that can contain xylitol and says “Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.” Look for a jar with no xylitol on the label.

For the flour, the AKC says “Many recipes use simple bases like oatmeal, eggs, flour, water, or broth.”

No Bake Pumpkin Oat Treats
(twolittlecavaliers.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Cook plain oats in water, following the package directions, and let them cool completely.

Step 2: Stir the cooled oatmeal into ¾ cup plain canned pumpkin.

Step 3: Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or small silicone molds.

Step 4: Freeze until solid before serving.

The AKC says oatmeal for a dog should be cooked: “make sure it’s cooked and not sprinkled raw over food; serving it raw will only make it harder for your pup to digest.” It also says “make it with water, as opposed to milk” and “It should also be plain.”

Pumpkin Yogurt Bites
(irresistiblepets.net)

Directions:

Step 1: Mix 1 cup plain yogurt with no added sweetener, 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.

The AKC says “If you feed your dog yogurt, it should be plain and free of any added sweeteners.” It also says “For a dog-friendly frozen treat, you can spoon plain yogurt into silicone popsicle molds or ice cube trays and freeze.” Yogurt has lactose, and the AKC says “a food high in lactose can cause gas, diarrhea, or vomiting.”

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, and ¾ cup plain 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.

The AKC says “Yes, dogs can eat cheese,” and “Cheese is high in fat, and feeding too much to your dog regularly can cause weight gain and lead to obesity.” It adds “It’s best to feed your dog low fat cheeses, like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese,” Mozzarella can replace the cheddar in this recipe.

Pumpkin Puppuccinos
(lolathepitty.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Combine ¾ cup unsweetened coconut milk (or goat’s milk) 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).

On coconut, the AKC says veterinarian Dr. Jolee Stegemoller, DVM, “advises that coconut milk, water, and coconut flesh are safe for dogs to eat” and that “they should only drink the unsweetened variety.” On milk, the AKC says “Milk is a safe treat in small quantities” and names cow’s milk and goat’s milk.

Pumpkin Carrot Bites
(mypawsitivelypets.com)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ¾ cup plain canned pumpkin, one slightly beaten egg, ¼ cup shredded carrots, and 1 cup plain 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.

The AKC says “You should always cook eggs before giving them to a dog,” and these bites bake for 30-35 minutes. It also says “Raw and cooked carrots are healthy options for dogs and make a nutritious add-on to meals.”

Benefits of Making Homemade Dog Treats

The AKC says homemade treats are “inexpensive, customizable, and easy to make right in your kitchen,” and that making them “gives you complete control over what your dog eats.” Commercial treats often contain weird chemicals.

Storing Pumpkin Dog Treats

The AKC says “Storage time depends on the recipe. Some treats can be refrigerated for several days, while others may be frozen for longer-term storage.” Homemade treats don't have the preservatives of commercial treats, which also means they won't last as long.

FAQ

Can I substitute sweet potato for pumpkin?

The AKC says “Recent research has suggested that sweet potatoes, while not poisonous, may not be appropriate for a dog’s diet.” Ask your vet before you swap it into a recipe.

Can I add pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or nutmeg?

The AKC says “In excess, pumpkin spice isn’t considered safe for dogs.” It says “some of the spices in a pumpkin spice blend may be safe for dogs in moderation, others, like nutmeg, are toxic to dogs in larger quantities,” and “it’s better to avoid feeding foods flavored with pumpkin spice to your pets.” On cinnamon, it says “Cinnamon is not toxic to dogs, but it isn’t recommended as a regular treat.” None of the recipes above use spices.

If you want a dog treat recipe made without grains, there are more in grain free dog treat recipes.

Sources

• American Kennel Club. Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Spice?
• American Kennel Club. Easy Homemade Dog Treats: Recipes, Tips, & Tricks
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Coconut?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Drink Milk?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
• American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Wheat and Other Grains?
• VCA Animal Hospitals. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

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