If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably always looking for ways to spoil your pet. One way to do that is by making homemade treats that are not only delicious but also healthy. Pumpkin is a great ingredient to use in dog treats because it’s packed with nutrients and dogs love the taste. In this article, we’ll show you how to make pumpkin treats for dogs that are easy, affordable, and vet-approved.
Whether you’re looking for a special treat for your dog’s birthday or just want to show them some extra love, making your dog treats is a great way to do it. Not only can you control the ingredients, but you can also customize the treats to your dog’s taste preferences and dietary needs. Pumpkin is a great ingredient to use in dog treats because it’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we’ll share some easy pumpkin treat recipes for dogs that you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. We’ll also provide tips on how to store the treats and how to incorporate pumpkin into your dog’s diet in other ways. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Pumpkin Treat Recipes for Dogs
- Why Pumpkin Treats Are Good for Dogs
- Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Treats for Dogs
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- What type of flour should be used for making pumpkin treats for dogs?
- What type of peanut butter can be used for making pumpkin treats for dogs?
- What is the best way to store pumpkin treats for dogs?
- How do you prepare pumpkins for dogs?
- Why should you feed pumpkins to dogs?
- Can dogs eat pumpkin treats every day?
- Can pumpkin treats make a dog gassy?
- Can pumpkins be replaced with squash when making homemade dog treats?
- Can you add cinnamon to pumpkin treats for dogs?
- Is raw pumpkin safe for dogs?
- Can peanut butter in the pumpkin treats be substituted?
Pumpkin Treat Recipes for Dogs
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy treat to give your furry best friend, pumpkin treats are a great option. Here are three easy pumpkin treat recipes for dogs:
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Treats
These treats are a favorite among many dogs and are super easy to make. All you need is:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and serve!

Pumpkin and Banana Treats
If your dog loves bananas, it will love these pumpkin and banana treats. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
Mash the banana in a bowl and add the pumpkin puree, honey, and egg. Mix well. Gradually add the flour until you have a dough. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and serve.
Pumpkin and Oatmeal Treats
These treats are perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and serve.
Why Pumpkin Treats Are Good for Dogs
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty treat for your pet, look no further than pumpkin! Pumpkin is a superfood that’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that can benefit your dog in many ways.
Firstly, pumpkin is high in fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and prevent constipation. It can also help alleviate diarrhea, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Additionally, pumpkin is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent option for dogs who are watching their weight. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which can help boost your dog’s immune system and promote healthy skin and coat.
Pumpkin seeds are also a great source of protein and healthy fats, which can help support your dog’s muscle and joint health. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect your dog’s cells from damage and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Overall, pumpkin treats are a delicious and nutritious option for your pet. Just be sure to use plain pumpkin puree without any added sugars or spices, and always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Treats for Dogs
When making pumpkin treats for your pet, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Use fresh, pureed pumpkin or canned pumpkin puree without added sugar or spices.
- Include ingredients that are safe for dogs, such as peanut butter, eggs, and flour.
- Measure ingredients accurately to ensure the right consistency and taste.
- Preheat your oven to the correct temperature and bake for the recommended time to avoid undercooking or overcooking the treats.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving your dog.
Additionally, you can try adding some variety to your pumpkin treats by:
- Using different types of flour, such as coconut or potato flour, to cater to dogs with specific dietary needs.
- Adding in some chopped apples, carrots, or other dog-friendly fruits and vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Using cookie cutters to give the treats fun shapes that your dog will love.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make pumpkin treats for your pet. Making homemade dog treats is a great way to ensure that your pet is getting healthy and nutritious snacks.
Remember to always use pet-safe ingredients and consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any specific dietary needs. Also, be sure to store your homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for longer.
By making your dog treats, you can save money and have fun experimenting with different recipes. Plus, your dog will love the extra attention and care that goes into making their treats from scratch. So, get creative and start baking some delicious pumpkin treats for your pet today!
FAQ
What type of flour should be used for making pumpkin treats for dogs?
Most recipes for homemade pumpkin treats for dogs will call for whole wheat flour. However, it is recommended to speak with your dog’s veterinarian to find out what is best for your dog’s diet.
Some dogs may not be able to consume whole wheat flour, so the vet may recommend another option, such as oat flour.
What type of peanut butter can be used for making pumpkin treats for dogs?
Dogs love peanut butter, so your pooch is likely to enjoy any type of peanut butter you use when making their treats. It is recommended to use natural peanut butter because it is easier for your dog to digest.
If peanut butter is not natural, it is very likely to contain a high amount of sugar and other ingredients that aren’t good for dogs to eat.
What is the best way to store pumpkin treats for dogs?
Pumpkin treats for dogs should be treated like homemade cookies when you store them. They keep best when they are placed in an air-tight container or a sealed bag.
If you make a large batch of pumpkin treats, you should portion some in bags in the freezer. This is a great way to keep them longer and dogs enjoy eating frozen pumpkin treats as well.
How do you prepare pumpkins for dogs?
If you have leftover pumpkins after Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can feed them to your dog instead of tossing them in the bin. Make sure you scoop all of the seeds and goop from the pumpkin before roasting it. You will also need to remove the skin, but this part is easier once the pumpkin has been roasted.
Cut the pumpkin into pieces and allow it to bake at 350 F for approximately one hour. Allow the pumpkin pieces to fully cool before scooping the pumpkin off of the skin rinds.
Why should you feed pumpkins to dogs?
Dogs can benefit from eating pumpkins because it’s a soluble fiber. The pumpkin helps the dog’s stool retain water so to make bowel movements easier. It is recommended to feed pumpkin to a dog who is having difficulties with bowel movements because pumpkin is known to help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Pumpkin is also known for helping with the dog’s intestinal health because the fiber in the pumpkin helps feed the beneficial bacteria in their stomach.
Can dogs eat pumpkin treats every day?
Your dog can eat pumpkin treats daily as long as they are consuming enough water. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, so it’s necessary to consume enough water so they don’t get dehydrated.
However, your dog should be fed pumpkin treats in moderation. Small dogs can eat one daily, while bigger dogs can have 2 treats.
Can pumpkin treats make a dog gassy?
If your dog eats too many pumpkin treats at once, it will likely become gassy. When dogs consume too much fiber at once, they are likely to have digestive problems.
This causes them to become gassy and they may get diarrhea. To avoid giving your dog a stomach ache, always make sure they are fed pumpkin treats in moderation.
Can pumpkins be replaced with squash when making homemade dog treats?
If there is no pumpkin available, you can use butternut squash instead. Butternut squash is the closest in nutritional value to pumpkin and most dogs love it.
The best way to prepare butternut squash for dog treats is by boiling it first. Once it has cooled, you can puree the squash and use it in the recipe.
Can you add cinnamon to pumpkin treats for dogs?
Many recipes for pumpkin dog treats mention that it’s optional to add a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. While many spices are toxic to dogs, cinnamon is not one of them.
As long as cinnamon is added in moderation, it will not upset the dog’s stomach or cause other health problems. However, you should avoid sprinkling cinnamon on treats and kibble.
Is raw pumpkin safe for dogs?
It’s not recommended to feed your dog raw pumpkins because it’s more difficult for them to digest. There is also the risk of your dog getting hurt because the stem and leaves have a prickly coating.
Pumpkin is a great food to give your dog, and you can even give them plain pumpkin when you don’t have time to cook. Before feeding your dog pumpkin, it needs to be cooked thoroughly.
Can peanut butter in the pumpkin treats be substituted?
Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter, which is safe to feed dogs in moderation. Dogs can benefit from the vitamins and nutrients in almond butter and the serving size in the recipe doesn’t exceed their recommended intake.
My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.