Easy Pumpkin Dog Treats (Simple Recipe)

The Easiest Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened, no spices)
2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
1 egg

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, flour, and egg. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour.
Roll and Cut: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes or simply cut them into squares.
Bake: Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are firm and golden brown.
Cool: Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog.

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Pro Tip: For a crunchier texture, leave the treats in the oven for an extra 10 minutes after turning it off.

Fun Fact: Dogs link the smell of fresh-baked treats to good times.

So, they find these homemade goodies even more irresistible!

Customizing Pumpkin Dog Treats for Your Pup

One of the best things about homemade dog treats is how easy they are to customize.

Here are some ways to adapt this recipe to suit your dog’s taste and dietary needs.

Flavor Add-Ins

Peanut Butter: Add 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter for more protein and flavor.
Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon adds a warm flavor and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Applesauce: Replace the egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version.

Grain-Free Alternative

Swap the whole wheat flour for almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour if your dog has a grain sensitivity.

Pro Tip: Before baking, sprinkle a bit of grated cheese or crushed dog treats on the dough.

It will make them more appealing to picky eaters.

How to Store Pumpkin Dog Treats

Homemade treats lack preservatives. So, store them properly to keep them fresh and safe for your pup.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Extend the shelf life to 2 weeks by storing it in the fridge.
Freezer: Freeze treats for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Pro Tip: Use a vacuum sealer or store treats with a food-safe silica gel pack to keep them fresh longer.

Fun Fact: Pumpkin’s moisture can make treats spoil faster. So, always check for mold before serving if stored for a while.

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Why Pumpkin is a Superfood for Dogs

Pumpkin isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with health benefits that make it perfect for your pup!

1. Supports Digestion

Rich in fiber, pumpkin helps regulate digestion, easing constipation and diarrhea naturally.

2. Boosts Immunity

Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene and Vitamin C. It boosts your dog’s immune system. It also promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat.

3. Assists Weight Management

Low in calories but high in fiber, pumpkin helps dogs feel full without overeating.

4. Packed with Nutrients

Pumpkin has key vitamins and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

They support health and energy.

Fun Fact: Dogs love pumpkin’s natural sweetness. It’s a healthy, tasty treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with an easy recipe, a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect treats.

Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Using Spiced Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin with added spices like nutmeg or sugar is harmful to dogs.

Always use 100% plain pumpkin purée.

2. Overfeeding

Even healthy treats should be given in moderation.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

3. Not Adjusting for Dog Size

Small dogs need smaller treats to avoid choking hazards.

Adjust the size of your treats accordingly.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how much pumpkin your dog can safely eat, start with a small amount and consult your vet.

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Why Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats are Better Than Store-Bought

No Artificial Additives: Store-bought treats often contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial colors. Homemade treats are natural and free from harmful ingredients.
Customizable: You can tailor homemade treats to your dog’s diet and tastes.
Affordable: A batch of these treats costs under $2. Premium store-bought options can cost over $10.
Healthier: Homemade treats use fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. They support your dog’s health.

Fun Fact: Dogs have 220 million scent receptors. They love the smell of freshly baked pumpkin treats!

Pumpkin Fun Facts and Trivia for Dog Lovers

Pumpkin isn’t just a trending ingredient for fall—it’s a fascinating fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!) with some surprising benefits and trivia your dog-loving heart will appreciate.

Here are some fun pumpkin facts to share with friends.

You can also think about them while making these tasty treats!

1. Did You Know Pumpkin is a Fruit?

Most people think of pumpkin as a vegetable.

It’s a fruit, though, since it develops from the flower and has seeds.

Pro Tip: Both the flesh and seeds of pumpkin provide amazing health benefits for dogs! The seeds, when roasted and unsalted, are packed with antioxidants and fatty acids.

2. Pumpkins Were Once Used as Medicine

In traditional medicine, pumpkin was used to treat digestive disorders and skin conditions.

Its high fiber and soothing properties make it a remedy for upset stomachs.

Today, veterinarians often recommend pumpkins for dogs with minor digestive issues.

Fun Fact: Just a tablespoon of pumpkin purée can help relieve your dog’s constipation or diarrhea.

3. The Largest Pumpkin Ever Grown Weighed Over 2,700 Pounds

Pumpkins can grow to incredible sizes.

The heaviest pumpkin weighs a record 2,702 pounds!

Your dog only needs a few tablespoons of pumpkin in their treats.

It’s fun to imagine what they’d think of a pumpkin that big.

Pro Tip: For treats, use small sugar pumpkins.

They are sweeter and easier to cook than large carving pumpkins.

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4. Pumpkin is Over 90% Water

Pumpkin is not only nutrient-packed but also hydrating.

Its high water content makes it a refreshing summer treat for dogs.

Try freezing pumpkin purée in silicone molds for a cool treat on hot days.

Fun Fact: Dogs have fewer sweat glands than humans.

So, keep them hydrated in warm weather.

5. Pumpkin Seeds Have Natural Deworming Properties

Pumpkin seeds contain a compound called cucurbitacin.

It helps eliminate intestinal parasites in dogs.

They are not a substitute for vet-prescribed deworming treatments.

However, when roasted and given in moderation, they can be a healthy supplement.

Pro Tip: Feed your dog 2–3 roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds as a crunchy, nutritious snack.

6. Dogs Love Sweet Flavors (Yes, Pumpkin Counts!)

Dogs, unlike cats, have taste buds for sweetness.

So, they’re drawn to the mild sweetness of pumpkin.

It’s one of the reasons they go crazy for pumpkin-flavored treats!

Fun Fact: Dogs have 1,700 taste buds; humans have 9,000.

But their sense of smell drives their food preferences.

7. Pumpkins Have Been Around for Over 7,500 Years

Pumpkins are among the oldest cultivated crops.

They were first grown in Central America.

They’ve come a long way.

Ancient civilizations relied on them as a staple food.

Now, they are a favorite ingredient in dog treats!

Pro Tip: If you’re carving Halloween pumpkins, save the seeds.

Roast them for yourself and your pup—just skip the salt.

Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Treats

While baking is the most common method, there are plenty of fun ways to serve pumpkin to your pup:

Frozen Pumpkin Pops: Mix pumpkin purée with yogurt. Freeze in silicone molds for a tasty snack.
Stuffed Kong Treat: Fill a Kong toy with pumpkin purée and freeze it for a long-lasting chew session.
No-Bake Pumpkin Bites: Mix pumpkin, oats, and peanut butter for quick, no-bake treats.

Pro Tip: Always use plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling!

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Tips for Success When Making Pumpkin Dog Treats

Always Check Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are dog-safe. Avoid anything toxic, like xylitol, chocolate, or added sugars.
Keep Treats Small: Smaller treats are better for portion control and training rewards.
Bake Evenly: Roll dough to a uniform thickness to ensure even baking.
Experiment with Shapes: Use fun-shaped cookie cutters. Make treats your dog will love.

Fun Fact: Dogs may not care about the shape, but fun designs make the treats more enjoyable for you to make and share!

Conclusion

Use this simple recipe. You can make healthy pumpkin treats for your dog.

They’ll love them.

You’ll feel good knowing exactly what’s in them.

Homemade dog treats are better than store-bought ones.

They’re cheaper, healthier, and fun to make.

What are you waiting for?

Grab some pumpkin, preheat your oven, and watch your dog wag their tail for these homemade goodies.

They’ll love you even more for it!

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid