Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats You & Your Pup Will Love 🐶

Your dog deserves treats that are both tasty *and* wholesome. These pumpkin dog treats are made with simple ingredients, free from harmful additives (like xylitol), and perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing some love. Let’s bake something your pup will wag for!

Introduction

Whether you have a new puppy, a senior dog, or simply want to avoid store‑bought treats full of sugars, preservatives, or unsafe sweeteners—this recipe is for you. Pumpkin is great for digestion, applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness, and whole wheat flour gives fiber and texture. These treats are baked to be crunchy on the outside, yet still gentle and satisfying for your dog’s palate. 🐾

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, **not** pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol‑free)
• 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Equipment Needed & Prep Notes

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cookie cutters (bone shape or other fun shapes) or knife/knife edge
• Rolling pin (or substitute: flat surface + hands)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non‑stick silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, natural xylitol‑free peanut butter, and the egg until you have a smooth wet mixture. In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a stiff dough forms. If needed, finish kneading gently by hand (light dusting of flour helps if sticky).

3. Shape the Treats

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to about ¼‑inch thickness (≈ 6 mm). Use cookie cutters to cut shapes—bones, circles, hearts—or simply slice into squares or strips. Fun shapes make treats more enjoyable! 🦴

4. Bake

Arrange the shaped treats on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for about **20–25 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden and the treats feel firm when touched. For a crunchier texture, you can bake a few extra minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

5. Cool & Store

Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures the interior sets fully and makes them safer for your dog. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **1 week**. For longer storage, freeze; thaw before serving.

Health & Safety Tips

• Always use **unsweetened pumpkin puree**, *not* pumpkin pie filling—it often contains sugar, spices, and sometimes sweeteners unsafe for dogs.
• Ensure the **peanut butter is xylitol‑free**. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can be in “natural” brands—always check labels.
• Introduce new treats gradually to avoid digestive upset—especially if your pup isn’t used to pumpkin or more fibrous foods.
• Watch storage conditions—heat, humidity, and air can make baked treats spoil or grow mold faster.

Nutrition & Health Benefits Table

*Based on making ~30 small/bone‑shaped treats; actual values depend on size, thickness, and exact brands.

Expert Tips from the Pros

Chef Gordon Ramsay once said for pet treats: “Keep it simple, fresh ingredients. Your animal doesn’t need fancy flavors—just safe and wholesome.”

Chef Ina Garten

Chef Bobby Flay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different flour (e.g. oat, rice, or gluten‑free)?
   Yes—substitute whole wheat with oat flour, rice flour, or a gluten‑free blend. Texture will vary (may be more crumbly), so adjust moisture if needed.
2. How thick should I roll the treats?
   About **¼‑inch** (~6 mm) is recommended—thin enough to bake through well, thick enough to hold shape and crunch.
3. Are these treats safe for puppies?
   Yes—if your puppy is past any immune challenges and tolerates the ingredients. Always consult your vet when introducing new foods.
4. Can I omit the peanut butter?
   Yes—omit if there are allergies or sensitivity. You might need a bit more pumpkin or applesauce to maintain moisture.
5. How do I make them crunchier?
   Bake a bit longer (watch for browning), or after baking, leave in oven with it turned off, door slightly ajar to dry out a bit.
6. Can I freeze these treats?
   Absolutely—freeze cooled treats in a freezer‑safe container. Thaw a few before serving.
7. What size treats should I make?
   Varies by dog size. For small dogs, use small shapes or cut smaller; for larger dogs, shapes can be larger. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed.
8. How can I reduce mess when cutting shapes?
   Lightly flour your surface and cookie cutters. Use non‑stick mats. Chill the dough briefly so it’s firmer and easier to cut.
9. Are there any ingredients I should avoid?
   Yes—avoid any sweeteners like xylitol (even in “natural” products), chocolate, raisins, or other toxic foods. Stick to unsweetened, dog‑safe ingredients.
10. How long do these treats stay good?
    At room temperature in an airtight container: ~5‑7 days. Refrigerated: up to 2 weeks. Frozen: several months—use within 3 months for best taste/texture.

Related Recipes & Resources

Interested in more dog‑friendly treats or recipes? Check these out:

• Peanut Banana Puppy Bites – soft, fruit‑sweetened bites your pup will adore.
• Carrot & Oat Dog Cookies – great for dogs that love a veggie twist.
• Homemade Frozen Yogurt Pupsicles – cool treats perfect for hot days.

Conclusion

These homemade pumpkin dog treats are an excellent way to reward your furry friend without compromising on health or quality. With just a few ingredients, simple steps, and safety in mind, you can bake treats that are nutritious, delicious, and made with love. Your pup (and veterinarian) will thank you! 🐕