Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats Recipe
Pumpkin and applesauce might be the most reliable pairing in my dog treat rotation.
Pumpkin brings a mild, earthy flavor and gentle fiber, and applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, so the dough comes together without any oil, sugar, or fuss.
The result is a soft, slightly chewy treat that smells like fall while it bakes.These treats use just a handful of pantry ingredients and one mixing bowl.
They’re easy enough for a beginner, and the shape is flexible, so you can cut them into bones, rounds, or small squares for training.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
A few reasons this recipe is worth keeping.
Simple ingredients. Pumpkin, applesauce, flour, and an egg, with nothing hard to find.
No added sugar or oil. The applesauce provides all the sweetness and moisture.
Soft and chewy. Great for puppies, seniors, and dogs who prefer a gentler bite.
Easy on the tummy. Pumpkin is a familiar, fiber rich ingredient many dogs tolerate well.
Great for training. Cut small, they make a low calorie reward.
Freezer friendly. Bake a batch and keep extras for later.
Are Pumpkin and Applesauce Safe for Dogs?
Both are dog friendly, as long as you choose the right versions.
Use plain pumpkin puree. Check that the can says 100 percent pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices, including nutmeg, which is not safe for dogs.
Use unsweetened applesauce. Look for a label with apples and nothing else. Skip any applesauce with added sugar, sweeteners, or xylitol. Cinnamon flavored applesauce is best avoided unless you’ve confirmed the ingredients.
Skip nutmeg and pumpkin pie spice. Only a small amount of plain cinnamon is used here, and it can be left out completely.
Moderation matters. Pumpkin has plenty of fiber, and too much can cause loose stools, so keep portions small.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the dough and what each ingredient contributes.
Plain pumpkin puree adds moisture, fiber, and a mild natural flavor.
Unsweetened applesauce adds gentle sweetness and keeps the treats soft.
Whole wheat flour or oat flour forms the base. Oat flour is a good option for dogs who do better with less wheat.
One egg binds the dough and adds a little protein.
Cinnamon, optional, adds a warm flavor. Use only a light pinch, and ideally Ceylon cinnamon.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour, plus more for rolling
- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, only if needed
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, and egg until smooth.
- Add the flour and cinnamon, if using, and stir until a soft dough forms.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a spoonful of flour. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the treats are firm and the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Getting the Right Texture
For a softer, chewier treat, roll the dough thicker and bake closer to 20 minutes.
For a crunchier treat, roll it thinner, bake a few minutes longer, and leave the treats in the turned off oven for an hour.
Pumpkin and applesauce hold a lot of moisture, so the dough will be softer than a typical biscuit dough. Lightly flour your hands and the surface rather than adding a lot of extra flour to the dough.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these are easy to try.
Pumpkin applesauce and peanut butter. Add 2 tablespoons of xylitol free peanut butter for extra richness.
Pumpkin applesauce and oat. Replace half the flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
Pumpkin applesauce and carrot. Stir in 1/4 cup finely grated carrot.
Mini training bites. Roll thin and cut into small squares.
Egg free version. Swap the egg for 2 extra tablespoons of pumpkin puree and add a bit more flour as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pumpkin pie filling. It contains sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
Using sweetened applesauce. Always choose unsweetened, with no added sugar or xylitol.
Adding nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. Nutmeg can be toxic to dogs.
Adding too much flour. The dough should be soft. Too much flour makes the treats dry.
Giving too many. Pumpkin is high in fiber, and extra treats can upset a dog’s stomach.
Storing them while still warm. Cool completely to avoid trapped moisture.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
One or two treats for a small dog and two to three for a larger dog is a good guide. Treats should make up only a small part of your dog’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet.
How to Store Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
These soft treats contain real fruit and vegetable puree, so they need cool storage.
Refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer. Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.
Check the treats before serving and discard any that smell off or show signs of mold.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing is the easiest way to keep a big batch fresh.
- Cool the treats completely.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for about an hour.
- Transfer to a labeled freezer bag or container.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
- Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Dog Treats
- Carrot and Apple Waffle for Dogs
- Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Gummies
For a wider look at feeding your dog well, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pumpkin good for dogs? Yes, plain pumpkin puree is a common, dog friendly ingredient that provides fiber and is often used in small amounts to support digestion.
Can dogs eat applesauce? Yes, plain unsweetened applesauce is generally safe in moderation. Avoid versions with added sugar, sweeteners, or xylitol.
Can I use fresh pumpkin? Yes, cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin works. Make sure it’s plain, with no added salt, sugar, or spices.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix? No, pie mix contains sugar and spices that aren’t appropriate for dogs.
Can I skip the egg? Yes, replace it with extra pumpkin puree and a bit more flour.
How long do these treats last? About 7 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy them, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 1/2 | cup | plain pumpkin puree | I use this to add moisture and natural pumpkin flavor
- 1/4 | cup | unsweetened applesauce | Adds moisture and mild natural fruit flavor
- 1 | | egg | Helps bind the ingredients together
- 1 1/2 | cups | oat flour | Creates the dough and gives the treats structure
- 1 to 2 | tablespoons | water | Add gradually if needed to bring the dough together
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
These have become my go to when I want something simple that I can feel good about handing out.
Two main ingredients do most of the work, and the soft texture makes them a hit with dogs of every age. Keep a bag in the freezer, and you’ll always have an easy reward ready.
