Making homemade dog treats is one of those small things that feels extra rewarding.
It’s simple, affordable, and you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s food.
No mystery ingredients, no fillers, and nothing questionable hiding on a label.
This peanut butter and pumpkin dog treat recipe has become one of my go-to favorites.
It’s easy enough to make on a regular day, but special enough to feel like a treat.
The texture is just right, the ingredients are dog-safe, and the optional icing makes them feel a little extra without being complicated.
If you enjoy cooking for your pets—or just want a healthier alternative to store-bought treats—this recipe is a great place to start.
I Recommend These Amazon Essentials for Homemade Dog Treats
1. Silicone Dog Treat Baking Mats
I recommend these mats to bake treats evenly and prevent sticking—easy to clean too.
2. BPA-Free Measuring Cups & Spoons
I recommend these for accurately measuring peanut butter, pumpkin, and other ingredients.
3. Cookie Cutter Set for Dogs
I recommend this set to make fun, bite-sized treats that are perfect for your pup.
4. Dog-Safe Peanut Butter (No Xylitol)
I recommend this for a tasty, safe ingredient that dogs love in homemade treats.
5. Piping Bags for Simple Icing
I recommend these to decorate treats safely with dog-friendly icing for a fun finishing touch.
Why I Love Making Homemade Dog Treats
I started making dog treats at home because I wanted something simple and dependable.
Store-bought treats can be convenient, but they often contain preservatives, added sugars, or ingredients I wouldn’t normally choose.
Homemade treats let you:
- Control every ingredient
- Avoid harmful sweeteners like xylitol
- Adjust recipes for allergies or sensitivities
- Make treats that actually smell and taste fresh
These peanut butter pumpkin dog bones check all those boxes, and my dogs genuinely get excited when they smell them baking.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients, but each one plays an important role.
Main Ingredients
- Whole-grain, whole-wheat flour (no additives)
- 100% pure peanut butter (unsweetened, unsalted, and xylitol-free)
- Pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Eggs
- A small amount of cinnamon
That’s it. No added sugar, no artificial flavors, and nothing unnecessary.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
If your dog has dietary sensitivities, this recipe is very flexible.
- Flour options:
If wheat isn’t a good fit, you can substitute brown rice flour or almond flour. - Peanut butter:
Always double-check the label to confirm there’s no xylitol. This is critical. - Pumpkin:
Make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree, not spiced or sweetened filling.
My dogs do well with whole-grain flour, so that’s what I use most often, but it’s easy to adjust based on your dog’s needs.
Mixing the Dough
Once all the ingredients are measured, everything gets mixed together until a thick dough forms.
The dough should feel firm but still workable.
If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour.
If it feels too dry, a tiny splash of water can help bring it together.
This dough is very forgiving, which makes it perfect if you don’t bake often.
Rolling and Shaping the Treats
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
This thickness works well because it creates a treat that’s sturdy without being too hard.
For shaping, I like using bone-shaped cookie cutters, especially smaller ones.
Bite-sized treats are easier to portion and work well for training or quick rewards.
Re-roll the scraps and keep cutting until all the dough is used.
Baking the Dog Treats
Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake at:
350°F (175°C) for 20–40 minutes
The baking time depends on how crunchy you want them.
- Around 30 minutes creates a balanced texture
- Longer baking makes them crunchier
- Shorter baking keeps them slightly softer
I usually stick with 30 minutes because it gives a nice crunch on the outside while staying a little tender inside—perfect for my dogs.
Simple Dog-Friendly Icing (Optional)
The icing is completely optional, but it’s fun to add for special occasions or just because.
Icing Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Milk (regular or lactose-free)
- Tapioca flour
The tapioca flour helps the icing firm up as it dries, so it doesn’t stay sticky.
Is Tapioca Flour Safe for Dogs?
Tapioca flour is commonly used in dog food and treats.
It’s a starch that can act similarly to fiber and is often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities.
When used in small amounts, it’s considered safe and gentle on digestion.
Mixing the Icing the Right Way
The key to this icing is adding liquid slowly.
- Start with Greek yogurt and tapioca flour
- Add one tablespoon of milk
- Mix well and check the texture
Most of the time, two tablespoons of milk is enough.
Occasionally, a third tablespoon helps depending on the thickness you want.
The goal is a smooth icing that spreads easily but isn’t runny.
Decorating the Treats
Let the baked treats cool completely before icing.
Once cooled, you can:
- Dip the treats directly into the icing
- Drizzle icing over the top
- Use a piping bag for a cleaner look
At the 30-minute bake time, the treats are crunchy but still easy to bite into, which my dogs prefer.
Storage Tips
Once the icing sets:
- Store treats in an airtight container
- Keep them at room temperature for several days
- Refrigerate for longer storage
You can also freeze un-iced treats and ice them later as needed.
Final Thoughts
These homemade peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats are one of those recipes that feels good to make.
They’re simple, affordable, and made with ingredients you can trust.
Whether you’re making them for training, special occasions, or just because your dog deserves something homemade, this recipe is easy to come back to again and again.
If you’re looking for a wholesome way to treat your dog without overcomplicating things, this is a great place to start.