Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
Sometimes the simplest recipe is the one that gets made the most, and this basic pumpkin biscuit has become exactly that in my kitchen.
With just a handful of ingredients and no mix ins to fuss over, this is the recipe I turn to when I want a reliable, crunchy treat without overthinking anything.
Pumpkin has a way of appealing to almost every dog, and keeping this version plain makes it a good base recipe too, one you can dress up with add ins later or just keep as is for a treat that never seems to get old.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
A few reasons this simple recipe is worth keeping around.
Just a few ingredients. Nothing fancy, just pantry staples you likely already have.
Naturally flavorful. Pumpkin brings plenty of taste on its own, no mix ins required.
Sturdy, crunchy texture. These hold up well for everyday treating or travel.
Great base recipe. Easy to build on with add ins once you’ve got the basics down.
Freezer friendly. A batch keeps well, so you can bake once and have treats ready for weeks.
Is Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?
Pumpkin is one of the most popular ingredients in homemade dog treats, and for good reason, but a couple of details are worth knowing.
Plain canned pumpkin puree is the right choice here, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices not meant for dogs.
Fresh pumpkin can also be used, as long as it’s fully cooked and pureed with no skin, seeds, or added seasoning.
Beyond those points, pumpkin is widely considered a safe, gentle ingredient for most dogs, often praised for its fiber content and mild flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple dough.
Plain canned pumpkin puree forms the base of the dough and provides most of the flavor.
An egg helps bind the dough together while adding a bit of extra protein.
Whole wheat flour or oat flour gives the dough enough structure to roll and hold a firm shape once baked.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin 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 and egg until smooth.
- Add the flour a half cup at a time, stirring until a firm dough begins to form.
- Once the dough holds together and isn’t too sticky to handle, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about a minute, adding a bit more flour if the dough feels sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife, then place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the treats are firm and lightly golden, with the edges starting to darken slightly.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing, since they crisp up further as they cool.
Getting the Right Texture
A few notes on texture for this simple recipe.
If the dough feels too sticky to roll, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes workable.
If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small extra spoonful of pumpkin puree.
For an extra crunchy biscuit, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake toward the longer end of the suggested time, letting the treats cool completely before storing.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Pumpkin and cinnamon treats. Add a small pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warmer flavor.
Pumpkin and peanut butter treats. Stir in a couple tablespoons of natural peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Pumpkin and oat flour version. Use oat flour in place of wheat flour for a gentler option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Mini training treats. Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite sized training rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin. Stick to plain canned pumpkin for this recipe.
Adding too much flour at once. This can lead to a dry, crumbly dough that’s hard to work with. Add it gradually instead.
Rolling the dough too thick. Thicker treats take longer to bake through and may not reach the same satisfying crunch.
Underbaking the treats. Since these are meant to be crunchy, make sure they bake long enough to firm up fully before cooling.
Storing them warm. Let the treats cool fully before sealing them in a container to preserve their crunch.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
As with any homemade treat, these should stay a modest part of your dog’s overall diet, generally under about ten percent of daily caloric intake.
A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog. If you’re unsure how these fit into your dog’s routine, checking with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
Always check treats before serving, and discard anything that shows signs of mold or an unusual smell.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing works well for keeping a larger batch on hand.
- Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat pumpkin? Yes, plain pumpkin is a common and well tolerated ingredient in homemade dog treats. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling and stick to plain canned pumpkin or pureed fresh pumpkin.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, as long as it’s fully cooked and pureed with no skin, seeds, or added seasoning.
Can I add mix ins to this recipe? Yes, this recipe works well as a base, so feel free to add a bit of peanut butter, cinnamon, or another dog safe ingredient once you’ve got the basics down.
Why did my dough turn out crumbly? This usually means it needs a bit more pumpkin puree. Add it gradually until the dough holds together smoothly.
How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy plain pumpkin, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Can I use oat flour instead of wheat flour? Yes, oat flour works well as a substitute, making this a good option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the pumpkin puree and egg to a mixing bowl. Stir until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing as you go, until a firm dough forms.
- Add the water one tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry or crumbly. You want a dough that holds together without becoming sticky.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small shapes using a cookie cutter. Gather the scraps, roll them again, and continue until all the dough has been used.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for approximately 18 to 20 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the treats to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, give your dog an appropriate portion and store the remaining treats in an airtight container.
- Pumpkin Tip: Use plain 100% pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling can contain added sugar and spices that are not appropriate for dogs.
- Storage: Store completely cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Crunchier Treats: For a firmer biscuit, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake until the treats are completely set.
- Serving: These treats should be offered as an occasional snack and should not replace your dog’s complete and balanced regular diet.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Avoid adding sugar, salt, chocolate, raisins, grapes, nutmeg, or other unnecessary flavorings to homemade dog treats.
- Portion Tip: Keep the treats appropriately sized for your dog. For smaller dogs, use a smaller cookie cutter so each serving stays manageable.
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
This basic recipe has become the one I default to whenever I want something simple and reliable, and there’s something nice about a treat that needs so little to turn out well.
Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a plain, crunchy biscuit ready, or a base to build on whenever inspiration strikes.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Dog Treats
- Homemade Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soft Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
- Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
