Pumpkin is a superfood that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are great for your dog’s health. In this article, I’ll guide you through four healthy and simple pumpkin dog treat recipes that require no flour!
Whether your dog is gluten-sensitive or you’re simply looking for a nutritious alternative, these recipes are perfect for treating your furry friend to something special.
I’ll also cover storage tips, nutrition values, and everything you need to know to make these treats at home.
The Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to understand why pumpkin is such a wonderful ingredient for your dog.
- Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can help with digestion, and it’s packed with vitamins such as A, C, and E, making it excellent for maintaining your dog’s immune system and promoting healthy skin and coat.
- Additionally, pumpkin contains potassium and antioxidants, which are great for your dog’s overall health.
Now that we know how beneficial pumpkin is for dogs, let’s jump right into some fantastic dog treat recipes that you can make without using any flour!
Recipe 1: Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treats
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not spiced or sweetened)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (without xylitol or added sugars)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for supplementing)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until well mixed and smooth.
- If the dough is too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 10 minutes to firm up a little before shaping the treats.
- Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, either using a spoon or your hands. You can form small balls or flatten them into cookie shapes, depending on your preference.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the treats turn golden brown.
- Once done, allow the treats to cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
These treats can be fed to dogs of all sizes. For smaller dogs, you may want to break the treats into smaller pieces.
Storage Tips:
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated:
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat (approx.) |
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
Recipe 2: Pumpkin & Banana Bites
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and cinnamon (if using) to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Spoon out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and place them on the baking sheet. You can flatten them with the back of the spoon or keep them in ball shapes.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until they start to firm up and lightly brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
Feeding Size:
These bites are small and perfect for training or as an occasional treat. Adjust the size based on your dog’s needs.
Storage Tips:
Store these in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated:
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat (approx.) |
| Calories | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
Recipe 3: Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Chews
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp coconut oil (for spray or baking)
- 1 egg
How to Make Step by Step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the cubed sweet potato until it’s tender (about 10 minutes). Once soft, drain and mash the sweet potato with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, pumpkin puree, and egg. Mix well until it forms a sticky dough.
- Scoop spoonfuls of the dough and shape them into logs or “chewable” sticks, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the top of the treats with coconut oil to help them bake evenly.
- Bake the treats for about 30-40 minutes, until they are firm and golden brown. Allow them to cool before serving.
Feeding Size:
These chews are great for larger dogs, but you can easily cut them into smaller pieces for small breeds.
Storage Tips:
These chews can last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Values Calculated:
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat (approx.) |
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
Recipe 4: Pumpkin & Apple Hearts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients Needed:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 apple, peeled and finely grated
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (optional for brushing)
How to Make Step by Step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, grated apple, and egg until everything is evenly combined.
- Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet and gently press into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or your hands.
- Brush the tops of the treats lightly with coconut oil (optional) for a nice finish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the treats become firm to the touch.
- Let the treats cool completely before offering them to your dog.
Feeding Size:
These treats are small, making them perfect for training rewards or a quick snack.
Storage Tips:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months if you need longer storage.
Nutrition Values Calculated:
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat (approx.) |
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
Important Things to Know About Homemade Dog Treats
Making homemade dog treats allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that they are healthy and safe for your dog. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when making homemade dog treats:
1. Ingredient Quality Matters
Always use high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog is getting the best nutrition. Look for organic, non-GMO options when possible, and avoid any ingredients that could be toxic to dogs (e.g., xylitol, raisins, chocolate).
2. Avoid Added Sugar and Salt
Dogs don’t need sugar or excess salt in their diet. Be cautious when using ingredients like peanut butter make sure it’s free of added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
3. Serve in Moderation
Even though these treats are made with healthy ingredients, they should still be served in moderation. Overfeeding treats can lead to an upset stomach or unhealthy weight gain.
4. Customizing for Allergies or Sensitivities
If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, feel free to adjust the recipes to suit their needs. You can substitute ingredients like peanut butter with almond butter or omit items that may cause issues.
5. Proper Storage
Homemade dog treats typically don’t have preservatives like store-bought versions, so be sure to store them properly in an airtight container. Freezing treats is a great way to extend their shelf life.
Can I use canned pumpkin for dog treats?
Yes, canned pumpkin is fine as long as it’s pure pumpkin with no added spices, sugars, or preservatives. Always check the label to ensure it’s safe for your dog.
Are these treats safe for all dogs?
Most dogs can enjoy these treats, but if your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, be sure to check with your vet before introducing new ingredients.
How long do these treats last?
The shelf life of homemade dog treats can vary depending on the recipe, but most treats last up to a week at room temperature. Freezing them can extend their life for up to 3 months.
Can I adjust the size of these treats for smaller dogs?
Absolutely! Feel free to make the treats smaller for little dogs. You can also cut them into smaller pieces for portion control.
Can I add other ingredients to the recipes?
Yes! If your dog loves certain flavors, you can add things like carrots, spinach, or even chicken broth to the mix. Just make sure any added ingredients are safe for dogs.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin is a fantastic and healthy treat for your dog, and with these flourless recipes, you can easily whip up nutritious and delicious snacks at home.
Whether you’re baking treats for special occasions or just showing your dog how much you care, these recipes are sure to please. Give them a try today, and see your dog’s tail wag with joy!
Happy baking, and remember to always check with your vet if you have concerns about your dog’s diet!
