5 Low Calorie Pumpkin Dog Treats That Will Make You Dog Beg For More

When it comes to treating our furry friends, many dog owners wonder about the health implications of snacks.

Low-calorie treats are not only great for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight, but they also offer a guilt-free way to reward good behavior.

These treats can help prevent obesity, reduce the risk of diabetes, and even support better joint health in our pets.

Choosing the right snacks means giving our dogs the best chance to stay active and happy.

5 Unique Low Calorie Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes

Making homemade treats can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Below are five tasty recipes that are low in calories and easy to prepare.

1. Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Treats

These frozen treats are perfect for hot days. Dogs love the creamy texture and delicious flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

How to make it:

To make these tasty treats, begin by combining the plain yogurt and pumpkin puree in a mixing bowl. Stir the two ingredients together until they are well blended.

• Make sure there are no lumps; you want a smooth mixture. Once everything is mixed, pour the blend into ice cube trays or silicone molds.

This step is crucial because it shapes the treats, making them easy for your dog to enjoy.

• Next, place the filled trays in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid. When they are completely frozen, pop the treats out of the molds. Store the treats in an airtight container in the freezer.
• These treats are perfect for hot days, and you can give your dog 1-2 treats per day. Just be sure to keep the treats frozen until you’re ready to serve them.

• Feeding Dosage: 1-2 treats per day.
• Storage Tips: Keep frozen in an airtight container.

2. Pumpkin Spinach Crunchers

These crunchy bites are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup spinach puree

How to make it:

To start, combine the whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and spinach puree in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they form a dough.

• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour. Once the dough is well combined, transfer it to a floured surface. Roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thickness.

• Now comes the fun part! Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes from the dough. You can create bones, hearts, or whatever shape you like. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the treats.
• After cutting out the shapes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each treat so they can bake evenly.

• Bake the treats for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy. After baking, allow them to cool completely before giving them to your pup.
• These treats can last up to a week if stored in a cool, dry place. Your dog can enjoy up to 3 of these crunchy bites each day.

• Feeding Dosage: Up to 3 treats per day.
• Storage Tips: Store in a cool, dry place for up to a week.

3. Banana Pumpkin Soft Bites

These soft bites are a hit among dogs, combining the sweetness of banana with the wholesome goodness of pumpkin.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed

How to make it:

To make these soft bites, start by mixing the whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and mashed banana in a large bowl. Use your hands to knead the dough until all the ingredients are well combined.

• The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a bit more flour. Once you have a good dough consistency, roll it out to about half an inch thick.

• Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the shapes. Place the cut-out shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are spaced apart to ensure even baking.

• Bake these soft bites for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be firm yet soft enough for your dog to chew easily. After they are done baking, let them cool completely before offering them to your furry friend.
• Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for freshness. Your dog can enjoy 2-3 of these tasty soft bites each day.

• Feeding Dosage: Limit to 2-3 treats daily.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate for freshness; lasts up to a week.

4. Pumpkin Carrot Chews

These chewy snacks combine the deliciousness of pumpkin and carrots, making them irresistible for your furry friend. They are simple to make and packed with nutrients.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup flour coconut flour or oat flour recommended
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup pureed carrots

How to make it:

To make the Pumpkin Carrot Chews, start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin puree, and pureed carrots.

• Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until you get a nice, firm dough. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour until you reach the right consistency.

• Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, take the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about a half-inch thickness.
• This thickness helps the treats bake evenly and gives them a nice chewiness. After rolling out the dough, you can use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can simply cut the dough into squares or strips using a knife.

• Once you’ve cut out the shapes, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It’s important to leave some space between each treat so they can bake evenly without sticking together.

• Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the treats bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to be firm to the touch and slightly golden around the edges. After baking, allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog.

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container. If you keep them for more than a few days, it’s best to refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

• Feeding Dosage: No more than 2 treats per day.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container; refrigerate after a few days.

5. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

Peanut butter is a favorite among many dogs, and when mixed with pumpkin, it creates a delicious and nutritious treat. These cookies are sure to make your dog’s tail wag with joy.

• Ingredients:
  • 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/4 cup dog-safe peanut butter
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour

How to make it:

To prepare the Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats, start by gathering your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin and dog-safe peanut butter. Use a spoon or spatula to mix them together until they are fully blended. You want a smooth and creamy mixture without lumps.

• Next, gradually add the whole wheat flour to the pumpkin and peanut butter mix. Stir until all the flour is incorporated. The dough will start to form, and it may be a bit crumbly at first, but keep mixing until you can form it into a ball. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.

• Once your dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to about a quarter-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, or you can simply slice the dough into squares. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the treats.
• Place the cut-out shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between them.

• Bake the treats in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The treats should be firm but not too hard, as you want them to be enjoyable for your dog to chew.
• Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. These treats are best stored in a sealed container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Your dog can enjoy these tasty delights up to 2 times a day.

• Feeding Dosage: Up to 2 treats per day.
• Storage Tips: Keep in a sealed container at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Pumpkin is more than just a fun fall decoration; it’s a superfood for dogs packed with goodness.

Nutritional Value of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It contains:

• Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.
• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and helps fight infections.
• Potassium: Aids in muscle function and maintaining a healthy heartbeat.
• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage and support overall health.

Digestive Health Benefits (Fiber Content)

One of the standout features of pumpkin is its high fiber content. Fiber is crucial for your dog’s digestive health. Here’s how it helps:

• Regular Bowel Movements: Fiber aids in keeping things moving in your dog’s digestive system. This means fewer stomach upsets and more consistent bathroom breaks.
• Weight Management: High-fiber foods can help dogs feel fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack on higher-calorie options.
• Improved Gut Health: Fiber promotes good bacteria in the gut, leading to better overall health.

Low-Calorie Alternatives for Weight Management

For dogs needing to shed a few pounds, pumpkin serves as a low-calorie snack. It’s filling without adding too many calories to their diet.

By swapping out high-calorie treats with pumpkin-based options, pet owners can still reward their dogs while keeping them healthy.

What are the benefits of pumpkin for dogs?

Pumpkin is a great addition to your dog’s diet. It is rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep your dog’s gut healthy.

Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it an excellent option for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. It contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A and potassium, which support your dog’s overall health.

How can I ensure the treats are low calorie?

To keep treats low in calories, focus on using wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, vegetables, and whole grains. Measure out your ingredients to control portion sizes and avoid adding high-calorie extras like excessive peanut butter or oils. Opt for recipes that use natural flavors and limit high-fat ingredients.

Are there any ingredients I should avoid when making dog treats?

Yes, some ingredients are harmful to dogs. Avoid using chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Stick to dog-safe ingredients such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Always check labels to ensure any packaged ingredients are safe for your pet.

How often can I give my dog homemade treats?

Homemade treats can be a fun and healthy addition to your dog’s diet, but moderation is key. Depending on your dog’s size and diet, you can generally give homemade treats 1-2 times a day. Always ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?

Absolutely! Many ingredients in dog treat recipes can be swapped for alternatives. For instance, if your dog is allergic to wheat, you can use oat flour or coconut flour instead. If you don’t have canned pumpkin, fresh pumpkin puree or sweet potato puree can work well. Just make sure that any substitutions are safe for your dog.

Summary:

Creating homemade low-calorie pumpkin dog treats is a fun and rewarding way to show your furry friend how much you care.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, you can whip up tasty snacks that not only satisfy your dog’s cravings but also contribute to their overall health.

From chewy Pumpkin Carrot Chews to delicious Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats, each recipe offers a unique flavor and texture that your dog will love.

Making these treats at home allows you to control what goes into them, ensuring your dog gets the best.