5 Delicious Recipes For Dog Treats With Pumpkin Your Furry Friend Will Love

Pumpkin isn’t just for humans anymore! This versatile orange gourd has become a favorite ingredient in homemade dog treats, and for good reason.

Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, pumpkin offers a range of health benefits for our canine companions. It’s great for digestion, can help with weight management, and even promotes a shiny coat.

But why go through the trouble of making treats at home when you can buy them at the store? Here’s the scoop:

• You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and unhealthy additives
• Homemade treats are often more cost-effective
• The process is fun and rewarding
• You can tailor recipes to your dog’s specific dietary needs

Keep reading for five easy and nutritious pumpkin dog treat recipes that’ll have your pup begging for more!

2. Recipe 1: Classic Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

Let’s start with a simple yet delicious recipe that’ll make your dog’s taste buds dance.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pumpkin puree, eggs, and honey in a large bowl.
3. Gradually stir in the flour and cinnamon until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
5. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
6. Place treats on a lined baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

These treats pack a nutritional punch! Pumpkin aids digestion and can help with both diarrhea and constipation. The whole wheat flour provides fiber, while eggs offer protein and essential amino acids. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Feeding Portion:

Keep in mind the 10% rule: treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For these treats, that’s about 1-2 per day for a medium-sized dog. Always adjust based on your pup’s size and activity level.

3. Recipe 2: Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Pupsicles

Who says dogs can’t enjoy frozen treats? These pupsicles are perfect for hot days!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quality pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 banana, mashed

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Pop out and serve to your eager pup!

Nutritional Benefits:

This frozen delight combines the digestive benefits of pumpkin with protein-rich peanut butter. Yogurt provides probiotics for gut health, while bananas offer potassium and vitamin C. It’s a nutrient-dense treat that’s sure to cool and satisfy.

Feeding Portion:

Due to the higher calorie content from peanut butter, limit these treats to 1-2 per day for a medium-sized dog. For smaller dogs, consider using mini ice cube trays and giving just one pupsicle daily.

4. Recipe 3: Pumpkin Apple Crunchers

These crunchy treats combine two fall favorites – pumpkin and apple – for a flavor explosion your dog will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup high quality pumpkin puree
• 1 apple, grated
• 2 cups oat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix pumpkin, grated apple, and egg in a bowl.
3. Add oat flour and parsley, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into small squares or shapes.
5. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until crisp.
6. Turn off the oven and leave treats inside to cool and crisp further.

Nutritional Benefits:

Apples add extra fiber and vitamins to this treat. Oat flour is a great alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities. Parsley freshens breath naturally. Combined with pumpkin, these ingredients create a powerhouse of nutrition.

Feeding Portion:

The crunchy texture makes these treats great for dental health. Offer 2-3 small treats per day, adjusting for your dog’s size and calorie needs.

5. Recipe 4: Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Bites

For dogs with grain sensitivities, these coconut-infused treats are a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup quality made coconut oil, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together pumpkin, coconut oil, and eggs.
3. Add coconut flour, almond flour, and turmeric. Mix well.
4. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to allow coconut flour to absorb moisture.
5. Roll into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
8. Cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

Coconut oil provides healthy fats that can improve coat health and boost energy. Almond flour offers protein and vitamin E. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This grain-free option is perfect for dogs with sensitivities while still providing excellent nutrition.

Feeding Portion:

These treats are calorie-dense due to the coconut oil. Limit to 1-2 small bites per day, especially for dogs watching their weight.

6. Recipe 5: Three-Ingredient Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Delights

Sometimes, simple is best. This three-ingredient wonder proves that great treats don’t need to be complicated.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix pumpkin and peanut butter until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

This simple recipe combines the fiber-rich benefits of pumpkin with protein-packed peanut butter. Whole wheat flour adds B vitamins and minerals. It’s a straightforward treat that doesn’t skimp on nutrition.

Feeding Portion:

These treats are a bit higher in calories due to the peanut butter. Stick to 1-2 small treats per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting as needed for your pup’s size and activity level.

How often can I give my dog these treats? 

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. This usually translates to 1-3 small treats per day, depending on the size of your dog and the specific treat recipe.

What are signs that my dog may be allergic to pumpkin or other ingredients?

Watch for symptoms like itching, excessive licking, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset, or changes in behavior. If you notice any of these after introducing a new treat, stop giving it and consult your vet.

Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes? 

Yes, but do so cautiously. Ensure any substitutions are dog-safe. For example, you can swap whole wheat flour for oat flour if your dog is sensitive to wheat. Always avoid ingredients toxic to dogs, like xylitol, chocolate, or raisins.

Ending…..

Treats are a great way to show love, they should complement a balanced diet, not replace it. Always introduce new foods gradually and pay attention to how your dog reacts.

Why not try one of these recipes today? Your dog will thank you with slobbery kisses and eager anticipation every time you head to the kitchen. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with the aroma of pumpkin and the sound of contented canine crunching!