Pumpkin is one of the easiest ingredients to bake with for dogs. A single can of plain pumpkin puree adds moisture, natural color and fiber, and it binds doughs without needing oil or sugar. These 10 easy pumpkin dog treat recipes cover every texture: crunchy bones, soft chews, frozen pops for hot days and no-bake balls you can make in five minutes.
The one rule to remember is to buy plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains sugar and spices like nutmeg that are not suitable for dogs. Each recipe below lists measures, oven temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius, timings, yield and storage, so you can use up a whole can across a few batches.
Quick Facts
- Number of recipes: 10
- Main ingredient: Plain pumpkin puree
- Typical oven setting: 350°F (175°C)
- Prep time: 5–20 minutes
- Includes: Baked, frozen and no-bake options
Pumpkin Puree Tips for Dog Treats
One 15-ounce (425 g) can holds about 1 3/4 cups of puree. Leftover pumpkin keeps in the fridge for 5 days, or you can freeze it in ice-cube trays in 2-tablespoon portions for later batches. Pumpkin doughs are naturally a little sticky; a short chill or a dusting of flour fixes that.
Pumpkin is high in fiber, so start with small portions, especially if your dog is not used to it. If your dog has ongoing digestive problems, talk to your vet rather than using pumpkin treats as a remedy.
1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones
The classic pumpkin biscuit: crunchy, sturdy and easy to cut into any shape.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup (65 g) natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”)
- 2 large eggs
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line two sheets with parchment.
- Mix pumpkin, peanut butter and eggs, then stir in flour until a firm dough forms, adding water if dry.
- Roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and cut bone shapes.
- Bake until firm and golden at the edges.
- Cool completely on a rack.
Storage: Airtight at room temperature 1 week; freeze up to 3 months.
Tip: Leave the treats in the switched-off oven for 30 minutes for extra crunch.
2. Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Paw Pops
Swirled orange and white pops that are perfect for warm days or teething-age adult dogs.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup (240 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Spoon yogurt into a paw-shaped silicone mold, filling each cavity halfway.
- Add a spoonful of pumpkin on top and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Freeze until solid.
- Unmold and store in a freezer bag.
Storage: Freezer up to 2 months.
3. No-Bake Pumpkin Oat Balls
Five minutes, one bowl and no oven.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tbsp natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”)
- 1 1/2 cups (135 g) rolled oats
Instructions
- Stir pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
- Mix in the oats until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Roll into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls.
- Chill on a parchment-lined plate.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
4. Pumpkin Pupcakes
Soft mini muffins for birthdays or a weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven and grease or line a mini muffin tin.
- Whisk wet ingredients, then fold in flour and baking powder.
- Fill cups three-quarters full.
- Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months.
5. Pumpkin Apple Biscuits
Grated apple adds a gentle sweetness. Remove all seeds and the core.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 medium apple, cored, seeds removed, finely grated
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Combine all ingredients into a dough, adding flour if sticky.
- Roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and cut into shapes.
- Bake until firm.
- Cool on a rack.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.
6. Soft Pumpkin Banana Chews
A tender, chewy treat that is easy for older dogs to eat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) oat flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line an 8×8 inch (20 cm) pan with parchment.
- Mix all ingredients and press evenly into the pan.
- Bake until set in the center.
- Cool, then cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) squares.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days; freeze up to 2 months.
7. Baked Pumpkin Chips
Made from fresh pie pumpkin rather than puree for a chewy, crisp-edged chip.
Ingredients
- 1 small sugar (pie) pumpkin, peeled, seeds and stringy pulp removed
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line two sheets with parchment.
- Slice the pumpkin flesh 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
- Arrange in a single layer.
- Bake, flipping halfway, until dry and slightly crisp.
- Cool completely.
Storage: Airtight for 5 days or refrigerate up to 10 days.
Tip: Don’t feed the stem, rind or raw pumpkin seeds.
8. Pumpkin Blueberry Bites
Little soft-baked drops with a blueberry tucked in each one.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup (50 g) fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Mix pumpkin, egg and flour into a soft dough; fold in the blueberries.
- Drop rounded teaspoons onto the sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake until set.
- Cool on a rack.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
9. Pumpkin Turkey Training Bites
High-value savory bites made with plain cooked turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) plain cooked skinless turkey or chicken breast, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (120 g) oat flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) pan with parchment.
- Blend or mash everything into a thick paste.
- Spread 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick in the pan.
- Bake until firm, then cool and cut into tiny 1/2 inch (1 cm) squares.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days; freeze up to 2 months.
10. Pumpkin Toy Stuffing Cubes
Freeze pumpkin and yogurt into cubes that slot into a stuffable rubber toy for long-lasting enrichment.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Whisk everything until smooth.
- Pour into an ice-cube tray.
- Freeze until solid.
- Pop one or two cubes into a stuffable toy before serving.
Storage: Freezer bag up to 2 months.
Which Pumpkin Treat Should You Make First?
If you want a pantry-stable treat, start with the Pumpkin Peanut Butter Bones. For a quick win, the No-Bake Pumpkin Oat Balls take five minutes. Senior dogs usually prefer the Soft Pumpkin Banana Chews, and dogs that love a challenge will enjoy the frozen toy stuffing cubes.
Pumpkin pairs well with other dog-safe flavors. Try it in our Christmas dog treat recipes, or use any leftover puree in the 10 frozen dog treat recipes your pup will love.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin adds moisture, which is great for flavor but means pumpkin treats spoil faster than plain flour biscuits. As a rule, anything soft, cake-like or made with meat belongs in the fridge and should be used within four or five days. Crunchy biscuits that snap cleanly can stay in an airtight jar at room temperature for about a week; if they start to soften, move them to the fridge.
To freeze baked treats, spread them on a tray until solid, then pack them into labeled freezer bags with the date. Frozen pops and toy cubes should go straight from the freezer to your dog, ideally outside or on an easy-to-clean floor. Thaw baked treats at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Dog Safety Notes
- Peanut butter: use only natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”). Choose unsalted and unsweetened.
- Never add: chocolate or cocoa, grapes, raisins or currants, onion, garlic, chives or leeks, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, alcohol, raw yeast dough, cooked bones, added salt or sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit and veg prep: remove apple cores and seeds, use seedless watermelon without rind, and use plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) and plain unsweetened yogurt.
- Portions: treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Cut pieces to suit your dog’s size and supervise chewing.
- Check with your vet before introducing new foods if your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or is on a prescription diet. Introduce one new treat at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling for dog treats?
No. Pie filling contains sugar and spices such as nutmeg. Always use plain, unsweetened 100% pumpkin puree.
How much pumpkin can a dog have?
As an ingredient in treats, small amounts are fine for most dogs. Keep total treats under about 10% of daily calories and ask your vet about larger amounts.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Roast peeled, seeded pumpkin chunks at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until soft, then puree. Fresh puree is wetter, so you may need a little extra flour.
Do pumpkin dog treats need to be refrigerated?
Soft and frozen pumpkin treats do. Fully dried crunchy biscuits can stay at room temperature for about a week.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
- Easy No-Bake Dog Treat Recipes
- 10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love
- Homemade Apple and Carrot Dog Treats
- 15 Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Ideas
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.