Pumpkin Dog Treats: 3 Easy Recipes (Crunchy, Soft and Frozen)

Pumpkin dog treats use plain pumpkin puree as the binder and flavor, which keeps the dough moist without much fat. Below are three recipes with exact amounts: crunchy pumpkin biscuits, soft pumpkin oat cookies and frozen pumpkin yogurt bites. Each has bake times, rough calories per treat and storage, plus how to pick the right pumpkin and what to do with the rest of the can.

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Quick Answer

• Use: plain canned pumpkin puree (the label should say 100% pumpkin) or plain cooked fresh pumpkin.
• Don’t use: pumpkin pie filling, which has sugar and spices like nutmeg.
• Easiest recipe: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup pumpkin, 2 eggs. Roll 1/4 inch thick, bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
• Calories: about 8 to 35 per treat, depending on the recipe.
• Storage: crunchy biscuits about 1 week airtight, soft cookies about 5 days in the fridge, frozen bites 2 months.

Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?

Plain pumpkin is safe for most dogs. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, which is why it’s a popular treat ingredient. Some vets suggest a small spoonful for mild stool problems, but ask your vet before using it that way, especially if your dog has ongoing diarrhea or constipation.

• Canned: choose 100% pumpkin, not “pumpkin pie mix” or “pie filling.”
• Fresh: roast or steam the flesh until soft and mash it. Skip the stem and tough skin.
• Too much fiber can cause loose stools, so stick to treat-size amounts.

Recipe 1: Crunchy Pumpkin Biscuits

Makes: about 40 biscuits (2 inch) | Bake: 35 to 40 min | About 35 calories each

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• Optional: 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Water, 1 tablespoon at a time as needed

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets.
2. Whisk the pumpkin, eggs and peanut butter. Stir in the flour and cinnamon.
3. Add water a spoonful at a time until the dough holds together. It should be firm, not sticky.
4. Roll to 1/4 inch on a floured surface and cut into shapes.
5. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until hard and dry. For extra crunch, turn the oven off and leave them in for another hour.
6. Cool completely before storing.

Recipe 2: Soft Pumpkin Oat Cookies

Makes: about 30 cookies | Bake: 15 to 18 min | About 25 calories each

• 1 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 2 cups rolled oats, blended until mostly fine
• 1 large egg

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Mix everything into a thick, sticky dough.
3. Drop rounded teaspoons onto the sheet and flatten with a fork.
4. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until set. They stay soft.

A good choice for senior dogs and puppies. Wheat-free, though oats are a grain.

Recipe 3: Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites (No Bake)

Makes: about 24 ice cube tray bites | Freeze: 3 hours | About 8 calories each

• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 1 cup plain yogurt (no sweeteners or xylitol)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter

1. Stir everything until smooth.
2. Spoon into a silicone ice cube tray or small mold.
3. Freeze about 3 hours, then pop out and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

More frozen ideas in our frozen dog treats and pup cups recipes.

What to Do With Leftover Pumpkin

• Opened canned pumpkin keeps about 5 to 7 days in a covered container in the fridge.
• Freeze the rest in an ice cube tray in 1 tablespoon portions, then bag the cubes. They keep about 3 months.
• Use a cube in a stuffed chew toy, or stir a little into your dog’s food as an occasional topper.

Swaps

Instead of	Use	Note
Whole wheat flour	Oat flour	About 1 1/4 times as much. Softer dough.
Whole wheat flour	Chickpea flour	Same amount. Grain-free.
Eggs	1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg	Let it sit 5 minutes.
Peanut butter	Leave it out	Biscuits are still tasty and lower in fat.
Pumpkin	Mashed cooked sweet potato	Same amount.

Never add: xylitol, chocolate, raisins, grapes, nutmeg, onion or garlic.

Storage Guide

Treat	Room temperature (airtight)	Fridge	Freezer
Crunchy pumpkin biscuits	About 1 week	2 weeks	3 months
Soft pumpkin oat cookies	1 day	About 5 days	3 months
Frozen pumpkin yogurt bites	No	No	2 months

Pumpkin adds moisture, so these spoil faster than plain dry biscuits. Cool them completely before sealing and throw out anything with mold.

How Many Treats Per Day?

Keep all treats to about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For the crunchy biscuits, that’s roughly 1 a day for small dogs, 2 to 3 for medium dogs and 3 to 5 for large dogs. Frozen bites are low enough in calories to give a few more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling in dog treats?

No. Pie filling has added sugar and spices like nutmeg. Use plain canned pumpkin labeled 100% pumpkin.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes. Roast or steam it until soft, scoop out the flesh, and mash or blend it. Use the same amount as canned.

Are pumpkin dog treats good for upset stomachs?

Plain pumpkin is gentle and high in fiber, and some vets suggest it for mild stool issues. Ask your vet before using it to treat symptoms, and see a vet for diarrhea that lasts more than a day or comes with vomiting or lethargy.

Can puppies eat pumpkin dog treats?

Yes, in small pieces once they’re eating solid food. The soft cookies and frozen bites are easiest for puppies.

The Short Version

• Use plain 100% pumpkin, never pie filling.
• Biscuits: 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup pumpkin, 2 eggs, 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
• Soft cookies and frozen bites are good for puppies and seniors.
• Freeze leftover pumpkin in tablespoon cubes.

More Homemade Treat Recipes

• Easy Homemade Dog Treats
• Peanut Butter and Oats Dog Treats
• Applesauce Dog Treats
• Sourdough Dog Treats