Pumpkin Dog Treats: Healthy Fall Snacks Your Pup Will Love

Pumpkin dog treats weren’t even on my radar when we first adopted Louie.

Back then, I thought store-bought biscuits were the only option.

Until one Sunday afternoon when I was eating a pumpkin pie and watching NFL RedZone, and Louie sat there staring at me like I was eating his dessert.

That look made me start to think, “Can dogs eat pumpkin?“

After a little research (and a few YouTube videos), I learned that pumpkin is one of the best natural ingredients for dogs. It’s loaded with fiber for digestion, vitamins that support their coat and skin, and it’s low in calories — which makes it perfect for small dogs like Louie.

Now, every fall, we make a batch of homemade pumpkin dog treats together. They’re easy, healthy, and honestly, Louie seems to know the moment the can opener hits the pumpkin.

In this post, I’ll share why pumpkin is so good for dogs, how to use it safely, and one simple recipe you can try at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick fall dog treat or just want a new way to spoil your pup, you’ll love how easy these pumpkin snacks are to make.

Why Pumpkin Is So Good for Dogs

Before making pumpkin dog treats for the first time, I wanted to be sure they were actually healthy for Louie.

I didn’t just want to assume pumpkin was safe because it’s a “natural” ingredient — I needed to know what the real benefits were and what vets say about it.

So, what are the benefits of giving pumpkin to a dog? Quite a few, actually — and they go way beyond flavor.

Gentle on the Stomach and Great for Digestion

Pumpkin is packed with soluble fiber, which helps keep a dog’s digestion balanced. It can firm up loose stools or help when they’re constipated — basically, it works both ways.

That’s one reason many vets recommend pumpkin for dogs with mild stomach issues. It’s gentle, natural, and easy to mix into food or use in homemade pumpkin snacks for dogs.

Louie’s stomach can be sensitive, especially when we travel or change up his food, and a spoonful of pumpkin always helps reset things naturally.

Packed With Vitamins and Antioxidants

Beyond digestion, pumpkin is a quiet superfood. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and E — which support vision, skin, and immune health — and beta-carotene, the antioxidant that gives pumpkin its deep orange color.

That combination makes pumpkin dog treats more than just a seasonal snack. They help promote a shiny coat and healthy skin, especially for small dogs that shed or have dry fur.

When I first learned that, I started feeling a lot better about swapping store-bought biscuits for something homemade and fresh.

A Low-Calorie Way to Reward Your Pup

Pumpkin is naturally low in calories and fat, which makes it ideal for training sessions or as an everyday treat — especially for small dogs who don’t need as much food as larger breeds.

Louie loves to eat (and I love to spoil him), but we’ve had to watch his portion sizes to keep his weight steady. That’s where homemade pumpkin treats really shine — they let me reward him without overdoing the calories.

If you’re looking for a light, seasonal way to treat your pup this fall, pumpkin dog treats are an easy win.

What to Know Before Making Pumpkin Dog Treats

Before you start mixing up pumpkin dog treats, there are a few things every dog parent should know.

Pumpkin is an amazing ingredient — but only when used the right way.

When we first started making homemade pumpkin snacks for dogs, I didn’t realize there was such a big difference between fresh pumpkin, canned pumpkin, and pumpkin pie filling (and trust me, one of those definitely doesn’t belong in a dog treat).

Here’s what to keep in mind before you bake.

Canned vs. Fresh Pumpkin — What’s Best?

Both canned and fresh pumpkin are safe for dogs, but canned pumpkin usually wins for convenience and consistency.

The key is to choose pure canned pumpkin — not pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling often contains sugar, nutmeg, and other spices that can upset your dog’s stomach.

If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked and blended until smooth. Avoid the skin and stem, as those parts are tough to digest.

Louie doesn’t seem to care which kind I use — as long as the treats smell like fall, he’s happy.

Safe Serving Sizes for Small Dogs

When it comes to pumpkin, a little goes a long way — especially for small breeds.

For most small dogs, one to two teaspoons of plain pumpkin per day is enough. Larger dogs can have up to a few tablespoons, but small pups digest food more quickly, so you don’t need much to get the benefits.

If you’re baking pumpkin dog treats, that means you don’t have to overload the recipe. Even a small amount of pumpkin adds all the fiber, flavor, and nutrients your dog needs.

When Louie was younger, I made the mistake of giving him a few extra spoonfuls because he loved it so much.

Let’s just say that was a lesson in moderation. Too much pumpkin can lead to soft stools or an upset stomach.

As a rule of thumb, start small and see how your dog reacts. Every dog is different, but for most small breeds, a few bites of homemade pumpkin treats a day is more than enough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Before you start baking or blending, here are a few simple mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin snacks for dogs:

• Don’t use pumpkin pie filling. It usually contains sugar, spices, and preservatives that aren’t safe for dogs.
• Avoid extra salt or seasoning. Keep it plain — dogs don’t need added flavoring to enjoy it.
• Skip artificial sweeteners. Ingredients like xylitol can be toxic for dogs.
• Don’t rely on pumpkin as a meal replacement. It’s healthy, but it should be a supplement or a treat, not a full meal.

The best pumpkin dog treats are simple — just wholesome ingredients, baked with love (and maybe a little dog hair if you’re doing it at home like me).

Louie always waits by the oven when I make a batch. He somehow knows the smell of pumpkin means something good is coming.

Simple Recipe — Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

When I first started making pumpkin dog treats for Louie, I wanted something easy — something I could whip up on a Sunday while football played in the background. This recipe checks every box: it’s simple, smells amazing, and uses healthy ingredients you probably already have at home.

Here’s how we make our favorite homemade pumpkin treats — perfect for fall, training sessions, or just because your pup deserves something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
• 4–5 tablespoons water (start with 4, add more if needed)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 egg

Optional: You can also add a tablespoon of peanut butter or swap flour for oat flour if your dog has sensitivities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix wet ingredients.
   In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, coconut oil, and water. Stir until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients.
   Mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly combine everything with an electric mixer or by hand until a soft dough forms.
4. Add the egg.
   Crack in one egg and continue mixing until everything sticks together. If the dough feels too dry, add one extra tablespoon of water.
5. Roll out the dough.
   Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters (Louie’s are shaped like little bones) to cut out the treats.
6. Bake until golden.
   Place the treats on your baking sheet and bake for around 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown underneath.
   They should feel firm and crisp when cooled.

These pumpkin snacks for dogs smell incredible while they bake — kind of like a cozy fall candle but healthier. Louie always camps out by the oven, waiting for the timer to ding.

Pumpkin Dog Treats Storage Tips

Once completely cooled, store your homemade pumpkin dog treats in an airtight jar or container.
They’ll last up to:

• 7–10 days at room temperature
• 2 weeks in the fridge
• 2–3 months in the freezer

If you’re using these as training treats for small dogs, break them into smaller pieces before serving — they’re firm but easy to snap apart.

For storing in style, I love keeping Louie’s treats in this airtight glass jar on Amazon. It keeps them fresh and looks great on the counter.

Recommended Baking Tools for Making Pumpkin Dog Treats

Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes baking pumpkin dog treats a lot smoother and way less messy.

You don’t need fancy gadgets, but a few simple baking tools can make a big difference in how your treats turn out (and how easy cleanup is afterward).

Here are some of my favorites to keep your treat-making days simple and organized.

1. Silicone Dog Treat Molds

If you want perfectly shaped homemade dog treats, silicone molds are the easiest way to get them.
They’re flexible, non-stick, and let you pop out baked treats without breaking them.

I like bone-shaped molds because they make treat portions easy to track for small dogs like Louie.
Look for silicone dog treat molds on Amazon — they’re affordable, reusable, and great for portion control.

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2. Nonstick Baking Mats or Parchment Sheets

Skip the greased pans — nonstick baking mats make cleanup effortless and help the treats bake evenly.
They’re also eco-friendly since you can reuse them hundreds of times.

These reusable baking half sheets are perfect for all kinds of fall dog treats and cookies too.

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3. Dog Bone Cookie Cutters

There’s something extra satisfying about baking pumpkin dog treats that actually look like treats.
Dog bone cookie cutters give your homemade snacks that fun, classic look — and they’re easy to use, even if you’re not a baker.

These dog bone cookie cutters make it simple to cut even portions for small dogs, and they hold their shape perfectly while baking. They’re durable, easy to clean, and add a cute touch that makes your fall dog treats feel store-bought — just a lot healthier.

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4. Airtight Treat Jar or Storage Container

Once your pumpkin dog treats cool down, store them in an airtight jar to keep them crunchy and fresh.
Glass jars look great on the counter, but plastic containers are handy for travel or fridge storage too.

This airtight glass jar design is perfect for daily use — and it’s clear, so you can see when you’re running low.

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5. Mixing Bowls

A sturdy set of mixing bowls makes preparing pumpkin dog treats so much easier. Since pumpkin purée and coconut oil can get a little sticky, I like bowls with a non-slip base that stay steady while mixing.

These [stainless steel mixing bowls with non-slip base] are durable, lightweight, and simple to clean — perfect for combining ingredients like flour, cinnamon, and pumpkin without making a mess.

If you plan to bake homemade dog treats often, having a few different bowl sizes helps too. I use one for wet ingredients and another for dry, so everything comes together faster (and Louie can lick the spoon when we’re done).

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Final Thoughts — Simple, Healthy, and Dog-Approved

Making pumpkin dog treats at home has become one of my favorite little traditions with Louie. There’s something comforting about baking on a cool fall afternoon while he sits nearby, waiting for the smell of pumpkin to fill the kitchen.

Beyond the cozy moment, though, these homemade pumpkin treats really are a win for small-dog parents.

They’re made from simple, healthy ingredients, easy to store, and perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or owners who just want to skip the mystery ingredients in store-bought snacks.

The best part? You don’t have to be a baker to make them.

If you can stir, roll, and wait for the timer to ding, you can make these treats — and your pup will think you’re a genius.

So the next time you open a can of pumpkin this season, save a little for your dog. A few fall dog treats baked with love go a long way in making your home smell amazing — and making your pup’s tail wag just a little harder.

If your pup enjoys these as much as Louie does, they’ll go crazy for these homemade banana dog treats too — another simple, healthy recipe that’s just as fun to make together.

Common Questions About Pumpkin Dog Treats

Is pumpkin safe for dogs every day?

Yes, plain pumpkin is safe for dogs in small amounts daily. It’s a great source of fiber and vitamins, especially when used in pumpkin dog treats or as a natural topper for homemade dog food. Just be sure to keep portions small for tiny breeds.

What to mix pumpkin with for dogs?

You can mix pumpkin with plain yogurt, mashed banana, or oats to create homemade pumpkin snacks your pup will love.

These combos add flavor, nutrients, and texture — perfect for fall dog treats or training rewards.

Which is better for a dog, sweet potato or pumpkin?

Both are healthy options, but pumpkin for dogs is lighter in calories and easier to digest. Sweet potato has more natural sugar, while pumpkin offers more fiber and water — making it ideal for small dog treats and sensitive stomachs.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of canned pumpkin?

No, pumpkin pie filling is not safe for dogs.

It often contains sugar, nutmeg, and spices that can upset your dog’s stomach. Always stick with pure canned pumpkin for healthy dog recipes.

What are the signs my dog is eating too much pumpkin?

Too much pumpkin can cause loose stools or bloating. If your pup starts showing signs of discomfort, cut back on pumpkin dog treats or mix smaller portions into their meals. Moderation is key to keeping these fall dog snacks healthy and balanced.