5 Healthy Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes for Fall

Pumpkin isn’t just for lattes, pies, and seasonal décor—your furry best friend deserves to enjoy this fall superfood too!

These five healthy pumpkin dog treat recipes are the perfect way to celebrate autumn while giving your pup nutritious, delicious snacks they’ll absolutely devour.

Why is pumpkin such a powerhouse ingredient for dogs? This vibrant orange vegetable is packed with fiber that supports healthy digestion, making it excellent for dogs with sensitive stomachs or occasional digestive issues.

Pumpkin is also loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, plus essential minerals like potassium and iron that boost immunity and overall health.

The natural beta-carotene gives your dog’s coat that extra shine, while the low-calorie content makes it perfect for maintaining a healthy weight.

Each of these five fall-inspired recipes combines the goodness of pumpkin with other wholesome ingredients to create treats that are both nutritious and irresistible.

From crunchy cookies perfect for training to frozen bites for those surprisingly warm fall days, you’ll find options for every preference and occasion.

Best of all, these recipes are incredibly easy to make—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Whether you’re using fresh pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch or convenient canned puree, you’ll have homemade treats ready in no time. Let’s embrace the season and start baking!

Quick Recipe Card

Star Ingredient: Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
Common Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, oats, eggs, peanut butter, cinnamon, apples, plain yogurt, sweet potato, honey

Average Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Average Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (some recipes are no-bake)
Total Time: 25-40 minutes per recipe
Yield: 15-35 treats per recipe (varies by size)
Difficulty Level: Easy – Perfect for all skill levels!
Special Equipment: Baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls (cookie cutters optional)

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients & Measurements

Recipe 1 – Classic Pumpkin Oat Cookies:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 2½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Recipe 2 – Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Recipe 3 – Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Treats:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 medium apple, finely grated
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Recipe 4 – No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls:

• ¾ cup pure pumpkin puree
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats

Recipe 5 – Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chews:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked)
• 1½ cups whole wheat flour

Smart Substitutions & Seasonal Tips

Fresh Pumpkin vs. Canned: While canned pure pumpkin puree is convenient and available year-round, fresh pumpkin adds a special fall touch!

To make fresh pumpkin puree, cut a sugar pumpkin (not a carving pumpkin) in half, remove seeds, roast cut-side down at 350°F for 45 minutes, then scoop and blend until smooth. One small sugar pumpkin yields about 2 cups of puree.

Flour Alternatives: Substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour (blend oats until powdery), coconut flour (use half the amount), or rice flour for grain-sensitive pups.

Egg-Free Options: Replace each egg with 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or ¼ cup mashed banana.

Sweetener Notes: Honey is optional in these recipes and can be omitted entirely. Never use xylitol or artificial sweeteners, which are toxic to dogs.

Organic & Seasonal: Fall is the perfect time to visit your local farmers market for organic pumpkins, apples, and sweet potatoes.

Not only do you support local agriculture, but you’ll get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients for your treats!

⚠️ Important Pumpkin Safety Note

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! Pie filling contains added sugars, spices (like nutmeg, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts), and other ingredients not suitable for dogs. Check the label—the only ingredient should be pumpkin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Recipe 1: Classic Pumpkin Oat Cookies

The quintessential fall dog treat—crunchy, hearty, and packed with autumn goodness!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree with 2 eggs, whisking until smooth.
3. Add 2½ cups whole wheat flour, ½ cup oats, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon (if using). Mix until a firm dough forms.
4. If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time; if too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time.
5. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
6. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (pumpkins, leaves, and bones are festive!) or slice into squares with a knife.
7. Place treats 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 22-25 minutes until edges are golden and treats are firm to touch.
9. Cool completely on wire racks (about 45 minutes) before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra-crispy treats, turn off the oven after baking and let treats sit inside for another 20-30 minutes to dry out completely.

Recipe 2: Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites

Cool, creamy, and perfect for dogs who love frozen treats—even in fall!

1. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup pumpkin puree with 1 cup plain Greek yogurt until completely combined and smooth.
2. Add 1 tablespoon honey if desired and stir well.
3. Spoon or pipe mixture into silicone molds, ice cube trays, or small paper cups (fill about ¾ full).
4. For a fun presentation, insert a small dog biscuit into each cup as a “handle” before freezing.
5. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours until completely solid.
6. Pop treats out of molds and serve frozen, or store in a freezer-safe container.

Variation Idea: Swirl in 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter for a pumpkin-PB combo, or add a few pieces of diced apple before freezing for texture!

Recipe 3: Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Treats

Celebrate fall flavors with this aromatic combination—like apple pie for dogs!

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Grate 1 medium apple using a box grater (remove core and seeds first, but leave the skin for fiber).
3. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup pumpkin puree with the grated apple until well combined.
4. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet, or roll flat and use cookie cutters.
6. If using balls, gently flatten with your palm or the bottom of a glass to about ½-inch thick.
7. Bake for 25-28 minutes until firm and lightly browned on the bottom.
8. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Apple Tip: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for less sugar, or sweet apples like Fuji for picky eaters. Avoid apple seeds, which contain trace amounts of cyanide.

Recipe 4: No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Balls

Quick, easy, and no oven required—perfect for busy fall schedules!

1. In a large bowl, mix ¾ cup pumpkin puree with ½ cup natural peanut butter until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2. Stir in 2 cups old-fashioned oats, mixing well. The mixture should be sticky but holdable.
3. If too wet, add more oats 2 tablespoons at a time; if too dry, add a bit more pumpkin puree.
4. Using clean hands or a cookie scoop, roll mixture into 1-inch balls.
5. Place balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Fun Coating Options: Roll balls in unsweetened shredded coconut, crushed plain Cheerios, or ground flaxseed for added nutrition and texture!

Recipe 5: Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chews

Soft, chewy treats loaded with vitamins—ideal for senior dogs or gentle chewers!

1. Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C)—low and slow creates the perfect chewy texture.
2. In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix 1 cup pumpkin puree with 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooled if freshly cooked).
3. Gradually add 1½ cups whole wheat flour, stirring until a thick, spreadable consistency forms.
4. Spread mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet to about ¼-inch thickness.
5. Use a knife or pizza cutter to score the mixture into strips or squares (this makes breaking easier later).
6. Bake for 2-2.5 hours until dried and leathery but still pliable, not brittle.
7. Let cool completely, then break along scored lines into individual treats.

Storage Note: Due to their moisture content, these chewy treats must be refrigerated and consumed within one week, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Storage & Serving Tips

Proper Storage Methods

Room Temperature: Fully baked, dry treats (Recipes 1 and 3) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Because pumpkin adds moisture, ensure treats are completely cool and crispy before storing to prevent mold. Adding a silica packet helps absorb excess moisture.

Refrigeration: Soft or chewy treats (Recipe 5) and no-bake recipes (Recipe 4) must be refrigerated in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh for 7-10 days in the fridge.

Frozen treats (Recipe 2) should remain in the freezer until serving time but can be stored for up to 3 months.

Freezer Storage: All five recipes freeze beautifully! For baked treats, flash-freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.

This prevents sticking and makes it easy to grab individual treats. Label containers with the recipe name and date. Frozen treats last 3-4 months without quality loss.

Thawing Tips: Thaw baked treats at room temperature for 30 minutes, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For chewy treats, refrigerator thawing is best to maintain texture.

Frozen yogurt bites can be served directly from the freezer or softened for 5-10 minutes for easier eating.

Serving Size Guidelines

Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small treats per day
Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 medium treats per day
Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 3-5 treats per day

Remember that treats should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories. Pumpkin is low in calories but high in fiber, so start with smaller portions if your dog isn’t used to pumpkin and gradually increase.

Too much fiber too quickly can cause digestive upset. Always provide fresh water alongside treats, and monitor your dog during treat time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin is wonderful for these recipes, especially during fall when they’re abundant. Use sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins), not carving pumpkins which are stringy and bland.

After roasting and blending, fresh pumpkin puree has a slightly thinner consistency than canned, so you may need to add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour to recipes. The nutritional benefits are virtually identical, so choose whichever is more convenient!

How should I introduce pumpkin treats to my dog’s diet?

Start slowly! Even though pumpkin is gentle on digestion, introducing any new food should be gradual. Begin by offering half a treat and wait 24 hours to ensure no adverse reactions.

The fiber in pumpkin can cause soft stools if introduced too quickly, so increase portions gradually over 3-5 days.

Dogs with sensitive stomachs actually benefit from pumpkin’s digestive properties, but moderation is key.

If your dog has never had pumpkin before, consider mixing a small amount of plain pumpkin into their regular food first.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs?

Yes, with modifications! Pumpkin is actually excellent for sensitive stomachs and often recommended by vets for digestive issues.

For grain allergies, substitute wheat flour with oat flour or coconut flour. For egg allergies, use applesauce as directed in the substitutions section.

Dogs with peanut allergies can skip Recipe 4 or substitute sunflower seed butter. The Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites are especially gentle and cooling for upset stomachs.

Always consult your veterinarian if your dog has specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions.

Can I freeze these treats, and how do I thaw them properly?

Every single recipe freezes perfectly! For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour. Transfer to freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

They’ll keep for 3-4 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. For frozen yogurt bites, keep them frozen and serve directly—they’re meant to be enjoyed frozen!

No-bake energy balls can go from freezer to mouth in about 10 minutes of thawing. Chewy treats are best thawed slowly in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their texture.

Can these treats replace my dog’s regular snacks or meals?

While these treats are nutritious, they’re designed as supplements to your dog’s regular balanced diet, not replacements.

Think of them as healthy snacks or training rewards. Pumpkin treats are lower in calories than many commercial treats, making them great for weight management, but they don’t contain all the nutrients your dog needs for complete nutrition.

Use them strategically throughout the day—perfect for training sessions, afternoon snacks, or special rewards. If your dog eats several treats in one day, reduce their meal portions slightly to maintain caloric balance.

What are the specific health benefits of pumpkin for dogs?

Pumpkin is a nutritional superstar! The high fiber content helps regulate digestion—it can actually help with both diarrhea and constipation by adding bulk to stools.

Beta-carotene supports eye health and immune function. Vitamins A, C, and E act as antioxidants, fighting inflammation and supporting skin health.

The potassium helps muscle and nerve function. Pumpkin is also incredibly low in calories (only about 80 calories per cup) while being very filling, making it ideal for weight management. Many veterinarians recommend plain pumpkin as a natural digestive aid!

Conclusion

There you have it—five healthy, delicious pumpkin dog treat recipes that capture all the cozy goodness of fall! From crunchy cookies perfect for afternoon walks to frozen treats that soothe and refresh, you now have a complete autumn treat collection your pup will beg for all season long.

The beauty of these recipes goes beyond their seasonal appeal. Pumpkin’s incredible health benefits mean you’re not just giving your dog a tasty snack—you’re supporting their digestive health, boosting their immune system, and providing essential vitamins with every bite.

Plus, the simple ingredient lists and easy instructions mean you can whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes, without complicated techniques or specialty equipment.

I encourage you to try all five recipes and discover which ones become your dog’s favorites! Every pup has unique preferences—some might go wild for the crunchy Pumpkin Apple Cinnamon Treats, while others might prefer the cool, creamy Frozen Yogurt Bites. Mix and match throughout the season to keep things exciting.

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below sharing which recipe you tried first, post photos of your pup enjoying these fall treats, or tell me about your own creative variations. Did you add a special ingredient? Use a fun cookie cutter shape? Your experiences inspire other dog parents in our community!

Craving more seasonal dog treat ideas? Check out my other fall-inspired posts: [Sweet Potato Dog Treats for Autumn], [Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits], and [Thanksgiving-Safe Dog Treat Recipes].

And if you’re looking for year-round options, don’t miss [7 Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes] and [Grain-Free Dog Treat Collection].

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, there’s something extra special about sharing the season’s bounty with our four-legged family members. Happy fall baking, and give your pup an extra pumpkin treat from me! 🎃🍂