Last fall, I made these layered treats for our neighborhood dog costume parade. Each little frozen candy corn got as many smiles from the humans as tail wags from the pups. They looked like candy, but they were pure wholesome goodness.
Last Halloween, while carving pumpkins with my family, my dog Flora kept nudging my leg with those “don’t forget me” eyes. I had a bowl of candy corn on the table, and while everyone else enjoyed a sugar rush, Flora was left out.
That’s when it hit me: why not make a dog-friendly candy corn version that’s not only safe but fun, festive, and packed with nutrition?
Instead of sugary candy, I layered Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and banana to create that signature candy corn look — and here’s the fun twist — I popped them onto edible carrot sticks so Flora could enjoy the whole thing, stick and all. 🥕🐾
That’s when it hit me: why not make a dog-friendly candy corn version that’s not only safe but fun, festive, and packed with nutrition?
Instead of sugary candy, I layered Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, and banana to create that signature candy corn look — and here’s the fun twist — I popped them onto edible carrot sticks so Ruby could enjoy the whole thing, stick and all. 🥕🐾
Ingredients (makes about 8–10 pops)
Sticks:
8–10 carrot sticks (cut into thick “lollipop sticks”)
OR sweet potato sticks (peeled, cut into thick strips, lightly blanched if needed)
White layer (top):
-
Yellow layer (bottom):
½ ripe banana, mashed
2 Tbsp plain yogurt
Instructions:
Prepare the molds:
Use silicone ice cube trays, small silicone candy molds, or paper cups. Insert carrot or sweet potato sticks in the center as your edible “popsicle stick.”
White layer (top):
Spoon a small amount of plain yogurt into the bottom of each mold. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until slightly firm.
Orange layer (middle):
Blend pumpkin puree with yogurt until smooth. Spoon on top of the white layer. Freeze another 20–30 minutes.
Yellow layer (bottom):
Mash banana with yogurt until creamy. Spoon on top of the orange layer to fill the mold. Freeze until fully solid (about 2–3 hours or overnight).
Unmold & serve:
Pop the treats out of the molds and give one to your pup as a festive Halloween snack!
(based on one small pop, made with carrot stick)
Calories: ~32 kcal
Protein: 1.8 g
Fat: 0.5 g
Fiber: 1.2 g
Carbs: 6 g
These aren’t just festive — they’re light, healthy snacks your pup can enjoy without worry.
Ingredient |
Benefit |
Carrots/Sweet Potato |
Beta-carotene, fiber, eye & skin health |
Greek Yogurt |
Protein + probiotics for gut health |
Pumpkin |
Gentle on digestion, rich in vitamins |
Banana |
Potassium + natural energy |
These little pops are more than cute — they’re packed with nutrients and double as a cooling treat after playtime.
Ingredient |
Benefit |
Carrot / Sweet Potato Stick |
Crunchy, fiber-rich, high in beta-carotene for eye & skin health |
Greek Yogurt |
Probiotics for digestion + protein for muscles |
Pumpkin |
Gentle on the stomach, supports healthy digestion |
Banana |
Potassium for heart & muscles + natural sweetness |
Every layer has a purpose — this treat isn’t just cute, it’s functional nutrition.
Flora always knows when pumpkin is in the kitchen. As soon as I opened the can, she trotted over and sat like the world’s most polite pup — eyes locked, tail thumping against the floor. By the time I layered the yogurt and banana, she was practically whining with excitement.
And honestly? I loved it. These treats weren’t just a snack; they turned into a shared moment of joy where she knew something special was being made just for her.
Want to mix it up? Here are a few ideas:
Switch the base stick: use apple slices or dehydrated sweet potato chews.
Make it green: add blended spinach + yogurt for a spooky Frankenstein twist.
Boost nutrition: sprinkle a pinch of ground flaxseed or parsley for fresh breath.
Pro tip: freeze them in individual silicone molds, then pop into a freezer bag for easy grab-and-serve.
Dog-friendly candy corn pops are more than just “treats.” They’re a way to:
✔ Include your pup in seasonal traditions
✔ Add nutrition with fun, edible ingredients
✔ Create lasting, heartwarming memories
On Halloween night, while kids run door to door with candy bags, your pup can enjoy their own special version of candy corn. Trust me — nothing beats those wagging tails when they realize this holiday is for them too. 🐶💛🎃