Easy Dog Treats with Pumpkin Puree

There’s something about the smell of pumpkin in the kitchen that makes everything feel cozier. One chilly afternoon last fall, I was roasting pumpkin for dinner when my dog, Buddy , came trotting into the kitchen. He sniffed the air, gave me his signature “are you making that for me?” look, and gently placed his paw on my leg. That was my cue.

I had a little extra puree, so I grabbed a mixing bowl and decided to make him something special. What started as a spur-of-the-moment experiment quickly turned into one of Buddy’s all-time favorite treats. These Easy Dog Treats with Pumpkin Puree have become a go-to recipe—quick, nourishing, and made with ingredients I trust.

Buddy has always had a sensitive belly, and I was getting tired of squinting at long ingredient lists on store-bought treats. I wanted to give him something:

• Gentle on his digestion

• Full of real, wholesome ingredients

• Quick to make during a busy week

• …and, of course, delicious enough to earn a tail wag
  
  

Pumpkin is soothing, nourishing, and smells like comfort. The best part? This recipe takes under 30 minutes, start to finish.

These treats are made with simple, dog-friendly pantry ingredients . You probably already have them at home!

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  (Make sure it’s plain, unsweetened pumpkin— not pumpkin pie filling!)

• 1¾ cups oat flour or almond flour (for grain-free)

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter (smooth, natural)
  
  

🔔 Optional Add-ins:

• A pinch of Ceylon cinnamon (for cozy aroma—safe in small amounts)

• 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce for extra softness

These treats aren’t just tasty—they’re nourishing and gentle on the belly:

• Pumpkin – High in fiber, great for digestion, and rich in vitamin A

• Oat Flour – Whole grain goodness, gentle on most stomachs

• Almond Flour – Grain-free option packed with healthy fats & vitamin E

• Peanut Butter – Rich in protein and healthy fats (xylitol-free only!)

• Egg – Boosts protein and helps bind the dough

Every pup has their own preferences—this recipe is super flexible!

• Use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin

• Add a spoonful of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana

• Mix in finely chopped carrots or blueberries for texture and flavor

• Bake a few minutes longer for a crunchier texture

• Cut into mini bites for training rewards

The second I open a can of pumpkin, Buddy’s ears perk up.
He follows me step for step, tail swishing, eyes wide with anticipation. And when I roll out the dough, he lays down near the oven, like he knows he just has to wait a little longer.

Baking these has become more than just making treats. It’s our quiet moment. A reminder that care doesn’t have to be complicated—it can smell like pumpkin and feel like home.

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days

• Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week

• Freeze for up to 2 months – just thaw a few minutes before serving

🎯 Tip: These make lovely gifts—tie a few in a paper bag with a ribbon for your fellow dog mom friends.

• Dough too sticky? Add 1 tbsp more flour at a time

• Dough too dry? Mix in a splash of water or extra pumpkin

• Treats spreading? Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking

• Too soft? Add 3–5 minutes to bake time or let them dry in the oven

Making these Easy Dog Treats with Pumpkin Puree has become part of our weekly rhythm.
It’s simple, satisfying, and full of little joys: the smell of pumpkin, the soft thud of cookie cutters, the happy tail thumps by the oven.

We don’t always need a reason to do something kind for our dogs. Sometimes, it just feels good to make something with love.

(Based on ~30 small treats)

⚠️ Note: These numbers are approximate and may vary by brand and ingredient.

📌 Pin this to your “Homemade Dog Treats” board—just in case a rainy day calls for a little baking, a warm oven, and a happy pup. 🧡