Fall Homemade Dog Treats

When the leaves started turning golden last year, I found myself baking pumpkin bread, sipping apple cider, and filling the house with all the cozy scents of autumn. My dog Alfred sat by my side through it all, eyes wide, clearly wishing he could join in.

The trouble? Most fall treats — from pumpkin pie to caramel apples — aren’t safe for dogs. That’s when I decided to create Fall Homemade Dog Treats just for him. Frozen, seasonal, and 100% dog-friendly, they became our little ritual after chilly walks.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (no sugar added)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  
  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix pumpkin puree, applesauce, and Greek yogurt in a bowl.

2. Spoon into silicone molds (pumpkin or leaf shapes are perfect for fall).

3. Freeze for 3–4 hours or until solid.

4. Pop out and serve chilled.
   
   
   

Nutrition per bite (approx.):

• Calories: 15 kcal

• Protein: 1 g

• Fiber: 0.5 g

• Fat: 0.2 g
  
  
  

✅ Benefits: Pumpkin aids digestion, apple adds natural sweetness, and yogurt provides probiotics for gut health.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mashed cooked sweet potato (plain, no seasoning)

• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk

• 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional, tiny amount)
  
  
  

Instructions:

1. Blend sweet potato, coconut milk, and maple syrup until smooth.

2. Pour mixture into paw-shaped molds.

3. Freeze overnight.

4. Serve as a cooling, creamy treat.
   
   
   

Nutrition per cube (approx.):

• Calories: 18 kcal

• Protein: 0.6 g

• Fiber: 0.7 g

• Fat: 0.5 g
  
  
  

✅ Benefits: Sweet potato provides beta-carotene for healthy eyes, while coconut milk adds healthy fats.

• Calories: 10 kcal

• Protein: 0.8 g

• Fiber: 0.1 g

• Fat: 0.1 g

• Hydration Boost: Bone broth naturally replenishes fluids after playtime or walks.

• Joint & Mobility Support: Collagen in broth helps cushion joints and maintain flexibility.

• Antioxidant Protection: Blueberries fight inflammation and support brain health.

• Human-Friendly Too: Pop one in your own soup or smoothie for an extra health kick.

• Too hard to chew? Let the cubes sit for 2–3 minutes before serving.

• Cloudy broth after freezing? Totally normal — doesn’t change flavor or nutrition.

• Swap blueberries for diced strawberries to create a spooky “vampire bite” red.

• Mix pumpkin puree with broth for festive orange-and-gold cubes.

• Use paw-print, bat, or ghost-shaped molds for Halloween flair.

• Freezer-Friendly: Place the treats in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to lock in freshness. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months without losing flavor or nutrition.

• Layering Trick: If stacking treats in a container, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

• Single-Serve Prep: For convenience, portion them into small freezer bags or silicone snack molds so you can grab a few at a time without thawing the whole batch.

• Defrosting Safely: If your dog prefers a softer bite, take a treat out and let it rest at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before serving.

• Avoid Refreezing: Once thawed, don’t refreeze the treats, as this can change their texture and reduce freshness.

• Travel Tip: For road trips or walks, place a few frozen cubes in a small cooler bag — they’ll be thawed just enough to enjoy once you arrive.

Fall and Halloween are about more than just costumes and candy. These frozen dog treats are a simple way to bring your pup into the celebration while keeping them refreshed, healthy, and happy. Watching Alfred crunch into his frosty snack on a warm October afternoon is a reminder that the best traditions are the ones we share with our furry family members.