Dogs deserve homemade snacks that are healthier than what we feed ourselves.

If your dog follows you into the kitchen every time you open a can, this one’s for you. These Pumpkin Puree Dog Treats are an easy, no-fuss way to pamper your pup with something healthy, homemade, and totally Pinterest-worthy. Inspired by Ruby, my German Shepherd foodie, this recipe is a go-to every fall—and honestly, year-round.

Pumpkin is a fiber-filled, digestion-supporting ingredient that many veterinarians recommend. Add a few pantry staples, and you’ve got a homemade, nutritious treat. This isn’t just a dog snack—it’s a fun way to bond with your pup in the kitchen while offering them something wholesome and safe.

This recipe is:

• Flourless

• Made with dog-safe ingredients

• Helpful for digestion

• 100% homemade with love ❤️

• No preservatives

• Only 3 ingredients (you likely have them already)

• Soft and easy to chew—great for senior dogs

• You can customize them with simple add-ins

• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree – make sure it’s unsweetened and not pie filling

• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter – no xylitol, sugar, or salt added

• 1 1/2 cups oats – old-fashioned or quick oats both work

Optional:

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin and peanut butter.

2. Slowly add in oats and stir until the dough thickens.

3. Add any optional ingredients (banana, coconut oil, cinnamon).

4. Roll dough into small balls or press into molds.

5. Chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes to firm.

You can also freeze them for a cool summer treat.

• Do not use pumpkin pie filling—it contains spices and sugar that aren’t safe for dogs.

• Always check peanut butter labels—xylitol is toxic to dogs.

• Use moderation—treats are not a meal replacement.

• Using pumpkin pie filling:
  It contains sugar and spices — always use plain pumpkin purée.

• Adding too much peanut butter:
  Even xylitol-free peanut butter is high in fat. A little goes a long way.

• Overfeeding treats:
  Healthy doesn’t mean unlimited. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.

• Skipping ingredient checks:
  Always confirm ingredients are dog-safe before experimenting.

• Not adjusting for texture:
  Too wet → add oats.
  Too dry → add a splash of water or yogurt.

• Leaving treats on the counter:
  Fresh treats spoil faster. Keep them refrigerated or frozen.

• Changing recipes too quickly:
  Introduce new foods slowly to avoid upset stomachs.

• Banana instead of peanut butter for allergy-friendly batches

• Plain Greek yogurt as a binding option

• Certified gluten-free oats if needed

• Freeze in paw-shaped molds for extra fun

Pumpkin → Sweet potato purée, mashed carrot, or butternut squash
Oats → Oat flour, rice flour, or quinoa flakes
Banana → Applesauce (unsweetened) or mashed pear
Peanut Butter → Almond butter (unsweetened), sunflower seed butter
Yogurt → Goat milk yogurt, kefir (plain, unsweetened)
Blueberries → Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
Water → Bone broth (low sodium, no onion)
Honey → Leave out entirely for puppies under 1 year

Always avoid xylitol and added sugars.

According to the American Kennel Club and PetMD, plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is considered a safe and dog-friendly ingredient when given in moderation. Pumpkin is naturally rich in gentle fiber, which may support digestion and help keep your pup regular.

Every dog is different, though, so it’s always smart to introduce any new ingredient slowly and watch how your dog responds. If your pup has known food sensitivities, a sensitive stomach, or a history of allergies, checking with your veterinarian first can give you extra peace of mind.

Think of pumpkin as a simple, wholesome add-in — not a cure-all — and you’ll be on the safe side.

• Start small. Give your dog a tiny piece first to see how their stomach reacts before offering a full treat.

• Use real pumpkin. Always choose plain pumpkin purée — not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices dogs don’t need.

• Adjust texture as needed. If your mixture feels too thick, add a splash of water or unsweetened yogurt. Too thin? Add a bit more oats.

• Make it fun. Use silicone molds (paws, bones, hearts) to turn your treats into cute shapes your dog will love.

• Watch portion size. These treats are healthy, but still treats — keep them part of a balanced diet.

• Mix in safe add-ins. A little peanut butter (xylitol-free), banana, or plain yogurt can add flavor without upsetting stomachs.

• Use cold ingredients. They help the mixture firm up faster for freezer or fridge recipes.

• Refrigerator:
  Store treats in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
  They stay soft, fresh, and easy to grab for daily rewards.

• Freezer:
  Freeze in batches for up to 2–3 months.
  Perfect for dogs who love cold snacks or for making “make-ahead” treat prep effortless.

• Avoid room temperature:
  Because these treats use real, fresh ingredients with no preservatives, they can spoil if left out too long. Keep them chilled for safety and freshness.

• Label your containers:
  Write the date you made them so you always know when it’s time to make a new batch.

The first time Ruby tried these treats, she gave them her usual “inspection”: a long sniff, a tiny paw tap, and that dramatic pause she uses to decide whether something is worthy of her royal attention.

Then she took one bite… and another… and suddenly the treat was gone. Completely gone. She even licked the floor just in case she missed a crumb.

Now, whenever she hears me open the oat container or grab the silicone mold, she trots straight to the fridge and waits like a tiny furry statue. It’s become our little ritual — I make the treats, she supervises, and the moment they’re ready, she sits perfectly as if she’s presenting herself for an award.

We make this recipe so often that she somehow knows the exact moment it’s “treat time.” It has become one of her absolute favorites — and one of my favorite ways to make her day.

If you're into easy dog treat recipes, adorable pup content, and smart wellness tips for your furry best friend—you're our kind of person.

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Making your own dog treats doesn’t have to be complicated. These pumpkin puree bites are simple, affordable, and a great way to know exactly what your furry friend is eating. Whether you’re prepping for fall, making gifts for pet parent friends, or just spoiling your pup, this is an easy favorite.

Looking for more? Browse our full Recipe Index or sign up for weekly dog wellness tips and new treat ideas.

This post is for informational purposes only and should not replace advice from your veterinarian.

Sources:

• AKC – Pumpkin for Dogs

• PetMD – Pumpkin for Dog Digestion