I love how easy it is to make pumpkin dog treats.

Seriously, this one ingredient is a staple when it comes to making doggy snacks at home.

That’s because it’s accessible (almost everyone can find canned pumpkin puree), it’s super healthy and…

So many pumpkin dog treat recipes don’t even require an oven.

Yep, you can whip most up in a few minutes flat.

In this post, we’re discussing the health benefits of pumpkin for dogs. Then, we’re showing off 8 no bake pumpkin dog treats that you can make yourself!

 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Yes, not only can most dogs eat pumpkin, but it’s one of the healthier “human food” choices. Dogs can eat both pumpkin pulp (pumpkin puree) and pumpkin seeds (ground up).

Typically when we talk about giving dogs human foods, one of the problems is the sodium content. However, pumpkins are naturally low in salt and high in vitamins and nutrients, such as:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• B vitamins
• Beta-carotene (an anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants fight “free radicals” in the body that could eventually lead to. Multitude of chronic illnesses)
• Potassium
• Iron

Pumpkin seeds are a good way to add calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Like everything else, pumpkin is good in moderation. That means a couple tablespoons for bigger breeds and a couple teaspoons for smaller ones. What’s the harm in too much? Well, the beta-carotene in pumpkin converts to Vitamin A in a dog’s body. In high doses, vitamin A is toxic to dogs. So, while feeding him a few spoonfuls is a healthy choice, feeding him the entire can isn’t a good idea.

Read the Label

Not all canned pumpkin is created equal. You want as natural of a pumpkin puree as you can find, meaning there should be no additives. Check the label to be sure.

You should also take notice that “pumpkin filling” is often different from “pumpkin puree.” Cans labelled “pumpkin puree” are typically just blended pumpkin with nothing added. On the other hand, pumpkin filling combines spices appropriate for a pie, meaning unnecessary for your dog.

Although it’s unlikely for dogs to get sick from a small portion of pumpkin filling, it adds unnecessary sugar and calories. It also can contain some spices that can be toxic to dogs in higher doses.

As we always suggest, you should ask your vet before introducing anything new to your dog’s diet.

 

Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Pumpkin is a very healthy choice for dogs. Here’s why:

• Nutritious—As we outlined above, pumpkin is filled with so many vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that dogs need in their daily diet.
• Fiber— Pumpkin puree is high in fiber, which can help dog’s digestive systems and help firm up loose poops. Some say it may also help with digestive upset.
• Diarrhea—As we mentioned, pumpkin is high in fiber. This is why some pup parents give it to their dogs when they’re experiencing diarrhea.
• Conspiration— Even if your dog has the complete opposite problem and is having trouble pooping, pumpkin may still help. In fact, the Merck Veterinary Manual that vets follow advse adding 1 to 4 tablespoons to a dog’s meal because it could naturally ease mild constipation.
• Low in calories—Unlike a lot of human foods you may give your dog, pumpkin is one of the healthiest options because it’s low in calories and unhealthy fats. It’s a great idea to add to your dog’s diet for weightloss.
• Delicious— Okay, this isn’t a “health” benefit, but it’s a lot easier to get your dog to eat healthy foods when she enjoys them. Unlike some vegetables that dogs often reject, pumpkin is one of the foods that most canines love.

 

How to Use Pumpkin in Your Dog’s Diet

To use pumpkin in your dog’s diet, you can use canned pumpkin puree, which is the easiest option. But you can also make blended pumpkin at home by steaming and mashing fresh pumpkin.

Another option is to roast pumpkin seeds and grind them in a food processor. You can add that ground seed to dog food, into homemade dog treats, etc.

Since pumpkin is a healthy food for dogs and humans alike, how can you better incorporate it into your dog’s diet? Here’s a few ideas:

• Dog treat ingredient— Of course, this post is about pumpkin dog treats, and that’s one of the best ways to use the fruit. It can often be used in dog treat recipes as a fat substitute.
• Mix it into food— Another idea is to simply mixed pumpkin puree into your dog’s food for a nice little surprise.
• Kong filling— Pumpkin is a great ingredient to add to your dog’s Kong. You can combine it with other ingredients to make it more firm and sticky. Or, you can freeze the canned pumpkin in the Kong for an extra challenge.
• Pumpkin pupsicles— If the fall season is still hot where you live, your dog might appreciate a popsicle. You can add pureed pumpkin into ice cube trays and freeze them. Simply pop them out on hot days for a doggy snack. Want to add a little more flavor to your dog pumpkin popsicles? We have some recipes for that below.

 

8 No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

Whether you’re too lazy to cook, don’t have an oven available or are just looking to whip up a quick treat, these recipes have you covered.

Remember: For recipes that call for nut butters, be sure to choose a version WITHOUT xylitol. This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs.

 

#1 Dog Pumpkin Balls

Last year, we featured our “dog pumpkin balls” recipe and they’re so ridiculously easy to make that your dog will be snacking within a few minutes tops.

This recipe uses:

• Oats
• Pumpkin puree
• Soy butter/peanut butter

After grinding the oats, combine them with pumpkin puree and your choice of nut butter. Then, roll them and you got yourself a healthy power ball dog treat.

Get the full recipe here.

 

#2 Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

This recipe only requires 3 ingredients, no baking and they still come out looking and tasting delicious.

This recipe uses:

• Pumpkin puree
• Peanut butter
• Coconut oil
• Cinnamon (optional)

After combining the ingredients, add the mixture to silicone molds and place in the freezer to firm up.

Get the full recipe on Eat The Gains

 

#3 2-Ingredient Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat: No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

This is probably the easiest recipe to make on the list, but since they need to be frozen, plan ahead.

This recipe uses:

• Pumpkin puree
• Plain yogurt

After mixing the ingredients, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze until you’re ready to serve.

Get the full recipe on Communikait.com

 

#4 Pumpkin, Blueberry and Bacon Pupsicles: No Bake Dog Treats

If you want to add a little more effort to your pupsciles, I think your dog is going to go wild for these.

This recipe uses:

• Pumpkin puree
• Bacon
• Blueberries
• Water
• Rawhide sticks (or alternative health, long dog treat)

After blending the ingredients, pour them into popsicle molds. Instead of inserting a popsicle stick as the “handle,” use a long dog treat instead.

Get the full recipe on Daisy The French Bulldog

 

#5 Pumpkin and Rice for Dogs

If your dog is having trouble with diarrhea and you don’t know how to make his poops more firm, try this recipe. In larger portions, pumpkin and rice for dogs can be used as a bland diet meal replacement. You can also feed it to your dog in smaller portions as a treat to help keep her digestion healthy.

This recipe uses:

• One part protein (ex. leftover plain chicken)
• Three parts plain rice
• Pumpkin puree

Simply mix the protein with the rice and add a spoonful or two of pumpkin puree.

 

#6 Coconut and Carob Pumpkin Ball

Many of the no bake pumpkin treats you find online consist of similar rolled ball recipes. However, this one is a bit different and offers a larger variety of flavor for your pup.

This recipe uses:

• Coconut flour
• Peanut butter
• Pumpkin puree
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Shredded coconut
• Powered Carob for rolling

After combining the ingredients, roll them into small balls. Then, roll each ball into either the shredded coconut or the powdered carob.

Get the full recipe on Kol’s Notes

 

#7 Pumpkin Spiced Latte for Dogs

A pumpkin latte is a great treat for dogs as they sit beside you drinking your own.

This recipe uses:

• Pumpkin puree
• Warm water
• Yogurt

Simply combine a couple tablespoons of pumpkin puree with a little warm water and a spoonful of natural, plain yogurt. Mix and serve dog a delicious warm treat.

You can also replace warm water with warm chicken broth for added flavor. Some people use goat’s or coconut milk instead of water for a creamier treat. While this is a better alterative to dairy, it may still be too much for some dogs. Some people also top their dog pumpkin spiced lattes with natural or coconut whip cream; however, I’d also skip that one. Trust me, your dog will enjoy the flavor enough without the added calories.

 

#8 No Bake Pumpkin Treats Dog CBD Balls

If your dog takes CBD, an easy way to feed it to her is through her diet. This specially formulated recipe is perfect for that. Wondering why dogs would even take CBD? Read: No-Bull Guide on Hemp CBD Oil for Canines.

This recipe uses:

• Peanut butter
• Pumpkin
• Cinnamon
• Honey
• Oats
• Turmeric
• Ground pepper
• Melted coconut oil
• CBD Oil

After combining the ingredients and rolling them into balls, place in the freezer to firm up. Then, store them in the fridge until doggo is ready for her medicated snack.

Get the full recipe on Cannanine.com

 

Summary on No Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats

No-bake dog treats are the perfect thing to make when you’re low on time but still want to add something healthy and homemade to your dog’s diet. We’ve included a number of recipes in this post that include frozen, rolled, and no peanut butter options.

Pumpkin is also one of the best ingredients to use when making DIY dog treats because it’s packed full of nutrients and can pass on digestive benefits. One thing to remember though is to stick to homemade pumpkin puree or natural canned pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin pie filling is NOT the same thing.