8 Vet-Approved Pumpkin Dog Treats That Will Make Your Pup Drool (and Keep Coming Back for More)

By David | Updated: March 3, 2025
Estimated Read Time: 6 mins
🦴 Includes Nutritional Info & Storage Tips
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🐾 Why Pumpkin? A Superfood Your Dog Will Love

Pumpkin isn’t just a fall favorite for humans—it’s a superfood for dogs too! Packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and beta-carotene, it supports:

• 🧠 Brain health
• 🦴 Joint strength
• 🐕‍ Digestive regularity
• ❤️ Heart and immune system support

Whether your dog is a picky eater, a treat-lover, or has tummy troubles, these pumpkin-based recipes are vet-recommended, safe, and totally tail-wagging.

1. 🎂 Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pupcakes

Perfect for: Birthdays, celebrations, or everyday pampering
Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 20 mins | Yields: 6 mini cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (pure, unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin.
2. Mix wet ingredients until smooth. Add dry ingredients and stir well.
3. Pour into muffin tin (3/4 full).
4. Bake 15–20 mins. Let cool. Optional: top with a swirl of peanut butter.

Nutrition (per pupcake):
Calories: 115 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 3g

✅ Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze for 2 months.

💡 Vet Tip: Make smaller cupcakes for toy breeds and portion accordingly.

2. 🍲 Chicken & Pumpkin Comfort Stew

Perfect for: Sensitive stomachs, post-surgery recovery, chilly days
Cook Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4 (small dog portions)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (no skin/bones)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup green beans
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Simmer veggies in broth 15–20 mins.
2. Add chicken, stir, and let cool before serving.

Nutrition (per portion):
Calories: 98 | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 4g

✅ Storage: Fridge for 3 days or freeze in single-serve containers.

❗ Allergy Alert: Avoid onions, garlic, or added salt—these are toxic to dogs.

3. 🧊 Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites

Perfect for: Hot days, teething pups, or low-calorie treats
Prep Time: 5 mins + Freeze Time
Yields: 12 mini bites

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (lactose-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional for dogs over 1 year old)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze 4+ hours.

Nutrition (per bite):
Calories: 28 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g

✅ Storage: Freezer-safe for up to 3 months.

4. 🍪 Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Cookies

Perfect for: Training rewards, crunchy chews
Bake Time: 20 mins | Yields: 20 cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix everything into a dough.
3. Roll into balls, flatten, bake 20 mins.

Nutrition (per cookie):
Calories: 42 | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0g

🎯 Trainer Tip: Break into smaller pieces for frequent training use.

5. 🍎 Pumpkin & Apple Muffins

Perfect for: Breakfast-style dog treat or human-dog snack time
Bake Time: 25 mins | Yields: 6 muffins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Nutrition (per muffin):
Calories: 132 | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g

✅ Add a pinch of cinnamon (no nutmeg!) for aroma.

6. 🧆 Turkey & Pumpkin Meatballs

Perfect for: Protein-packed snacks or hiding meds
Bake Time: 25 mins | Yields: 16 small meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 egg

Nutrition (per meatball):
Calories: 57 | Protein: 6g

✅ Freeze and thaw as needed for quick treats.

7. 🍠 Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Chews

Perfect for: Dental-friendly, long-lasting chew
Bake Time: 3–4 hours (low temp drying)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup canned pumpkin

Instructions:

1. Spread thinly on lined baking sheet.
2. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 3–4 hrs until chewy.
3. Cool and cut into strips.

✅ Great for dogs who love jerky-style snacks.

8. 🫐 Pumpkin & Blueberry Dog Smoothie

Perfect for: Post-walk recovery or frozen in lick mats
Blend Time: 2 mins | Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pumpkin
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup water

✅ Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds or serve fresh.

🫐 Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and fight inflammation!

⚖️ How Much Pumpkin Is Safe for Dogs?

Too much can cause loose stools. Always introduce slowly.

🩺 Vet-Backed FAQs

Q: Can dogs eat canned pumpkin every day?
Yes, in moderation. Stick to pure pumpkin, not pie filling with sugar or spices.

Q: Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as it’s xylitol-free and given in small amounts.

Q: Can puppies have these recipes?
Yes! But portion control is key, especially with treats.

📣 Final Bark: Why Your Dog Deserves This

Whether you’ve got a tiny Chihuahua or a galloping Golden Retriever, one thing’s certain: your dog is family. And family deserves real, wholesome food, not shelf-stable junk.

These pumpkin recipes are:

• ✅ Vet-approved
• ✅ Allergy-conscious
• ✅ Easy to make
• ✅ Budget-friendly
• ✅ Tail-waggingly tasty