Quick answer: To make pumpkin dog treats, mix 1 cup pure pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup xylitol-free peanut butter, then stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour (and an optional 1/2 tsp cinnamon) until a dough forms. Roll to 1/4 inch, cut into shapes, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden. Cool completely before serving. That's it - five real ingredients, about 30 minutes start to finish.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We're a single-ingredient chew company, so I'm a stickler for knowing exactly what goes into what my dogs eat. Homemade pumpkin treats are one of the easiest ways to give your dog something wholesome without any mystery ingredients, and fall is the perfect time to make a batch.
Is pumpkin good for dogs?
Yes. Plain pumpkin is a genuinely good food for most dogs. It's high in soluble fiber, which can help firm up loose stool and, in moderation, ease mild constipation, and it delivers vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium while staying low in calories. The American Kennel Club notes that plain, cooked or canned pumpkin is safe and often recommended for canine digestive health (AKC).
One important caveat: use pure pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling is loaded with sugar and spices, and some spice blends contain nutmeg, which isn't good for dogs. Read the label - the only ingredient should be pumpkin.
What you'll need
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not spiced pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free, natural is best)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (swap for coconut or oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
A word on peanut butter: always check that yours does not contain xylitol (sometimes labeled "birch sugar"). Xylitol is a sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. VCA Animal Hospitals warns that xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs (VCA Animal Hospitals). If you love baking peanut-butter treats for your pup, our peanut butter dog treats guide covers safe brands and a few more recipe ideas.
How do you make pumpkin dog treats?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix the wet ingredients: in a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: gradually stir in the flour and optional cinnamon until a firm dough forms. Add a little more flour if it's sticky.
- Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut shapes with a cookie cutter - bones, pumpkins, or leaves all work.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and firm.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
How should I store them?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for about two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. Because this recipe has no preservatives, when in doubt, freeze what your dog won't finish in a few days.
How many can my dog have?
Treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. For a small dog that might be half a treat; for a big dog, one or two. These are a snack, not a meal, so keep them in proportion and adjust for your dog's size and needs. If your dog has a health condition or you're unsure, check with your vet first.
Baked treats vs. natural chews
Homemade biscuits are a great soft, shareable snack - but they don't do much for your dog's teeth or their need to actually chew. That's a different job. For that we lean on single-ingredient chews: things like bully sticks, which are 100% real meat, fully digestible, and contain no rawhide. A rotation of a homemade treat now and then plus a long-lasting natural chew covers both the "tasty snack" and the "keep me busy" boxes. If you've got a heavy chewer, our guide to safe, digestible chews is a good next read.
Everything we sell is 100% natural, single-ingredient, and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms - and it's all 100% high-quality guaranteed. That's the same standard I'd want behind anything I bake at home, too.
The bottom line
Pumpkin dog treats are about as simple as homemade dog treats get: five real ingredients, one bowl, and 20-25 minutes in the oven. Use pure pumpkin and xylitol-free peanut butter, keep portions sensible, and you've got a wholesome fall snack your dog will come running for.
This post was last updated at July 15, 2026 22:09
