Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe for Halloween: A Spooktacularly Delicious Treat!

Updated at: 20/03/2025

Halloween is just around the corner, and while we humans enjoy the spooky festivities with candy and costumes, our furry friends deserve a treat too! Forget the sugary human snacks – this year, show your canine companion some love with a batch of homemade pumpkin dog treats. These delicious and healthy biscuits are not only easy to make but also perfectly themed for the Halloween season, guaranteed to earn you tail wags and happy barks. They're packed with the goodness of pumpkin, a superfood for dogs offering numerous health benefits, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Forget store-bought treats filled with questionable ingredients; these pumpkin dog treats offer a wholesome and delicious alternative. This recipe uses simple, all-natural ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Ready to get started and create some spooktacularly delicious treats for your four-legged friend? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • cookie sheet
  • rolling pin
  • measuring cup
  • mixer
  • cookie cutters
Safety Guidelines
  • Never use xylitol in your dog treats. Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many sweets, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure.
  • Ensure all ingredients are dog-friendly. Avoid using ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, or macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs.
  • Supervise your dog while they are enjoying their treats to prevent choking hazards. Cut treats into appropriately sized pieces for your dog's breed and size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    Preheat Oven

  2. Mix Wet Ingredients

    • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of 100% pure pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 egg. Mix well until blended.
    In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of 100% pure pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 egg. Mix well until blended.
    Mix Wet Ingredients

  3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

    • Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook; otherwise, mix by hand.
    Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a stiff dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook; otherwise, mix by hand.
    Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

  4. Roll and Cut Dough

    • Lightly flour a flat surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.
    • Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Reroll scraps and continue until all dough is used.
    Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Reroll scraps and continue until all dough is used.Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats. Reroll scraps and continue until all dough is used.
    Roll and Cut Dough

  5. Place on Cookie Sheet

    • Place the pumpkin-shaped treats onto a cookie sheet.
    Place the pumpkin-shaped treats onto a cookie sheet.
    Place on Cookie Sheet

  6. Bake and Crisp

    • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then, turn off the oven, leave the treats inside for 1 hour to allow them to crisp.
    Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then, turn off the oven, leave the treats inside for 1 hour to allow them to crisp.
    Bake and Crisp

  7. Cool and Store

    • Let the treats cool completely. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
    Let the treats cool completely. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
    Cool and Store

Read more: Easy Homemade Cranberry Dog Treats: A Simple & Cheap Recipe

Tips

  • Use 100% pure pumpkin for the best results.
  • You can use whole wheat or all-purpose flour depending on your preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Dough

Reason: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough and chewy treats.
Solution: Mix the ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.

2. Baking at Too High a Temperature

Reason: High heat can cause the treats to burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Solution: Bake at a lower temperature for a longer time to ensure even cooking.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin puree?
Yes! Make sure it's 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs.
How long can I store these pumpkin dog treats?
Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to a month. Always allow treats to cool completely before storing.