Pumpkin Treats Your Dog Can Actually Eat
Can't you just smell that first pumpkin spice latte of the season? And visualize all those decorative gourds scattered around the house? This time of year, our homes turn into shades of orange and plaid and our dogs are watching it all unfold from the sidelines. So, why not bring them in on all this fun?
I mean, while they may not be able to sip that seasonal au lait or indulge in a wedge of pumpkin pie with you (did you even know that pumpkin spices aren't safe for your dog because of the added sugars and non-compatible spices, there is a fun workaround that your fur-kid is going to love you for. Because all that healthy pumpkin pulp can be turned into some pretty delish treats and toppers.
Further, you may be surprised to learn that our dogs actually enjoy the taste and texture of that orangey pumpkin flesh and when cooked, it can be a great cure for many digestive woes. Trust me!!
So, want to bring some Fall season flavors into your dog's life? Check out these easy-peasy pumpkin based treat and break-apart topper recipes. Or, if time is tight in your household, explore the healthy pumpkin-based options available for purchase.
1. Crunchy Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Treats
Pumpkin and peanut butter is a classic pairing in the dog world, and for good reason. Store-bought crunchy treats that combine pumpkin with peanut butter flavor give your dog something to look forward to when a hopeful face appears next to you and your own seasonal snack. Rather than sharing human pumpkin spice foods that may contain ingredients dogs should not eat, your dog gets a fall treat made specifically with them in mind.
These are also an easy way to make an ordinary walk feel a little more like autumn. Your dog will not know why the treats suddenly taste like the season, but they are unlikely to complain about the change.
2. Turkey and Pumpkin Food Toppers
Pumpkin season does not have to stay in the treat jar. A wet food topper built around turkey and pumpkin stew can be poured over your dog's regular meal when you want to make dinner more interesting. Turkey and pumpkin feel especially fitting once thoughts turn toward cozy dinners and Thanksgiving.
Food toppers add variety and flavor, but they still count toward your dog's total daily intake. Add chopped cooked turkey to cooked chunks or pumpkin and sprinkle over your dog's kibble. Tasty, healthy, and a new texture that your dog is going to absolutely devour!
3. Pumpkin Fiber Powder for Digestion
Not every pumpkin product needs to look like it came off the seasonal shelf. A pumpkin-based fiber powder brings pumpkin to the bowl in a practical form, designed to support digestive health and mixed into food according to the product directions. It gives you a way to work pumpkin into your dog's routine without turning every fall moment into dessert.
Supplements are not a replacement for veterinary care. Persistent diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, appetite changes, or abdominal discomfort should be discussed with your veterinarian rather than managed at home over and over with pumpkin. Use products like this for their intended purpose, not simply because pumpkin is in season.
4. Simple Crunchy Pumpkin Biscuits
Back in straightforward snack territory, crunchy pumpkin biscuits give your dog a reliable way to celebrate without pretending to care about the pumpkins on your porch. Keep a few handy for fall walks, weekend outings, or a reward after a trip to the pumpkin patch. They also make an easy seasonal swap if you enjoy rotating the treat jar along with the calendar.
Remember that treats should complement a complete, appropriate diet rather than replace part of it. How many extras your dog can comfortably have depends on their size, diet, activity level, and individual needs, so keep the total modest.
5. Grain-Free Training Treats with Pumpkin and Apple
Pumpkin and apple may be one of the most autumn-sounding combinations there is, and adding chicken makes the whole thing considerably more interesting to a dog. Crunchy training treats built around these flavors are handy when you want smaller rewards for walks, training sessions, or a few practice skills before a bigger outing. A seasonal treat does not have to be large to make your dog feel included.
Training treats add up quickly across a session, so factor them into the day's total the same way you would any other snack.
Still thinking you'd like to try something quick and homemade? Check out this two-Ingredient frozen pumpkin treat recipe. It uses just plain yogurt and canned pumpkin puree. Combine one cup of each ingredient, then fill either ice cube trays or a fun, freezer-safe mold, and freeze. The short ingredient list makes this one of the easiest homemade options to keep on hand.
And remember, you're looking for canned pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling (with added sugars and spices). Or opt for pumpkin that's been cooked from raw and then mashed into a tasty palatable pulp.
Pumpkin gives you a genuine way to let your dog share in the season, whether you order ready-made treats and toppers or bake a batch at home. To quote Martha Stewart, it's a good thing!
More by PetGuide Staff