It’s pumpkin season, and I am fully in my feelings about it. I love the leaves changing, the crisp mornings, pulling my sweaters back out, and yes, a good pumpkin latte. My love of pumpkin does not stop with me though. It turns into pumpkin dog treats for Benji too, and this easy 4 ingredient recipe has become one of our favorite fall traditions.
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why pumpkin is worth keeping in your dog’s rotation in the first place, because it is not just a fall gimmick. Pumpkin actually comes with some real health benefits.
Why Pumpkin Is Good for Your Dog
- Improves Digestion: Pumpkin is full of fiber, which adds bulk to your dog’s stool. That helps with both diarrhea and constipation, so it works in both directions.
- Helps With Weight: Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, so it helps your dog feel full and satisfied without packing on extra pounds.
- Protects Cells and Eyes: Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage. Your dog’s body converts this into Vitamin A, which supports eye health.
- Boosts Immunity: Pumpkin also contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E, both of which help keep your dog’s immune system strong.
- Supports Healthy Anal Glands: Firmer stool naturally helps press and empty your dog’s anal glands during a normal bowel movement. If you have ever dealt with an anal gland issue, you already know why that is worth celebrating.
One Important Pumpkin Rule
Before you start baking, one thing to know: always use pure pumpkin puree, never pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices that can be genuinely harmful to your dog, so take a second look at the label before you buy.
The Recipe: 4-Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups oat flour, plus a little extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add the oat flour a little at a time, stirring until a soft dough comes together.
- Lightly dust your counter and rolling pin with oat flour, then roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter (Benji is partial to a good bone shape) and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until firm and lightly golden.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving. They firm up even more as they cool, so patience helps here.
Tips for the Best Batch
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- These are a treat, not a meal replacement, so keep portions small, especially for smaller dogs.
- Want to switch it up? A tablespoon of peanut butter (no xylitol) blends beautifully into the dough.
Benji has already decided this is his favorite fall tradition, and honestly, so have I. There is something about a kitchen that smells like pumpkin and cinnamon that makes the whole season feel official. If you make a batch, I would love to see how your pup’s cookie cutter shapes turn out.
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