These No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats are quick and easy to make. Plus, dogs love their soft, chewy texture and healthy ingredients. *Only use peanut butter that is xylitol-free, and feed these in moderation to your dog. This post was originally published on 9/25/2017 and has been updated.
Now that is fall is here, we are enjoying the change of seasons in our new home. The kids love the new yard, the crazy amount of pears our tree is producing and the falling leaves. It has been a fun experience thus far, and even our dog is enjoying it.
To celebrate the pumpkin season, we wanted to create a fun recipe DIY for all you dog owners! Pumpkin is not just for people, and in fact, my dog loves it so much. I discovered this while making pumpkin muffins. Some of the pumpkin puree fell on the floor and she licked it up in seconds.
These No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats are honestly so good even my kids love them. I like to think of them as a “healthier” pumpkin treat. Made with honey, peanut butter, oats, cinnamon, and pumpkin—there is nothing not to love!
If you want to make a batch of these No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats, be sure to get the printable recipe below!
A few things about this recipe- Its loaded with wholesome ingredients. Rather than buy treats with preservatives and fillers, I prefer to make my dog these. They are inexpensive and we both get a treat out of these because they are human-safe too–and quite yummy, I might add!
The recipe contains ingredients that you likely have on hand during the fall baking season! Oats, honey, peanut butter, and cinnamon are always in our pantry so this is a go-to.
This recipe is also easy enough for kids to make and take. My three kids love to help me mix the ingredients and form the balls.
Make No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, oats, honey, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Form Treats: Scoop the mixture into small balls or use a cookie scoop to form consitently even balls.
- Chill: Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Store: Once chilled, store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Important Pumpkin Dog Treat FAQS
- Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree? Yes, canned pumpkin is a great substitute for pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin without added spices or sugar.
- Is peanut butter safe for dogs? Yes, peanut butter is generally safe for dogs. However, make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be toxic to dogs.
- My dog has allergies. Can they still have these treats? If your dog has allergies, be cautious about the ingredients. Avoid ingredients that your dog is allergic to, and consider consulting with your veterinarian before making these.
- How many treats can my dog have? Treats should be given as a reward and not as a main source of nutrition. Our dog gets 1-2 per day. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount for your dog’s size and weight.
- Are these treats healthy for my dog? Pumpkin is a nutritious ingredient that can offer benefits for dogs, including fiber and antioxidants. However, these treats should be considered a supplement to your dog’s regular diet.
No-Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats
Equipment
- large bowl
- measuring cups
- spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup peanut butter Xylitol-free peanut butter! This is non-negotiable to keep your pup safe.
- 2 ½ cups oats rolled/old fashioned oats both work!
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix your oats, peanut butter, pumpkin puree, honey, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Using your hands or a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form 1 ½" balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill for 1 hour (or until firm), and then move them to an air tight container. Store excess treats in the refrigerator for up to 5 days covered tightly.
- Serve 1-3 treats per day to your dog depending on their lifestyle and treating schedule.
Nice Post! Thank you for sharing knowledge, it was very good post to update my knowledge and improve my skills. keep blogging.
I’m so thankful I found this recipe. My senior dog has been doing bad with mouth issues and I hated not being able to give her treats but they all would hurt her. I was already giving her a little pumpkin with her food but I made these treats this morning and she lovess them so much! Now I have the issue of not giving her too many b/c it’s so nice to see her happy. :) Thanks!
Hi, you can but it will affect the flavor. However, it could be good for health benefits. I would do 1/8th of a teaspoon personally.
Hi, Amy!
Can you add tumeric to this recipe? If so, how much do you recommend with the other ingredients?
Love that these treats are no bake! Can’t wait to try them.
Hello, that is so sweet of you! Thank you, for stopping by to share your feedback.
I’ve made these a couple of times already,, and about to make a third batch now for my Bubbash’s 15th bday treat to share when the her fur siblings, they’re also soft Which really helps with the babies with dental issues qnd seniors too! To be quite honest, I kinda actually LOVED sharing this treat with them as well, lol! I do independent pitbull rescue and have a house full of silly PITTIES that absolutely LOVE these as well as I do! They’re easy, fast, nutritional, soft, tasty and actually just st as enjoyable making them as eating them! I’ve shared this recipe on social media and had a most positive & grateful feedback, thank you so very much for sharing it, it’s been nothing short of a HIT in this pittie household!!
Hi Susan, I used old-fashioned oats.
Question for you, did you use old-fashioned/rolled oats? I did, but noticed mine has larger oat pieces than the ones you made.
Thanks for the recipe!
Susan
I would only keep them refridgerated for up to one week!
My dog loves these. Do I freeze for one hour then leave them refrigerated until gone?
Hi! Found your recipe today and made it to give meds and vitamins / supplements to my goats – they practically mauled me for them! Very big hit! I also shared a little with my dogs and they were smitten!
Hi Millie, thank you for stopping by! So happy to hear that!
My doodle loves these. They freeze very well and they last a long time in the fridge. If my dog doesn’t want to eat her food I will crumble one of these up in the food and she gobbled up everything in the dish. So easy to make. Leave them frozen and just take out a couple in the morning for the day. They will last a long time that way. Giving it a 5 star rating.
I would say no longer than 4 days in an airtight container. You can freeze them though!
Do you know about how long they will last in the refrigerator?
They would not bind as well or be sweetened.
can honey be omitted .. asking for a friend
Thank you, so much for sharing this! My dog still enjoys these wholesome treats.
Getting ready to make these for the second time. These are great for giving meds to my dogs. My last batch i made I put half in fridge and half in freezer. At night I rolled out 2 balls with their meds inside. They never noticed. I also used raw local honey because it is a natural food preservative and helps with allergies. Thank you for this amazing recipe that has helped in so many ways. Will keep making this one.
Hello,
Yes, these do! Thank you for stopping by!
Do they have to remain refrigerated?
I used instant oats, as that was all I had on hand. I needed an extra cup or so to soak up the moisture, but they were quick and easy to make. I also used paper towels to blot some of the moisture out of the pumpkin. Great recipe!
Hi, I am sorry but I am not sure and don’t want to provide misinformation.
Can the treats be frozen ? I only have one dog and it made a large batch
Hi Karen,
Sorry but I cannot say if they can or cannot successfully. I have only ever made them no-bake. I am sure you could try though possibly with one to see if it works?
Can these be baked to increase the longevity?
Hi, in regards to the dog treats you cannot substitute the oats for those.
I suggest trying to get the oats and refrigerating what you have for a few hours.
Sorry about this!
Amy
Please help me I did not realize how little of the old fashion oatmeal I had left. Can I substitute instant oatmeal the old fashioned oatmeal?
Hello, they will not stick together with this particular recipe. Sorry about that!
Could the honey be omitted? Or would they not stick together?
Hi, cannot say personally because I have never tried it. I do believe, however most things can be frozen. Why don’t you try like one to test?
Do you think these treats can be frozen?
That is awesome to hear! So glad they enjoy them!
I was searching for an easy to make treat that I can tuck medicine into and tried this one, I doubled it so I have medicine treats and just because treats. OMG, call these things crack balls, because my dogs go NUTS when they see the container come out. I have five dogs so imagine the circus.
That is amazing! Thank you so much for stopping by and letting us know!
My dog likes these treats BETTER than the store bought. She knows when I’m making them because she stays right there by my side until I finish.
My puppy would LOVE if I made these pumpkin treats. What a fun idea for our fur babies!
These would be heaven for pups! I miss my little Rat Terrier, yours looks very similar my mine. Adorable.
I wish I had a dog this we be at the top of my treat list!
Pumpkin was my dog’s favourite treat. We used to give it to her to help her digestion. It’s really good for them! If we get carpet again, I’ll have to remember this product.
Those would be so perfect for our BIG dogs! PS, we need some of that stain master like crazy. Our big dogs = a big mess.
Yiu have one lucky doggie because those treats look yummy! Very Fall festive too!
I bake dog biscuits for my pup regularly but I want to try your no-bake treats! My dog loves pumpkin so I know these will be a big hit!
I need these treats and this cleaner in my life. I have two dogs. I love them to death, but sometimes they still make messes.
Yum! I love that they look like little meatballs. I enjoy making dog treats but have never made them in this shape and it looks so fun! I hear you on the dog peeing in the house. Our new Havanese likes to pee on our fridge or stove sometimes. I don’t get it because he knows how to go to the bathroom outside! I need a bottle of Stainmaster for sure! #client