5 DIY Fall Pumpkin Snacks for Dogs

Ah, Fall! When the trees start turning colors, it’s time for trips to the cider mill, taking evening hayrides, or picking out the best Halloween costume. For some, the season also heralds in the Pumpkin Spiced Latte, a delicious and spicy coffee drink of pure bliss. The taste and aroma of this spicy drink are something special, and no doubt, your furry best furiend wants to enjoy it too!

With every sip, your pooch may be giving you the sad eyes, but this delicious drink isn’t for pups. Luckily, there are pumpkin drinks and snacks that your dog can enjoy this Halloween season. And best of all, they are even good for your dog too! To get you started, we’ve gathered together a few recipes your pup is sure to love! 

The ultimutt in fall drinks, this pup-approved concoction is not only tasty, but it’s healthy too! Rich in several vitamins and minerals, pumpkin is also a great source of fiber to help keep your pup’s digestive system on track. The lauric acid in coconuts is anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, and cinnamon and ginger each boast their own health benefits. So, whip up one of these guilt-free drinks, and watch your pup’s tail wag!

Drink ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk or plain non-fat yogurt
• 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground ginger
• Whipped cream, yogurt, or cinnamon to garnish

Directions

1. Combine pumpkin, coconut milk or yogurt, and cinnamon and ginger until smooth. Pour into a cup or bowl, whichever your pup prefers, and top with a dollop of whipped cream or whipped plain non-fat yogurt. Sprinkle on a dash of cinnamon and watch your dog drool. 

2. Optional: If you want it warmed, pop the pumpkin mix in the microwave for a few seconds or the stovetop before adding the whipped topping. Or blend with ice to make a Puppucino!

Notes

• This recipe is for a larger dog, so feel free to halve it for small pups.
• Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which can contain ingredients that are not good for your dog.
• Always use unsweetened coconut milk, whipped cream or yogurt that doesn’t contain too much sugar, or any xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

If your dog loves ice or frozen treats, try this variation:

Directions

1. Mix the first 4 ingredients of the above recipe for the Pumpkin Spiced Lattes for Pups, and instead of pouring into a cup, fill an ice cube tray or popsicle mold to make a frosty treat. 

2. Freeze for several hours, then serve!

Your dog will be begging for these pumpkin treats!

Treat ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 cups white or whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• Extra flour for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix pumpkin, egg and cinnamon until combined. Add flour in four increments, mixing thoroughly until it forms a thick dough. 

2. Dust a clean counter or cutting board with flour, then plop your dough onto it. Roll dough out to ¼ inch thick and cut out treats with bone, pumpkin, or any other shaped cookie cutters. You could also use a glass lid. 

3. Place treats ½ inch apart on a cookie sheet, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes till golden at 350 degrees. 

4. Once done, cool completely before serving. These treats can be stored for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

While these pumpkin treats are great as is, try adding this pawrific yogurt frosting for some extra pizzazz. Since the yogurt is plain, add either honey or natural peanut butter to flavor.

Frosting ingredients

• ½ cup plain, non-fat yogurt
• 2 tbsp of honey or ¼ cup natural peanut butter (without xylitol)
• Dash of cinnamon

Directions

1. Mix ingredients till smooth. If too runny, add a little flour or cornstarch. If too thick, add a little water. 

2. Then, spread or drizzle onto treats, or dip the treats in. 

3. To harden, place frosted treats in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll want to keep frosted treats in the fridge to store, just take some out to warm up before serving to your dog.

Note

Be sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol.

Oatmeal is both yummy and nutritious, with fiber for digestive health, and vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids for maintaining your dog’s skin and coat. Add that to the benefits of pumpkin, and you’ve got a healthy breakfast treat!

Ingredients

• ½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup cooked, unsweetened plain oatmeal
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• A few toasted, or unsalted store-bought pumpkin seeds

Directions

1. Mix pumpkin and yogurt together. 

2. Then, mix cinnamon with the cooked oatmeal. 

3. Layer the pumpkin mix with the oatmeal mix on top.

4. Lastly, sprinkle on the pumpkin seeds for a crunch your pup will love. 

Notes

• For the pumpkin seeds, you’ll want to use unsalted seeds if you are purchasing them. If you are carving up a pumpkin for Halloween, keep the seeds and lay them flat on a cookie sheet without any seasoning. Toast them in the oven at 300 degrees for 45 minutes. 
• Always use unsweetened, unflavored oatmeal for your dog. 

Pumpkin pancakes make the rounds at most diners and brunch joints throughout the fall months, so let your pup join in with these dog-safe pupcakes.

Ingredients

• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• ¼ cup white or wheat flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ginger
• Pinch of salt
• Desired toppings

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together till smooth. If batter is too runny, Add some flour if batter is too runny, or water if too thick, until you reach your desired consistency. 

2. Set a griddle or pan on medium heat. Put a drizzle of oil in the pan to keep cakes from sticking.

3. Then, drop ¼ cup of batter onto pan for each pupcake. Cook until you see bubbles forming in the batter, then flip and cook the other side for a few minutes. 

4. Let pupcakes cool.

Topping ideas to try:

• Dollop of yogurt or applesauce, with a dash of cinnamon or toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top
• Sliced, cooked apples (without the cores or seeds) with a dash of cinnamon and ginger
• Cut-up fresh fruit such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries or raspberries

Set these down in front of your dog and watch their eyes light up. These pupcakes will be gone before you can say pumpkin. 

Happy spooking! 🐾

Looking for more ways to celebrate? Check out Wag! for more pawmazing ideas:

• Doggy Movie Night: 5 Top Halloween Flicks to Watch with Your Pup
  
• How to Host a Halloween Pup Party
  
• Activities for Dogs on Halloween