7 Benefits of Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats
So, you’re looking at your dog—aka your fur child, best friend, emotional support loaf—and wondering if they really need another gourmet treat.
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Homemade pumpkin dog treats are not only ridiculously easy to make, they’re also healthier, cheaper, and about a thousand times cuter than anything in that overpriced treat aisle.
Let’s break down why going DIY with your pup’s snacks is basically the best decision you’ll make all week (and yes, that includes choosing oat milk over almond).
1. Pumpkin = Digestive Superhero
Let’s start with the obvious. Pumpkin is a gut-loving rockstar.
It’s packed with fiber, which helps your dog’s digestion stay on track (if you know what I mean).
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Too firm? Pumpkin can loosen things up.
Basically, pumpkin is the poop whisperer.
Bonus: It’s also low in calories and rich in vitamins A, C, and E. That’s right—your dog’s treat just turned into a multivitamin.
2. You Actually Know What’s in Them (Imagine That)
Check the back of a store-bought dog treat package.
Now try to pronounce half those ingredients.
Yeah. Nope.
Homemade treats? You control everything. No artificial dyes, no preservatives, no mystery meat labeled “by-product.” Just simple stuff like:
- Pumpkin puree (the good kind, not pie filling)
- Oat flour or whole wheat flour
- Eggs, peanut butter, a little cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy
That’s it. If you wouldn’t eat it, why feed it to your dog?
(Also, FYI: some humans do try the treats. I’m not saying I have. But I’m not not saying that.)
3. Customizable for Any Pup Personality
Your dog’s a diva? Allergic to wheat? Obsessed with peanut butter?
Make it their way. That’s the beauty of homemade treats.
Switch up the flour. Add blueberries. Cut them into little hearts because your dog is your Valentine now. Whatever works.
Store-bought can’t compete with that kind of personalization.
IMO, your dog deserves the Beyoncé treatment.
4. Budget-Friendly (So You Can Afford That Bougie Collar)
Let’s do some math.
That bag of organic “harvest blend pumpkin bacon swirl” dog biscuits at the store? $14.99.
For like… 15 treats.
Now take a can of pumpkin, a scoop of flour, and one egg. BOOM—dozens of treats for a fraction of the cost.
Homemade = baller on a budget.
Your dog gets gourmet, you get to save money and feel superior. Everybody wins.
5. They Smell Amazing (Like, Actually Tempting)
Let’s be real: most dog treats smell like death.
You open the bag and instantly regret every life choice.
Homemade pumpkin treats? They smell like autumn. Like a cozy candle. Like Thanksgiving without the awkward family politics.
You’ll bake a batch and think, “Dang, should I put icing on these and call them breakfast?”
(Spoiler: don’t. But still.)
6. Bake Once, Spoil All Month
Homemade treats store super well. You can:
- Keep them in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze extras for up to 3 months
- Hand them out like Oprah: “You get a biscuit! You get a biscuit!”
Make one big batch and you’re set. No more emergency trips to the pet store because someone stares at the treat jar with betrayal in their eyes.
7. You Look Like the Best Dog Parent Ever (Because You Are)
Let’s not lie: part of the joy in making treats is watching your dog lose their furry little mind when you pull out the cookie jar.
Tail wags. Zoomies. Those “you’re my hero” eyes.
Pure serotonin.
Also, when people find out you bake for your dog? Instant status boost.
“Oh, you bought your dog’s treats? I make mine. With pumpkin. Organic. No big deal.” 😏
Bonus Round: What to Watch Out For
Quick PSA—just because it’s pumpkin doesn’t mean everything is dog-safe.
Here’s what to avoid:
- No pumpkin pie filling. It’s loaded with sugar and spices your pup doesn’t need.
- No nutmeg. It’s toxic to dogs. Stick to cinnamon or ginger if you want extra flavor.
- Go easy on the peanut butter. Make sure it’s xylitol-free (that stuff is deadly for dogs).
Pumpkin Dog Treats: TL;DR
- Great for digestion ✅
- You control the ingredients ✅
- Saves money ✅
- Smells like autumn heaven ✅
- Customizable + freezer-friendly ✅
- Makes you a canine culinary icon ✅✅✅
So yes, go ahead. Make your pup some pumpkin treats. Be that person who bakes for their dog.
You’re not crazy. You’re just better.
And when your dog looks at you like you’re the actual sun?
You’ll know it was worth it. 🐶✨
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
