The holidays aren’t just for humans—your pup deserves a little festive cheer too. These Pumpkin & Oat Bones are simple to make, budget-friendly, and full of wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. They smell amazing in the oven and make your kitchen feel extra cozy.

Best of all, they’re shaped like cute little bones, perfect for gifting or stuffing in your dog’s stocking. If you’re looking for an easy Christmas treat your dog will love, this is it.

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Pumpkin & Oat Bones – Christmas Dog Treat Recipe

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

Old-fashioned rolled oats (you’ll blend some into oat flour)
Unsweetened canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Egg
Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsweetened)
Ground cinnamon (optional, dog-safe in small amounts)
Ground ginger (optional, tiny pinch)
Water (as needed for texture)
Optional add-ins: finely chopped parsley, unsweetened applesauce, or a splash of low-sodium bone broth

Instructions

Simple, clean ingredients: Just oats, pumpkin, egg, and a few pantry staples. No added sugar or mystery flavors.
Easy to customize: Adjust the size, add dog-safe spices, or swap flours to suit your pup’s needs.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
Great texture: Crunchy on the outside, slightly tender inside—perfect for most dogs.
Holiday-friendly: Festive look and warm pumpkin aroma that fits right into the season.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

Overhead shot of freshly baked Pumpkin & Oat Bones cooling on a wire rack, golden at the edges with

Simple, clean ingredients: Just oats, pumpkin, egg, and a few pantry staples. No added sugar or mystery flavors.
Easy to customize: Adjust the size, add dog-safe spices, or swap flours to suit your pup’s needs.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you likely already have at home.
Great texture: Crunchy on the outside, slightly tender inside—perfect for most dogs.
Holiday-friendly: Festive look and warm pumpkin aroma that fits right into the season.

Shopping List

Old-fashioned rolled oats (you’ll blend some into oat flour)
Unsweetened canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
Egg
Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free and unsweetened)
Ground cinnamon (optional, dog-safe in small amounts)
Ground ginger (optional, tiny pinch)
Water (as needed for texture)
Optional add-ins: finely chopped parsley, unsweetened applesauce, or a splash of low-sodium bone broth

How to Make It

Close-up, of a small stack of Pumpkin & Oat Bones tied with red-and-white baker’s twine for a fest

Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Make oat flour: Add 2 cups of rolled oats to a food processor or blender. Pulse until it looks like a coarse flour. It doesn’t need to be ultra-fine.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons peanut butter until smooth.
If using, sprinkle in a small pinch of cinnamon and ginger.
Form the dough: Stir the oat flour into the wet mixture. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. If it’s sticky, add a handful of whole oats or a bit more oat flour.
You’re aiming for a soft, workable dough.
Roll and cut: Lightly flour a surface with oat flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut treats.
Re-roll scraps as needed.
Bake: Arrange on your baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes for slightly tender treats. For crunchier bones, turn the oven down to 300°F (150°C) and bake another 10–15 minutes until dry and golden at the edges.
Cool completely: Let the treats cool on a rack. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Test and treat: Offer one to your dog once cool.
Watch for enthusiastic approval and a wagging tail.

How to Store

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days if fully baked and dry.
Refrigerator: Store for 1–2 weeks for best freshness.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Keep them dry: Add a small piece of parchment paper or a dry paper towel to the container to reduce moisture and keep them crisp.

Benefits of This Recipe

Pumpkin power: Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and can help support healthy digestion thanks to its fiber.
Oat goodness: Oats are a great grain for many dogs—naturally gluten-free and a steady source of energy.
Protein boost: Egg adds protein and helps bind the dough.
No junk: No added sugar, artificial colors, or sweeteners. Just simple ingredients your dog can tolerate.
Easy on sensitive pups: With minimal ingredients, it’s easier to avoid triggers for dogs with mild sensitivities.
Always check with your vet for specific allergies.

What Not to Do

Don’t use pumpkin pie filling: It contains sugar and spices that aren’t dog-friendly.
Don’t use peanut butter with xylitol: Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Choose plain, unsweetened peanut butter.
Don’t serve hot: Let treats cool fully to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
Don’t overdo spices: A tiny pinch of cinnamon is enough. Skip nutmeg—it’s not safe for dogs.
Don’t rely on treats for nutrition: These are a fun supplement, not a meal replacement.

Recipe Variations

Grain-free twist: Swap oat flour for a blend of almond flour and coconut flour (start with 1 cup almond + 1/4 cup coconut).
Add water as needed since coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
Apple-pumpkin bones: Replace 1/4 cup pumpkin with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a fruitier profile.
Minty breath bones: Add 1–2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley to the dough for fresher breath.
Crunch-max version: After baking, turn the oven off and leave the treats inside for 30–45 minutes to dry out further.
Tiny training bites: Cut the dough into small squares instead of bones and bake for 12–15 minutes, watching closely so they don’t overbrown.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes. Roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then cool completely. Make sure it’s plain, with no oil, salt, or spices added.

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If it’s very watery, drain off excess liquid or the dough may get sticky.

Is peanut butter safe for dogs?

Plain peanut butter is fine in moderation as long as it’s xylitol-free and unsweetened. Always check the label. If in doubt, swap peanut butter for plain pumpkin or a little mashed banana.

How many treats can my dog have?

Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

For small dogs, 1–2 small bones a day is usually plenty. For larger dogs, 2–3 is reasonable. When in doubt, ask your vet and adjust for your dog’s weight and activity.

My dough is crumbly.
What should I do?

Add a teaspoon of water at a time and knead lightly until it holds together. You want a soft, pliable dough that doesn’t crack when rolled.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. Use 2–3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin as a binder.

The texture will be slightly different but still tasty and workable.

Do I need a bone-shaped cutter?

No. Any small cookie cutter works. You can also slice the dough into rectangles or squares with a knife or pizza cutter.

Are these suitable for puppies or senior dogs?

Generally yes, but adjust the texture.

Bake them a little less for a softer bite. For any dog with dental issues or special dietary needs, check with your vet first.

How do I make them extra festive?

Use different cutters like stars or trees, or tie a ribbon around a gift bag of treats. Just keep ribbons and decorations away from your dog’s mouth—presentation is for humans only.

Can I add cheese or meat?

You can add a small amount of finely shredded low-fat cheese or a spoonful of unseasoned, cooked ground turkey.

Keep add-ins minimal to avoid throwing off the dough’s balance and shelf life.

Why did my treats soften after a day?

Moisture in the air can soften them. Re-crisp in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, then cool fully before storing with a dry paper towel in the container.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin & Oat Bones are the kind of treat that make holiday baking feel complete. They’re easy, wholesome, and full of warm seasonal flavor your dog will adore.

Whether you’re filling a jar for your own pup or gifting a batch to a fellow dog lover, these festive bones are a simple way to share the spirit of the season. Keep a few on hand for winter walks, training rewards, or just-because moments—those happy tail wags are worth it.

David

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 😉