DIY Dog Snack – Ground Chicken & Pumpkin – Easy, Healthy Bites

If you want a simple snack your dog will actually love, this one checks all the boxes. These ground chicken and pumpkin bites are gentle on the stomach, easy to make, and full of real ingredients you can feel good about. No mystery fillers, no weird additives—just a clean, tasty treat.

You can bake a big batch in under an hour and store them for the week. They’re perfect for training, light rewards, or a small snack between meals.

Print Recipe

DIY Dog Snack - Ground Chicken & Pumpkin - Easy, Healthy Bites

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (turkey works too)
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup rolled oats, lightly pulsed, or 3/4 cup oat flour (you can use whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates it)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional, for breath and freshness)
• 1–2 tablespoons water as needed for texture
• Nonstick spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet
• Baking sheet and mixing bowl
• Small scoop or spoon for portioning

Instructions

• Simple ingredients: Just a few basics you probably already have—ground chicken, pumpkin, egg, and oats or flour.
• Stomach-friendly: Pumpkin is known to support digestion, and chicken is a lean protein most dogs tolerate well.
• Customizable: You can shape them into small training bites or larger cookies for bigger dogs.
• Budget-friendly: Making your own treats saves money compared to buying premium snacks.
• No junk: No added salt, sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Simple ingredients: Just a few basics you probably already have—ground chicken, pumpkin, egg, and oats or flour.
• Stomach-friendly: Pumpkin is known to support digestion, and chicken is a lean protein most dogs tolerate well.
• Customizable: You can shape them into small training bites or larger cookies for bigger dogs.
• Budget-friendly: Making your own treats saves money compared to buying premium snacks.
• No junk: No added salt, sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

What You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken (turkey works too)
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup rolled oats, lightly pulsed, or 3/4 cup oat flour (you can use whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates it)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional, for breath and freshness)
• 1–2 tablespoons water as needed for texture
• Nonstick spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet
• Baking sheet and mixing bowl
• Small scoop or spoon for portioning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly spray it to prevent sticking.
2. Pulse the oats. If using rolled oats, pulse them in a blender or food processor a few times.

   You want a coarse meal, not a fine powder. This helps the bites hold together while staying tender.

3. Mix the base. In a large bowl, add ground chicken, pumpkin puree, and egg. Stir with a spoon or your hands until just combined.
4. Add dry ingredients. Sprinkle in the pulsed oats (or flour) and parsley.

   Mix until a thick, scoopable dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more oats.

5. Portion the treats. Use a small scoop or teaspoon to form 1–1.5 inch balls.

   For training treats, make them smaller and flatten slightly with your fingers. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.

6. Flatten gently. Press the tops lightly so they bake evenly. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Bake. Bake for 18–22 minutes for small bites or 22–28 minutes for larger cookies.

   They’re done when firm to the touch and lightly golden on the bottom.

8. Cool completely. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack until completely cool. This helps them set and keeps the texture chewy but sturdy.
9. Optional: Make them crunchy. For a crisper treat, turn the oven off and let the bites sit inside for another 10–15 minutes with the door cracked.
10. Serve. Offer one treat to start and see how your dog responds. Break into smaller pieces for small dogs or training sessions.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Up to 24 hours in an airtight container if your kitchen is cool.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a zip bag or container for up to 2 months.

  Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

• Thawing: Thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for 30 minutes. For a little extra smell appeal, warm in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Lean protein: Ground chicken supports muscle health without extra fat.
• Digestive support: Pumpkin provides fiber that may help with regularity.
• Simple and limited ingredients: Helpful for dogs with sensitivities to common additives.
• Custom texture: Bake soft for seniors or extra-crispy for dogs that like crunch.
• Portion control: Easy to make into small bites for training and calorie management.

What Not to Do

• Don’t use pumpkin pie filling. It contains sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
• Don’t add salt, garlic, onion, or seasoning blends. Many seasonings are harmful to dogs.
• Don’t serve undercooked chicken. Bake until fully set and firm to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
• Don’t rely on treats as meals. These are snacks, not a complete diet.
• Don’t introduce too many at once. Start with a small amount, especially if your dog isn’t used to pumpkin.

Alternatives

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or lean beef in place of chicken. Drain any excess fat if using beef.
• Grain-free option: Replace oats with chickpea flour or a mix of coconut and almond flour.

  You may need an extra egg for binding.

• Add-ins: A tablespoon of plain peanut butter (xylitol-free) or grated carrot for a little variety.
• Egg-free: Substitute with 2 tablespoons of plain mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce to help bind.
• Shape tweaks: Press the mixture thin on a sheet pan and cut into squares after baking for uniform training treats.

FAQ

Is canned pumpkin safe for dogs?

Yes—plain pumpkin puree is safe and often helpful for digestion. Make sure the can says 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.

How many treats can I give my dog?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For most medium dogs, 1–3 small bites per day is reasonable.

Adjust based on size, activity level, and your vet’s guidance.

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

You can, but you’ll need to finely mince or pulse it in a food processor to mimic ground meat. Ground chicken holds together better and is easier to mix.

My dog is sensitive to grains. What should I use?

Try chickpea flour or a blend of coconut and almond flour.

Start with smaller amounts and add slowly until the mixture holds together. You may need an extra egg for binding.

How do I make these softer for my senior dog?

Bake for the lower end of the time range and don’t dry them in the oven afterward. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water to keep the texture more tender.

Can I dehydrate these for longer storage?

Yes.

Bake as directed, then reduce the oven to around 200°F (93°C) and dry them for 45–60 minutes until firm and dry. Let them cool completely before storing.

Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 325°F (165°C) for 10–14 minutes, depending on size.

Flip halfway and check for doneness. Work in small batches so they cook evenly.

Is parsley safe for dogs?

Flat-leaf or curly parsley in small amounts is generally safe and may help with breath. Avoid spring parsley varieties.

When in doubt, skip it or ask your vet.

Do I need to grease the pan if I use parchment?

No, parchment prevents sticking on its own. If you’re not using parchment, a light spray or brushing of oil will help the treats release cleanly.

What if the mix is too wet or too dry?

If it’s too wet, add a bit more oats or flour until it holds a shape. If it’s too dry, mix in water a teaspoon at a time.

Aim for a thick, scoopable consistency.

In Conclusion

These ground chicken and pumpkin bites are a quick, wholesome way to treat your dog without the extras you don’t want. They’re easy to bake, easy to store, and easy to adapt to your dog’s size and preferences. Keep a batch in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a simple, healthy reward on hand.

As with any new treat, start small and check with your vet if your dog has specific dietary needs. Enjoy making something your pup will wag for again and again.

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 😉

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