Pumpkin & Apple Triangles – Healthy Dog Snacks
Looking for a wholesome treat that’s easy to make and gentle on your dog’s tummy? These Pumpkin & Apple Triangles are a simple, fuss-free option that most dogs love. They’re lightly sweet from natural fruit and packed with fiber for healthy digestion.
You can bake a batch on the weekend and have treats ready for the week. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and use everyday ingredients you likely already have.
Pumpkin & Apple Triangles – Healthy Dog Snacks
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 small apple, finely grated (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup), core and seeds removed
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gentler option)
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for texture)
- 1–2 tablespoons water as needed (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional; skip if your vet advises)
Instructions
- Whole-food ingredients: Pumpkin and apple offer fiber, vitamins, and natural flavor without added sugar.
- Simple prep: No fancy equipment, and the dough comes together quickly.
- Easy to portion: Cut into triangles for bite-size pieces that are perfect for training or casual rewards.
- Customizable: Adjust texture and flavor with safe add-ins like cinnamon or oats.
- Digestive support: Pumpkin is known to help keep things regular for many dogs.
What Makes This Special
- Whole-food ingredients: Pumpkin and apple offer fiber, vitamins, and natural flavor without added sugar.
- Simple prep: No fancy equipment, and the dough comes together quickly.
- Easy to portion: Cut into triangles for bite-size pieces that are perfect for training or casual rewards.
- Customizable: Adjust texture and flavor with safe add-ins like cinnamon or oats.
- Digestive support: Pumpkin is known to help keep things regular for many dogs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 small apple, finely grated (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup), core and seeds removed
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gentler option)
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for texture)
- 1–2 tablespoons water as needed (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional; skip if your vet advises)
How to Make It
- Prep your oven and tools: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, grated apple, and egg until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Fold in the flour, oats (if using), and cinnamon (if using).
The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Adjust moisture: If the dough is too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
- Roll it out: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to about 1/4 inch thick for a crispier treat or 3/8 inch for a chewier bite.
- Cut triangles: Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into small triangles.
Aim for pieces sized appropriately for your dog.
- Bake: Arrange triangles on the baking sheet with a little space between. Bake for 18–24 minutes, until edges are firm and lightly golden.
- Optional crisping: For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let the treats sit inside with the door slightly ajar for 10–15 minutes.
- Cool completely: Let treats cool on a rack before serving or storing.
- Test and serve: Offer one piece to ensure your dog tolerates it well, then enjoy as an occasional treat.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days if baked until crisp and fully cooled.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 7–10 days. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw a few pieces at a time in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Crunch maintenance: If treats soften, re-crisp on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes and cool.
Health Benefits
- Fiber for digestion: Pumpkin and apple provide soluble fiber that can support regular bowel movements.
- Vitamins and antioxidants: Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene; apples offer vitamin C and polyphenols.
- Low in added sugar and fat: Naturally sweetened by fruit, these treats avoid unnecessary sweeteners and oils.
- Gentle ingredients: Oat or whole wheat flour can be easier on sensitive stomachs compared to richer treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using pumpkin pie filling: It contains sugar and spices not suited for dogs. Always use plain pumpkin puree.
- Including apple seeds or core: Remove seeds and core completely; they’re not safe for dogs.
- Overbaking: Very hard treats can be tough on teeth, especially for senior dogs. Adjust thickness and time for the texture you want.
- Oversized pieces: Cut smaller triangles for toy breeds and puppies to reduce choking risk.
- Too many treats: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Alternatives
- Flour swaps: Use oat flour or a 50/50 blend of oat and brown rice flour for a lighter texture.
Avoid nut flours.
- Flavor boosts: Add 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for extra aroma. Reduce added water accordingly.
- Protein add-in: Mix in 1–2 tablespoons plain, unsalted peanut butter or pumpkin seed butter if your dog tolerates it.
- Grain-free option: Use certified grain-free oat flour (oats are naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contact) or a vet-approved blend. You may need to adjust moisture.
- Shape variations: Cut into small squares or use tiny cookie cutters for training treats.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes.
Steam or roast pumpkin, then mash until smooth and drain excess liquid. Aim for a thick consistency similar to canned puree.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
In small amounts, plain ground Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered safe. Avoid nutmeg and skip cinnamon if your vet advises against it or if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
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What can I use?
Try oat flour or a blend of oat and brown rice flour. The dough may be slightly softer, so adjust with small amounts of flour or chill before rolling.
How many treats can my dog have per day?
Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories. For a 30-pound dog, that’s usually 2–4 small triangles, depending on the size and your dog’s activity level.
Can puppies eat these?
Yes, in small, soft pieces.
Bake slightly thicker and reduce bake time for a chewier texture. Always supervise and introduce new foods slowly.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Peeling is optional. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, peel the apple.
Always remove core and seeds.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden, and the bottoms should feel firm. For chewier treats, pull them a minute or two earlier; for crisp treats, bake a bit longer and cool in the oven.
Can I add cheese or meat?
You can, but keep amounts small to avoid raising fat and salt. For most dogs, the simple fruit-and-pumpkin version is gentler and safer for frequent treating.
What if my dog has diarrhea after trying them?
Stop feeding the treats and offer plain water and their regular diet.
If symptoms persist or are severe, contact your vet. Introduce new treats one at a time to monitor tolerance.
Can I air-fry these?
Yes. Set the air fryer to 320–330°F (160–165°C) and cook in a single layer for 8–12 minutes, checking for doneness and adjusting time based on thickness.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin & Apple Triangles are a simple, wholesome treat you can feel good about sharing with your dog.
They come together quickly, store well, and use clean ingredients. Keep portions small, adjust the texture to your pup’s needs, and enjoy the tail wags that follow. If your dog has special dietary needs, check with your vet before making any changes.
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 😉
