Pumpkin Dog Treats: 5 Recipes for Your Pup’s Digestive Health

Ever caught your furry friend giving you those sad puppy eyes after experiencing tummy troubles? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why I started experimenting with homemade pumpkin dog treats a few years back. My golden retriever Max, had some digestive issues that had us visiting the vet more often than I’d like to admit. Turns out, pumpkin was the orange superhero we needed all along!

Pumpkin is seriously underrated when it comes to canine digestive health. It’s packed with fiber, helps with both diarrhea AND constipation (how amazing is that?), and most dogs absolutely love the taste. Win-win-win situation if you ask me.

In this article, I’m sharing my tried-and-true pumpkin treat recipes that have kept Max’s tummy happy and his tail wagging. These aren’t just random internet finds – these are battle-tested in my kitchen with my very picky four-legged food critic giving his stamp of approval. Trust me, your pup will thank you!

Why Pumpkin Is a Digestive Powerhouse for Dogs

Before we dive into the delicious recipes, let’s talk about why pumpkin deserves a standing ovation for canine digestive health.

Pumpkin is basically a digestive superfood for our furry friends. It’s loaded with soluble fiber that helps regulate your dog’s digestive system. Having a dog with a sensitive stomach is no joke – the midnight clean-ups are enough to make anyone a pumpkin evangelist!

The Science Behind Pumpkin’s Magic

Here’s what makes pumpkin so special for your pup’s gut health:

• High fiber content that bulks up stool and helps with both constipation and diarrhea
• Low calorie despite being filling and satisfying
• Rich in vitamins A, C, and E which support immune function
• Contains minerals like potassium and iron for overall health
• Natural prebiotic properties that feed the good bacteria in your dog’s gut

When Max was dealing with his digestive issues, our vet actually recommended adding pumpkin to his diet before trying medication. I was skeptical at first (can something so simple really work?), but within days, I noticed improvement.

Fresh vs. Canned Pumpkin

Quick PSA: Always use plain canned pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling! The pie filling contains spices and sugar that aren’t good for your pup. I learned this the hard way when I grabbed the wrong can once. :/ Thankfully, I noticed before serving it to Max!

Fresh pumpkin works too, but honestly, the canned stuff is so much more convenient and has a consistent moisture content that works better for baking treats. Plus, it’s available year-round. Just make sure the only ingredient listed is “pumpkin.”

Simple Pumpkin & Oat Digestive Biscuits

These are my go-to treats when Max needs some tummy soothing. They’re super simple to make and last for weeks in an airtight container.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-sensitive pups)
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but beneficial for digestion)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. The dough should be stiff but workable.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters (I use bone-shaped ones because I’m basic like that).
5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Let cool completely before serving to your eager pup!

The first time I made these, Max literally sat by the oven the entire time they were baking. The smell is heavenly – kind of like pumpkin bread for humans. I’ve been tempted to try one myself, TBH!

Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Relief Treats

When summer hits or your dog is having an upset tummy flare-up, these frozen treats are AMAZING. The combination of probiotics from the yogurt and fiber from the pumpkin is basically a digestive health dream team.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek yogurt works great)
• 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for picky eaters)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (great for settling upset tummies)

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Pop out and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Max goes CRAZY for these in the summer. I actually call them his “pupsicles” and he can recognize the word now. The minute I say it, he comes running to the freezer! These are especially helpful during digestive upsets because the cold provides some relief for irritated tummies.

Pumpkin & Apple Digestive Chews

These chewy treats combine the digestive benefits of pumpkin with apple, another great source of soluble fiber. They’re softer than the biscuits, making them perfect for older dogs or pups with dental issues.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pureed apple (unsweetened applesauce works too)
• 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Combine pumpkin, apple, and egg in a large bowl.
3. Gradually add flour, mixing well.
4. Add water as needed to make a workable dough.
5. Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch).
6. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

These have a slightly sweet taste from the apple that dogs absolutely love. The texture is chewy rather than crunchy, which makes them gentle on sensitive stomachs. My friend’s elderly beagle who struggles with hard treats devours these like there’s no tomorrow!

High-Protein Pumpkin & Turkey Digestion Boosters

For dogs who need extra protein along with their digestive support, these treats are a game-changer. They’re especially good for active dogs or those recovering from digestive issues who might have lost weight.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground cooked turkey (lean)
• 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed (for extra fiber and omega-3s)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix turkey, pumpkin, and egg together.
3. Add oat flour and flaxseed, mixing until well combined.
4. Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and cooked through.
7. Cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

IMO, these are the “premium” treats in our rotation. I make them less often because cooking the turkey is an extra step, but they’re perfect for when Max needs some extra TLC. These need to be refrigerated and will last about a week – though they never actually last that long in our house!

Grain-Free Pumpkin & Coconut Digestive Cookies

Got a pup with grain sensitivities? These grain-free treats provide digestive support without causing other issues. The coconut adds some healthy fats that can help soothe the digestive tract.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 4 eggs (coconut flour needs lots of binding)
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (great for breath freshening too!)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Let the dough sit for 5 minutes to allow the coconut flour to absorb moisture.
4. Roll out between two pieces of parchment paper to ¼ inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Cool completely – these treats harden as they cool.

Working with coconut flour can be tricky since it’s super absorbent. The first time I made these, they were way too dry because I didn’t account for that. Don’t be tempted to add more coconut flour without giving it time to absorb moisture first!

Troubleshooting Common Digestive Issues With Pumpkin Treats

Ever noticed your dog has different digestive needs depending on the situation? Here’s how to adjust your treat strategy for specific issues:

For Dogs With Diarrhea

When dealing with loose stools, you’ll want to emphasize the binding properties of pumpkin:

• Use a bit less moisture in your treat recipes
• Add more fiber by incorporating a tablespoon of ground flaxseed
• Consider adding a small amount of mashed banana for extra binding properties
• Make the Simple Pumpkin & Oat Digestive Biscuits with slightly more oats

When Max ate something questionable at the dog park (why do they always find the worst things?!), the vet recommended plain pumpkin right away. I incorporated it into treats, and it helped firm things up within a day.

For Dogs With Constipation

If your pup is having trouble in the other direction:

• Increase moisture content in your treat recipes
• The Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Relief Treats work wonders here
• Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to recipes for natural lubrication
• Consider adding some finely grated carrots for extra fiber

For Picky Eaters

Got a dog who turns their nose up at healthy options? Been there!

• Try adding a tablespoon of low-sodium chicken broth to any recipe
• A teaspoon of honey can make treats more appealing (though use sparingly)
• Using cookie cutters to make fun shapes actually does make a difference!
• The High-Protein Pumpkin & Turkey Digestion Boosters are usually a hit with picky eaters

How Much Pumpkin Is Right for Your Dog?

This is probably the most common question I get when sharing my treat recipes. The answer depends on your dog’s size and specific needs, but here’s a general guideline:

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin daily
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin daily
• Large dogs (50+ lbs): 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin daily

These amounts refer to pure pumpkin, not the treats themselves. When making treats, you’re distributing that pumpkin across multiple servings. As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

For Max, who’s about 65 pounds, I aim for him to get about 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin daily when he’s having digestive issues, and about half that for maintenance when he’s doing well.

When to Consult Your Vet

While pumpkin treats are amazing for digestive health, they’re not a cure-all. You should definitely talk to your vet if:

• Digestive issues persist for more than 48 hours
• You notice blood in your dog’s stool
• Your dog seems lethargic or in pain
• There’s sudden weight loss
• Your dog refuses to eat or drink

I can’t stress this enough – pumpkin treats are a great supplement to proper veterinary care, not a replacement! When Max had his digestive issues, we worked WITH our vet to incorporate pumpkin into his diet.

Storing Your Homemade Pumpkin Treats

All your hard work deserves proper storage to keep those treats fresh! Here’s what works for me:

Dry Biscuit-Style Treats

The Simple Pumpkin & Oat Digestive Biscuits and the Grain-Free Pumpkin & Coconut Digestive Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pro tip: If your treats start to soften after a few days, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to crisp them back up!

Softer Treats

The Pumpkin & Apple Digestive Chews and High-Protein Pumpkin & Turkey Digestion Boosters should be refrigerated and will last about 5-7 days. You can also freeze these for up to 2 months.

Frozen Treats

The Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Relief Treats will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, though the texture is best within the first month.

I usually make big batches of the biscuit-style treats once a month and keep most of them in the freezer, taking out a week’s worth at a time. It’s such a time-saver!

My Personal Experience With Pumpkin For Dog Digestive Health

I think what really converted me to the pumpkin lifestyle was seeing the difference in Max firsthand. Before we discovered the power of pumpkin, his sensitive stomach meant unpredictable bathroom habits, middle-of-the-night emergencies, and a generally uncomfortable pup.

The change wasn’t immediate – it took about a week of consistent pumpkin supplementation before I noticed the improvement – but once it kicked in, it was like night and day. His stools became more consistent, his energy improved, and he just seemed more comfortable overall.

Now, whenever I notice the early signs of tummy trouble (Max has a very specific way of looking at me when his stomach is upset – dog parents, you know what I mean!), I increase his pumpkin intake right away. Usually, that’s enough to nip the problem in the bud.

Seasonal Variations For Your Pumpkin Treats

Want to keep things interesting for your pup? Here are some seasonal twists on the basic recipes:

Summer Cool-Down

Add a handful of blueberries to the Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Relief Treats for extra antioxidants.

Fall Harvest

Mix in a small amount of cooked, mashed sweet potato to the Simple Pumpkin & Oat Digestive Biscuits for a harvest twist.

Winter Warmth

Add a pinch of turmeric to the High-Protein Pumpkin & Turkey Digestion Boosters for anti-inflammatory benefits during cold months.

Spring Refresh

Incorporate finely chopped fresh parsley into any recipe for a detoxifying spring cleaning effect and fresher breath!

Final Thoughts: Consistency Is Key

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this whole pumpkin journey with Max, it’s that consistency makes all the difference. Using pumpkin as an occasional fix when problems arise helps, but incorporating it regularly into your dog’s diet through these treats can prevent issues before they start.

And isn’t prevention always better than treatment? (Rhetorical question – of course it is!)

These recipes have become such a staple in our household that making a batch of pumpkin treats is just part of my weekend routine now. Max has come to expect his weekly “baking day,” and honestly, I enjoy it too. There’s something satisfying about making something healthy and homemade for your four-legged family member.

So grab a can of pumpkin, preheat that oven, and get ready for a very happy, tail-wagging pup with a much happier digestive system. Your dog’s stomach will thank you, your carpets will thank you, and your middle-of-the-night sleep schedule will definitely thank you!

Have you tried pumpkin for your dog’s digestive health? I’d love to hear your experiences and recipe variations! And if your pup has a favorite from this list, be sure to let me know.

Now excuse me while I go make another batch of those Pumpkin & Oat Digestive Biscuits – Max is giving me “the look,” that means he knows we’re running low!

Happy baking, fellow dog lovers!