🐶 The Healthiest, Tastiest Homemade Dog Snacks You’ll Ever Make
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of health and flavor for your furry friend, you’re in for a treat—literally! Pumpkin and applesauce are two of the most vet-recommended, nutrient-packed ingredients for homemade dog treats. They offer a powerful combination of taste, fiber, vitamins, and digestive support, all in one tail-wagging bite.
This guide goes far beyond the basics. You’ll discover 10 diverse pumpkin applesauce dog treat recipes, from baked biscuits to frozen chews, plus expert storage tips, portion guidance, vet insights, allergen swaps, and FAQs. Let’s turn your kitchen into your pup’s favorite place on Earth.
🥣 Why Pumpkin and Applesauce Are a Winning Combo for Dogs
Before we dive into recipes, let’s break down the science-backed benefits of these two key ingredients:
🎃 Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
- High in soluble fiber – aids digestion and prevents diarrhea/constipation.
- Contains beta-carotene (Vitamin A), great for eye and skin health.
- Naturally low in calories but rich in antioxidants.
- Helps regulate a dog’s weight and improves stool quality.
🍏 Benefits of Unsweetened Applesauce
- Packed with Vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Acts as a gentle natural sweetener without added sugar.
- Hydrating and soothing to the stomach.
- Works well as a binding ingredient in dog treats.
🐾 Pro Tip: Always use plain, unsweetened applesauce and 100% pure canned pumpkin (not pie filling). Avoid any spices, added sugars, or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
👩🍳 10 Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats You’ll Want to Try Today
Let’s get right into these healthy, drool-worthy treats.
1. Soft-Baked Pumpkin Applesauce Bites (Grain-Free)
Perfect for: Puppies or senior dogs with dental sensitivity.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 ¾ cups coconut flour
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix pumpkin, applesauce, and egg.
- Slowly add coconut flour until dough forms.
- Roll out and cut into small shapes.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until edges are firm.
⏱️ Shelf life: Store in the fridge for 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
2. Frozen Pumpkin Applesauce Pup Pops
Perfect for: Hot weather treats or after-playtime cool-downs.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
- Silicone mold or ice tray
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour into molds or trays.
- Freeze for 4–5 hours.
🐾 Vet Note: Skip yogurt if your dog is lactose-intolerant.
3. No-Bake Oatmeal Pumpkin Applesauce Balls
Perfect for: Quick prep without baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup canned pumpkin
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp flaxseed (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix everything in a bowl.
- Roll into bite-sized balls.
- Chill in fridge for 1–2 hours before serving.
✨ Bonus: Rich in fiber and omega-3s (with flaxseed).
4. Pumpkin Applesauce Training Treats
Perfect for: Small, low-calorie snacks for training sessions.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup oat flour
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg white
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Pipe small dots onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes.
🧠 Low-fat and easy to carry in treat pouches!
5. Peanut Butter Pumpkin Applesauce Cookies
Perfect for: Dogs that love peanut butter!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 1½ cups oat flour
Instructions:
- Mix pumpkin, applesauce, and peanut butter.
- Slowly stir in oat flour.
- Roll out and cut with cookie cutter.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
⚠️ Be sure the peanut butter is xylitol-free.
6. Pumpkin Applesauce Jerky Strips
Perfect for: Dogs that prefer a chewy, jerky-like texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 cup chickpea flour
Instructions:
- Mix into a thick dough.
- Flatten into strips on a silicone mat.
- Bake at 275°F for 50–60 minutes or until chewy.
💡 Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
7. Apple-Pumpkin Pup Muffins
Perfect for: Birthday treats or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup applesauce
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Mix all wet ingredients, then add dry.
- Pour into mini muffin tin.
- Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.
🎉 Festive and freeze well for later!
8. Banana Pumpkin Applesauce Biscuits
Perfect for: Extra potassium and soft bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup pumpkin
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 1½ cups rice flour
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients.
- Shape and flatten on baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 25–30 minutes.
🥄 Add cinnamon only if vet-approved—some dogs are sensitive.
9. Pumpkin Applesauce Ice Cream Cups
Perfect for: Summer pupsicles!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¼ cup goat milk or water
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional thickener)
Instructions:
- Blend ingredients.
- Pour into mini paper cups or molds.
- Freeze overnight.
☀️ Dogs love licking these slowly on warm days.
10. Apple-Pumpkin Roll-Ups (Dehydrated)
Perfect for: Long-lasting chew treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Spread mixture on dehydrator tray or lined baking sheet.
- Dehydrate at 135°F (or oven at lowest temp) for 8–10 hours.
- Cut into strips and roll.
🌿 100% natural and ideal for chewing satisfaction.
⚖️ How Many Treats Should You Give Per Day?
While these treats are healthy, moderation is key. Here’s a basic guideline:
| Dog Size | Max Treats per Day |
|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | 1–2 small treats |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | 2–3 treats |
| Large (50+ lbs) | 3–5 treats |
🐾 Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Always consult your vet if your dog has allergies or health concerns.
🍂 Storage & Shelf Life Tips
- Refrigerate soft treats: up to 7 days.
- Freeze in airtight bags: up to 2–3 months.
- Use silica packs in dry treats for longer shelf life.
- Always label batches with date and ingredients.
🐕 Ingredient Swaps for Dogs with Allergies
| Ingredient | Allergy-Friendly Swap |
|---|---|
| Wheat flour | Oat flour, coconut flour |
| Peanut butter | Sunflower seed butter (xylitol-free) |
| Greek yogurt | Goat milk, coconut milk |
| Eggs | Unsweetened mashed banana |
🧪 These variations help accommodate grain-free, dairy-sensitive, or egg-free diets.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔹 Can dogs eat pumpkin and applesauce together?
Absolutely! In proper quantities and forms (unsweetened, plain), they make a gentle, nutritious combo ideal for digestion and taste.
🔹 What kind of pumpkin should I use?
Only use plain canned pumpkin or fresh steamed pumpkin. Avoid pie fillings or anything with spices or added sugar.
🔹 Is store-bought applesauce safe?
Yes—as long as it’s 100% unsweetened applesauce with no additives, especially no xylitol or preservatives.
🔹 How often can I give homemade treats?
1–2 times daily depending on your dog’s size. These treats are not meal replacements and should be fed alongside a balanced diet.
🔹 Are these recipes safe for puppies?
Yes! Most recipes here are puppy-friendly, especially the soft and frozen ones. Just avoid added ingredients like honey or peanut butter if unsure, and always start small.
🏆 Why Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Treats Are Better Than Store-Bought
| Homemade | Store-Bought |
|---|---|
| Fresh, preservative-free | Often contains additives |
| Budget-friendly | Can be expensive |
| Tailored to allergies | Limited options |
| Fun to make with family | No engagement or control |
Plus, the joy of seeing your pup wag their tail over something you made just for them? That’s priceless.
❤️ Final Woof
Homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated. With just pumpkin and applesauce, you can unlock a world of tail-wagging happiness, digestive health, and bonding. These 10 recipes offer something for every pup—from the chewy jerky fan to the ice cream licker.
