1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Paws

What happens when you combine two dog favourites: pumpkin and peanut butter? Absolute bliss! These soft, chewy treats are perfect for dogs of all ages, especially those who love a good peanut butter snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, not the pie filling)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (ensure it's xylitol-free)
• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or rice flour for grain-free)
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs until combined.
3. Gradually add in the flour until you have a dough that’s soft but not sticky.
4. Roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick and use a bone-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you fancy) to cut out the treats.
5. Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and firm.
6. Let cool completely before serving.

Pro Tip: Store these in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer-lasting pumpkin dog treats. Your dog will go nuts for them!

2. Pumpkin Oat Pupcakes

If your dog has a bit of a sweet tooth (don’t they all?), these healthy pumpkin oat cupcakes—or pupcakes, if you will—are a treat that will have them drooling in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup honey (optional)
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (ensure your dog isn't sensitive to it)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, egg, honey, and applesauce until smooth.
3. Stir in the rolled oats and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden and firm.
6. Allow them to cool before giving one to your dog.

Pro Tip: Top these pumpkin pupcakes with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra flair. It’s like the canine version of icing—minus the sugar crash!

3. Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Bites

For a refreshing, nutritious treat, these frozen pumpkin bites are the perfect snack for hot days or post-adventure cooling down.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, yogurt, and melted coconut oil.
2. Spoon the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays (paw-shaped ones are a hit!).
3. Freeze for 4-6 hours or until fully solid.
4. Pop the treats out of the molds and serve straight from the freezer.

Pro Tip: These frozen bites are ideal for soothing teething puppies or cooling down after a long walk. Plus, they’re super easy to make ahead and store in the freezer for future snack sessions!

Why Pumpkin is Perfect for Dogs

Pumpkin isn’t just a flavourful treat for your pooch—it’s also packed with health benefits:

• Improves digestion: The fibre in pumpkin helps regulate your dog’s digestion, whether they’re dealing with constipation or diarrhoea.
• Supports a healthy immune system: Thanks to its high levels of vitamins A and C, pumpkin helps boost your dog’s immunity.
• Good for weight management: If your dog needs to shed a few pounds, pumpkin is a great low-calorie option to mix into meals or treats.

So, when you’re carving up pumpkins this season or simply strolling through the canned goods aisle, don’t forget to pick up a little extra for your four-legged friend. It’s a treat they’ll love and a nutritional boost they’ll thank you for—probably with an extra tail wag or two.