Pumpkin Oat Dog Treats: 3 Ingredient Easy Snack

Pumpkin treats are one of those recipes that solve multiple problems at once. They use simple pantry ingredients, they’re gentle on most dog stomachs, and they don’t leave your kitchen smelling like a science experiment.

These pumpkin oat dog treats are exactly the kind of snack I like making when I want something quick but still healthy. They’re soft enough for most dogs to chew easily, but still firm enough to hold their shape and feel like a “real” treat.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

The best part about this recipe is how clean and simple it is. No weird fillers, no mystery ingredients, and no need to stand in the kitchen for an hour trying to shape perfect little dog biscuits like you’re auditioning for a baking show.

Pumpkin is the real hero here, and not just because dogs tend to love the smell. It’s a great ingredient for digestion, and it’s one of the safest things you can add when you want a treat that won’t upset your dog’s stomach.

Oats bring the structure, which is honestly what makes this recipe work with only three ingredients. They soak up moisture, hold everything together, and help the treats bake into that soft-but-sturdy texture that dogs can actually chew without crumbling into dust instantly.

And then you’ve got the egg, which basically acts like the glue. It helps bind the pumpkin and oats together while adding a bit of protein, and it also gives the treats a slightly richer smell once they bake.

I also like that these treats aren’t overly crunchy. Crunchy treats are great, but not every dog wants to gnaw on something hard, and older dogs especially can be picky about that. These bake up more like soft cookies, which makes them easier to eat but still satisfying.

If you’ve ever bought pumpkin dog treats from a pet store, you know they can be overpriced for what they are. Making them at home feels like cheating the system a little, because you’re getting the same vibe for way less money and way more control.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened) – Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, because that stuff contains sugar and spices that aren’t great for dogs.
• Rolled oats – Regular old-fashioned oats work best because they hold texture and bake well without turning into mush.
• 1 egg – Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of protein to the mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the treats don’t stick.

This step seems basic, but skipping it is how people end up scraping baked pumpkin off a pan with a spatula like it’s a punishment. The parchment also helps the treats bake more evenly without burning on the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 cups rolled oats, and 1 egg. Stir everything together until it turns into a thick, sticky dough.

It’ll look messy at first, but keep mixing and the oats will start soaking up the pumpkin. If your dough feels too wet, let it sit for 3–5 minutes and it usually thickens up on its own.

Step 3: Shape the Treats

Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls, then flatten them slightly into cookie shapes. Place them on your lined baking sheet with a little space between each one.

You don’t need them to look perfect, because your dog is not going to judge your presentation skills. If anything, slightly uneven treats make it feel more homemade, which I weirdly enjoy.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Bake the treats for 20–25 minutes, depending on how thick you made them. They should feel firm on top and slightly golden around the edges when they’re done.

If you want a firmer, crunchier treat, leave them in for an extra 5 minutes. Just don’t go overboard, because overbaking pumpkin treats turns them into little dog hockey pucks.

Step 5: Cool Completely Before Serving

Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack and cool fully before feeding your dog.

Cooling matters more than people think, because hot pumpkin treats are soft and can fall apart. Plus, giving a dog something too warm is just asking for a tongue burn and an offended look.

Step 6: Store the Treats Properly

Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them and thaw as needed.

These treats contain moisture from the pumpkin, so leaving them on the counter too long can make them spoil faster. Refrigeration keeps them fresh and keeps your dog’s snack stash safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make is accidentally buying pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin puree. It sounds harmless, but pie filling often contains sugar, nutmeg, and other spices, and dogs don’t need any of that in their system.

Another common issue is using too many oats without adjusting the texture. If the dough is dry and crumbly, your treats won’t hold together, and you’ll end up baking a tray of pumpkin oat gravel instead of cookies.

Some people also make the treats way too big. I get the temptation, because it feels like you’re giving your dog something special, but oversized treats can be too much fiber at once, especially for smaller dogs.

Overbaking is another classic mistake, and it happens fast with oat-based treats. They can go from “perfect” to “hard as a rock” in just a few minutes, so keep an eye on them near the end.

And let’s talk about salt for a second, because some people get creative and start adding stuff like broth or seasoning. Dogs don’t need extra salt, and homemade treats are supposed to be the cleaner option, not a sneaky sodium bomb.

Lastly, don’t ignore the cooling step. Warm treats may seem like a nice idea, but they can be too soft, messy, and honestly just not worth the risk of upsetting your dog’s stomach.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If your dog has an egg sensitivity, you can swap the egg for a simple flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes, and use it in place of the egg.

You can also use quick oats instead of rolled oats, but the texture will change. Quick oats make the dough softer and the treats more cake-like, which some dogs love, but it won’t have the same chewy bite.

For dogs that need extra protein, I sometimes add a spoonful of plain unsweetened peanut butter. Just make sure it’s xylitol-free, because xylitol is extremely dangerous for dogs and not something you ever want to gamble with.

If your dog is grain-free, oats might not fit your plan, even though they’re technically gluten-free. In that case, you can try using coconut flour, but you’ll need much less because it absorbs moisture like crazy.

Another fun variation is adding mashed banana instead of some of the pumpkin. Banana adds sweetness and makes the treats softer, but it also adds more natural sugar, so I usually keep it as an occasional switch-up.

You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon if your dog tolerates it, but keep it light. Dogs don’t need strong spices, and too much cinnamon can irritate their stomach, so this is one of those “less is more” situations.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin for dog treats?

Yes, canned pumpkin is totally fine as long as it’s plain pumpkin puree with no added sugar or spices. In fact, canned pumpkin is usually more consistent than fresh pumpkin, which can vary a lot in water content.

Just double-check the label, because pumpkin pie mix is not the same thing. That one sneaks in ingredients that don’t belong in dog treats.

How many pumpkin oat treats can my dog eat per day?

It depends on your dog’s size, but I like to keep it simple. Small dogs usually do best with 1–2 treats a day, medium dogs can handle 2–3, and large dogs can usually enjoy 3–4.

Pumpkin is great, but too much can cause loose stool, and nobody wants that situation. Treats should stay treats, not a full-time food group.

Are pumpkin oat treats safe for puppies?

Most puppies can handle these treats in small amounts, especially if they’re already eating solid food. The ingredients are gentle, but puppies have sensitive stomachs and smaller bodies, so start with a tiny piece first.

If your puppy is very young, check with your vet before adding new treats. It’s not about fear, it’s just smart dog parenting.

Can I freeze these homemade dog treats?

Yes, and freezing is honestly the best way to store them long-term. Put them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for about 2–3 months without losing quality.

When you want to serve one, just thaw it in the fridge or leave it out for a bit. They defrost pretty quickly because they’re not super dense.

Why did my treats come out too soft?

Soft treats usually mean they needed a little more baking time or the dough had too much moisture. Pumpkin puree can vary a lot depending on the brand, so sometimes the mix ends up wetter than expected.

You can either add a bit more oats next time or bake them a few minutes longer. If you want them firmer, flatten them thinner so they bake through faster.

Can I make these treats crunchy instead of chewy?

Yes, you can definitely make them crunchier. Bake them longer at a slightly lower temperature, like 325°F, and let them dry out in the oven after baking by turning the oven off and leaving the door cracked.

That extra drying time helps pull moisture out of the pumpkin. Just don’t overdo it, because crunchy is great, but rock-hard is not.

Are oats actually good for dogs?

Oats are generally a great ingredient for dogs, especially when cooked or baked. They’re full of fiber, gentle on digestion, and a good option for dogs that don’t do well with wheat-based treats.

The only issue is portion size, because too much fiber can upset some dogs. If your dog is new to oats, start small and see how they handle it.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin oat dog treats are one of those recipes that just makes life easier. They’re cheap, quick, and way healthier than most store-bought treats with long ingredient lists.

If you’re trying to spoil your dog without feeding them junk, this is a solid go-to recipe. Make a batch, freeze half, and you’ve basically got instant “good dog” snacks ready whenever you need them.