Busy day, happy pup! These no-bake pumpkin dog treats come together fast with pantry staples and zero oven time. They’re gentle on most tummies, budget-friendly, and ideal for batch-prep.
Dog-safe note: Use 100% pumpkin puree (not pie filling). Choose xylitol-free peanut butter. Introduce new treats slowly and ask your vet if your dog has special dietary needs. Avoid nutmeg.
Quick Recipe Card (Freezer Bites)
- Recipe: No-Bake Pumpkin Freezer Bites
- Time: 8–10 minutes active + 2–3 hours freeze
- Yield: ~24 mini treats (silicone mini molds)
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (245 g; unsweetened)
- ½ cup plain yogurt (unsweetened; dairy-free yogurt OK)
- 2 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter (smooth)
Substitutions: Swap yogurt for goat’s milk or water for lactose-sensitive pups. Thin with 1–3 tbsp water if needed.
Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon, small jug, silicone paw/bone molds, freezer-safe tray.
Step-by-Step (Freezer Bites)
- Mix: Stir pumpkin, yogurt, and peanut butter until silky.
- Adjust: If too thick, whisk in water 1 tbsp at a time so it pours but isn’t runny.
- Fill molds: Set molds on a tray; pour mixture to the top.
- Freeze: 2–3 hours, until fully set.
- Serve: Pop out and offer 1–2 minis (size-dependent). Store extras frozen.
No-Bake Option #2: Pumpkin–Oat Roll-Ups (Fridge)
- Ingredients: ¾ cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter, 1–1¼ cups oat flour (blend rolled oats).
- Method: Mix to a play-dough texture, roll 2–3 cm balls, flatten slightly, and refrigerate 1 hour to set.
- Tip: For tiny training bites, pinch into pea-size pieces.
Texture Tuning
- Softer licks: Increase pumpkin or yogurt by 1–2 tbsp.
- Firmer pops: Add more oat flour (for roll-ups) or freeze longer (for bites).
- Glossy finish (roll-ups): Lightly dust hands with oat flour to smooth surfaces.
Smart Variations (Pick Your Pup’s Favorite)
- Banana Boost: Add 2–3 tbsp mashed ripe banana; reduce yogurt slightly.
- Carrot Confetti: Fold in 2 tbsp very finely grated carrot.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or water; add 1–2 tsp ground flax for body.
- Grain-Free: Skip oats; thicken freezer mix with 1–2 tsp chia (soak 5–10 min).
- Lick-Mat Enrichment: Spread the freezer mixture thinly on a lick mat; freeze.
- Broth Pops: Replace part of yogurt with low-sodium chicken broth for savory fans.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Freezer bites: Freeze up to 3 months in zip bags; portion by week.
- Fridge roll-ups: Airtight container in the fridge 4–5 days.
- Thawing: Serve freezer bites straight from the freezer for a cool snack, or thaw 2–3 minutes for softer texture.
Serving Size (General Guide)
- Toy/small dogs: 1 mini bite or 1 small roll-up/day
- Medium dogs: 1–2 bites or 1–2 roll-ups/day
- Large dogs: 2–3 bites or 2 roll-ups/day
Adjust for total daily calories and activity level.
Troubleshooting
- Mixture too runny (bites): Whisk in 1–2 tsp ground flax or a spoon of oat flour.
- Crumbly roll-ups: Add 1–2 tsp water or a touch more pumpkin.
- Sticking to molds: Lightly mist molds with water or use silicone with glossy interiors.
FAQ (SEO-friendly)
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No—use 100% pumpkin puree only.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, xylitol-free and unsweetened. Always check labels.
Can I skip yogurt?
Yes. Replace with water or broth for freezer bites; add flax/chia to thicken if needed.
Do these work as training treats?
Yes—make pea-size roll-ups or mini molds for small, low-mess rewards.
