Pumpkin season at my house means one thing: Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats for my Pointers Feather and Frankie! Made with real pumpkin puree and simple, dog-safe ingredients, they’re a healthy and easy way to spoil your pup this fall. These crunchy pumpkin dog treats contain no preservatives or fillers - just wholesome goodness your dogs will love.
Jump to:
- Recipe Ingredient Notes
- Tools needed to make Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treat Dough
- Rolling Out Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Baking Instructions
- Storage & Freezing
- FAQ - Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Join my Gluten Free Community!
- Note about Salt in my Recipes
- Baking in grams
- Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures
- Substitutions and Modifications
- More Gluten Free Recipes to try
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Recipe Ingredient Notes
Gluten Free Flour: These Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats are super easy and practically foolproof to make! I’ve tested them with my own gluten free flour blend, Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 (blue bag), and King Arthur Measure for Measure - all with great results. Just like with human gluten free cookies, a blend of flours gives the best texture. The best part? You don’t need any special ingredients - use what you already have on hand, and your pup will still love them. And yes, you can also make them with good ol' wheat flour or even whole wheat flour.
Canned Pumpkin: Make sure to buy pure canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. They often sit next to each other on shelves at the grocery store and have very similar labels. As much as I love making everything from scratch, canned pumpkin is very convenient. I prefer to buy the organic version if it’s available. I use the canned pumpkin from Aldi which is on the drier side. This is why a little water is added to the pumpkin dog treat dough. If your pumpkin is on the wet side, you may can omit the extra water.
Peanut Butter: Peanut Butter gives these dog treats a little extra flavor as well fat. While my taste eaters know they should prefer the dog treats made with natural peanut butter (just containing peanuts) they do go crazy over the treats made with SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (which also contains a bit of added sugar and palm oil). No matter which kind of peanut butter you choose for this recipe, ensure it does NOT contain Xylitol. (HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs!)
Egg: Works as the binder in this recipe, giving the treats structure. Eggs also provide dogs with valuable nutrients like protein, fatty acids, and vitamins. (My test eaters LOVE eggs - scrambled, hard boiled, raw and their favorite way, baked into dog treats)
Cinnamon: A touch of ground cinnamon pairs perfectly with pumpkin, adding a warm, cozy flavor that dogs love.
Water: A small amount of water helps bring the dough together, especially if your pumpkin purée is on the drier side (like the Aldi brand I use). If your pumpkin is more moist, you may not need to add any.
Tools needed to make Pumpkin Dog Treats
To successfully make this gluten free pumpkin dog treats at home, you will need a few kitchen tools you most likely already have in your home.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: is a must-have to make this recipe (or any of my recipes).
- Mixing Bowl, Whisk & Flexible Spatula: While you can mix the dough with a stand mixer and a paddle attachment, I prefer mixing it by hand in a large mixing bowl with a whisk and folding in the flour with a flexible spatula. It's so much easier.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pumpkin dog treat dough, I recommend using a rolling pin. This way it has an even thickness and will bake even.
- Cookie Cutters: Believe me when I say you can use any cookie cutter to make dog treats at home. My trusted test eaters did not prefer one shape over another. I use these cute Halloween Cookie Cutters. . You can also just slice the cookie dough with a sharp knife into tiny training treats.
- Additional: You also need 2 sheet trays, a few sheets of parchment paper, 2 cookie cooling racks and a small offset knife to transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treat Dough
The dough for gluten free dog treats comes together in no time. And good news, there is no need to let the dough rest before rolling out.
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter and whole egg.
- Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined and there are no visible chunks of peanut butter.
- Step 3: Add the gluten free flour and the ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients.
- Step 4: With a flexible spatula fold the ingredients together. The mixture will look very dry in the beginning but the more you mix it, it will start to look like cookie dough. (Just like when you make my Gluten Free Sourcream Biscuits). If needed add 1-2 teaspoons of water to the mixture (this depends on how watery your pumpkin puree is)
- Step 5: Transfer the gluten free pumpkin dog treat dough to a clean kitchen counter and quickly knead it together into a smooth dough. I find that when working with conventional peanut butter the dough forms a lot quicker and smoother.
- Step 6: Shape the dog treat dough into a round disk, around one inch tall.
Rolling Out Pumpkin Dog Treats
The size of the cookie cutter will also affect how many treats you get from a batch of this dog treat recipe. I use a pumpkin and a bat cutter and got 18 good sized dog treats from one batch.
- Step 1: Line one baking tray with a sheet of parchment paper. The amount of sheet trays needed depends on the size of the cookie cutters you use. While the dog treats shouldn't spread, make sure you don't overcrowd the tray.
- Step 2: Place the dog treat dough on a lightly floured kitchen counter or piece of parchment paper. If it feels tacky, sprinkle it with some additional gluten free flour.
- Step 3: Roll out the gluten free pumpkin dog treat dough out to about ¼” thick (6 mm). Thinner treats will bake faster and become crispier so keep that in mind. While thicker treats can take a long time in the oven to fully dry out.
- Step 4: Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes. Make sure to cut the cookies are close as possible to get a better yield each time you roll out the dough.
- Step 5: Using a small offset knife, transfer the pumpkin dog treats to the prepared baking sheets. I like to go for 3 rows of 6s for medium size cookies. The cookies should not spread but don't over crowd the pan.
- Step 6: Gather the dough scrap and keep rolling out and cutting dog treats until all the dough has been used up.
Baking Instructions
Baking times do depend on the thickness and your choice of cookie cutter. Smaller pumpkin dog treats clearly will bake faster than bigger ones.
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 335F. This can also be done while you cut out the homemade dog treats.
- Step 2: Bake the dog treats at 335F for 35 minutes. They will start to puff up and slowly turn golden brown.
- Step 2: After 35 minutes remove the sheet tray from the oven. With a pair of thongs or a fork (or your fingers but please be careful!) flip each dog treat over. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Flipping them over ensures they are baking evenly on both sides.
- Step 4: After about 50 minutes of baking time, the treats should appear dry on the surface and if you knock on one it should sound hollow; if they still look moist, bake them a bit longer. Baking time depends on the size of the cookie cutters used.
- Step 5: Remove the baked treats from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Step 6: Turn off the oven and place the dog treats (still on the cooling racks) back into the warm oven. Leave them there until both the treats and the oven are completely cooled, which may take a few hours. This helps ensure the treats are fully dry and crunchy.
Storage & Freezing
Keep in mind that homemade dog treats don’t contain preservatives, so they won't store as long as store-bought treats. Once the treats are completely cool and crunchy, place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag and store them at room temperature. If they have been properly baked and dried out, they should stay crisp and crunchy for about 10-14 days. However, to be honest, I’ve never had a batch of homemade dog treats last longer than 5 days! (If you have met Feather and Frankie, my 2 Pointers, you know why. There is a cookie tax for everything around here.)
Yes, you can also freeze homemade dog treats! Freezing is a great way to extend their shelf life and keep them fresh for up to 3 months. Make sure the treats are completely cool and dry before freezing to help maintain their crunchy texture. Store them in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container to protect against freezer burn.
When you’re ready to use them, thaw the treats at room temperature. For an extra crunch, you can refresh them in a low oven at about 300°F for a few minutes.
FAQ - Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
The number of gluten free pumpkin dog treats your dog can enjoy depends on several factors, including their size, age, activity level, and overall diet. Always check with your veterinarian for personalized guidance to ensure these homemade dog treats fit safely into your pup’s daily routine.
Not all dogs need a gluten free diet, but some may benefit from it - especially those with food sensitivities, allergies, or digestive issues. If your dog often experiences itching, stomach upset, or other signs of intolerance, a gluten free diet may help. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes to ensure your pup gets complete and balanced nutrition.
Feather and Frankie are English Pointers. English Pointers (often just called Pointers) are a graceful and athletic breed originally developed in England as bird-hunting dogs. They’re known for their strong pointing instinct. When they detect game birds, they “point” by standing still with their nose and tail aligned toward the scent. Pointers are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs that love to run and explore. They make wonderful companions for active families and are known for their gentle, loyal nature at home.
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Note about Salt in my Recipes
I use Diamond Kosher Crystal Salt in all of my recipes unless otherwise stated. If use use a different brand or kind of salt in your kitchen please adjust accordingly since some salts can be saltier. If you use Morton’s Kosher Salt please be aware that their salt granules are smaller in size, denser, and crunchier and twice as salty.
Baking in grams
I share my recipes in grams and by weight since baking by weight is the most accurate way to bake. Digital Scales are very affordable and easy to use. You can purchase them on Amazon for less than a set of measuring cups. For small amounts under 10 grams, I like to use this Precision Pocket Scale. Measuring cups are very inaccurate which can cause significant errors when it comes to gluten-free baking or baking in general. Especially since I bake with gluten-free flours which weigh differently than “regular” flours. I do provide some ingredients like spices and leavening agents in measuring spoons. To learn more about Baking with a digital scale, make sure to check out my post about Baking by weight.
Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures
All my recipes are tested and developed with a conventional oven. I always bake my baked goods on the rack placed in the MIDDLE of my oven. This way the heat coming from the bottom will not burn my baked goods.
If you are baking with convection (fan-forced), please adjust the recipes accordingly. Convection oven can cause baked goods to dry out quickly and still be raw inside. Since takes at least 15-20 minutes for a standard American Oven to be fully preheated. I highly recommend investing in an Oven Thermometer.
Substitutions and Modifications
Any dietary or ingredient modifications/substitutions to this recipe may alter the end result in appearance and taste. I test my recipes several times as published in this post and The Gluten Free Austrian Blog is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you find on our website.
More Gluten Free Recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
Spoil your pup this fall with these Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats! Made with real pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and wholesome ingredients, these treats are crunchy, healthy, and easy to make. A simple homemade dog treat recipe that’s great for picky eaters and a fun way to celebrate pumpkin season!
Ingredients
Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
- 75 grams pumpkin puree
- 30 grams peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 155 grams gluten free flour (containing xanthan)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 teaspoons water (as needed)
- a little extra flour for rolling out
Instructions
Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treat Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and whole egg. Whisk everything together until smooth and no visible chunks of peanut butter remain.
- Add the gluten free flour and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients.
- Using a flexible spatula, fold the mixture together. It may look dry at first, but keep mixing - it will come together into a soft, cookie dough-like texture. If your pumpkin puree is on the drier side, add 1-2 teaspoons of water to help the dough come together. (Start with one teaspoon and add a second one if needed)
- Transfer the pumpkin dog treat dough to a clean counter and knead it gently until smooth. The dough should feel firm but pliable.
- Shape the dough into a round disk, about 1 inch thick, to prepare it for rolling and cutting into treats.
How to Roll and Cut Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The number of trays you’ll need depends on the size of your cookie cutters. While these pumpkin dog treats won’t spread much during baking, leave a little space between each one so they bake evenly.
- Place the dog treat dough on a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper. If it feels sticky, dust it with a bit of gluten free flour to make it easier to handle.
- Roll out the gluten free pumpkin dog treat dough to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Thinner treats will bake faster and turn out crispier, while thicker treats will take longer to dry completely in the oven.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes. Cut the pieces as close together as possible to get the best yield.
- Using a small offset spatula or knife, transfer the cut treats to your prepared baking sheet. I usually fit about three rows of six medium-sized cookies per tray. The treats won’t spread, but be sure not to overcrowd them.
- Gather the dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting until all the dough has been used.
Baking Instructions for Gluten Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
Baking times will vary depending on the thickness of your treats and the size of your cookie cutters. Smaller pumpkin dog treats will bake faster than larger ones, so keep an eye on them toward the end of baking.
- Preheat your oven to 335°F. You can do this while you’re cutting out your homemade dog treats to save time.
- Bake the dog treats for 35 minutes. They’ll begin to puff slightly and turn a light golden brown.
- After 35 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs, a fork, or (carefully!) your fingers, flip each treat over. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Flipping helps them bake evenly on both sides.
- After about 50–55 minutes total baking time, the treats should look dry and feel firm. If you tap one and it sounds hollow, they’re ready! If they still look moist, bake for a few more minutes. (Thicker or larger cookies will need a little extra time.)
- Remove the baked pumpkin dog treats from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Turn off the oven and place the cooling rack with the treats back inside the warm oven. Leave them there until both the treats and oven are completely cool. This can take a few hours. This final step helps the treats fully dry out for that perfect crunchy texture dogs love.
Notes
Peanut Butter: You can use natural or conventional peanut butter in this peanut butter dog treat recipe. While my taste eaters know they should prefer the dog treats made with natural peanut butter (just containing peanuts) they do go crazy over the treats made with SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (which also contains a bit of added sugar and palm oil). No matter which kind of peanut butter you choose for this recipe, ensure it does NOT contain Xylitol. (HIGHLY TOXIC to dogs!)
Baking Times: Baking times depend on the thickness of the treats and your choice of cookie cutter
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 65Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 11mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g
Calories are a guestimate and randomly generated.
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