Halloween is my favourite time of the year! 🎃 It’s the season of spooky fun, cosy nights, and pumpkin-everything 🧙♀️🍁. And let’s be honest, your dog deserves to join the festivities too! 🎉 While we enjoy our pumpkin-spiced lattes and candies, there’s no reason why our pups can’t have their own pumpkin treats—especially since pumpkin is packed with fibre and essential vitamins!
So, here are five paw-some dog-friendly Halloween pumpkin recipes that will have your dog howling for more. 🐾👻
1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Biscuits 🥜🎃
Perfect for: Crunch-lovers! These biscuits are easy to make and will keep for weeks (if they last that long!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (plain – no sugar or spices) 🎃
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol!) 🥜
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix together the pumpkin puree and peanut butter until smooth.
- Slowly add in the flour, kneading until you have a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into spooky shapes – think bones, pumpkins, or even little ghosts! 👻
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
- Cool completely before serving.
2. Frozen Pumpkin & Yoghurt Paws 🐾❄️
Perfect for: Pups in warmer climates who need a cool, refreshing treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- ½ cup plain Greek yoghurt
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the pumpkin and yoghurt together until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into fun moulds – paw shapes are always a winner! 🐾
- Freeze for 3–4 hours or until solid.
- Pop them out and serve! These are great for a Halloween snack or to keep your dog busy while you enjoy a Halloween movie marathon. 🎬👀
3. Pumpkin & Apple Pupcakes 🍏🎂
Perfect for: Dogs who deserve a bit of indulgence this Halloween. These mini cupcakes are pup-approved!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- 1 egg 🥚
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce 🍏
- 1½ cups oat flour (or blend oats into flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the pumpkin, egg, and applesauce until well combined.
- Add the oat flour and baking powder, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- Spoon into a cupcake tray lined with cupcake cases (mini ones are perfect for smaller dogs!) and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Let them cool completely before letting your pup dig in. Top with a dollop of Greek yoghurt for a “frosting” that’s safe and healthy. 🍥
4. Pumpkin & Banana Ghost Smoothie 👻🍌
Perfect for: A fun and super-easy treat! Make these smoothies for you and your dog to enjoy together.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- 1 ripe banana 🍌
- ½ cup coconut water (or plain water)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend the pumpkin, banana, and coconut water until smooth.
- Pour it into your dog’s favourite bowl, or for a special touch, serve it in a cup for a Halloween pupuccino vibe! ☕👻
- For extra flair, garnish with a mini dog biscuit or a few blueberries as “eyes” for your ghostly smoothie.
Bonus: This is great for dogs with sensitive tummies, thanks to the pumpkin and coconut water’s hydration boost! 🐾💧
5. Pumpkin & Carrot Spooky Bites 🥕🎃
Perfect for: A wholesome, crunchy treat with some added veggie goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree 🎃
- 1 carrot, grated 🥕
- 1 egg 🥚
- 2 cups rice flour (for a gluten-free option)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix the pumpkin, carrot, and egg together until smooth.
- Gradually add the rice flour, kneading until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut into Halloween-themed shapes – bats, pumpkins, or even haunted houses! 🦇🏚️
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re firm and golden.
- Cool them down, then let your pup enjoy the crunchy, spooky goodness.
Pumpkin Tips & Tricks 🎃👩🍳
- Plain Pumpkin Only: Stick to plain pumpkin puree, not the spiced pie filling. Those spices aren’t dog-safe! 🚫
- Moderation is Key: Pumpkin is fantastic for digestive health but keep treats moderate to avoid tummy troubles.
- Make Ahead: Most of these recipes freeze well, so you can keep the Halloween spirit alive long after the day! 🧊🎃
Now you’re all set for a spook-tacular Halloween that your dog will love just as much as you do! With these homemade treats, you’ll both enjoy the flavours of autumn—and your pup will feel like the luckiest ghost-buster in town. 🎃🐾👻
Happy Howloween 🐺 and happy snacking! 🦴