My dog has strong opinions about fall.
Mostly because fall means pumpkin, and pumpkin means these treats show up in heavy rotation around here.
This version is different from my pumpkin oat recipe. It uses whole wheat flour and a little coconut oil instead, which gives you a slightly softer, more classic biscuit style treat. If your dog does fine with wheat, this one’s worth adding to the mix.
Four ingredients, one bowl, and your whole house smelling like a bakery within the hour.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup pure canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Simple, pantry friendly, and nothing your dog needs to avoid.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Pro Tips
1. Pure pumpkin only, every time. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices, and some of those spices, like nutmeg, are actually toxic to dogs. Double check the can before you buy it.
2. Melt your coconut oil first. Solid coconut oil won’t blend evenly into the dough. Give it 20 seconds in the microwave so it pours smoothly.
3. This dough is stickier than most treat recipes. Don’t panic if it feels tacky. Flour your hands and your rolling surface generously and it’ll come together fine.
4. Roll it thin for a crispier treat. This dough bakes softer than an oat based dough naturally, so rolling it thinner helps it firm up nicely.
5. Test one before storing the whole batch. Ovens vary a lot. Let one treat cool fully and check the texture before committing the rest to a storage container.
Full Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the pumpkin, egg, and melted coconut oil together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the whole wheat flour, a little at a time, until a thick dough forms.
- Knead briefly on a floured surface, just until it’s no longer sticky to the touch.
- Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes and place them on your prepared baking sheet with some space between each one.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and firm.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
| Original Ingredient | Swap Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | Oat flour | Good option for wheat sensitive dogs |
| Coconut oil | Melted unsalted butter | Similar richness, easy swap |
| Pumpkin puree | Mashed sweet potato | Similar texture and a fun flavor change |
| Plain dough | Shredded cheese mixed in | Adds a savory twist dogs go wild for |
A small handful of shredded cheddar folded into the dough turns this into a completely different treat, and it’s one of my dog’s favorite versions.
Make Ahead Tips
The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped, until you’re ready to roll and bake.
You can also freeze the raw dough in a flattened disc for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.
A Quick Nutritional Note
Pumpkin brings a good amount of fiber and vitamin A to the table, which supports healthy digestion.
Whole wheat flour adds a bit more density and calories than oat flour does, so this version runs slightly richer. One treat comes in around 20 to 25 calories depending on size.
If your dog has a wheat sensitivity, swapping in oat flour keeps the recipe just as tasty without the concern.
Leftovers and Storage
Here’s how long these treats stay good:
- Room temperature, airtight container: up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: up to 10 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
Because this dough is softer than an oat based one, I’d lean toward the fridge if you’re not planning to go through the batch quickly.
FAQ
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin? No. Pie filling includes added sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs, including nutmeg, which is toxic to them. Stick to plain canned pumpkin.
Is whole wheat flour okay for dogs? Yes, for most dogs. If your dog has a known wheat or gluten sensitivity, swap in oat flour instead.
Can I skip the coconut oil? You can, though the dough may be slightly drier and less tender. A tablespoon of melted butter works as a substitute.
Why is my dough too sticky to handle? This dough runs on the sticky side naturally. Flour your hands and surface generously rather than adding more flour to the dough itself, which can dry it out.
How do I know when they’re done baking? Look for lightly golden edges and a firm feel when pressed. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t judge doneness while they’re still warm.
Wrapping Up
Four ingredients, one bowl, and a treat your dog will absolutely stake out the kitchen for.
This one’s a little softer, a little more classic, and just as easy as anything else on this blog.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out. I’d love to hear if you added the cheese, tried the sweet potato swap, or ran into any questions along the way. I read and reply to every comment.
