Fall Dog Treat Recipes

As fall rolls in, we start to crave all things spiced, pumpkin, and cozy — and we're not the only ones. Fall is full of dog-friendly foods that turn easily into fun, tasty treats for your four-legged friend. Here are three of my favorite dog-safe recipes to make each autumn.

Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Limited ingredients, simple prep. Use xylitol-free peanut butter — here's why that matters.

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, and cinnamon. Add a little water as needed — the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll to 1/2-inch thick and cut into pieces or use a cookie cutter.
3. Bake until hard, about 40 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

Apple, Bacon, and Cheddar Dog Treats

Grated apple, shredded cheese, and a little crumbled bacon. Use bacon sparingly — it's salty and fatty.

1 apple, peeled & grated (no seeds or core)
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups white flour
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg, a splash of olive oil, and a splash of milk to bind

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
2. Whisk the olive oil and egg, then add the milk and grated apple and whisk again.
3. Mix in both flours until just combined, then most of the cheddar, bacon, and parsley. (Too sticky? Add flour. Too dry? Add milk.)
4. Knead 30 seconds on a floured surface, roll to 1/2-inch thick, and cut with a bone-shaped cutter.
5. Top with the remaining bacon, cheese, and parsley, press lightly, and bake until light golden, about 20 minutes.
6. Cool completely; store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks or freezer up to 6 months.

"Candy Corn" Frozen Treats

A layered treat for warmer fall days. (Never give a dog actual candy.)

1 to 1 1/2 cups plain non-fat yogurt
1–2 small bananas
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
3 oz paper cups or popsicle molds

1. Spoon plain yogurt into the bottom of each cup; freeze 1–1.5 hours.
2. Add a yogurt-pumpkin layer (1/2 cup yogurt mixed with 1/2 cup pumpkin); freeze 1–1.5 hours.
3. Add a yogurt-banana layer (mashed banana blended with yogurt); freeze 1–1.5 hours.
4. Peel off the cup or pop from the mold and serve.

There you have it — seasonal treats your dog is sure to "fall" for. For more on the star ingredients, see our guides to pumpkin for dogs and peanut butter for dogs, and for wholesome store-bought options, the AKC's guide to human foods dogs can and can't eat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is canned pumpkin safe for homemade dog treats?

Yes — use plain 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices like nutmeg that aren't good for dogs.

Can I use any peanut butter in dog treats?

Only xylitol-free peanut butter. Xylitol (sometimes labeled "birch sugar") is highly toxic to dogs — always check the label.

How long do homemade dog treats last?

Baked biscuits keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or the freezer for several months. Frozen yogurt treats should stay frozen until serving.

How many homemade treats can I give my dog?

Keep treats to about 10% of your dog's daily calories, and introduce any new recipe gradually to avoid stomach upset.

This content is for general information. Introduce new foods gradually and consult your veterinarian about your dog's diet, especially if they have allergies or health conditions.