Pumpkin Power Pops: Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Have you ever thought about what is in the store-bought dog treats that you can find? Most of those treats contain strange fillers and sugars that your dog doesn’t need.

The great news now is that you can easily prepare very healthy and tasty treats in your own kitchen. Central to the health of your dog is this recipe and it is very easy to make.

Recipe Overview

• Purpose: These Pumpkin Power Pops are delicious, healthy frozen treats.
• Benefits: They’re great for cooling down your dog, aid digestion, and are packed with essential vitamins.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (this is freezing time)
• Serving Size: Makes about 24-30 small treats, depending on your mold size.

Ingredients List

• 1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) – Estimated Cost: $2.50
• 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt (dairy or non-dairy like coconut yogurt) – Estimated Cost: $1.00
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!) – Estimated Cost: $0.75
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a touch of flavor) – Estimated Cost: $0.10
• Substitutions: You can swap peanut butter for almond butter if preferred. For yogurt, consider kefir or unsweetened applesauce if your dog has dairy sensitivities.
• Total Estimated Cost: $4.35

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, gather all your ingredients and equipment.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pure pumpkin puree, plain yogurt, and natural peanut butter.
3. Stir everything together thoroughly until it’s smooth and well-mixed.
   Make sure there are no lumps of peanut butter remaining.
4. If you’re using ground cinnamon, sprinkle it in now.
   Stir it in until it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Carefully spoon the prepared mixture into silicone molds.
   Ice cube trays work just as well if you don’t have specific dog treat molds.
6. Try not to overfill the molds.
   Leave a little bit of space at the top to prevent spills when they freeze.
7. Place the filled molds onto a baking sheet.
   This makes it much easier to transfer them to the freezer without making a mess.
8. Transfer the baking sheet with the molds into your freezer.
   Let the treats freeze solid for at least 4-6 hours, or even better, just leave them overnight.
9. Once they are completely frozen, pop the Pumpkin Power Pops out of their molds.
   Store them in an airtight container in your freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Offer 1-2 treats per day as a special reward.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day should be a good amount.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): They can enjoy 3-4 treats per day.
• For puppies, introduce these treats sparingly, maybe just 1 treat once a day, and always supervise them.
  Older dogs might find them easier to eat if softened a little before serving.
• Highly active dogs might burn more calories, so they could have a tiny bit more.
  Less active dogs should get fewer treats to keep their calorie intake balanced.
• Every dog is unique, so pay attention to how your pup responds to new treats.
  It’s always a good idea to chat with your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice specific to your dog’s health and dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Pumpkin: This ingredient is incredibly rich in fiber, which is fantastic for digestive health.
  It can help ease both diarrhea and constipation.
• Yogurt: It contains beneficial probiotics.
  These are the good bacteria that support a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.
• Peanut Butter: It’s a great source of protein and healthy fats.
  This gives your dog sustained energy throughout the day.
• Cinnamon (optional): Even a tiny amount has anti-inflammatory properties.
  It’s generally safe for dogs in small quantities.
• These homemade treats are typically lower in calories compared to many store-bought options.
  Plus, they provide essential vitamins like A, C, and E, boosting your dog’s overall health.

Storage and Serving Tips

• You can keep these delicious treats in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  This helps maintain their freshness and prevents any freezer burn.
• When you’re ready to serve one, just grab it straight from the freezer.
  There’s no need to thaw them completely; most dogs absolutely love them frozen solid!
• These Pumpkin Power Pops are perfect to offer as a special reward for good behavior.
  They are also fantastic for helping your dog cool down on a warm day.
• Some dogs might prefer them slightly softened; you can let them sit out for a minute or two.
  You can even crush a frozen pop and sprinkle it over your dog’s kibble for an extra-tasty meal topper.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

Yes, puppies can have these treats, but only in moderation. Introduce them slowly and make sure the treats are small enough for your puppy to chew comfortably and safely.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree?

Absolutely not. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and sometimes artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are harmful and even toxic to dogs. Always use pure pumpkin puree.

My dog has allergies. What are some safe substitutions?

If your dog is sensitive to dairy, use plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt or kefir. For peanut allergies, xylitol-free almond butter is a safe and delicious alternative.

How do I know if the peanut butter is safe?

Always check the ingredients list on your peanut butter jar for xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. If it’s listed, do not use that peanut butter.

Can I add other ingredients to these treats?

You can add other dog-safe ingredients, but be careful and always research first. A tiny bit of shredded carrot, a few blueberries, or a dash of turmeric powder can be good additions. Make sure anything you add is safe for dogs.

Wrapping Up

Ready to spoil your best friend with a treat they’ll adore? These Pumpkin Power Pops are easy, healthy, and a huge hit. Pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!