For many people, the highlight of the fall season is pumpkin. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, the possibilities are endless, and each one is better than the last! With all the pumpkin treats you’re enjoying, you may be wondering if there’s a way for your pup to partake in this classic fall tradition. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, and your pup is sure to enjoy each of them as much as you do! To give you a bit of inspiration, we’ve listed our five favorites below!
1. Pumpkin Kong Filler
This one’s quick, easy, and sure to be an instant favorite! Just mash together plain cooked pumpkin, a ripe banana, some plain yogurt, and a bit of peanut butter if you’re feeling adventurous. Mix everything together until it’s fully combined, stuff the mixture into a Kong, and let your pup enjoy!
2. Mock Pumpkin Ice Cream
If you and your pup are in the middle of a particularly warm autumn day, this mock pumpkin ice cream is just the thing to keep your furry friend cool and refreshed!
Start by using the same ingredients and recipe for the pumpkin Kong filler (#1 above). This time around, however, don’t serve it to your pup straight away.
Instead, you can either stuff the Kong as usual or fill an ice-cube tray with the mixture for smaller servings, and then pop it into the freezer. Once it’s frozen, you’ve got a nice, frosty fall treat for Fido to enjoy!
If you want a bit of a smoother texture closer to actual ice cream, you can take it out every hour or so, puree it until smooth, then pop it back into the freezer.
Repeat this process 2-3 times, or until the texture you want has been achieved, then serve it to your pup! (And hey, sneak a bit for yourself if you want!)
Or, buy some pumpkin ice cream for dogs that’s ready to go.
3. Faux Pumpkin Spice Latte
Start with two tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree and a tablespoon of plain yogurt. Then, just add both to one cup of warm water, dust with cinnamon, and serve! (Note: don’t use pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin spice, as both often contain nutmeg, which dogs can’t safely eat.)
Here is a Pumpkin Puppuccino Recipe from Pet Chef Rocky Kanaka
4. Pumpkin Dinner Topper
Mix together a few tablespoons of mashed or pureed pumpkin, plain yogurt, low-sodium beef or chicken stock, and a few spoonfuls of plain white or brown rice. Mix it all together until fully combined, and pop it in the fridge. Next time mealtime rolls around, just heat a few spoonfuls up and pour them over your pup’s food for a delicious twist!
You can check these 6 ways to sneak in pumpkin into your dog’s diet.
5. Simple Baked Pumpkin
For this recipe, just place chopped pumpkin pieces on a greased baking sheet and pop it into a 350-degree oven for an hour. Then, get rid of the rinds if necessary, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. You can either give them as treats or toss a few cubes into your pup’s everyday meal for a bit of extra substance!
Rocky Kanaka
Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He’s also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can’t get enough of the dog cakes and treats!
Lorna Ladd
Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.