Easy Pumpkin No Bake Treats for Dogs

I love spoiling my pup, but I’m not exactly a professional baker. My idea of “homemade” usually involved breaking a store-bought biscuit in half. But as my dog got older, I started paying more attention to the long, confusing ingredient lists on those store-bought bags.

I wanted to give him something special, made with simple, whole-food ingredients I could trust, but without the hassle of rolling dough and turning on the oven. Plus, on a hot summer day, the last thing I want to do is heat up the kitchen.   

That’s how my “no-bake bark-ery” menu was born. These are my pup’s three all-time favorites: a classic 5-minute oat ball for quick rewards, a cooling frozen “pupsicle” for hot afternoons, and a rich, decadent “silky-coat” melt for when he’s been an extra-good boy. They are all fast, easy, and, most importantly, dog-safe.

A Quick Note From Our Team: This recipe is for a supplemental treat only and is not a balanced meal. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Always consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about ingredients, allergies, or your dog’s specific dietary needs.   

A Quick Guide to Safe No-Bake Treat Ingredients

Before we open our “bark-ery,” we need to stock the pantry. As a canine nutrition writer, my top priority is safety. These recipes are simple, but only if you use the correct ingredients. Using the wrong ones can be dangerous for your pet.

Here is your expert guide to the “do’s and don’ts” of no-bake treat ingredients.

The Pumpkin: 100% Puree vs. Pie Filling

This is the most common mistake pet owners make, and it’s a critical one.

Do Use: 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree. This is a canine superfood. It’s just plain, cooked pumpkin with no additives. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are fantastic for your dog’s digestive health and overall well-being.   

Never Use: Pumpkin Pie Filling. This is not the same thing and is dangerous for dogs. It is loaded with sugar and, more importantly, contains spices like nutmeg and cloves, which are toxic to dogs.   

Expert Tip: Read the Label Twice. The cans for 100% Pure Pumpkin and Pumpkin Pie Filling look almost identical and are often placed right next to each other in the grocery aisle. Before you put it in your cart, turn it around and check the ingredient label. The only ingredient should be “Pumpkin”. If you see sugar, spices, or anything else, put it back.   

The Peanut Butter: A Critical Xylitol Warning

Most dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a wonderful source of protein and healthy fats. However, you must be extremely careful about which one you choose.   

Do Use: Natural, raw, or unsalted peanut butter. The best choice is one where the ingredient list simply says: “Peanuts”.   

Never Use: Any Peanut Butter Containing Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizures, and liver failure.   

Expert Tip: Watch for Hidden Aliases. Xylitol is not always clearly labeled. Read the ingredient list for both “Xylitol” and its other common name, “Birch Sugar”.   

Be extra cautious with peanut butters marketed with buzzwords like “low sugar,” “reduced sugar,” “diabetic-friendly,” or “no sugar added”. These products are more likely to use artificial sweeteners. When in doubt, stick to a simple, natural brand.

The Oats: Rolled vs. Instant

Oats are the “flour” of our no-bake recipes, providing fiber and structure.

Do Use: Rolled Oats (also called Old-Fashioned Oats) or Quick Oats. These are perfectly safe to use raw in the small quantities required for treats.   

Never Use: Instant Oatmeal Packets. Those single-serving packets are often highly processed and loaded with added sugar, salt, and artificial flavorings. Some may even contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like raisins.   

Expert Tip: The “Raw Oat” Confusion. You may have heard that raw oats are hard for dogs to digest. This is primarily true if you are feeding them a large bowl of uncooked oats. When used in moderation as a binder for these small treats, rolled oats are perfectly safe and beneficial. 

If your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, you can pulse the rolled oats in a food processor for 10-15 seconds to create a rough ‘oat flour,’ which makes them even easier to digest.   

The Dairy: Plain Yogurt vs. Flavored

Yogurt is the base for our frozen treats and provides a great source of protein and calcium.

Do Use: Plain, Unsweetened, Non-Fat Yogurt (especially Greek-style). Plain Greek yogurt is packed with beneficial probiotics that support gut health.   

Never Use: Flavored, “Light,” or “Sugar-Free” Yogurts. Vanilla, strawberry, and other flavored yogurts are full of sugar. Worse, “light” and “sugar-free” yogurts are a major Xylitol risk. And it should go without saying, but never use chocolate-flavored yogurt.   

Expert Tip: Manage Expectations. While the probiotics in a spoonful of yogurt are a nice bonus, think of it as a healthy, low-calorie treat base. It is not a replacement for a veterinary-prescribed probiotic supplement if your dog has a medical need for one.   

The No-Bake Bark-ery Menu: 3 Easy Recipes

Now that our pantry is safely stocked, let’s get to the fun part!

1. “The 5-Minute” Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Oat Balls

This is the classic, go-to no-bake treat. It takes 5 minutes, uses 3-4 simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and is a perfect training reward or “just because” snack. These are wildly popular with pups and a fantastic starting point for any beginner treat-maker.   

Ingredients

• 1 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree (NOT pie filling)    
• ½ cup Xylitol-Free Creamy Peanut Butter    
• 2 ½ cups Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned or Quick Oats)    
• Optional: 1 tsp Ceylon Cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is safest for dogs in moderation)    

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and xylitol-free peanut butter. Stir with a spatula until smooth and fully combined.
2. Add the cinnamon (if using) and the rolled oats. Mix well until a thick, sticky dough forms. If the mixture feels too wet to roll, add more oats, 1 tablespoon at a time.   
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch balls (or smaller, for tiny dogs) and place them on the prepared sheet.   
5. Chill the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the treats to firm up.

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip

Pro-Tip: Make Perfect “Pill Pockets!” Need to give your dog a pill? These are a lifesaver. Gently press one of the oat balls flat in your palm, hide the medication in the center, and re-roll it into a ball. Your pup won’t even know the difference.

2. The 2-Ingredient “Pupsicle” Frozen Yogurt Bites

On a hot day, nothing beats a cooling “pupsicle”. This 2-ingredient recipe is incredibly simple and a fantastic low-calorie, gut-friendly option for dogs of all sizes. All you need are silicone molds or a simple ice cube tray.   

Ingredients

• 1 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree    
• 1 cup Plain, Unsweetened, Non-Fat Greek Yogurt    

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and plain Greek yogurt. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and a uniform orange color.   
2. Place your silicone molds (paw prints and bones are fun!) or a standard ice cube tray on a small baking sheet. The baking sheet makes it much easier to transfer to the freezer without spilling.   
3. Spoon or pipe the mixture into the molds. A simple Ziploc-style bag with the corner snipped off makes a perfect disposable piping bag.   
4. Gently tap the tray on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles and to level the tops of the treats.   
5. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours, or until the “pupsicles” are completely solid.   
6. Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds and serve one to your happy pup.

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip

Make it Fancy! Want to create a two-tone treat for a special occasion? Before you start, mix a tablespoon of your plain yogurt with a tiny pinch of dog-safe spirulina powder to make a green color. Use a small spoon to add a little dot of the green mixture to the bottom of the molds (like a “leaf”) before filling the rest with the orange pumpkin mix. 

3. The “Silky Coat” Frozen Coconut-Pumpkin Melts

This 3-ingredient treat is a “high-value” reward that’s packed with healthy fats from coconut oil, which is known to help promote a shiny, silky coat. These are rich, so they’re the perfect special-occasion treat to be served in moderation.   

Ingredients

• 1 cup Coconut Oil (Solid)    
• ¾ cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree    
• ½ cup Xylitol-Free Creamy Peanut Butter    

Instructions

1. Place your silicone molds on a baking sheet for stability.   
2. In a small saucepan, combine the solid coconut oil, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter.   
3. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You are not trying to “cook” it, but simply melt the coconut oil so all ingredients can be smoothly combined. Do not let it boil.   
4. Once everything is melted and smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a minute.
5. Carefully pour or pipe the warm mixture into your silicone molds.
6. Place the entire baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the treats are completely set and hard.   
7. Pop the “melts” out of the molds and reward your pup.

Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip

Serve It Quick! These treats are called “melts” for a reason. Coconut oil has a low melting point—it will melt at room temperature on a warm day and even from the heat of your hand. Serve them to your pup one at a time, straight from the freezer, to avoid a messy (but delicious) puddle on your floor!

How to Store Your Homemade Treats

Proper storage is key to keeping your no-bake treats fresh and safe. We made two different types of treats, and they require two different storage methods.

How to Store Your Soft Treats (The Oat Balls)

Because these treats are soft and moist, they must be refrigerated to prevent mold and bacterial growth.   

In the Fridge: Store the oat balls in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.   

In the Freezer: These freeze beautifully! For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating any layers with parchment paper. They will last for up to 3 months.   

How to Store Your Frozen Treats (Pupsicles & Melts)

These treats are simple: they must stay frozen.

In the Freezer Only: Once you’ve popped the Pupsicles and Coconut-Pumpkin Melts from their molds, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They will melt if left in the fridge or on the counter. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.   

Conclusion

Your “no-bake bark-ery” is officially open for business! With just a few simple, safe ingredients, you can whip up delicious, healthy rewards that your dog will go wild for.

Which of these easy no-bake pumpkin treats will you be trying first? Will it be the classic 5-Minute Oat Balls, the cooling 2-Ingredient Pupsicles, or the rich Silky-Coat Melts? Let me know in the comments below!

We love seeing your creations! Snap a picture of your best friend enjoying their homemade goodies and tag us on Instagram! Happy (no) baking!