Pumpkin isn’t just a fall fad—it’s a fiber-rich, vitamin-packed super-food that keeps digestion steady and coats glossy. According to PetMD, vets even recommend a spoonful of plain pumpkin to calm mild tummy troubles and firm loose stools. The catch? “Pumpkin” splashes across dozens of treat bags, yet recipes vary wildly. We combed ingredient labels, safety records, and thousands of owner reviews—then enlisted eager canine taste-testers—to rank the ten best pumpkin dog treats for 2026. Ready to find your pup’s new favorite snack? Let’s dig in.
Why pumpkin for dogs? benefits and what to know
Nutritional benefits of pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fiber powerhouse for dogs. Soluble fiber absorbs extra water and firms loose stools, while insoluble fiber adds bulk that keeps food moving through the gut.
PangoVet notes that one cup (245 g) of cooked pumpkin delivers more than twice a 10-lb dog’s daily vitamin A requirement, plus vitamin C, potassium, and iron that boost immune and skin health. Those antioxidants keep coats glossy and noses moist.
Pumpkins are low in fat and high in filling fiber. Swap three 30-calorie cookies for three 8-calorie pumpkin bites and you trim 66 calories from a day’s intake—helpful for weight control without hunger.
In short, pumpkin treats satisfy dessert cravings while acting like a daily multivitamin, supporting digestion, immunity, and healthy waistlines all at once.
Pumpkin precautions & expert insight
Pumpkin is safe for most dogs, but too much fiber can crowd out other nutrients and excess vitamin A can build up over time. Veterinarians suggest capping plain pumpkin at about one tablespoon per 10 lb of body weight each day, leaving room for a few treats instead of half a bag.
Ingredient purity matters. Serve only plain pumpkin; avoid pie fillings sweetened with sugar or spices, and skip nutmeg (veterinarians list it as toxic). Every treat on our top-ten list relies on pure purée or gently dried pumpkin, so you never risk hidden additives.
Skip empty fillers and artificial colors. A trustworthy label lists pumpkin among the first ingredients and keeps the recipe short and readable. If pumpkin trails behind salt, the product sells marketing, not nutrition.
“Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and beta-carotene for dogs. I reach for it first when I see mild digestive upset,” says Dr Jennifer Coates, DVM. Her endorsement shows why modest, high-quality pumpkin snacks fit well in a healthy treat rotation.
Serve a little, watch your dog thrive, and enjoy knowing each crunch or chew delivers flavor and functional benefits.
How we chose – our review criteria
Ingredient quality: what’s in the bag?
We start with the ingredient panel. Real pumpkin must appear near the top, not buried beneath salt. We favor short, readable recipes built on whole foods like oat flour, chickpea, or turkey, and we drop any product that hides behind vague “meat by-products” or artificial dyes.
Organic or human-grade stamps raise a score because they prove strict sourcing and kitchen standards. Extras that work, such as flaxseed for omega-3s or probiotics for gut balance, earn bonus points.
What stays out matters too. No BHA, BHT, synthetic colors, or added sugar. When a company lists every ingredient in plain English, you can feel confident feeding it.
Functional benefits: healthy for dogs?
Great ingredients are only a start. The next test is for a purpose. A biscuit that claims “digestive support” must list measurable fiber, prebiotics, or postbiotics. Jerky that promises joint care must show real glucosamine levels, not a token sprinkle.
We also lift products that help special-needs dogs. Grain-free, novel-protein, or limited-ingredient formulas move up because they welcome pups with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The result: every treat we recommend delivers a benefit you can verify on the label.
Palatability & texture: taste-test approved
Even the cleanest recipe fails if your dog refuses it. We watched, sniffed, and counted tail wags. Crunchy biscuits earn points for a toasty aroma and a snap that scrubs teeth without chipping them. Soft chews need a brownie-like give that breaks apart for puppies and seniors yet stays whole in a pocket.
We read owner feedback too. Thousands of verified reviews show patterns faster than one-dog testing. If picky eaters keep begging for seconds, the treat climbs the board. If buyers report crumbled biscuits or synthetic smells, it drops.
Transparency & brand trust: company matters
A trustworthy brand states where treats are baked, where ingredients are grown, and how each batch is tested. Made-in-USA kitchens, USDA organic seals, or B-Corp status signal that a company invests in quality rather than shortcuts.
Take Bramble, our top soft-chew pick.
The company commissioned an independent University of Illinois feeding trial and shares those peer-reviewed results online—dogs fed its recipes showed lower cholesterol and healthier gut microbiomes.
Every recipe is lab-tested for a full amino-acid profile, and the treats ship in fully recyclable pouches, so buyers can verify science and sustainability in one glance.
We search FDA recall records. None of our finalists show a pumpkin-treat recall through 2024, and many publish third-party lab results online. Openness turns marketing into verifiable facts.
Price & value: bang for your buck
We respect budgets but never reward empty calories. Price per ounce is weighed against ingredient quality and functional perks. For example, a 50-cent-per-ounce biscuit filled with pumpkin and flaxseed beats a 25-cent option padded with fillers.
We also note bulk bags, subscription discounts, and low-calorie bites that stretch a treat allowance. Value shows in calories too: a three-calorie Charlee Bear crunch gives dozens of training rewards before touching the daily limit, while a 30-calorie gourmet biscuit becomes a “special event” snack.
Sustainability: green & ethical factors
Pumpkin grows quickly, stores well, and creates little waste. We reward brands that push further: upcycling pumpkin left from pie production, baking in solar-powered kitchens, or choosing recyclable pouches.
Animal ingredients count. If a treat pairs pumpkin with meat, humane sourcing seals the deal—rabbit from small farms or turkey raised without routine antibiotics outranks anonymous “poultry meal.” Plant-based recipes earn credit for a smaller carbon paw-print, but only when they still deliver nutrition.
Companies that donate unsold treats to rescues or plant trees for every order also score higher. Ethical practices usually lead to safer, higher-quality treats for your dog.
1. Bramble Pets carob + pumpkin soft & chewy treats — best overall human-grade pick
Bramble Pets treats dogs like discerning diners, offering a full lineup of human-grade dog treats that stay wheat-free and plant-based. Each bite-size square is baked in a certified human-grade kitchen with organic pumpkin purée, peanut butter, and antioxidant-rich carob—ingredients you could sample yourself.
Open the pouch and a warm, brownie-style aroma escapes, convincing even picky eaters to sit fast. The texture stays tender for seniors yet firm enough for training pockets, so you can break pieces without crumbs.
Nutrition backs the flavor. Pumpkin leads the list to support digestion, and carob supplies natural sweetness without caffeine or theobromine. The recipe contains no wheat, corn, soy, colors, or preservatives, making it safe for allergy-prone pups.
Bramble is a young company, but it publishes sourcing details, bakes in small batches, and ships in recyclable pouches. It also donates one bag to shelters for every ten sold. Expect to pay about $0.80 per ounce, a premium most owners find worthwhile for clean ingredients and ethical practices.
Pros: organic, hypoallergenic, soft, plant-based, shelter donation. Cons: higher price, online-only availability.
2. Blue Buffalo Health Bars pumpkin & cinnamon crunchy biscuits
If your dog loves the snap of a cookie, this crunchy classic delivers. Blue Buffalo mixes real pumpkin, whole oats, and a touch of cinnamon to create biscuits that smell like a home bakery and keep ingredient lists clean. No by-products, no artificial colors, only pantry staples baked crisp.
Owners back the hype: more than 7,500 five-star reviews on Chewy report that these bars disappear in seconds. Each biscuit feels substantial yet breaks neatly for smaller mouths or calorie control.
Pumpkin appears high on the label, lending fiber for digestion, while flaxseed adds plant-based omega-3s. At about $0.50 per ounce, the 16-ounce box stretches further than many boutique bags without cutting quality.
Pros: affordable, USA-made, tooth-scrubbing crunch, vegetarian friendly Cons: contains wheat, and the firm texture may challenge very senior teeth
3. Fruitables baked pumpkin & apple treats
Need a training reward that keeps calories low? Fruitables pack real pumpkin and apple into coin-size biscuits that crunch like autumn leaves. Each treat delivers only 8 calories, so you can give 20 pieces and add just 160 calories to the day.
Though tiny, the bites smell like fresh oatmeal cookies. Even selective dogs perk up as soon as the bag rustles, helped by pumpkin listed first and apple pomace that adds fiber and gentle sweetness.
The recipe avoids wheat, corn, and soy, relying on oatmeal and barley for gentle grains. The guaranteed analysis shows higher fiber and lower fat than typical cookie treats, making these a smart daily nibble for weight-watching or sensitive dogs.
Value holds up too. A 7-ounce pouch (about 100 treats) costs around $6, or roughly $0.86 per ounce. The resealable top keeps every crunch fragrant. If your dog craves variety, the same low-cal formula comes in blueberry, banana, and cranberry twists, so training stays interesting.
Pros: ultra-low calorie, allergy friendly, appealing aroma Cons: hard texture disappears fast in large jaws, so big breeds may swallow without chewing
4. Portland Pet Food Company grain-free pumpkin biscuits
Allergy parents appreciate simplicity. Portland Pet Food Company uses only five human-grade ingredients: garbanzo bean flour, pumpkin purée, peanut butter, unsulfured molasses, and ground eggshell. No grains, dairy, or preservatives—nothing your vet needs to decode.
Chickpea flour gives each biscuit a light, crisp snap that small jaws handle once broken, while adding plant protein and fiber. Pumpkin leads the list, calming sensitive stomachs and providing beta-carotene.
Baked in small Oregon batches, the biscuits feel artisanal. The company posts batch numbers online and donates treats to local shelters, so each purchase supports dogs beyond your own.
Expect to pay about $1.20 per ounce for the 5-ounce bag. Owners of pups with irritable bowel disease report no digestive backlash, making the premium worth it for peace of mind.
Pros: ultra-clean recipe, grain free, allergy friendly, satisfying crunch Cons: limited flavor options, firm texture may need snapping for tiny or senior teeth
5. Merrick oven-baked pumpkin patch treats — best gourmet biscuit
These bone-shaped biscuits feel like handing your dog a slice of holiday pie. Merrick blends real pumpkin, dried apple, and a hint of ginger into wheat-flour dough, then slow-bakes each batch in its Texas kitchen until edges turn golden. The house smells like Thanksgiving, and the crunch keeps medium and large chewers busy.
Pumpkin ranks high on the label for fiber and vitamin A, while visible apple flecks show the fruit is more than décor. Mixed tocopherols keep the treats fresh without synthetic preservatives. Each biscuit contains about 30 calories, perfect as a nightly reward or post-hike snack.
A resealable 11-ounce bag costs around $8.50, or $0.77 per ounce.
Pros: rich pumpkin-apple aroma, small-batch quality control, no artificial preservatives Cons: contains wheat and molasses, bone shape may crumble when snapped by hand
6. Bocce’s Bakery pumpk’n spice soft & chewy treats
Imagine a pumpkin-spice latte that wags its tail. Bocce’s Bakery folds organic pumpkin, peanut butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon into oat-flour dough, then bakes each batch until the cookies stay pillow-soft and fragrant.
That softness makes training easy. Break one piece into three, tuck it in a pouch, and it stays intact until your pup nails a new command. The chewy bite also spares senior teeth and tiny jaws while still delivering big flavor.
Pumpkin leads the ingredient list for fiber, while peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Bocce’s skips wheat, corn, soy, and artificial preservatives; vegetable glycerin locks in moisture without chemicals.
A 6-ounce bag costs about $7.50, or $1.25 per ounce, reflecting small-batch baking and organic inputs. Reseal firmly, because natural oils can cause cookies to clump if left open.
Pros: soft texture, organic ingredients, allergy friendly, bakery-fresh aroma Cons: higher price per ounce, must reseal tightly to prevent sticking
7. Smart Cookie rabbit & pumpkin soft chews — best novel protein pick
Food allergies can turn mealtime into guesswork. Smart Cookie avoids common culprits by pairing farm-raised rabbit, a lean hypoallergenic protein, with fiber-rich pumpkin in tender jerky-style squares.
Open the pouch to find bite-size cubes that bend instead of crumble. The softness protects fragile teeth and breaks easily for training. A mild gamey aroma entices most dogs, while pumpkin and apple add gentle sweetness.
The ingredient list is short: rabbit, chickpea, pumpkin, apple, and tapioca. No chicken, beef, wheat, corn, or soy appear, so elimination-diet dogs can snack without worry. Each piece contains 4 calories, letting you reward often without blowing the limit.
Smart Cookie bakes in small Colorado batches and posts sourcing maps online, so every ingredient can be traced. A 5-ounce bag costs about $10, or $2.00 per ounce, reflecting rabbit’s higher farming cost. Use within two months of opening for peak freshness.
Pros: single-protein recipe, soft texture, grain free, low calorie Cons: higher cost per ounce, shorter shelf life after opening
8. A Better Treat freeze-dried pumpkin bites — best single-ingredient snack
Sometimes less truly is more. A Better Treat starts with certified-organic pumpkin, freeze-dries it into airy cubes, and stops there—no salt, seasoning, or sweeteners. The result is a crunchy two-calorie morsel that offers the digestive perks of purée without mess or refrigerator space.
Low-temperature drying keeps vitamins and antioxidants intact. Drop a cube in water and it puffs back into soft pumpkin, ideal for dogs recovering from tummy upsets. Serve it dry and you get a satisfying crack that many cats enjoy, turning this into a multi-pet win.
Single-ingredient simplicity removes guesswork for allergy parents: no grains, proteins, or fillers to spark flare-ups. The pouch weighs almost nothing in a hiking pack, and the shelf life outlasts canned pumpkin by months. Expect to pay about $9 for a 4-ounce bag, or $2.25 per ounce.
Pros: pure pumpkin, organic, dog-and-cat friendly, only two calories each Cons: lacks meaty flavor, higher cost per ounce, very dry cubes require water nearby
9. Plato mini thinkers pumpkin & turkey recipe — best high-protein training stick
Some dogs need meat in every reward. Plato delivers with jerky-style “thinker” sticks that start with real turkey, add pumpkin for fiber, and finish with fish oil for omega-3s. The soft, savory sticks smell like a deli and break cleanly into pocket pieces.
Each mini stick supplies about 20 percent protein, so active pups gain muscle fuel while pumpkin steadies digestion. The ingredient list stays short: no grains, no artificial smoke, only natural herbs and mixed tocopherols for freshness. DHA supports brain development, and flaxseed adds plant omegas for skin and coat.
Sticks measure three inches yet bend easily, letting you split one treat across several commands. Each piece carries 30 calories, richer than bite-size biscuits, but the flavor keeps motivation high. A 6-ounce bag costs about $8.99, or roughly $1.50 per ounce. The resealable pouch contains the scent, so your training bag stays fresh.
Pros: high protein, soft texture, grain free, DHA fortified Cons: unsuitable for poultry-allergic dogs, strong aroma may need a dedicated pouch
10. Charlee Bear grain-free crunch chicken, pumpkin & apple — best low-cal training bite
Charlee Bear has been a staple in obedience classes for decades, and this pumpkin-powered flavor shows why. Each crunchy disc is chickpea-size yet delivers chicken liver savor, pumpkin fiber, and a hint of apple at only 3 calories.
That feather-light load lets you praise often without nudging the scale. Trainers call these “pocket perfect” because they resist crumbling, grease, and odors. Toss a handful into a jacket and they stay intact for rapid-fire rewards.
Ingredients remain clean: pea and chickpea flours replace grain, and turmeric adds natural color plus antioxidants. No corn, soy, or artificial flavors appear, so sensitive pups can join the fun. An 8-ounce bag costs about $6, or $0.75 per ounce, and holds roughly 300 treats—enough for weeks of sessions.
Pros: ultra-low calorie, mess-free crunch, budget friendly, widely available Cons: mini size disappears fast in giant breeds, legume content may not fit pea-free diets
Buyer’s guide – how to choose the best pumpkin treat for your dog
1. Check that pumpkin leads the label
Flip the bag and read like a detective. Real pumpkin should appear within the first five ingredients, listed as “pumpkin purée” or “dried pumpkin.” When pumpkin falls below salt or preservatives, marketing wins and nutrition loses.
Avoid vague terms such as “pumpkin flavor” or “pumpkin powder blend.” These signal tiny amounts or artificial boosters. Organic or non-GMO stamps add peace of mind that the squash grew without synthetic pesticides.
2. Match texture to your dog’s chewing style
Texture is table manners for canines. Crunchy biscuits suit medium and large breeds that enjoy an audible snap and light tooth-scrubbing. Soft chews break apart easily for puppies, seniors, or rapid-fire training. Freeze-dried cubes land in between: they shatter under gentle pressure yet satisfy dogs that crave a crunch.
Watch your dog’s body language. Confident bites and quick swallows mean the texture fits; hesitant gnawing means it does not.
3. Spot red-flag additives before they reach the bowl
Scan for artificial preservatives like BHA or BHT, synthetic dyes such as Red 40, and sweeteners including cane sugar or corn syrup high on the list. Never buy treats that contain xylitol; even small amounts can be toxic.
Skip nutmeg and raisins found in human “pumpkin spice” snacks, as both pose health risks to dogs. If you would not bake with an ingredient yourself, leave the bag on the shelf.
4. Count calories and adjust portions
Treats should stay under 10 percent of daily calories. Multiply your dog’s weight in pounds by two for a quick upper limit. Then check “kcal per treat” on the package.
Size matters too. A 30-calorie biscuit fits as a post-hike reward, while a 3-calorie crunch shines during obedience drills. Break larger cookies into smaller bites to stretch flavor without overfeeding.
5. Factor in life stage and breed size
Puppies benefit from soft, easy-to-break pieces that double as frequent training rewards. Adults with energy to burn can handle higher-protein jerky sticks paired with pumpkin fiber for digestion. Seniors need tender textures and lower calories. Match treat dimensions to muzzle size to prevent gulping. Revisit choices as your dog ages or gains or loses weight.
6. Trust certifications and sourcing transparency
Badges such as USDA Organic, Made in USA, or Upcycled Certified signal strong quality controls. Reputable brands publish sourcing maps or batch results online. If customer service dodges basic questions, move on—plenty of companies share details proudly.
7. Use pumpkin treats for training, enrichment, and gentle stomach support
Low-calorie bites excel at reinforcing commands without inflating the food budget. Crunchy bars broken into pieces turn puzzle toys into long-lasting challenges. Pumpkin’s soluble fiber also firms loose stools; swap a regular cookie for a pumpkin-rich option when digestion seems off, and always provide fresh water to activate the fiber.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1 – Are pumpkin dog treats actually healthy?
Yes, when the recipe lists real pumpkin near the top and avoids added sugar, colors, or preservatives. Pumpkin supplies soluble fiber for digestion, beta-carotene that converts to vitamin A, and potassium for muscle health. Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories to balance the diet.
Q2 – Can pumpkin treats help with my dog’s diarrhea or constipation?
Often. Soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs extra water and firms loose stools, while insoluble fiber adds bulk that eases sluggish bowels. Offer a few pumpkin-rich treats and monitor stool quality for 24 to 48 hours. Contact your veterinarian if diarrhea persists or your dog shows lethargy.
Q3 – My dog is diabetic. Are there pumpkin treats that fit his plan?
Yes. Choose single-ingredient freeze-dried pumpkin cubes or biscuits with no added sweeteners. Check total carbohydrates and subtract treat calories from the daily food allowance. Monitor glucose as your vet directs.
Q4 – Are there risks to feeding pumpkin treats?
Risks are low when portions stay sensible. Too much fiber can cause gas or block nutrient absorption, and excessive vitamin A may build up over time. Also avoid “pumpkin spice” snacks that contain nutmeg, raisins, or xylitol, all of which are unsafe for dogs.
Q5 – Can I give pumpkin treats to a puppy?
Yes, in small amounts. Soft or mini treats ease chewing, and the fiber can settle mild tummy upsets common during food transitions. Introduce new treats gradually over three days and keep water available.
Q6 – Do veterinarians recommend pumpkin treats?
Most do, as long as the treats rely on plain pumpkin and clean supporting ingredients. Many clinics keep low-calorie pumpkin biscuits for post-exam rewards. Skip products high in sugar or fat, and follow serving guidelines on the package.
Conclusion – pumpkin treats keep tails wagging
Pumpkin proves that health and indulgence can share the same biscuit. Real pumpkin delivers fiber to steady digestion, antioxidants that support immunity, and a flavor dogs adore. Pair those perks with clean supporting ingredients and moderate portions, and you have a snack that earns both tail wags and veterinarian approval.
Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories, provide fresh water, and watch your dog’s body language for the final verdict. A happy crunch, a contented swallow, and well-formed stools signal you chose well.
Pick one of the ten vetted options above, cue your pup’s favorite trick, and enjoy the instant joy that follows. Smart choices and sensible portions keep your dog’s tail, tummy, and spirit in perfect rhythm all year long. Happy treating!