Homemade No-Bake Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipe with Ground Pumpkin Seeds

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I’ll never forget the first time I whipped up these no-bake bites for my pup—it felt like magic. No oven, no fancy tools, just a bowl, a spoon, and a very curious dog peeking up at the counter, nose twitching with excitement. The moment I opened the pumpkin purée, he knew something delicious was coming his way.

This homemade dog treat recipe has quickly become one of our favorite rituals. It’s simple, nutritious, and—best of all—my dog lives for these little pumpkin-packed energy bites. The best part? I feel great giving them to him because every single ingredient is chosen with love and health in mind.

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Why These No-Bake Dog Treats Are a Staple in My Kitchen

If you’re looking for an easy, quick, and super nutritious dog recipe, these little bites are gold. I make a batch in under 15 minutes, pop them in the fridge, and boom—instant homemade dog treats for the week.

They’re packed with:

• Pumpkin for tummy-friendly fiber
• Dog-safe peanut butter for healthy fats and flavor
• Rolled oats for chewy texture and whole grains
• Ground pumpkin seeds for added protein, zinc, and a touch of crunch

And honestly? I’ve caught myself thinking, “These almost look like protein balls for humans!” (Don’t worry, I let my pup keep them all to himself.)

this …

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Updated Ingredient List – Simple, Clean, and Dog-Friendly

Here’s exactly what I used in this batch:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin purée (unsweetened, NOT pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup natural, dog-safe peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• 2 tablespoons ground pumpkin seeds (aka pumpkin seed meal or finely ground pepitas)

That’s it! Four wholesome ingredients. No fillers, no preservatives, and nothing your dog can’t pronounce.

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Ingredient Benefits – Because Our Dogs Deserve the Best

Let’s take a quick look at why this combo is so awesome for your pup:

• Pumpkin Purée: Full of soluble fiber, it helps regulate digestion and firm up stools. Plus, most dogs love the mild, sweet flavor.
• Peanut Butter: Rich in healthy fats and protein, it’s a fantastic source of energy. Just make sure you’re using a natural kind without added sugar, salt, or xylitol (which is toxic to dogs).
• Rolled Oats: Easy on the digestive system and a great alternative to wheat for sensitive pups. Oats are also a slow-burning carb—perfect for sustained energy.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Tiny but mighty, these seeds bring in a boost of zinc, magnesium, and iron. When ground, they’re easier for dogs to digest and absorb.

These ingredients aren’t just safe—they’re beneficial, helping support everything from coat shine to gut health.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: No Oven Needed!

Here’s how I put it all together:

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Step 1: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and add:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin purée
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons ground pumpkin seeds

Use a sturdy spoon to mix it all up. At first, it’ll feel a little sticky—but as the oats absorb moisture, the texture firms up nicely. You’re looking for a dough that’s soft but not overly wet.

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Step 2: Roll Into Bite-Sized Balls

Scoop out small amounts and roll them into balls using your hands. I usually make them about 1 inch in diameter—perfect for a medium-sized dog. You can go smaller for tiny pups or make a few larger ones as special “big treat” rewards.

Optional: Roll the balls in a shallow dish of extra oats for a cute, textured look and added grip (less sticky = less mess during treat time!).

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Step 3: Chill to Set

Place the rolled bites on a parchment-lined plate or tray. Chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes to help them firm up. Once set, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week—or pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

(Pro tip: they thaw quickly, so I’ll often just grab one straight from the freezer for a cool summertime treat!)

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Customizing for Your Dog’s Taste and Needs

This recipe is super flexible. Once you’ve made it a couple times, you might find yourself tweaking it for fun—or to suit your dog’s preferences:

🐾 Flavor Boosters

• Add a small sprinkle of cinnamon (great for anti-inflammatory properties)
• Mix in a little unsweetened shredded coconut for texture and scent
• Stir in a teaspoon of chia seeds for omega-3s and fiber

🐾 Texture Tweaks

• For a firmer bite, increase the oats slightly
• For a smoother, more doughy texture, go lighter on the oats or add a touch more pumpkin
• Want crunch? Add finely chopped raw carrots or a few unsalted crushed pumpkin seeds

These aren’t just snacks—they’re a chance to personalize something special for your pup’s unique taste.

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Serving Size and Storage Tips

Even though these are healthy, they’re still treats! I usually give my dog 1 or 2 per day, depending on his size and activity level.

Keep them chilled in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 5–7 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag or container—just don’t forget to label them (especially if you also make human snacks that look similar)!

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Watching the Joy in Every Bite

There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your dog do that little dance of joy over something you made from scratch. It’s a simple treat, sure—but it turns into a beautiful bonding moment.

These no-bake pumpkin peanut butter bites are more than just dog treats—they’re an act of love. And once you start making them, I promise, your pup will never let you stop.

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Making These Treats a Weekly Ritual

Over time, these no-bake pumpkin and peanut butter treats have become a little weekend tradition for me and my pup. On quiet Sunday mornings, I’ll toss everything into a bowl, give it a good stir, and roll out the bites while he watches me intently from his “kitchen spot” (AKA the corner of the rug where he can see everything).

I swear, he knows the sound of the pumpkin can opening now. There’s this subtle shift in energy—ears perk up, tail starts wagging slowly, then faster. And once the smell of peanut butter hits the air? Game over. He’s all in.

It’s moments like these that make homemade dog recipes so rewarding. It’s not just about what goes into the treats—it’s about the shared experience, the care, and the joy that flows through it all.

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A Treat You Can Feel Good About

One of the biggest benefits of making your own homemade dog treats is knowing exactly what goes into them. No fillers, no preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just whole, dog-safe foods made with love.

I’ve had people ask me, “Are these more expensive to make than store-bought treats?” And my honest answer is: sometimes, yes—but the value is so much higher. You’re giving your dog fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients without the junk. Plus, the batch size is super generous.

You get dozens of bites out of a single mix, especially if you make them smaller for tiny dogs or use them as training rewards.

And let’s be real—that look of total delight when your dog gets one? Priceless.

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Fun Flavor Variations to Try Next

Now that you’ve mastered the base recipe, here are a few ideas to mix things up next time you make a batch:

🍌 Banana Boost

• Swap half the pumpkin for a mashed banana
• Bananas are rich in potassium and dogs love the flavor

🥥 Coconut Crunch

• Roll the bites in unsweetened shredded coconut instead of oats
• Bonus: It helps reduce mess and gives them a pretty, snowball-like finish

🫐 Blueberry Burst

• Mix in a handful of freeze-dried blueberries or crushed dog-safe berries
• Antioxidants for the win!

These swaps are fun, but they also help you use what’s already in your kitchen. No need to run out and buy specialty ingredients unless you want to—this recipe is all about simplicity and flexibility.

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Sharing the Love (and the Recipe)

If you’ve got friends with dogs, these treats make adorable little gifts. Just pop a few in a mason jar, add a ribbon, and boom—you’ve got the cutest, healthiest homemade dog gift ever.

I’ve also shared this recipe with a few local pet parents at the dog park, and it’s always a hit. One friend told me her picky chihuahua, who turns her nose up at most snacks, devoured these within seconds. That’s the power of a little peanut butter and pumpkin magic.

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Common Questions You Might Have

Let’s run through a few quick FAQs I’ve gotten about this dog recipe:

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🐾 Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, absolutely! Quick oats work just fine. The texture might be a bit softer, but they’re still just as nutritious and dog-safe.

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🐾 Is canned pumpkin really safe for dogs?

Yes—but make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin with no added sugars, spices, or flavorings. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which often contains nutmeg and sugar that aren’t safe for dogs.

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🐾 Can I use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter?

Yep! Just like peanut butter, those options are great as long as they don’t contain xylitol or other harmful additives. Always read the label before using any nut or seed butter.

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🐾 What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?

This recipe is generally tummy-friendly, especially with the fiber from the pumpkin and oats. But if you’re trying it for the first time, start with a small portion and see how your pup reacts. You can always scale down the portion size or try milder add-ins like mashed sweet potato.

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Real Talk: Your Dog Deserves Homemade

I know life gets busy, and it’s easy to reach for a bag of store-bought treats. But making homemade dog treats—even once a month—is such a simple way to show your pup how much they mean to you.

It’s a reminder that you care about what goes into their body, and that you’re willing to take a little time to make something just for them.

And trust me, they know. Dogs might not understand recipes or baking sheets, but they do understand effort, love, and the way you smile when you hand them that first freshly made treat.

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Don’t Forget to Check Out My Pinterest!

If you’re loving this recipe and want more ideas just like it, be sure to visit the Dog Cookery Pinterest page! I’m always pinning new treat ideas, pet-safe ingredients, and helpful tips for homemade dog recipes.

Whether you’re into baked biscuits, frozen chews, or seasonal snacks, you’ll find tons of inspiration to keep your pup happy and healthy.

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Final Thoughts

Homemade dog treats don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. With just four simple ingredients—pumpkin, peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin seed—you’ve got a nutritious, delicious snack your dog will go wild for.

So next time you want to treat your pup (or just brighten their day a little), give these no-bake bites a try. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your dog will be thrilled, and your heart? Pretty full too.

Happy treat-making, and give your pup a belly rub from me! 🐾💕

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Love this recipe?
Share it with your fellow dog parents, and be sure to follow dogcookery.com on Pinterest for more homemade dog treat ideas, tips, and paws-itively delicious recipes.

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