No need to wait for pumpkin spice season. You can share your favourite fall flavour with your pooch all year round! Our list of the best pumpkin dog treats is sure to have your dog begging for more.
We are obsessed with pumpkins. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, pumpkin, everything! Why shouldn't our dogs get to enjoy this fall classic too?
Pumpkin is a fall favourite for pets and people alike. This tasty and nutritious fruit is packed with vitamins and healthy fibre, making it a popular ingredient in dog food and treats.
We love sharing our favourite treats with our pets, and we want to tell you some great ways that you can help your dog get on board with our pumpkin addiction.
Benefit of Pumpkin Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a popular dog treat ingredient, so it's no surprise that you'll find a variety of this fall flavour at your local pet store. Many dogs love the taste of pumpkin, but selecting the best pumpkin dog treats is about more than just preference. Pumpkin offers a number of health benefits, and treats can be a great way to help include some of the benefits in your pet's daily diet.
Take a look at the top benefits of feeding pumpkin dog treats:
Digestion
Pumpkin aids in digestion by providing a nutritious fibre source that helps regulate the speed of digestion and acts as a bulking agent to improve stool quality. Though treats may only offer a small dose of this digestion-friendly ingredient, it can help to buffer overall digestive support.
Skin & Coat Health
Nutrients like Vitamin A, E, and Zinc all play an important role in skin and coat health and vision. Pumpkin also provides antioxidants to protect against disease-causing free radicals that can damage cells, leading to possible health concerns like cancer. In combination with a complete and balanced diet, pumpkin dog treats can help to boost these vital nutrient in your pet's diet.
Weight Control
When managing your dog's weight, Pumpkin can provide a feeling of fullness, allowing reduced-calorie diets or portion control to aid in weight loss without leaving your dog starved. This can make it easier to include a modest treating routine for a dog that is highly food-motivated or is trying to lose weight.
Check out 10 Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs to learn more about how to add pumpkin to your dog's diet.
10 Best Pumpkin Dog Treats in Canada
Dogs love treats. They can reward good behaviour, help build a positive routine, and enhance your dog's training, but they can also help to boost your dog's health too!
Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient for healthy dog snacks because it's loaded with nutrients. Even better, dogs love pumpkin. Check out our 10 best pumpkin dog treats to spoil your pooch with!
1. Grandma Lucy's Organic Pumpkin Oven-Baked Treats
Grandma Lucy's Pumpkin Oven-Baked Biscuits are a tasty snack anytime. They are made using 100% organic, human-quality, GMO-free ingredients and have no preservatives. The adorable teddy bear shape and all-natural formula will make it easy to feel good about rewarding your dog.
2. ValuePack Pumpkin Strips for Dogs
Looking for a simple, healthy, and single-ingredient option? Check out our ValuePack Pumpkin Strips for Dogs. These thin, crispy, and delectable dog snacks are low in fat, low in protein, and high in fibre. Support your dog's digestion, help him feel fuller for longer, and give him a much-deserved reward with these tasty dehydrated pumpkin dog treats.
3. Benny Bully's Beef Liver Plus Pumpkin
The perfect blend of mouth-watering beef liver and irresistible pumpkin, Benny Bully's Plus Pumpkin is a simple but delicious treat that is perfect for training, rewarding, and even as a meal topper. These treats are loaded with essential nutrients and help to support digestion by offering valuable dietary fibre.
4. Cloud Star Dynamo Pumpkin & Ginger
Cloud Star Dynamo Dog Treats are the perfect daily soft chew to show your dog some appreciation. They are soft and chewy, making them very palatable. These functional dog treats are designed to support your dog's health and complement her diet.
For sensitive stomachs, try the Dynamo Pumpkin and Ginger Dog Treats. They can aid in digestion and reduce nausea and indigestion.
5. Fromm Crunchy-Os Pumpkin KranPOW
With all the whimsy of your favourite childhood cereals, Fromm Crunchy-Os is a crowd-pleaser. Fromm Crunchy-O's Pumpkin KranPOW is an explosion of digestion-friendly pumpkin, and antioxidant-rich cranberries and contains only 2 calories per treat. They are excellent for training and treating overweight dogs.
6. Northern Pumpkin Pie Training Treats
This Canadian product is a crunchy biscuit that is packed with flavour. Northern Biscuit Pumpkin Pie treats are great for treat training or rewarding, depending on your dog's texture preference. Softer treats may be better for young puppies as they have a stronger scent to help keep them focused on you during training.
7. Fruitables Pumpkin & Cranberry Crunchy Biscuits
This typically fruit-based line has a strong, irresistible scent. Cinnamon is not only a nose pleaser but can help regulate blood sugar and increase insulin resistance. With only 8 calories per treat, Fruitables Pumpkin and Cranberry biscuits are perfect for overweight pets that still need to be rewarded for being a good boy.
8. Plato Turkey and Pumpkin Meat Bar
Plato Turkey and Pumpkin Meat Bars are slow-roasted semi-soft treats made from USA-raised turkey. These grain-free treats are great for instilling positive routine behaviours, or they can be quickly broken into bite-sized training treats.
9. Oven-Baked Chicken and Pumpkin Treats
In addition to nutritious pumpkin, Oven-Baked Traditions Chicken and Pumpkin treats are grain-free, soft, and chewy. They are packed with additional omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help support your dog's skin and coat. With only 3.1 calories per treat, you can confidently offer these meaty pumpkin treats to dogs of all life stages.
10. The Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk N' Cookies Pumpkin & Cinnamon
An adorable doggy twist on a classic favourite, milk and cookies, The Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk N' Cookies Pumpkin & Cinnamon Dog Treats are made with human-grade and highly nutritious ingredients like goat's milk, pumpkin, rolled oats, and vanilla. Additional probiotics in these snacks make them especially digestion-friendly.
Looking for more ways to sneak pumpkin into your dog's diet? Try adding it to your dog's favourite Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe. Canned or powdered pumpkin can be added to your favourite homemade recipes to provide digestive support and great flavour.
Choosing the Best Pumpkin Dog Treats
The treats in this list are our favourites, and we hope they will be yours too, but remember to select a treat that is appropriate for your pet's needs and the purpose of giving the treat. Smaller breeds and young puppies may need smaller portions to avoid overfeeding and digestive repercussions.
Treats can be up to 10% of a dog's diet, and the other 90% is coming from a complete and nutritious diet.
Don't be afraid to give a few extra treats when training a new puppy or providing mental stimulation using a puzzle or interactive game. Just make sure you offset these extra calories by temporarily reducing their food or increasing physical and mental activity.
Whether you are looking for a new idea for training treats, increasing your pet's health, or just wanting to share some of your favourite seasonal flavours with your dog, this list offers something for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are pumpkin dog treats popular?
Pumpkin is rich in fibre, which aids in digestion and can help with issues like diarrhea or constipation in dogs. Also, pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which promotes healthy skin and coat.
Can I give pumpkin treats to all dogs?
Pumpkin treats are safe for most dogs. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats into your dog's diet, especially if your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions.
How much pumpkin treat can I give my dog?
The amount of pumpkin treat your dog can have depends on their size, age, and dietary requirements. Always, read the feeding guidelines on the treat packaging and adjust based on your dog's individual needs.
Can pumpkin treats help with dog allergies?
Pumpkin treats themselves are unlikely to address allergies directly. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, pumpkin can be a helpful ingredient due to its limited allergen potential.
Are homemade or store-bought pumpkin treats better?
Both homemade and store-bought pumpkin treats can be suitable options, but it's important to consider the quality and ingredients. Store-bought treats should be chosen based on reputable brands with natural and high-quality ingredients.
How should pumpkin treats be stored?
Pumpkin dog treats should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. If you've made homemade treats, refrigeration might be necessary if they contain fresh ingredients.