Frozen pumpkin dog treats
Yes — plain purée only
Low-calorie freezer treats from one pantry staple. The can next to it labeled pie mix is not the same product.
Recipe status: not yet tested in our kitchen. Written from common treat guidance (see Sources below). We’ll add our own photos and notes after we make it.
Treat only — not a complete diet. Homemade snacks do not replace a balanced commercial or veterinary diet. If your pet has a health condition, ask your vet before trying a new treat.
Ingredients
- 180 g (3/4 cup) plain pumpkin purée (100% pumpkin)
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) water — only if very thick
- Optional (dogs only): 16 g (1 tablespoon) xylitol-free peanut butter
Steps
Read the label: buy pumpkin / pumpkin purée only. Skip pie filling and pie mix.
Stir purée smooth. Whisk in optional peanut butter for dogs only after a xylitol check.
Divide the mixture evenly among 12 silicone mold cavities (about 15–18 g each, depending on how much water you added).
Freeze solid, at least 2 hours.
Serve one drop; return the tray to the freezer.
Log the calories in the calorie calculator.
Calorie estimate (label as estimate): Plain canned pumpkin ≈ 0.34 kcal/g (USDA), so 180 g ≈ 61 kcal for the batch; water adds none. Per drop (÷12) ≈ 5 kcal estimate. With the optional 16 g peanut butter (≈ 94 kcal) mixed into the whole batch, each drop is ≈ 13 kcal.
Estimates use rough USDA-style values for plain foods and will vary by brand. Put your piece calories into the dog calorie calculator and keep snacks near 10% of daily calories (WSAVA / AAHA guidance).
Storage
Keep frozen in a sealed bag up to 1 month. Do not leave out to thaw into a sticky mess on carpet.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs: one or two drops as a cool snack. Cats: a tiny lick of plain pumpkin is enough; skip peanut butter versions for cats.
Open the calorie calculator Foods to skip