Crisp fall air isn’t the only thing that makes dogs wag harder—catch a whiff of cinnamon-kissed pumpkin and apple drifting from your oven and even the most disciplined pup will forget “leave it.” The great news? You don’t need a culinary degree or a specialty pet-store budget to turn that seasonal aroma into wholesome, tail-wagging rewards. Pumpkin applesauce dog treats are quickly becoming the go-to homemade snack for health-conscious guardians who want fiber-rich digestion support, immune-boosting antioxidants, and a flavor combo that masks the taste of any supplements.
Below you’ll find the complete 2025 blueprint: science-backed ingredient benefits, texture tricks for seniors vs. power chewers, storage hacks that outsmart mold, and allergy swaps that don’t sacrifice palatability. Consider this your master class in turning two humble produce staples into nutrient-dense, low-calorie biscuits, soft-bakes, and frozen delights—no mysterious fillers, no propylene glycol, no neon-green artificial colors—just real food your dog can pronounce.
Top 10 Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Fruitables Healthy Dog Treats Pumpkin & Apple | Made with Pumpkin for Dogs | Low Calorie Treats for Dogs | 12 Ounces, White
Overview: Fruitables Pumpkin & Apple crunchy biscuits deliver 12 oz of low-calorie, USA-baked rewards that claim universal appeal from puppyhood to senior years.
What Makes It Stand Out: The pairing of pumpkin superfood with fresh apple creates a naturally sweet, fiber-rich cookie that clocks in at just 8 calories—ideal for repetitive training without expanding waistlines.
Value for Money: At $5.49 you’re paying roughly $0.46 per ounce, making this one of the most budget-friendly functional treats on the market; a 12 oz pouch lasts through weeks of daily sits, stays, and recalls.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros include pronounced aroma that hooks picky eaters, crunchy texture that helps clean teeth, and a resealable bag that stays fresh. Cons: barley and potato content isn’t grain-free, and some dogs crunch through them so fast the “training” moment is over quickly.
Bottom Line: If you want an inexpensive, nutritious biscuit that won’t sabotage your dog’s diet, Fruitables is a pantry staple worth stocking.
2. Bocce’s Bakery Pumpk’n Spice Treats for Dogs, Wheat-Free Everyday Dog Treats, Made with Real Ingredients, Baked in The USA, All-Natural Soft & Chewy Cookies, Pumpkin, Peanut Butter, & Cinnamon, 6 oz
Overview: Bocce’s Bakery soft-bakes its Pumpk’n Spice cookies in small USA batches, delivering a wheat-free, 6 oz pouch scented with cinnamon, pumpkin, and peanut butter.
What Makes It Stand Out: The cookie is intentionally chewy—gentle on puppy or senior mouths—yet still scores only 13 calories, letting handlers dole out generous praise without calorie guilt.
Value for Money: $7.50 for 6 oz equals about $0.78 per ounce, pricier than mass-market biscuits; you’re paying for boutique sourcing, short ingredient lists, and soft texture unavailable in most crunchy competitors.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: allergy-friendly (no wheat, corn, soy), easy to break into micro-rewards, and an autumnal flavor dogs go nuts for. Cons: softness means faster consumption (less jaw-work), and the pouch is small if you own multiple large dogs.
Bottom Line: For picky, senior, or allergy-prone pups, these chewy pumpkin cookies justify the modest splurge.
3. Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, Puppy Training, Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy, Made in the USA, Pumpkin and Mango Flavor, 5oz
Overview: Fruitables Skinny Minis shrink calorie count to under 4 per morsel while marrying pumpkin with tropical mango in a 5 oz, wheat-free training pouch.
What Makes It Stand Out: Their tiny heart-shape and glossy aroma cloud make high-frequency rewarding effortless; you can deliver dozens during a single heel-work session without blowing daily calorie budgets.
Value for Money: $5.49 per 5 oz pencils to roughly $1.10 per ounce—middle-road pricing that feels fair given the ultra-low caloric density and allergy-conscious recipe.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: excellent for weight-management programs, resealable bag keeps pieces moist, and the mango twist intrigues finicky palates. Cons: some bags arrive with excessive crumb dust, and heavy chewers may swallow them whole.
Bottom Line: Perfect “handful in your pocket” treat for trainers who reward early and often while watching waistlines.
4. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Training Treats – Made in The USA – 3 Pack (5 oz)
Overview: Portland Pet Food Company bundles three 5 oz bags of grain-free, human-grade pumpkin biscuits baked in Oregon with just seven whole-food ingredients.
What Makes It Stand Out: The vegan recipe uses organic pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and garbanzo flour, yielding a light, snap-able crunch suitable for every size dog—even allergy sufferers dodging grains, dairy, and animal proteins.
Value for Money: $27.64 for 15 oz total translates to $1.84 per ounce, placing these at the premium tier; you’re underwriting small-batch, USA-only sourcing and biodegradable packaging.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: crunchy texture aids dental hygiene, simple ingredient panel builds trust, and biscuits snap cleanly for portion control. Cons: price may deter multi-dog households, and bags are modestly sized.
Bottom Line: If organic, vegan, grain-free ethics top your list, these Oregon-made cookies earn their keep despite the upscale tag.
5. A Better Treat – Freeze Dried Organic Pumpkin Dog and Cat Treats, Organic, Single Ingredient | Natural, Healthy, Diabetic Friendly | Made in The USA
Overview: A Better Treat freeze-dries 100% organic pumpkin into single-ingredient niblets that weigh almost nothing yet deliver stomach-soothing fiber and a mere 0.2 calories per piece.
What Makes It Stand Out: The process locks in over 60% more nutrients than dehydration while producing a non-greasy, high-value reward that doubles as a diarrhea remedy or kibble topper—no refrigeration needed.
Value for Money: $14.98 buys a 2.5 oz jar; at roughly $6 per ounce it’s the costliest by weight, but you receive thousands of micro-treats, so the cost-per-reward is pennies during lengthy training blocks.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: hypoallergenic, diabetic-friendly, virtually calorie-free, and multipurpose (topper, treat, tummy aid). Cons: freeze-dried bits can powder if handled roughly, and picky dogs may find the texture unfamiliar at first.
Bottom Line: For trainers, sensitive stomachs, or calorie-restricted diets, these feather-light pumpkin flakes are a powerhouse justifying their premium price.
6. Fruitables Pumpkin Digestive Supplement, Made with Pumpkins for Dogs, Healthy Fiber Supplement for Pet Nutrition, Packed with Superfoods, 15 oz
Overview: Fruitables Pumpkin Digestive Supplement is a 15-oz can of fiber-rich pumpkin puree blended with superfoods to regulate canine and feline digestion naturally. Marketed as the “perfect poop” helper, it promises gentle relief from both diarrhea and constipation without harsh chemicals.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike plain canned pumpkin, this formula adds apple, tomato, and blueberry fibers for a broader spectrum of soluble and insoluble roughage. The single-serve pull-tab lid eliminates waste; most dogs lap it straight from the spoon, turning medicine into a treat.
Value for Money: At 40 ¢/oz it costs only pennies more than grocery-store pumpkin yet delivers a calibrated fiber matrix and longer shelf life once opened. One can lasts a 40-lb dog about a week—cheaper than vet-formulated powders or pastes.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: palatable straight or mixed, works within 24 h, safe for cats too, no additives. Cons: can arrive dented, needs refrigeration after opening, calorie-dense (20 kcal/Tbsp) so rationing is required for weight-managed pets.
Bottom Line: Keep a can in every pantry; it’s the fastest, tastiest way to normalize stools after dietary indiscretions, medication courses, or stress.
7. Fruitables Biggies™ Pumpkin Blueberry Dog Treats
Overview: Fruitables Biggies are crunchy, blueberry-speckled biscuits baked in extra-large “attention-grabbing” shapes for medium-to-large dogs. The 1-lb resealable pouch holds roughly 30 treats that snap cleanly into smaller portions for training or calorie control.
What Makes It Stand Out: Most high-value training treats are soft and greasy; Biggies deliver the same scent-driven enticement in a low-fat, low-calorie (38 kcal/treat) crunch that won’t leave pocket residue. The pumpkin-blueberry aroma is strong enough to redirect distracted dogs at a distance.
Value for Money: Under $10 per pound lands them in the mid-range bracket—cheaper than premium freeze-dried yet pricier than milk bones. Because they break without crumbling, one biscuit can reward four behaviors, stretching the bag further than it first appears.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: wheat/corn/soy-free, no artificial dyes, USA-made, resealable bag keeps crunch for months. Cons: too large for toy breeds unless broken, blueberries sometimes fall off and stain light carpets, not suitable for dogs with severe chicken-protein allergies (contains chicken fat).
Bottom Line: A versatile, clean-handling biscuit that bridges the gap between boring kibble and fatty jerky—ideal for obedience classes or everyday good-dog moments.
8. Blue Dog Bakery Pun’Kin Softies, Pumpkin Flavor, 10 Ounces
Overview: Blue Dog Bakery Pun’Kin Softies are soft-baked sandwich cookies filled with peanut butter and flavored with pumpkin. The 10-oz box contains about 24 two-inch cookies that bend rather than snap, making them gentle on senior teeth and puppy gums.
What Makes It Stand Out: While competitors rely on wheat-heavy dough, Softies use barley and oat flour, yielding a tender texture that can be rolled into pill pockets. The peanut-butter aroma masks pill bitterness better than plain pumpkin treats, turning medication time into treat time.
Value for Money: At $13.90/lb they’re priced like boutique bakery goods, but the pliability means one cookie can be pinched into four mini-rewards, softening the sticker shock.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: non-GMO, USA-made, no corn/soy, easy to tear, loved by picky eaters. Cons: high calorie (48 kcal each), shelf life only 6 months once opened, filling can ooze in hot weather during shipping.
Bottom Line: A comforting, nostalgic cookie that doubles as a pill vehicle—stock up if you have an aging or recovering dog who needs gentle motivation.
9. PETIPET Plant-Based Pumpkin Dog Treats – Pumpkin, Carrot, Apple, and Blueberry Soft & Chewy – Vegetarian, Vegan Dog Treats with Organic Ingredients – Low-Protein, Hypoallergenic, Gluten-Free
Overview: PETIPET Plant-Based Pumpkin Treats are soft, fruit-and-veggie squares made from pumpkin, carrot, apple, and blueberry. Each 5-oz pouch holds roughly 40 bite-sized chews formulated for vegan, hypoallergenic, and low-protein diets.
What Makes It Stand Out: Most vegan treats still contain grain or yeast; PETIPET eliminates both, relying on pumpkin fiber for structure. The result is a 6 kcal square that dissolves quickly, making it the rare treat safe for dogs with kidney concerns, poultry allergies, or no teeth at all.
Value for Money: $1.70/oz positions them above grocery brands but below prescription novel-protein treats. For allergy management, they replace multiple specialty products, saving vet bills and hassle.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: human-grade kitchen, organic produce, truly soft for dentals, resealable pouch keeps moisture 12 weeks. Cons: strong carrot smell humans find odd, squares stick together in heat, bag is small for multi-dog households.
Bottom Line: A guilt-free, inclusive reward that lets sensitive dogs enjoy snack time alongside their high-drive kennel-mates—worth the premium for allergy or vegan households.
10. Himalayan Dog Chew Pumpkin Yogurt Sticks | Prebiotic & Probotic Protein Rich | Lactose Free – Gluten Free – Corn Free – Grain Free | USA Made | All Breeds | Droolicious Yogurt Dog Treats | 5 Pieces
Overview: Himalayan Dog Chew Pumpkin Yogurt Sticks are lactose-free, yogurt-based chews infused with pumpkin puree and probiotics. The 5-count tube delivers five 4-inch sticks that soften as they’re licked, suiting puppies, seniors, and every size in between.
What Makes It Stand Out: Drawing on Himalayan chhurpi know-how, the sticks are slow-cultured to remove lactose while concentrating protein (14 %), then coated with pumpkin for prebiotic fiber. The dual digestive support is rare in single-serve chews.
Value for Money: At $26.63/lb they’re a luxury item, yet one stick entertains a 30-lb dog for 15–20 min—comparable to a bully stick without the odor or calorie overload (55 kcal/stick).
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: grain-free, no artificial dyes, made in USA, resealable tube for freshness, safe for lactose-intolerant dogs. Cons: expensive per minute of chew time, can become sticky if left in sunlight, not for power-chewers who swallow large chunks.
Bottom Line: A digestible, mess-free chew that doubles as a tummy-soothing supplement—perfect for post-antibiotic recovery or as a special “dessert” after meals.
Why Pumpkin and Applesauce Are Canine Superfoods in 2025
Pumpkin delivers soluble fiber (pectin) to regulate stool consistency and pre-biotic fuel for gut microbiota, while its orange hue signals beta-carotene that converts to vision-supporting vitamin A. Applesauce contributes quercetin, a flavonoid that acts as a natural antihistamine, plus pectin that binds excess water in the colon. Together they create a low-calorie, nutrient-dense base that keeps treats under 8 kcal apiece—perfect for weight-management programs trending in veterinary clinics this year.
Nutritional Breakdown Every Pet Parent Should Know
One tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin offers 3 g fiber, ⅓ of a dog’s daily vitamin A needs, and only 5 kcal. Unsweetened applesauce adds vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols with roughly 6 kcal per tablespoon. Balanced with a lean protein and a complex carb, the combo yields a treat that’s >75% moisture, <10% fat, and roughly 2–3 g fiber per 30 g serving—ideal macros for satiety without pancreatic stress.
Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin: Canned vs. Fresh vs. Puree Pods
Canned plain pumpkin (not pie filling) is harvested at peak ripeness and flash-cooked to retain carotenoids—convenient year-round. Fresh sugar pumpkin requires roasting, peeling, and straining but allows you to control moisture density and eliminate BPA linings. 2025’s newcomer, vacuum-sealed puree pods, offers single-serve convenience with a lighter carbon paw-print; rehydrate with warm bone broth for an umami boost.
Applesauce 101: Organic, Sugar-Free, and DIY Options
USDA-certified organic applesauce guarantees lower pesticide residue, important for dogs with compromised livers. Look for “no added sugar, no ascorbic acid” labels—citric acid is acceptable in small amounts. Prefer DIY? Core, peel, and steam apples for 8 min, then blitz with a splash of the steaming water to retain oligomeric procyanidins. Freeze in silicone mini-muffin trays for pre-measured portions.
Texture Tailoring: Crunchy Biscuits vs. Soft Chews vs. Frozen Cubes
Senior dogs with dental disease need a soft, springy crumb that yields under gentle pressure; incorporate applesauce as the main hydration source and bake 25% less than the timer suggests. Power chewers crave a sonic crunch—reduce applesauce by half, add rolled oats as a binder, and twice-bake at 250 °F for 2 hours. Frozen cubes blend equal parts pumpkin and applesauce with Greek yogurt; the high water content creates a slow-melt popsicle that combats summer boredom.
Allergy-Smart Substitutions for Grain, Dairy, and Protein Sensitivities
Swap whole-wheat flour for certified gluten-free oat flour or coconut flour (use ⅓ less—coconut is hyper-absorbent). Replace chicken eggs with flax “eggs” (1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water) to eliminate common protein triggers. Dairy-sensitive dogs tolerate lactose-free kefir or unsweetened coconut milk yogurt, which still provides probiotic cultures.
Spice Safety: Cinnamon, Ginger, Turmeric—How Much Is Too Much?
Cinnamon can lower blood-sugar spikes but limit to ⅛ tsp per 10 lb body weight to avoid oral irritation. Ginger (⅙ tsp) eases nausea and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory; avoid if your dog is on NSAIDs or anticoagulants. Turmeric (pinch plus black pepper for absorption) supports joints—never exceed ⅛ tsp for giant breeds to prevent oxalate stone risk.
Baking vs. Dehydrating vs. Air-Frying: Equipment Guide for 2025 Kitchens
Conventional ovens offer even browning thanks to bottom-element heat; use parchment to reduce acrylamide formation. Dehydrators set at 135 °F preserve heat-sensitive vitamins, yielding a leathery jerky texture in 6–8 hours. Air fryers circulate 325 °F air; reduce recipe temperature by 25 °F and check 5 min early—rapid moisture loss can scorch natural sugars.
Portion Control: Calorie Counting for Toy Breeds to Giant Dogs
Treats should never exceed 10% of daily caloric needs. A 10-lb Chihuahua on a 350 kcal diet gets max 35 kcal from treats—roughly four 8-kcal pumpkin applesauce biscuits. A 90-lb Labrador on 1,300 kcal can safely enjoy sixteen. Use a digital kitchen scale; log weights in a tracking app to prevent “treat creep.”
Shelf-Life Science: Natural Preservatives and Proper Storage Hacks
Moisture-to-water-activity (aw) ratio determines mold risk. Target aw ≤0.70 by adding 1 tsp food-grade rosemary extract or ¼ tsp vitamin E oil (mixed tocopherols) per cup of dough. Store crunchy biscuits in vacuum-sealed mason jars with silica gel packs; keep soft chews in the freezer for up to 3 months, thawing only the daily ration.
Holiday Shapes and Colors: Using Turmeric Beet Powders Safely
Turn dough orange with ¼ tsp turmeric, burgundy with ⅛ tsp beet powder, or green with dehydrated kale dust—each provides antioxidants without synthetic FD&C dyes. Press into silicone molds shaped like bones, pumpkins, or paw prints for Instagram-worthy holiday gifts. Dust cooled treats with a barely-there brush of spirulina for a metallic shimmer that’s still safe to lick.
Puppy-Approved vs. Senior-Specific Tweaks
Puppies under six months need higher calcium—add ½ tsp finely ground eggshell per cup of flour (equals 400 mg Ca). Seniors with renal disease require reduced phosphorus; substitute white rice flour for oat flour and avoid egg yolks. Both age groups benefit from softer textures achieved by adding an extra tablespoon of applesauce and reducing bake time by 3 min.
Traveling With Homemade Treats: TSA-Friendly Packaging and Camping Tips
Pack dehydrated coins in a reusable silicone pouch; the moisture drop to 8% keeps them shelf-stable for 10 days without refrigeration. For car-camping, pre-portion in 4-mil zip bags, squeeze out air, and stash with a frozen gel pack inside an insulated tote. Label with ingredients and your vet’s number to breeze through TSA or border checks.
Signs of Overfeeding: How to Read Your Dog’s Stool and Energy Levels
Orange-hued, pudding-like stool signals excess soluble fiber—cut portion in half for 48 hours. A dry, chalky stool indicates too much insoluble fiber; add a tablespoon of plain applesauce to rehydrate. Hyperactivity followed by a sugar crash may reflect too much apple-derived fructose—reduce applesauce and add steamed green beans for bulk.
Vet-Approved Quality Checks: From Counter to Canine Consumption
Perform a quick “crumble test”—a properly baked biscuit breaks with a clean snap and no damp center. Check internal temperature with an instant-read probe; aim for 190 °F to kill Salmonella and E. coli. Cool completely on a wire rack; residual heat can trap steam and invite mold. Introduce one test treat, then monitor for 24 hours for vomiting, pruritus, or ear odor before adding the recipe to regular rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin?
No—pie filling contains nutmeg and added sugars toxic or harmful to dogs; stick to 100% pumpkin puree.
2. How long do homemade pumpkin applesauce treats last at room temperature?
Crunchy biscuits with natural preservatives stay fresh for 7–10 days in an airtight container; soft chews need refrigeration and last 5 days or 3 months frozen.
3. My dog has diabetes—are these treats safe?
Yes, when made with plain pumpkin, sugar-free applesauce, and a low-glycemic flour such as coconut or chickpea; still count carbohydrates and consult your vet for insulin adjustments.
4. What’s the best flour for gluten-intolerant dogs?
Certified gluten-free oat flour offers gentle fiber and mild taste; coconut flour is higher fiber but needs extra liquid—start with ¼ cup coconut for every 1 cup oat.
5. Can I add peanut butter to the dough?
Choose xylitol-free, unsalted peanut butter and limit to 1 Tbsp per cup of dough to avoid excessive fat and calories.
6. Is cinnamon absolutely necessary?
Not at all; it merely boosts palatability and glucose metabolism. You can omit spices or substitute a pinch of carob powder for a dog-safe “chocolate” note.
7. How do I know if my dog is allergic to apples?
Introduce a pea-sized amount of plain applesauce and observe for 24 hours. Signs include ear scratching, face rubbing, or loose stool—discontinue if noted.
8. Can cats eat pumpkin applesauce dog treats?
Cats lack sweet taste receptors and need taurine not present in these recipes; offer cat-specific treats instead to avoid GI upset.
9. Are dehydrated treats safer than rawhide?
Yes—homemade dehydrated pumpkin-apple coins digest more readily and don’t swell in the stomach like chemically processed rawhide.
10. What’s the quickest emergency substitution if I run out of pumpkin?
Plain cooked butternut squash or sweet potato puree offers similar fiber and beta-carotene; adjust moisture as both can be slightly wetter than pumpkin.