If you’ve ever wished your dog could share in the seasonal joy of roasted butternut or grilled zucchini, you’re in for a gourd time. Squash isn’t just a colorful side on your dinner plate—it’s a low-calorie, fiber-rich powerhouse that can transform everyday training rewards into nutrient-dense bites. In 2025, with pet parents leaning hard into kitchen DIY and clean labels, squash-based dog treats are exploding in popularity, and for good reason: they’re easy to prep, gentle on sensitive tummies, and wallet-friendly compared to boutique store-bought chews.
Below, you’ll learn exactly why squash deserves prime real estate in your treat rotation, how to pick the best varieties, and the science-backed prep tricks that keep vitamins intact while avoiding common kitchen pitfalls. Grab a cutting board and your pup’s favorite spatula-shaped cookie cutter—let’s turn that farmers-market haul into tail-wag gold.
Top 10 Squash Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Smart Cookie All Natural Soft Dog Treats – Duck & Squash – Training Treats for Dogs with Allergies or Sensitive Stomachs – Grain Free Dog Treats, Chewy, Human-Grade, Made in USA – 5oz Bag
Overview: Smart Cookie’s Duck & Squash soft bites are grain-free, human-grade training morsels crafted for allergy-prone pups.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-source duck protein paired with visible squash cubes, produced in small Great-Lakes batches—ideal for elimination diets.
Value for Money: $2.40/oz is mid-range for limited-ingredient treats; you’re paying for regional sourcing and human-grade safety.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: ultra-soft for seniors/puppies, only 4 calories each, doubles as a food topper, USA-made with zero junk.
Cons: 5-oz bag empties fast during heavy training, duck scent is strong for human noses, price climbs if you have multiple large dogs.
Bottom Line: If your dog itches, scratches, or turns up her nose at ordinary biscuits, these gentle, aromatic rewards deserve pantry space.
2. Fruitables Baked Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy, Made in the USA, Pumpkin and Apple Flavor, 7oz
Overview: Fruitables blends pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon into a 7-oz carton of crunchy, flower-shaped biscuits.
What Makes It Stand Out: Only 8 calories per treat and an addictively sweet aroma that owners admit smells like autumn cookies.
Value for Money: At $3.99 this is budget luxury—under six cents per treat—cheaper than most grocery-aisle junk biscuits.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: baked texture cleans teeth, wheat/corn/soy-free, resealable bag stays fresh for weeks.
Cons: some bags arrive with extra crumb dust, spice scent can entice counter-surfing dogs, not soft enough for very senior jaws.
Bottom Line: A guilt-free, low-calorie crunch that lets you reward often; perfect for maintaining waistlines while keeping tails wagging.
3. Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats Healthy Biscuits for Small Medium & Large Dogs – Grain-Free, Human-Grade, All Natural Cookies, Snacks & Puppy Training Treats – Made in The USA – 5 oz
Overview: Portland Pet Food’s double-baked pumpkin biscuits are vegan, grain-free, and certified human-grade for dogs of every size.
What Makes It Stand Out: Organic pumpkin purée plus Bob’s Red Mill garbanzo flour yields a light, snap-able texture that can be portioned for tiny mouths.
Value for Money: $9.99 for 5 oz is premium territory, but you’re funding USA family farms and BPA-free packaging.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: only 7 ingredients, no preservatives, doubles as training tidbit or crunchy snack, excellent for allergy elimination.
Cons: higher per-pound cost than meat-based treats, bag lacks zip-lock (use a clip), vegan formula may not entice hardcore carnivores.
Bottom Line: A clean, plant-powered cookie ideal for dogs with protein sensitivities or owners seeking ethical sourcing.
4. 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 a wheat-free, pumpkin-peanut-butter cookie that’s chewy enough for puppies yet portion-controlled at 13 calories.
What Makes It Stand Out: Oat-flour base and just 10 whole-food ingredients baked in small USA batches—no weird preservatives.
Value for Money: $7.50 for 6 oz lands between budget and boutique; you’re paying for soft texture without fillers.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: breaks apart for training, gentle on senior teeth, resealable bag, mild peanut aroma doesn’t overwhelm households.
Cons: softness means quicker spoilage—finish within three weeks, not ideal for power chewers who relish crunch.
Bottom Line: A versatile, tender cookie that bridges the gap between training tidbit and everyday indulgence.
5. Shameless Pets Jerky Dog Treats, Salmon Loves Butternut – Healthy Dog Chews for Dogs Skin & Coat with Omega 3 & 6 – with Real Wild-Caught Salmon – Free from Grain, Corn & Soy – 1-Pack
Overview: Shameless Pets turns sustainably sourced salmon and upcycled butternut squash into jerky strips rich in omega 3 & 6.
What Makes It Stand Out: Real wild salmon is ingredient #1, while surplus veggies fight food waste and deliver skin-and-coat nutrition.
Value for Money: $7.83 per 5-oz pouch is fair for fish-based jerky, especially when proceeds support solar-powered baking.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: high-value aroma for picky eaters, breaks into small shards for training, grain/corn/soy-free, eco-friendly 25% PCR bag.
Cons: jerky can harden if exposed to air—reseal tightly, fish scent lingers on fingers, calorie count unspecified for strict diets.
Bottom Line: Earth-conscious owners seeking a protein-rich, coat-boosting reward will find these jerky bites worth every penny.
6. Pur Luv Dog Treats, Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps, Made with Real Chicken, 16 Ounces, Rawhide Free, Healthy, Easily Digestible, Long Lasting, High Protein Dog Treat, Satisfies Dog’s Urge to Chew
Overview: Pur Luv Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky Wraps offer a rawhide-free chewing experience that combines real chicken with nutritious sweet potato. These 16-ounce treats promise to satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew while providing a healthier alternative to traditional rawhide products.
What Makes It Stand Out: The combination of real chicken as the first ingredient wrapped around sweet potato centers creates a unique dual-texture treat. Being completely rawhide-free addresses health concerns many pet owners have about traditional chews, while the limited ingredient formula ensures transparency in what you’re feeding your dog.
Value for Money: At $14.99 per pound, these treats sit in the mid-range pricing category. Given the real meat content and rawhide-free formulation, the price reflects quality ingredients. The 16-ounce package provides substantial quantity for regular treating.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the rawhide-free formula, easily digestible ingredients, and high protein content from real chicken. The dual-flavor combination appeals to most dogs. Weaknesses include the relatively high price point and potential mess from the jerky texture. Some dogs may consume these faster than traditional rawhide, reducing the “long-lasting” claim.
Bottom Line: These jerky wraps successfully bridge the gap between healthy treats and satisfying chews. While not the most economical option, they deliver on their promise of a rawhide-free, protein-rich treat that most dogs find irresistible. Recommended for health-conscious pet owners willing to invest in quality ingredients.
7. Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats, Healthy Pumpkin Treat for Dogs, Low Calorie & Delicious, Puppy Training, No Wheat, Corn or Soy, Made in the USA, Pumpkin and Berry Flavor, 5oz
Overview: Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats are low-calorie pumpkin and berry training treats designed for guilt-free rewarding. These 5-ounce treats eliminate common allergens while maintaining palatability for dogs of all sizes and ages.
What Makes It Stand Out: The incredibly low calorie count (just 3.5 calories per treat) makes these ideal for training sessions where frequent rewarding is necessary. The pumpkin and berry flavor combination offers a unique taste profile, while the grain-free formula accommodates dogs with sensitivities.
Value for Money: At nearly $16 per pound, these are premium-priced treats. However, the specialized formulation for training purposes and low-calorie design justifies the cost for specific use cases, particularly during intensive training periods.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Major strengths include the tiny size perfect for training, low calorie content allowing generous rewarding, and allergy-friendly ingredients. The pumpkin base aids digestion. Weaknesses include the high price per pound and small package size. Some dogs may find the flavor less exciting than meat-based treats, and heavy chewers might swallow them whole.
Bottom Line: These treats excel in their intended purpose as training rewards. While expensive for everyday snacking, their specialized design for frequent treating without weight gain makes them invaluable for training. Highly recommended for puppy training, overweight dogs, or dogs with food sensitivities.
8. Abound Grain Free Natural Lamb, Chickpea & Squash Jerky Bites Dog Treats – 12 Oz Bag
Overview: Abound Grain-Free Natural Lamb, Chickpea & Squash Jerky Bites offer a protein-rich, grain-free treating option in a substantial 12-ounce package. These treats combine novel proteins with wholesome vegetables for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
What Makes It Stand Out: The unique protein combination of lamb with chickpeas and squash provides a novel flavor profile rarely found in commercial treats. The grain-free formulation caters to dogs with grain sensitivities, while the jerky texture satisfies natural chewing instincts.
Value for Money: At $11.98 for 12 ounces, these treats offer competitive pricing in the premium treat category. The larger package size provides better value than many specialty treats, making them economical for multi-dog households.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the novel protein sources, grain-free formula, and substantial package size. The limited ingredients appeal to health-conscious owners. Weaknesses include potential availability issues and the fact that some dogs may dislike the vegetable components. The jerky texture, while appealing to most, may be too tough for senior dogs or those with dental issues.
Bottom Line: These jerky bites successfully deliver on their promise of grain-free, protein-rich treats with unique ingredients. The reasonable price point and larger package size make them practical for regular use. Recommended for dogs with grain sensitivities or those needing novel protein sources.
9. Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Puffs for Dogs – Crunchy All-Natural Pet Treats – Odorless Limited-Ingredient Chews for Puppies & Power-Chewers – Rich in Protein and Calcium – Easy to Chew (8 oz.)
Overview: Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Puffs transform traditional Himalayan yak cheese into a crunchy, easily digestible treat for dogs. These odorless chews promise protein-rich nutrition in a convenient, mess-free format that appeals to both puppies and power chewers.
What Makes It Stand Out: The transformation of traditional yak cheese into a puffed, crunchy texture makes these unique among cheese-based treats. With only three natural ingredients and being lactose-free, they offer simplicity rarely found in commercial treats while maintaining nutritional benefits.
Value for Money: At $1.87 per ounce, these treats command premium pricing. However, the unique formulation, nutritional benefits, and specialized processing justify the cost for dogs with specific dietary needs or owners seeking limited-ingredient options.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Major strengths include the minimal ingredient list, odor-free formula, and suitability for dogs with multiple allergies. The crunchy texture provides dental benefits without being too hard. Weaknesses include the high price point and potential choking hazard if dogs don’t chew thoroughly. Some dogs may prefer softer treats, and the specialized nature may not suit all budgets.
Bottom Line: These cheese puffs excel as a specialty treat for dogs with sensitivities or those requiring limited ingredients. While expensive, they deliver on their promises of being digestible, nutritious, and appealing to most dogs. Recommended for dogs with food allergies or owners prioritizing simplicity.
10. Yitto Paws Organic Dog Treats – Crunchy, Peach & Peanut Butter Training Dog Biscuits – Vegan, Human-Grade, No Sugar Added – Healthy, All Natural – Made in USA (8 oz)
Overview: Yitto Paws Organic Dog Treats break new ground as the first 100% human-grade, vegan, organic training treats. These peach and peanut butter biscuits offer a plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or palatability while maintaining training-friendly sizing.
What Makes It Stand Out: The combination of being simultaneously organic, vegan, human-grade, and low-calorie while using less than six ingredients sets a new standard for clean treating. The peach and peanut butter flavor profile offers dogs a unique taste experience beyond typical meat-based treats.
Value for Money: At $1.62 per ounce, these treats position themselves in the premium tier. Given the organic, human-grade ingredients and specialized vegan formulation, the pricing reflects the quality and certification costs associated with organic products.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the unprecedented ingredient transparency, suitability for dogs with meat allergies, and training-appropriate sizing. Being human-grade eliminates concerns about ingredient quality. Weaknesses include the premium pricing and potential rejection by dogs accustomed to meat-based treats. The vegan formula, while healthy, may not provide the protein satisfaction some dogs crave.
Bottom Line: These treats represent the gold standard for health-conscious pet owners willing to invest in organic, plant-based nutrition. While not every dog’s preference, they excel for those seeking the cleanest possible treating option. Highly recommended for vegan households, dogs with meat sensitivities, or owners prioritizing organic ingredients.
Why Squash Belongs in Your Dog’s Treat Jar
Nutrient Profile That Outshines White Flour
Squash delivers beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, and soluble fiber in a package that’s naturally gluten-free and low in oxalates. Translation: steady energy without post-treat sugar crashes or itchy paws.
Calorie Density vs. Commercial Biscuits
A cup of pureed pumpkin clocks in around 80 kcal—about one-third of the calories in the same volume of premium peanut-butter biscuits—so you can reward more often during training without padding the waistline.
Selecting Dog-Safe Squash Varieties in 2025
Pumpkin, Butternut, and Acorn: The Classic Trio
These three remain the gold standard for digestibility and flavor acceptance. Their flesh mashes smoothly, reducing choking risk for gulpers.
Emerging Options: Delicata, Kabocha, and Spaghetti Squash
New heirloom varieties are popping up in CSA boxes. Delicata’s thin skin means less peeling, while spaghetti squash offers a fun noodle texture that doubles as a toothbrush.
Organic vs. Conventional: What the 2025 Pesticide Data Tells Us
This year’s USDA report shows a 12 % drop in glyphosate residues on winter squash, but summer varieties still carry higher levels. If you can budget for organic zucchini and yellow squash, do it; thick-skinned pumpkins are safer to buy conventional.
Prepping Squash for Maximum Nutrient Retention
Steaming vs. Roasting: The Beta-Carotene Trade-Off
Steaming preserves water-soluble vitamin C, but roasting at 350 °F for 25 min increases bio-accessible beta-carotene by 23 %. For treats, roast first, then lightly steam if you need a softer mash for senior dogs.
Skin On or Off?
Leave the skin on organic butternut once it’s fully cooked; it’s packed with insoluble fiber that helps anal-gland health. Just puree until silky to avoid stringy bits.
Texture Tricks: Achieving Chewy vs. Crunchy Without Fillers
Forget wheat gluten. Blend roasted squash with equal parts oat flour and plain gelatin, then dehydrate at 145 °F for chewy strips. For crunch, spread the puree paper-thin on silicone sheets and bake an extra 20 min post-dehydration.
Spice Safety: Herbs That Pair Well With Squash
Turmeric (anti-inflammatory), parsley (chlorophyll breath hack), and a pinch of ground ginger (nausea relief) are vet-approved. Steer clear of nutmeg, cinnamon cassia, and any salt-laden pumpkin-pie blends.
Portion Control: Calorie Math for Small, Medium, and Large Breeds
A 30 lb dog needs roughly 200–220 treat kcal per week. One tablespoon of squash puree equals 5 kcal, so budget 40–45 spoonfuls—easy to portion with a silicone mini-muffin tray.
Allergy Alert: Cross-Reactivity With Pollen and Latex
Dogs allergic to ragweed or banana may react to zucchini proteins. Start with a lick-test (¼ tsp) and monitor for face-rubbing or ear-scratching within 24 h.
Storage Science: Mold-Free Goodness for 90 Days
Squash treats hit 85 % moisture after steaming. Drop to ≤10 % by dehydrating or oven-drying, then vacuum-seal with a 300 cc oxygen absorber. Store in the freezer for 3 months or fridge for 7 days max.
Kitchen Gear That Speeds Up Prep
An immersion blender purees hot squash right in the roasting pan—no extra dishes. Silicone paw-print molds flex frozen portions out intact, and a 6-tray dehydrator with digital thermostat prevents bitter edges.
Traveling With Squash Treats: TSA Rules and Camping Hacks
Dehydrated squash leather counts as “dry food” for domestic flights; pack in clear quart bags. For camping, pre-portion in reusable silicone pouches and rehydrate with a splash of filtered water at the campsite.
Eco-Friendly Twist: Upcycling Squash Scraps
Roast seeds with a dab of coconut oil for crunchy human snacks, and compost the stringy pulp in pet-safe bins away from curious noses. You’ll cut kitchen waste by 35 %.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can diabetic dogs eat squash treats?
Yes—summer squash has a low glycemic load; pair with a protein like lentil flour to blunt any glucose spike.
2. Is canned pumpkin puree safe if it’s not “100 % pumpkin”?
Only buy cans labeled “pure pumpkin,” not pie filling. Added sugars and xylitol can be toxic.
3. How do I know if my squash is fully cooked for mashing?
A fork should slide through the flesh like warm butter; under-cooked cubes create gritty textures that dogs refuse.
4. My dog has pancreatitis—can I still use these recipes?
Remove all added fats; steam squash plain, then dust with digestive enzymes approved by your vet.
5. Are squash blossoms edible for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts. Lightly steam to remove pollen and stuff with a pea-sized dot of goat cheese for an occasional gourmet bite.
6. What’s the white film that appears on dehydrated squash?
It’s tyrosine, an amino acid, not mold. If it wipes off dry and odorless, the treat is safe.
7. Can puppies under 12 weeks have squash?
Introduce after weaning, starting with ½ tsp mixed into regular food to avoid tummy upset.
8. How do I adjust baking time at high altitude?
Drop oven temp by 15 °F and extend bake time 5 min per 30 min to prevent case-hardening.
9. Do squash treats stain carpet?
Beta-carotene can leave orange spots; vacuum immediately and blot with diluted dish soap to lift pigment.
10. Can I substitute squash for pumpkin in existing dog-cookie recipes?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 swap, but cut liquid by 10 % since squash can be wetter than canned pumpkin.