Pumpkin isn’t just the poster-child of autumn lattes—it’s also a canine super-food that can transform touchy tummies into tail-wagging wellness machines. If your dog struggles with itchy skin, yeasty ears, or unpredictable “yard surprises,” ditching grains and embracing fiber-rich pumpkin might be the single smartest dietary pivot you make this year. Below, we’ll unpack exactly how (and why) grain-free pumpkin treats work, what to scrutinize on a label, and how to match the right chew to your pup’s unique gut profile—so you can shop smarter, not harder, in 2025.
Top 10 Grain Free Pumpkin Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less Crunchy Grain Free Dog Treats, Pumpkin, 14 oz. Box
Overview: Cloud Star Wag More Bark Less crunchy biscuits deliver pumpkin-packed flavor in a grain-free, low-calorie cookie that even weight-watching pups can enjoy daily.
What Makes It Stand Out: Only 26 calories per biscuit lets owners train or spoil without guilt, while the 7-ingredient recipe keeps allergen worries minimal and digestion easy.
Value for Money: At $0.55 per ounce this is the cheapest option reviewed; you get a full pound of USA-baked, clean-label treats for the price of a fancy coffee.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: excellent calorie count, simple recipe, nice crunch keeps teeth clean, pumpkin aroma dogs love. Cons: biscuits are fairly small for giant breeds, box can arrive with crumbs from shipping, no reseal strip.
Bottom Line: A bargain biscuit for everyday rewarding—buy two boxes and feel good about handing out seconds.
2. 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 Company bakes human-grade, vegan pumpkin cookies that look and smell like your favorite spiced granola—except they’re sized for dogs.
What Makes It Stand Out: Everything is certified human-grade, organic pumpkin headlines the 5-ingredient list, and the double-bake gives a light snap that can be halved for tiny mouths.
Value for Money: $31.97 per pound is steep, but ingredient quality rivals people cookies; you’re paying farmers-market prices for peace-of-mind snacking.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: top-tier sourcing, allergy-friendly, great snap-to-crumble ratio, superb for picky or sensitive seniors. Cons: wallet-busting cost, 5 oz bag empties fast during training, cinnamon scent may tempt kids.
Bottom Line: Splurge when only the cleanest, most ethical treat will do; otherwise ration for special rewards.
3. Three Dog Bakery Grain Free Wafers Baked Dog Treats, Sweet Potato, 13 oz
Overview: Three Dog Bakery’s sweet-potato wafers ditch grains and artificial junk in favor of soft-baked, bakery-style cookies you can actually break without a hammer.
What Makes It Stand Out: Soft texture suits puppies, seniors, and dogs with dental issues, while slow baking concentrates the naturally sweet yam taste dogs drool over.
Value for Money: Mid-range at $8.85/lb; you score bakery-level indulgence minus wheat, soy, or mystery flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: gentle on teeth, resealable carton, universally tempting aroma, made in small USA batches. Cons: softness equals faster munching (less training value), can dry out if seal left open, lower protein than meat-based treats.
Bottom Line: Buy when you need a tender, aromatic cookie for older pals or quick “good dog” moments.
4. Darford Grain Free Pumpkin Dog Treats – All Natural Oven-Baked Biscuits – No Corn, Soy or Wheat – High in Fiber & Antioxidants – Made in Canada – 12oz Bag
Overview: Darford loads Canadian-grown pumpkin into crunchy, fiber-rich biscuits intended to support digestion and immunity without grains or by-product fillers.
What Makes It Stand Out: 35 years of Canadian baking know-how yields a firm crunch that cleans teeth, plus pumpkin delivers beta-carotene you won’t find in plain meat treats.
Value for Money: $17.31 per pound positions it near the top, but domestic sourcing and functional nutrition justify the tariff for health-focused owners.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: high fiber helps firm stools, nice golden color from real pumpkin, sturdy texture for large breeds, no artificial anything. Cons: strong sweet-potato-pumpkin smell isn’t for sensitive noses, calories per biscuit not printed, bag not resealable.
Bottom Line: Choose Darford when digestive support and Canadian quality trump budget concerns.
5. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Duck & Pumpkin , 8 oz Bag
Overview: Hill’s Soft Baked Naturals pair real duck with pumpkin in a tender, grain-free morsel formulated under the nose of the brand that dominates vet clinics nationwide.
What Makes It Stand Out: Soft texture plus novel duck protein entices allergy dogs, while Hill’s nutritional oversight provides a science-backed treat you can feed with veterinary confidence.
Value for Money: $17.98/lb is premium, yet you’re buying into the #1 vet-recommended brand and USA quality control often used in dietary trials.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: unique protein for elimination diets, soft for training pockets, balanced macro-nutrients, no artificial preservatives. Cons: pricey for quantity, strong duck smell lingers on fingers, softer pieces can crumble in pocket.
Bottom Line: Keep a bag on hand for dogs with food sensitivities or when your vet’s endorsement matters most.
6. Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Pick of the Patch Dog Biscuits, Natural, Training Treats, Pumpkin & Carrot Flavor, Mini Size, (16 Ounce Bag)
Overview: Old Mother Hubbard Wellness Pick of the Patch mini biscuits are grain-free, crunchy training treats blending pumpkin, carrot, and flaxseed into oven-baked, 16-ounce bag.
What Makes It Stand Out: 94-year heritage of slow-baking at low temperatures locks in aroma while the mini size (about 1 kcal each) lets owners reward repeatedly without guilt. The grain-free, all-natural recipe skips meat by-products and artificial preservatives, making it suitable for sensitive dogs.
Value for Money: $5.47 per pound sits near the middle of the biscuit aisle, but the small serving size stretches the bag through hundreds of rewards, giving economical cost-per-treat while delivering recognizable pantry ingredients.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—bite-size crunch dogs love, USA-baked, clear ingredient list, resealable bag. Weaknesses—flavor variety within one bag can create picky refusals if a dog dislikes one shape; 16 oz disappears quickly for multi-dog households; biscuits can break to dust at bottom.
Bottom Line: A reliable, mid-priced training cookie that marries nostalgic bakery taste with modern grain-free nutrition; perfect for owners who reward often and want a guilt-free crunch without breaking the bank.
7. 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 delivers pure, freeze-dried organic pumpkin cubes in a 2-ounce pouch, creating single-ingredient, raw-diet-approved rewards for dogs or cats.
What Makes It Stand Out: Virtually calorie-free at 0.2 kcal per morsel and naturally rich in soluble fiber, these treats double as a diarrhea aid and high-value training token. Freeze-drying retains 61% more nutrients than dehydration while keeping pieces non-greasy and pocket-friendly.
Value for Money: $14.98 sounds steep for two ounces, but each pouch contains roughly 600 treats and can later be rehydrated into pumpkin purée, so you pay for both snack and digestive supplement in one.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—organic, USA-grown, diabetic-safe, virtually zero calories, universal for cats & dogs, tummy-soothing fiber. Weaknesses—ultra-light cubes crumble if crushed in a pocket, price shocks casual shoppers, resealing must be perfect to prevent humidity softening.
Bottom Line: Ideal for trainers who reward lavishly and pet parents who want functional fiber without calories; expensive up-front yet cost per treat is pennies while providing genuine digestive insurance.
8. 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 Baked Dog Treats combine pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon into a 7-ounce bag of flower-shaped biscuits weighing only 8 calories each.
What Makes It Stand Out: CalorieSmart formulation uses pumpkin fiber to bulk up size while keeping calories low, so dogs see a big cookie but waistlines don’t. The bakery aroma—think autumn muffins—truly entices both canines and curious humans.
Value for Money: $9.12 per lb sits above grocery biscuits but below premium single-ingredient options; the aroma, low calorie count, and cute shape grant guilt-free indulgence that justifies splurge status.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—scent drives excitement, crunchy texture cleans teeth, wheat/corn/soy-free, generous 7-oz stay-fresh pouch. Weaknesses—fragile flower edges create crumbs in bag, limited protein (not ideal for treat-toy stuffing), cinnamon can irk ultra-sensitive stomachs.
Bottom Line: A nose-pleasing, waist-friendly biscuit perfect for frequent rewarding or finicky eaters; open the bag, sniff, and you’ll understand why dogs obsess over this seasonal-style snack.
9. Pet Jerky Factory Premium Turkey and Pumpkin 5 oz. Dog Jerky Treats | 100% Human Grade | USA Made | High Protein | Grain Free | Limited Ingredients | No Filler | BHA-BHT Free | Soft-Tender
Overview: Pet Jerky Factory sous-vides USA-raised turkey breast with pumpkin, then slow-dries strips into 5 ounces of soft, human-grade jerky.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-protein, high-protein jerky offers palatability that even raw-fed picky eaters accept, while pumpkin adds immune-supporting antioxidants without grains, corn, soy, BHA, or BHT. USDA human-food facility oversight guarantees ingredient integrity.
Value for Money: $25.38 per lb is premium territory, but true human-grade meat strips cost more than meal or mechanically separated leftovers; you pay for meat you could legally share on a sandwich.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—soft, tearable strips ideal for seniors or training, intense aroma, limited ingredients for allergy dogs, solar-powered kitchens. Weaknesses—high sticker price, greasy fingers after breaking strips, 5-oz bag empties quickly for large breeds, requires refrigeration after opening.
Bottom Line: If you demand human-grade ethics and have a picky or allergy-prone dog, this jerky deserves fridge space; otherwise budget-minded owners may reserve it for special occasion jackpot rewards.
10. Charlee Bear Grain-Free Bear Crunch Chicken, Pumpkin & Apple Flavor – Net Wt 8 oz.
Overview: Charlee Bear Grain-Free Bear Crunch crisps real chicken, pumpkin, and apple into pea-sized, 8-ounce pockets of crunch designed for training on the go.
What Makes It Stand Out: “Pocket Perfect” means no grease, smell, or crumbs in jeans—each nugget is dry-baked, ultra-light, and less than 3 calories, letting handlers dish dozens during a single session without weight gain or stained pockets.
Value for Money: $1.12 per ounce undercuts most premium trainers, and the clean handling saves clothing and treat pouches from odor, equating to hidden savings on cleanup.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths—non-greasy portability, grain/wheat/corn/soy-free, made in USA, small size prevents overfeeding, dogs crunch happily. Weaknesses—pellet-like shape bores some dogs seeking variety, audible crunch isn’t soft enough for very tiny or toothless pups, lightweight pieces scatter on windy days.
Bottom Line: An unbeatable everyday training staple for active owners who need tidy pockets, low calories, and reliable attention-getters; keep a handful ready and you’ll reinforce good behavior anywhere without mess or dietary regret.
Why Grain-Free Pumpkin Treats Are Booming in 2025
The pet industry’s “clean label” revolution has finally reached the treat aisle. Owners are trading corn, wheat, and soy for functional, plant-forward ingredients that deliver measurable gut support. Pumpkin—low-glycemic, antioxidant-dense, and naturally soothing—has become the go-to base for these next-gen snacks. Consumer surveys show a 38 % spike in grain-free pumpkin SKUs since 2023, driven by vet-backed social media content and demand for limited-ingredient, hypoallergenic rewards.
Digestive Science: How Pumpkin Supports Canine Gut Health
Soluble fiber (pectin) in pumpkin forms a gel that slows gastric emptying, stabilizing blood glucose while feeding beneficial bacteria. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, acting like a gentle “broom” through the colon. Together, they create the perfect rhythm: less diarrhea, less constipation, and a thriving microbiome that produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to fuel the intestinal lining.
Grain Sensitivities vs. Grain Allergies: Know the Difference
Sensitivities are non-immune reactions that often show up as gas or soft stools hours after eating. True allergies involve IgE antibodies and usually appear as itchy skin or ear infections within minutes to days. Grain-free treats help both camps, but allergy dogs also need strict cross-contamination controls—look for certified allergy-friendly facilities.
Pumpkin Power: Soluble & Insoluble Fiber Explained
Think of soluble fiber as the “smooth operator” that coats and calms, while insoluble fiber is the “personal trainer” that keeps things moving. Dogs with EPI or post-parvo guts may need a 2:1 soluble-to-insoluble ratio; sassy seniors prone to constipation benefit from the opposite. Reputable brands publish these ratios—if they don’t, email and ask.
Key Nutrient Co-Stars That Amplify Digestive Benefits
Pumpkin works best when paired with prebiotic fibers like inulin, probiotics such as Bacillus coagulans, and gut-lining supporters like L-glutamine. Omega-3s from salmon or algae oil reduce intestinal inflammation, while digestive enzymes (bromelain, papain) help fragile pups extract more nutrition from every bite.
Reading the Label: Red Flags & Green Lights
Green lights: single-source protein, pumpkin listed first, verified fiber percentages, and “complete & balanced” AAFCO statements for treats. Red flags: ambiguous “natural flavor,” unnamed animal fats, canola or sunflower oil high on the list (omega-6 overload), and synthetic preservatives like BHA/BHT.
Calorie Density & Portion Control for Sensitive Guts
Grain-free doesn’t mean calorie-free. Pumpkin treats can clock in anywhere from 8 to 30 kcal per chew. Calculate your dog’s “treat allowance” as 10 % of daily calories, then split that across training rewards and bedtime snacks. Over-feeding even the healthiest fiber bomb can tip the microbial scale toward flatulence.
Texture & Chew Size: Matching Treat to Breed & Age
A teacup Yorkie needs a soft, pea-sized morsel that dissolves quickly to prevent hypoglycemia; a power-chewing Malinois benefits from a dense, ridged strip that scrapes plaque while delivering pumpkin goodness. Seniors with dental loss appreciate dehydrated “pumpkin crisps” that rehydrate instantly on the tongue.
Freeze-Dried, Baked, or Soft-Chew: Pros & Cons
Freeze-dried locks in phytonutrients but can crumble in treat pouches. Baked biscuits offer dental abrasion yet may lose heat-sensitive vitamins. Soft-chews are training-friendly but sometimes rely on glycerin to stay pliable—make sure it’s plant-derived, not propylene glycol.
Limited-Ingredient Diets: When Less Is More
For IBD or elimination-diet dogs, choose recipes with five ingredients or fewer. Each extra botanical raises the odds of a novel-protein reaction. Single-origin pumpkin plus one novel protein (e.g., New Zealand venison) keeps diagnostics clean if symptoms flare.
Organic, Non-GMO, and Human-Grade Claims Decoded
“Organic pumpkin” guarantees pesticide-free soil, but the rest of the formula may not be. “Human-grade” means the facility meets USDA standards for edible foods—costlier, but worth it for immunocompromised pups. Non-GMO certifications focus on ingredient sourcing, not processing aids, so read the fine print.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Packaging Trends
Look for pumpkin sourced from regenerative farms that rotate crops with nitrogen-fixing legumes. Compostable cellulose pouches and soy-based inks are gaining traction; some brands even partner with TerraCycle to turn empty bags into playground turf. Ask companies for their 2025 carbon-neutral pledges—transparency is the new sustainability.
Price vs. Value: Budgeting for Functional Treats
A 16-oz bag might range from $9 to $29. Divide cost per kilocalorie, not per ounce, to compare apples-to-apples. Higher-priced bags often contain targeted probiotics or collagen, offsetting separate supplement costs. Factor in reduced vet visits from better gut health—suddenly that “premium” tag looks like a bargain.
Transitioning Safely: 7-Day Gut-Adapt Schedule
Days 1–2: replace 10 % of old treats with pumpkin bites. Days 3–4: move to 25 % while cutting kibble slightly to balance calories. Days 5–6: hit 50 %. Day 7: aim for 100 % if stools remain firm. Keep a poop journal—note consistency, color, and frequency. Any regression, drop back a step.
Homemade Grain-Free Pumpkin Treats: Vet-Approved Guidelines
Use plain canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling), coconut flour for binding, one egg, and a dash of turmeric for anti-inflammatory flair. Bake at 325 °F until centers hit 180 °F to kill Salmonella. Freeze individual portions; thawed dough keeps three days max. Skip xylitol, nutmeg, and raisins—each is toxic to dogs.
Storage & Shelf-Life Hacks for Maximum Freshness
Oxygen absorbers and vacuum-sealed bags extend freeze-dried shelf life to 18 months. Once opened, transfer baked treats to a glass jar with a silica-gel packet; store in the fridge if humidity exceeds 60 %. Label the date—pumpkin’s natural beta-carotene oxidizes quickly, turning treats from vibrant orange to dull tan when potency drops.
Consulting Your Vet: Personalized Dos & Don’ts
Bring the treat’s guaranteed analysis to your next appointment; vets can translate fiber percentages into grams per kilogram body weight. Dogs with kidney disease may need phosphorus restrictions, while pancreatic patients require ultra-low fat. If your pup takes medications like metronidazole or famotidine, timing fiber-rich snacks one hour apart prevents absorption issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I give my dog pumpkin treats every day?
Yes, as long as total daily calories stay within the 10 % treat allowance and stool quality remains consistent.
2. Are grain-free pumpkin treats safe for puppies?
Absolutely—opt for soft, training-sized bites and introduce them after 12 weeks when the gut is more mature.
3. How quickly will pumpkin firm up loose stools?
Most dogs show improvement within 24–48 hours; if diarrhea persists beyond 72 hours, consult your vet.
4. Do these treats replace probiotic supplements?
They complement, not replace, targeted probiotics—especially for dogs with chronic GI conditions.
5. Is canned pumpkin identical to fresh for baking?
Nutritionally similar, but canned is more concentrated; adjust moisture in homemade recipes accordingly.
6. What’s the ideal fiber percentage on a dry-matter basis?
For general gut health, aim for 7–12 %; therapeutic levels for colitis can reach 15 % under vet supervision.
7. Can diabetic dogs eat grain-free pumpkin treats?
Yes—pumpkin’s soluble fiber blunts glucose spikes; just count carbohydrates toward the daily insulin plan.
8. Why do some treats list “pumpkin flakes” instead of puree?
Flakes are lighter for shipping and rehydrate quickly, but ensure they’re not heat-damaged (check color).
9. Are there breed-specific considerations?
Brachycephalic breeds need softer textures to prevent gulping; large breeds may require higher protein to support lean mass.
10. How do I know if my dog is allergic to pumpkin?
True pumpkin allergy is rare; watch for hives, facial swelling, or vomiting within 30 minutes and seek immediate vet care if noted.