Pumpkin and rice flour have quietly become the darlings of canine nutrition circles, and for good reason: the vibrant orange super-food delivers fiber, beta-carotene, and moisture, while ultra-fine rice flour keeps everything naturally gluten-free and gentle on tummies. If you’ve been hunting for 2025-ready ways to spoil your dog without triggering grain allergies or packing on empty calories, you’re barking up the right tree.
Below, we’ll dig deep into formulation science, sourcing smarts, and pro-kitchen hacks so you can craft nutrient-dense, drool-worthy pumpkin & rice flour treats at home—no culinary degree required. Grab your apron (and maybe a drool towel); class is in session.
Top 10 Pumpkin Rice Flour Dog Treats
Detailed Product Reviews
1. 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’s Pumpkin Dog Treats are grain-free, human-grade biscuits baked in the USA with organic pumpkin, garbanzo-bean flour, peanut butter, molasses, and cinnamon. The 5 oz pouch yields roughly 25 crunchy cookies that can be snapped for smaller mouths.
What Makes It Stand Out: Every ingredient is USA-sourced and recognizable from your own pantry; the treats are double-baked for crunch without preservatives, wheat, dairy, or artificial anything. The vegan recipe suits allergy-prone, senior, or picky dogs.
Value for Money: At $32 per pound these are boutique-priced, but you’re paying for certified-organic pumpkin, small-batch production, and a clean label—comparable to a fancy coffee-shop cookie for humans.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Limited, transparent ingredient list; easy to break; strong peanut-butter aroma dogs love; suitable for training or stuffing in toys.
Cons: Pricey per ounce; bag is small for multi-dog households; crunchy texture may be too hard for very senior jaws.
Bottom Line: If your budget allows, these are among the cleanest, most flavorful biscuits on the market—perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or owners who demand human-grade quality.
2. Hill’s Grain Free Soft Baked Naturals, All Life Stages, Great Taste, Dog Treats, Duck & Pumpkin , 8 oz Bag
Overview: Hill’s Grain-Free Soft-Baked Naturals pair real duck with pumpkin in an 8 oz resealable pouch. The soft, chewy squares are designed for puppies to seniors and carry the brand’s “#1 Veterinarian Recommended” badge.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike many soft treats, these are grain-free without sacrificing tenderness—ideal for training or hiding pills. The duck protein is novel for many dogs, reducing allergy risk.
Value for Money: At $18 per pound you’re in the mid-range; you get Hill’s nutritional research backing, consistent texture, and a larger bag than premium boutique competitors.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Soft, breakable texture; strong duck scent grabs attention; no corn, wheat, or soy; stays fresh in resealable bag.
Cons: Contains “global ingredients” (vague sourcing); some owners dislike faint molasses sweetness; not single-ingredient for elimination diets.
Bottom Line: A trustworthy, vet-endorsed chewy reward that balances taste, digestibility, and affordability—keep a bag in your pocket for walks or vet visits.
3. 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 offers 100 % organic freeze-dried pumpkin cubes made in the USA from a single ingredient. The 2.5 oz pouch contains roughly 300 lightweight pieces that rehydrate in seconds.
What Makes It Stand Out: These are the first certified-organic, single-ingredient freeze-dried treats on the market. At only 0.2 kcal per cube they double as a high-fiber tummy soother for diarrhea, constipation, or diet management.
Value for Money: $14.98 looks steep for 2.5 oz, but the low calorie count means one pouch lasts through hundreds of training reps—cheaper per reward than many soft chews.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Raw-diet approved, diabetic-friendly, non-greasy fingers; dissolves quickly for seniors or cats; superb for food toppers.
Cons: Cubes crumble if crushed in pocket; aroma is mild—some dogs prefer meatier scent; price per ounce highest in the group.
Bottom Line: The ultimate functional treat for weight-watching or sensitive pets; keep a pouch on hand for tummy troubles or calorie-conscious training.
4. PAWUP Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Treats for Dogs & Cats – High Fiber, Single Ingredient Natural Snacks for Digestion & Gut Health, Healthy Food Toppers, 1.58 oz
Overview: PAWUP Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Treats contain nothing but fresh pumpkin, freeze-dried into airy 0.5 inch cubes. The 1.58 oz pouch yields about 180 pieces suitable for dogs, cats, or even small mammals.
What Makes It Stand Out: The gentle process retains 96 % of original nutrients and fiber while keeping calories minimal. Cubes can be served whole, crumbled as topper, or soaked into pumpkin purée.
Value for Money: $10.79 per ounce is premium, yet the versatility (treat, topper, digestive aid) replaces three separate products, evening out cost.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Ultra-light, so 1.58 oz goes far; single ingredient avoids allergens; resealable pouch keeps crunch for months.
Cons: Pieces shatter into powder if jostled; no added flavor for ultra-picky carnivores; bag size modest for multi-pet homes.
Bottom Line: A multipurpose fiber boost and low-cal reward in one—ideal for cats and dogs sharing a household or pets needing regular digestive support.
5. Buddy Biscuits Crunchy Wheat Free Halloween Dog Treats with Pumpkin, 14 oz. Box
Overview: Buddy Biscuits Crunchy Halloween edition bakes natural pumpkin into cute ginger-kid shapes. The 14 oz box holds roughly 60 wheat-free biscuits sized for medium jaws but breakable for tiny pups.
What Makes It Stand Out: Holiday fun meets everyday health: no wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, or flavors—just seven bakery-grade ingredients oven-baked in the USA.
Value for Money: At $6.27 per pound this is the bargain of the bunch; the festive shapes make great gifts while the recipe stays allergy-friendly year-round.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: Large box lasts ages; cute shapes spark photo ops; crisp texture helps clean teeth; widely available in stores.
Cons: Not grain-free (contains barley and rye); pumpkin flavor subtle; biscuit edges can be sharp for very small mouths.
Bottom Line: A wallet-friendly, festive staple that delivers respectable ingredient quality and plenty of crunch—perfect for households that burn through treats fast.
6. Grandma Lucy’s – Organic Baked Dog Treats – Pumpkin – 14Oz
Overview: Grandma Lucy’s Organic Baked Pumpkin Dog Treats are artisanal, USDA-certified organic biscuits baked in a family-owned bakery since 1999. Sold in a 14 oz bag at $18.64, they promise human-grade ingredients and a kosher, vegan recipe that appeals to health-conscious pet parents.
What Makes It Stand Out: The “baked in a bakery, not a factory” ethos gives these biscuits a homemade aura, while triple certifications—USDA Organic, Kosher, and Vegan—set a high bar for ingredient integrity. The generous 14 oz portion is double most competitors, and the pumpkin flavor is gentle on tummies.
Value for Money: At $21.30/lb you’re paying artisan bakery prices, but the bag lasts far longer than typical 5-6 oz pouches. If organic certification and human-grade sourcing are priorities, the cost is justified compared to boutique pet bakeries.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include transparent sourcing, large bag size, and crunchy texture that cleans teeth. Weaknesses: the biscuits are quite hard for senior dogs or tiny breeds, pumpkin is far down the ingredient list behind oat flour, and the calorie count (≈18 kcal/treat) is higher than training-sized morsels.
Bottom Line: Buy if you want certified-organic, crunchy cookies that last; skip if you need low-calorie training bits or a softer chew for older jaws.
7. Wholesome Pride Pumpkin Slices 100% All-Natural Limited Ingredient Dehydrated Dog Treats, 5 oz
Overview: Wholesome Pride dehydrated pumpkin slices contain only two ingredients—real pumpkin and vegetable glycerin—preserved through gentle dehydration. The 5 oz pouch costs $13, delivering chewy, 5-calorie strips ideal for guilt-free treating.
What Makes It Stand Out: Visible pumpkin fibers prove you’re feeding real produce, not flour. The chewy texture keeps dogs busy without adding fat, and the fiber-rich skins act as a natural digestive aid. Minimal processing means each slice looks unique—like people-grade dried fruit.
Value for Money: $41.60/lb sounds steep, but because every slice is pure pumpkin (no fillers) you’re essentially buying concentrated produce. One pouch replaces multiple lower-fiber biscuits, so the effective cost per digestive benefit is reasonable.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: single-digit calories, excellent for sensitive stomachs, resealable pouch stays fresh for months. Cons: glycerin adds slight sweetness some owners dislike, strips can stick to teeth, and the 5 oz weight disappears quickly with large dogs.
Bottom Line: Perfect low-calorie, high-fiber chew for small to medium dogs; budget accordingly for giants who’ll finish the bag in a day.
8. OH NORMAN! Single Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats by Kaley Cuoco, Healthy Dog Treats for All Life Stages and Breeds, Air Dried, Ethically Sourced in Canada, 6 Oz
Overview: OH NORMAN! freeze-dried pumpkin treats—fronted by Kaley Cuoco—contain exactly one ingredient: Canadian pumpkin, air-dried to lock in nutrients. The 6 oz pouch retails for $12, targeting eco-minded shoppers who want celebrity-backed simplicity.
What Makes It Stand Out: Single-ingredient transparency meets celebrity cachet, but the real star is the light, airy crunch that dissolves quickly, making it safe for puppies and seniors alike. Ethical Canadian sourcing and recyclable packaging round out the feel-good story.
Value for Money: $2.00/oz positions it mid-pack among premium freeze-dried produce. You’re paying for celebrity branding and eco packaging, yet the bag yields hundreds of pea-sized pieces that can be rehydrated into pumpkin purée, stretching value further.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: ultra-gentle on allergies, doubles as food topper, virtually no smell. Weaknesses: lightweight cubes crumble into dust if carried loose in pockets, and the 6 oz pouch is only half-full to prevent crushing—visual “slack fill” can disappoint.
Bottom Line: Choose for training tiny tidbits or soothing upset tummies; look elsewhere if you need a long-lasting chew.
9. JustFoodForDogs Limited-Ingredient Pumpkin Healthy Dog Treats, Made in The USA, 5 oz
Overview: JustFoodForDogs’ crunchy pumpkin discs are handmade in small U.S. kitchens using only three ingredients, producing a hypoallergenic, low-protein snack suitable for dogs with GI disease. A 5 oz bag costs $11.99 and is marketed as the ultimate training “secret weapon.”
What Makes It Stand Out: Veterinary-formulated nutrition gives these treats medical credibility rare in the snack aisle. The crisp wafer snaps cleanly into smaller pieces without crumbling, keeping hands clean during obedience sessions. Limited ingredients mean virtually zero allergy risk.
Value for Money: At $38.37/lb the price rivals fresh meat, yet each disc is only 3 calories, allowing hundreds of rewards per bag. For dogs on elimination diets, avoiding a prescription snack saves far more in vet bills.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Pros: snap-able texture, science-backed recipe, made in USA with human-grade kitchen standards. Cons: pumpkin flavor is mild—some dogs prefer funkier scents—and the 5 oz quantity vanishes fast when used for continuous training.
Bottom Line: Ideal for allergy-prone or protein-restricted dogs; stock up if you train daily, because one bag won’t last long.
10. Emerald Pet Pumpkin Mini Trainers Dog Treats, 6 oz – Support Healthy Digestion, Allergen-Friendly, Vegetarian, Low-Fat, Grain Free, Made in USA
Overview: Emerald Pet Pumpkin Mini Trainers are soft, grain-free bites baked in the USA from U.S.-grown pumpkin. The 6 oz pouch costs $9.19 and offers three varieties—plain pumpkin, pumpkin-banana, and pumpkin-berry—each designed to support digestion while remaining vegetarian.
What Makes It Stand Out: The mini ¼-inch cubes are purposely undersized so you can feed dozens during a single session without wrecking calorie budgets. Being free of wheat, corn, soy, and dairy while still soft enough to split makes them one of the few treats suitable for dogs with both protein and grain sensitivities.
Value for Money: Roughly $24/lb sits comfortably below most limited-ingredient competitors, and the soft texture means you can halve each piece, effectively doubling the 300+ count pouch.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths: irresistible smell, tummy-soothing fiber, low fat (≈1 kcal/treat), stays moist to the last bite. Weaknesses: strong aroma lingers on fingers, softness makes them unsuitable for stuffing toys, and berry variant can stain light fur.
Bottom Line: Best budget-friendly training treat for sensitive, vegetarian, or overweight dogs; just wipe your hands after each session.
Why Pumpkin & Rice Flour Are a Power Couple for Gluten-Free Dog Treats
Digestive Perks of Pumpkin Puree
Canned or fresh, pumpkin is an unequaled source of soluble fiber that firms up loose stools and keeps anal glands happy. Its high water content boosts hydration, while carotenoids support immune and eye health.
Gentle Nutrition of Rice Flour
Milled from white or brown rice, this naturally gluten-free flour is hypoallergenic, easy to digest, and lends a light, crispy texture to baked goods. Its neutral flavor lets pumpkin shine while avoiding common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy.
Synergy for Sensitive Stomachs
Together, pumpkin’s moisture and rice flour’s low-residue starch create a soothing, low-fat matrix that’s ideal for dogs recovering from GI upset or managing pancreatitis.
Safety First: Ingredients to Skip in Homemade Dog Treats
Xylitol, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, excessive salt, onion, and garlic—all off-limits. Even “healthy” human trends (think erythritol or protein powders) can wreak havoc on a dog’s metabolism.
Texture & Flavor Profiles Your Dog Craves
Canines gravitate toward meaty umami, but pumpkin’s subtle sweetness rounds out savory notes. Aim for a 60:40 moisture-to-dry ratio to achieve a soft-chewy interior with a light snap—perfect for senior teeth and power chewers alike.
Choosing the Right Pumpkin: Canned vs. Fresh vs. Freeze-Dried
Canned Puree
Plain, unsweetened cans are consistent year-round. Look for BPA-free linings and single-ingredient labels.
Fresh Sugar Pumpkin
Roast, peel, and puree yourself for maximum beta-carotene. Freeze in silicone trays for pre-portioned convenience.
Freeze-Dried Pumpkin Powder
Ultra-light for backpacking pups—rehydrate 1:1 with warm water for instant puree.
Rice Flour Varieties: White, Brown, Sweet & Flour Blends
White rice flour yields a delicate crumb; brown rice flour adds trace minerals but can be gritty. Sweet rice flour (mochiko) binds like magic, cutting the need for xanthan gum. In 2025, sprouted rice flours are trending for increased GABA content—great for anxious dogs.
Functional Add-Ins: Boosting Treats with Superfoods
Blueberry powder (antioxidants), turmeric paste (joints), spirulina (allergy relief), and kefir powder (probiotics) integrate seamlessly without altering dough hydration. Limit functional ingredients to ≤5% of total weight to avoid over-supplementation.
Hydration Science: Getting the Dough Moisture Just Right
Pumpkin clocks in at ~90% water, but rice flour is thirsty. Start at 35% hydration (grams water per 100g flour) and adjust with stock or bone broth. Dough should feel like Play-Doh—pliable, not tacky. Rest 10 minutes for full hydration before rolling.
Shaping & Baking Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cookies
Rolling Thickness
Target ¼-inch for training chips; ½-inch for longer-lasting chews.
Docking Dough
Poke holes with a fork to prevent air pockets and uneven puffing—critical for rice flour, which lacks gluten’s elasticity.
Bake Low & Slow
275°F (135°C) for 45-60 minutes dehydrates without burning edges, extending shelf life naturally.
Storage Strategies: Keeping Treats Fresh Without Preservatives
Cool completely on a wire rack to avoid condensation. Store in breathable parchment-lined tins for up to 5 days, or vacuum-seal and freeze for 4 months. Add food-grade silica gel packs for humid climates.
Portion Control & Calorie Counting for Canine Waistlines
Average 10-calorie training chip: 4g dough with 60% pumpkin, 35% rice flour, 5% flax. Adjust daily ration—treats should remain <10% of total caloric intake. Use a kitchen scale; “eyeballing” is the fast lane to pudgy pooch syndrome.
Allergy Swaps: Substituting Proteins & Fats
Replace chicken broth with rabbit stock for novel-protein diets. Swap coconut oil for salmon oil to escalate omega-3s—just reduce quantity by 15% since salmon oil is more fluid. Always introduce one new ingredient at a time and monitor for 48 hours.
Time-Saving Batch Cooking & Freezer Prep
Double the recipe, flash-freeze raw cut-outs on a sheet pan, then transfer to zip bags. Bake straight from frozen—add 8-10 minutes to the timer. Weekend prep = two months of grab-and-go goodness.
Traveling with Homemade Treats: Avoiding Crumble & Mold
Pack in silicone-lined tin boxes with parchment between layers. Include a miniature moisture-absorbing sachet (unused tea bag works) and keep below 70°F. For camping trips, pre-dehydrate an extra hour for jerky-level shelf stability.
Decoding Labels: What “Grain-Free” & “Gluten-Free” Really Mean
Grain-free may still contain gluten (think barley grass). Gluten-free permits certain grains like rice or oats but excludes wheat, rye, and barley. Certified gluten-free rice flour guarantees <20 ppm cross-contamination—critical for celiac-sensitive households.
Troubleshooting Common Gluten-Free Baking Mishaps
Crumble-apart cookies? Add 5% sweet rice flour or a flax “egg.”
Gummy center? Lower oven temp 25°F and extend bake time.
Mold after two days? Under-baking is the usual culprit—internal temp should reach 180°F to kill surface spores.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute pumpkin pie filling for plain pumpkin?
No—canned pie filling contains sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, all dangerous for dogs.
2. Is brown rice flour safer than white for diabetic dogs?
Both have similar glycemic loads; portion control and added fiber (chia, psyllium) have a bigger impact than white vs. brown.
3. How long do these treats last at room temperature?
When fully dehydrated and stored in a cool, dry pantry, up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze or refrigerate.
4. My dog is allergic to rice—what flour can I use instead?
Try oat flour, buckwheat, or chickpea flour, but expect texture changes and adjust hydration accordingly.
5. Can puppies eat pumpkin rice treats?
Yes, once they’re weaned and eating solid food. Keep pieces pea-sized to prevent choking.
6. Do I need xanthan gum for binding?
Not necessarily; sweet rice flour or a flax egg provides sufficient cohesion for most recipes.
7. Are these treats safe for cats?
Cats can nibble small amounts, but they’re obligate carnivores—pumpkin offers them minimal nutritional value.
8. How do I calculate calories per treat?
Add total kcal of all ingredients, weigh the finished batch, then divide: total kcal ÷ grams = kcal per gram. Multiply by the gram weight of one treat.
9. Can I air-fry instead of bake?
Yes—set to 250°F for 25-30 minutes, shaking halfway. Use parchment to prevent sticking.
10. What’s the best way to ship homemade treats?
Vacuum-seal, add a moisture absorber, and choose 2-day shipping. Label “Dog Treats—No Commercial Value” to avoid customs delays.