Easy Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Recipe (No Oats or Peanut Butter)

Want to include your dog in the holiday fun without sharing the sugary pumpkin pie from the dinner table? These mini dog-friendly pumpkin pies are made with plain pumpkin purée, flour, eggs, unsweetened applesauce and plain Greek yogurt.

This recipe contains no oats or peanut butter because I originally created it for my golden retriever Winter, who cannot have either ingredient. It is not free from every common allergen because it still contains wheat or spelt, egg and dairy. Always check every label and make sure each ingredient is appropriate for your individual dog.

Important: These are treats, not meal replacements. Offer a small piece rather than an entire mini pie, especially to a small dog or a dog trying a new food for the first time.

Quick Recipe Details

• Yield: 6 mini pies, cut into approximately 24 treat-size portions
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 20 to 25 minutes
• Cooling time: 20 to 30 minutes, or until completely cool
• Total time: Approximately 55 to 70 minutes
• Oven temperature: 350°F

Jump to the dog-friendly pumpkin pie recipe

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie?

Dogs should not eat traditional pumpkin pie made for people. Regular pumpkin pie may contain large amounts of sugar, fat and spices that can upset a dog’s stomach. Pumpkin pie filling can also include ingredients that are not appropriate for dogs.

For homemade dog treats, use plain, unsweetened pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin pie mix. The American Kennel Club also recommends checking the label carefully and avoiding sweetened or pre-spiced pie mix. You can read more about feeding pumpkin to dogs.

Before You Make These Mini Pumpkin Pies for Your Dog

Even dog-friendly ingredients are not right for every dog. Keep these points in mind:

• Use plain pumpkin: Choose 100% pumpkin purée without sugar, sweeteners or pumpkin-pie spices.
• Check the applesauce: It should be plain and unsweetened.
• Check the yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with no artificial sweeteners. Some dogs do not tolerate dairy or lactose.
• Skip the cinnamon: It is not needed for the recipe, and avoiding it keeps the ingredient list simpler for sensitive dogs.
• Consider known allergies: This recipe contains egg, dairy and either wheat or spelt.
• Start small: Offer one small bite first and watch for stomach upset, itching or another unexpected reaction.

If your dog has food allergies, pancreatitis, diabetes, digestive problems or another medical condition, ask your veterinarian before offering homemade treats.

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Supplies

• Muffin pan with at least 6 cups
• Rolling pin, smooth bottle or similar tool
• Two mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone baking mat, parchment paper or another nonstick rolling surface
• Round cookie cutter or mug approximately 4 inches wide
• Small amount of dog-safe cooking spray or oil for greasing the pan
• Wire cooling rack

Ingredients for the crust

• 1 cup spelt flour or whole-wheat flour, plus a little extra for rolling
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons plain, unsweetened applesauce

Ingredients for the pumpkin filling

• 1 cup plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling
• 1/3 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt with no artificial sweeteners
• 1 large egg

Yogurt note: Yogurt is not toxic to dogs, but some dogs have trouble digesting lactose. If your dog has never eaten yogurt, introduce a very small amount before making this recipe. The AKC’s yogurt guide explains the signs of dairy intolerance and why the label should be checked for xylitol and other sweeteners.

How to Make Mini Pumpkin Pies for Dogs

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease six cups of a standard muffin pan.
2. Mix the filling. Add the pumpkin purée, plain Greek yogurt and egg to a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth, then set the bowl aside.
3. Make the crust dough. In a second bowl, mix the flour, egg and unsweetened applesauce until a soft dough forms.
4. Adjust the dough if needed. Applesauce and flour can vary. If the dough sticks heavily to your fingers, mix in additional flour one tablespoon at a time. If it is too dry and crumbly to hold together, add applesauce one teaspoon at a time.
5. Roll out the dough. Lightly flour your rolling pin and work surface. Roll the dough to approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut six circles. Use a mug or round cookie cutter to cut six circles large enough to cover the bottom and part of the sides of each muffin cup. Reroll the scraps if needed.
7. Shape the crusts. Gently press one dough circle into each greased muffin cup. Avoid stretching the dough so thin that it tears.
8. Add the filling. Divide the pumpkin filling between the six crusts without filling them to the very top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
9. Bake. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The filling should look set and the crust should be lightly golden.
10. Cool completely. Let the pies rest in the pan briefly, then move them to a wire rack. Do not serve them while the filling is still warm. Cooling may take 20 to 30 minutes.
11. Cut into treat-size portions. Divide each mini pie into four or more small pieces before serving.

Watch the video below to see how I roll the dough, shape the crusts and fill the muffin pan.

How Much Pumpkin Pie Can My Dog Have?

Even though these pies are made with dog-friendly ingredients, they are still an extra treat. One entire mini pie may be too much for many dogs.

Cut each pie into at least four pieces and start with one small piece. The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, daily diet, health and the other treats they receive. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. You can review its guide to feeding dog treats.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, introduce only one new food at a time. Because this recipe combines several ingredients, it may not be the best first homemade treat for a dog who has never eaten pumpkin, yogurt, egg or wheat.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Dog Treats

These mini pies contain egg and yogurt, so do not leave them sitting at room temperature for long periods.

• Refrigerator: Store completely cooled pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual treat-size pieces in a freezer-safe container. Thaw a piece in the refrigerator before serving.
• Before serving: Discard any treat that smells unusual, looks moldy or has been left out too long.

Ingredient Substitutions

Homemade dog treats are not the best place to make untested substitutions, especially when the recipe includes a baked egg filling. Changing the flour, egg or yogurt can change how the crust holds together and how the filling sets.

If your dog cannot have wheat, spelt, eggs or dairy, choose a recipe developed and tested without those ingredients rather than guessing at a replacement. “Oat-free and peanut-butter-free” does not mean the recipe is safe for every food allergy.

More Homemade Treats for Dogs

Want another recipe made without oats or peanut butter? Try our simple dog-friendly pancake recipe. It makes an easy breakfast-inspired treat for birthdays, holidays or an ordinary morning when your dog deserves something special.

Ready for a Post-Treat Adventure?

Once the kitchen is clean and the pies are safely stored, head outside for a walk together. Wildside’s Click N’ Go dog harnesses include four adjustment points, front and back leash clips, a padded control handle and a neck buckle, so you do not have to pull the harness over your dog’s head.

Complete your walking setup with a rust-proof dog collar for identification and one of our durable dog leashes for everyday walks and outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat pumpkin purée?

Dogs can generally have plain pumpkin purée in moderation. Choose 100% pumpkin without added sugar, sweeteners or spices. Do not use pumpkin pie filling.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie filling?

No. Pumpkin pie filling may contain sugar, sweeteners and spices that are not appropriate for dogs. Use plain pumpkin purée for homemade dog treats.

Can dogs eat Greek yogurt?

Some dogs can tolerate a small amount of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt, while others have trouble digesting lactose. Check that it contains no artificial sweeteners and start with a small amount.

Can I add pumpkin-pie spice?

No. Pumpkin-pie spice is unnecessary and may contain nutmeg and other spices that should not be added to dog treats.

Are these pumpkin pies safe for dogs with allergies?

These mini pies contain no oats or peanut butter, but they do contain egg, dairy and wheat or spelt. Check with your veterinarian if your dog has diagnosed or suspected food allergies.

Can I give my dog a whole mini pumpkin pie?

One whole mini pie may be too large for many dogs. Cut each pie into at least four treat-size pieces and offer a small portion based on your dog’s size and daily calorie needs.

Do homemade pumpkin dog treats need to be refrigerated?

Yes. This recipe contains cooked egg and yogurt. Refrigerate the cooled pies in an airtight container and use them within three days, or freeze individual portions.

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Written by Candi Wong, founder and maker behind Wildside Dog Gear. Candi created this oat-free and peanut-butter-free recipe for her golden retriever Winter and has been sharing life and outdoor adventures with her dogs for nearly 10 years.

This recipe is intended as an occasional treat for dogs and is not a complete or balanced meal. It does not replace advice from your veterinarian.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Wildside.