Pumpkin Dog Treats: The Complete Guide to Healthy Dog Treats

Pumpkin dog treats have become one of the most popular healthy treat options among dog owners, and for good reason. Pumpkin is naturally rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene — nutrients that support your dog's digestion, immune system, and coat health. Whether you buy commercial pumpkin treats or bake them at home, this ingredient delivers real nutritional value that most processed treats simply cannot match.

But pumpkin is just the starting point. The dog treat market has exploded with options ranging from freeze dried single-ingredient treats to low calorie training rewards, dehydrated chews, and functional dental treats. Choosing the right treat depends on your dog's size, age, health conditions, and how you plan to use the treat — daily rewards, training sessions, dental health, or simply showing your dog some love.

This guide breaks down every major category of dog treats with honest recommendations. We review the top brands, compare treat types head-to-head, and share homemade recipes that take minutes to prepare. If you are looking for treats that complement a quality diet — check our dog breeds guide for breed-specific dietary needs — you are in the right place.

Pumpkin Dog Treats: Benefits and Best Picks

Pumpkin dog treats deliver a nutritional profile that few other treat ingredients can match. One cup of plain pumpkin contains just 49 calories while providing 7 grams of fiber, 245% of the daily value of vitamin A, and meaningful amounts of potassium and iron. For dogs, this translates to better digestive regularity, firmer stools, and support for eye health and immune function.

Veterinarians routinely recommend pumpkin as a natural remedy for both diarrhea and constipation in dogs. The soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs excess water in the digestive tract (helping with loose stools) while also adding bulk (helping with constipation). This dual-action effect makes pumpkin treats particularly valuable for dogs with sensitive stomachs — a concern many owners also address through their grooming and overall wellness routine.

When shopping for commercial pumpkin dog treats, look for products that list pumpkin as the first or second ingredient. Avoid treats where pumpkin appears far down the ingredient list — these often contain minimal actual pumpkin and rely on artificial flavoring instead. The best pumpkin treats use real pumpkin puree combined with complementary ingredients like oats, peanut butter, or cinnamon (which is safe for dogs in small amounts).

Blueberry Dog Treats for Antioxidant Support

Blueberry dog treats pair perfectly with pumpkin options as part of a varied treat rotation. Blueberries are among the most antioxidant-rich foods available to dogs, containing anthocyanins that combat free radicals and support cellular health. Studies have shown that antioxidants from blueberries may help slow cognitive decline in aging dogs, making blueberry treats especially beneficial for senior pets.

Fresh blueberries make excellent training treats for small dogs — they are naturally low calorie (about 1 calorie per berry), easy to portion, and most dogs find them highly palatable. For larger dogs or more structured training sessions, commercial blueberry dog treats from brands like Fruitables and Blue Buffalo offer consistent sizing and flavor. Freeze-dried blueberries are another excellent option: lightweight, shelf-stable, and packed with concentrated nutrition.

Freeze Dried Dog Treats: Why Vets Recommend Them

Freeze dried dog treats have earned strong endorsements from veterinarians and pet nutritionists because the freeze-drying process preserves nutrients far more effectively than traditional baking or extrusion. During freeze-drying, treats are flash-frozen and then placed in a vacuum chamber where the ice sublimates directly into vapor — no high heat is involved. The result is a treat that retains nearly all of its original vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids.

The best freeze dried dog treats use a single ingredient — freeze dried chicken, beef liver, salmon, or lamb. This makes them ideal for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities because there are no hidden ingredients to trigger reactions. Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats also make excellent high-value training rewards because their intense aroma and flavor keeps dogs focused and motivated.

Dehydrated Dog Treats vs Freeze Dried

Dehydrated dog treats and freeze dried treats are often confused, but the production methods and results differ significantly. Dehydration uses low, sustained heat (typically 130-160°F) over 8-12 hours to remove moisture. Freeze-drying uses no heat at all. As a result, freeze-dried treats retain more heat-sensitive nutrients like B vitamins and enzymes, while dehydrated treats tend to be chewier and denser.

Dehydrated dog treats have their own advantages. They are typically less expensive than freeze-dried options, offer a satisfying chewy texture that many dogs prefer, and are easy to make at home with a basic food dehydrator. Popular dehydrated treats include sweet potato chews, chicken jerky strips, and beef liver slices. Both types outperform highly processed commercial treats in nutritional quality — the choice between them comes down to your budget and your dog's texture preferences.

Low Calorie Dog Treats for Weight Management

Low calorie dog treats are essential for the estimated 56% of dogs in the United States that are overweight or obese. Excess weight puts dogs at risk for joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and shortened lifespans. Since treats can account for 10-20% of a dog's daily calorie intake, switching to low calorie options is one of the simplest ways to reduce overall consumption without eliminating rewards entirely.

The most effective low calorie dog treats contain 3-5 calories per piece. Commercial options like Zuke's Mini Naturals (2 calories each), Fruitables Skinny Minis (3 calories), and Stewart Freeze-Dried Liver Treats (3 calories) all deliver flavor and aroma that dogs find motivating without the caloric density of standard treats. For an even lower calorie approach, whole food options like baby carrots (4 calories each), green beans (2 calories per bean), and apple slices (5 calories per slice) work well for many dogs.

Soft Dog Treats for Senior Dogs

Soft dog treats serve an important role for senior dogs, puppies, and dogs with dental issues who cannot handle hard, crunchy treats. As dogs age, their teeth become more fragile and gums more sensitive — forcing an older dog to crunch through a hard biscuit can cause pain and even tooth fractures. Soft treats also work better for training because dogs can chew and swallow them quickly, maintaining focus on the next command.

The best soft dog treats maintain a moist, pliable texture without relying on excessive sugar, glycerin, or artificial humectants to stay soft. Look for treats that use natural moisture sources like sweet potato, pumpkin, or meat broths. Brands like Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, Blue Buffalo Blue Bits, and Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are consistently well-reviewed for their texture, ingredient quality, and palatability. If your senior dog has specific health needs, our guide on feeding dogs with conditions like skin allergies can help — see our recommendations for the best approaches to pet nutrition.

Dog Treat Pouch: Best Training Accessories

A dog treat pouch is one of the most underrated training tools available. Professional dog trainers consider a quality treat pouch essential because it allows instant reward delivery — the 1-2 seconds you save by not digging through a pocket can make the difference between your dog connecting the treat to the desired behavior or losing the association entirely. Timing is everything in reward-based training.

The best dog treat pouches share several key features: a wide opening for easy access (magnetic or hinge closures beat drawstrings), a secure closure to prevent spills during movement, a built-in clip or belt loop for hands-free carrying, and a washable interior lining. Popular choices include the PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport (clip-on, magnetic closure, $10-15), Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch (the professional standard, $20-25), and the RUFFWEAR Treat Trader (premium, waterproof, $25-30).

Choosing Training Treats That Work

The ideal training treats are small (pea-sized), soft (quick to eat), smelly (high aroma grabs attention), and high-value (something your dog does not get every day). Freeze-dried liver or chicken hearts rank among the highest-value training treats because their intense smell cuts through distractions. For basic obedience in low-distraction environments, standard commercial training treats work fine. Save your highest-value treats for challenging situations like recall practice at the dog park or leash reactivity work. A well-stocked dog treat pouch should contain two tiers of treats so you can match the reward to the difficulty of the task.

Best Dog Treat Brands Reviewed

With hundreds of dog treat brands competing for shelf space, finding reliable options requires looking beyond marketing claims. We evaluated brands based on ingredient quality, manufacturing transparency, recall history, and real-world feedback from dog owners and trainers. Here are the brands that consistently deliver quality you can trust.

Fruitables Dog Treats Review

Fruitables dog treats have earned a loyal following for their creative use of real fruits and vegetables as primary ingredients. Their Skinny Minis line contains just 3 calories per treat, making them one of the best options for weight-conscious owners. Flavors like Pumpkin & Mango, Watermelon, and Grilled Bison use whole food ingredients without artificial flavors, colors, or corn/wheat/soy fillers. Fruitables sources ingredients from the United States and manufactures domestically. The brand has maintained a clean recall history, which sets it apart from many competitors. The main drawback is price — Fruitables treats cost roughly 50% more per ounce than budget brands, though the ingredient quality justifies the premium for most owners.

Nudges Dog Treats Review

Nudges dog treats position themselves as a premium jerky-style treat made with real meat as the first ingredient. Their lineup includes chicken, beef, and steak varieties in both jerky strips and bite-sized grillers. Nudges sources chicken and beef from the United States and uses no artificial flavors or colors. The treats have a chewy, meaty texture that most dogs find irresistible — they rank as high-value rewards for many dogs. However, Nudges treats are calorie-dense compared to alternatives (about 20-25 calories per piece depending on size), so they are better suited as occasional rewards than daily training treats. The brand is owned by Tyson Foods, which provides significant manufacturing and sourcing infrastructure.

Simply Nourish Dog Treats Review

Simply Nourish dog treats, sold exclusively at PetSmart, offer a solid mid-range option with transparent ingredient sourcing. Their treat line includes freeze-dried options, soft chews, and dental sticks. Simply Nourish treats avoid artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and most varieties use real meat or fish as the primary ingredient. The freeze-dried chicken breast treats are particularly well-regarded — single ingredient, high protein, and competitively priced against premium freeze-dried brands. Simply Nourish has maintained a clean recall record and offers consistent quality across their product range. The main limitation is availability — since they are a PetSmart exclusive, you cannot find them at other retailers or online marketplaces.

Good N Fun Dog Treats

Good N Fun dog treats are widely available at major retailers and offer an affordable rawhide-alternative option. Their triple-flavor kabobs and chicken-wrapped sticks are popular with dogs who enjoy long-lasting chews. However, Good N Fun has faced scrutiny over sourcing and manufacturing — some products are manufactured overseas, and the brand has had quality concerns raised by consumer groups. If you choose Good N Fun, opt for their USA-made varieties and avoid giving rawhide-based products to aggressive chewers who may tear off large pieces that pose choking hazards.

Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Homemade dog treats give you complete control over ingredients, which is especially valuable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities. Making treats at home is also significantly cheaper than buying commercial options — a batch of homemade pumpkin treats costs roughly $2-3 in ingredients and yields 40-60 treats. Here are three proven recipes that dogs love.

Three-Ingredient Pumpkin Dog Treats

Combine 2 cups of whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs), 1/2 cup of plain canned pumpkin puree, and 2 eggs. Mix into a firm dough, roll to 1/4 inch thickness, and cut into shapes. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm. These treats store well for up to two weeks at room temperature or three months in the freezer. The fiber from pumpkin supports digestive health, while eggs provide protein and healthy fats.

Blueberry Dog Treats Recipe

Blueberry dog treats combine antioxidant-rich berries with simple, dog-safe ingredients for a treat that supports cognitive health. Mix 1 cup of oat flour, 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries (mashed lightly), 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1 egg. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. The result is a soft, fruity treat that most dogs find irresistible. For dogs who prefer crunchier textures, bake an extra 10 minutes until firm.

Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Sweet potato dog treats require only one ingredient and a food dehydrator or oven. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds, arrange on dehydrator trays, and dehydrate at 130°F for 10-14 hours until chewy (or longer until crispy). For oven preparation, bake at 250°F for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through. Sweet potato chews are naturally rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and manganese. They offer a satisfying chew time that helps clean teeth and massage gums — connecting to the dental health benefits discussed in our dog grooming guide. These treats store for up to three weeks in an airtight container.

Treats for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs

Dogs with sensitive stomachs benefit from treats with minimal ingredients and easily digestible proteins. Single-ingredient freeze-dried treats are the safest option — plain chicken breast, turkey, or white fish contain no additives that could trigger reactions. For homemade options, use a single protein source combined with pumpkin (the digestive benefits discussed above make it ideal). Avoid treats containing dairy, wheat, corn, soy, or multiple protein sources until you have identified your dog's specific sensitivities through an elimination diet supervised by your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions