ByHealthy pumpkin chia dog treats can be made with no oven at all. These are frozen bites made by blending plain pumpkin, soaked chia seeds, and a little ripe banana, then freezing the mix in an ice cube tray. They take about 15 minutes to prep and 4 hours to freeze. The #1 safety rule is to soak the chia seeds first and use 100% plain pumpkin, never pie filling.
If your dog loves this one, you will find 29 more in my simple healthy dog treats.
Some days are too warm to bake. On those days, I pull out the blender and an old ice cube tray. Ten minutes later, these little orange cubes are in the freezer. My dog licks them like a tiny popsicle, and I don’t heat up the house.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes (including 10 minutes of soaking)
- Cook time: none (freeze at least 4 hours)
- Total time: about 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: about 20 small cubes (1 tablespoon each)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: up to 2 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in water until it gels. Blend it with plain pumpkin, half a ripe banana, and a splash of water. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Serve one small cube at a time and keep fresh water nearby.
Are Pumpkin and Chia Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Plain pumpkin and soaked chia seeds are both safe for most dogs in small amounts.
The American Kennel Club says pumpkin is rich in fiber and has vitamins A, E, and C, plus potassium and iron. It also says canned pumpkin with added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives can irritate a dog’s stomach.
For chia, Preventive Vet, written by a veterinarian, lists chia seeds as safe. It says it’s best to soak them in water first to prevent expansion in your pet’s stomach. It suggests about ¼ teaspoon of chia gel per 10 pounds of body weight a day.
Why Add Banana?
A little banana makes the cubes creamy and naturally sweet, so dogs love them. Half a banana is all you need.
The AKC’s banana guide says bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. It also says bananas are high in natural sugar, so they’re best as an occasional treat. The AKC even suggests freezing peeled banana pieces as a treat, which is just what we do here.
Healthy Pumpkin and Chia Dog Treats Recipe
A mini ice cube tray with 1-tablespoon wells works best. Small cubes are easier to portion.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon plain chia seeds
- 3 tablespoons water, for soaking
- ¾ cup plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
- ½ ripe banana, peeled
- ¼ cup water, plus more if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stir the chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, until it forms a thick gel.
- Add the pumpkin, banana, and ¼ cup water to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add the chia gel.
- Pulse 2 or 3 times to mix it in.
- Add another spoonful of water if the mix is too thick to pour.
- Spoon the mix into a mini ice cube tray, about 1 tablespoon per well.
- Tap the tray on the counter to level the tops.
- Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours, until solid.
- Pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Soak the chia. Preventive Vet says soaking helps keep the seeds from expanding in your dog’s stomach.
- Plain pumpkin only. The AKC’s chief vet warns that pumpkin pie filling can contain xylitol (AKC squash guide).
- Skip ice cream as a base. The AKC’s ice cream guide says many adult dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree. It also warns that “sugar-free” ice cream may contain xylitol.
- Plain chia only. Skip chia puddings made for people. VCA Animal Hospitals lists pudding snacks among foods that can contain xylitol.
- Peel the banana. The AKC says banana peels are hard to digest and can cause a blockage.
Pro Tip: Let a cube sit on the counter for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. It softens just enough on the outside, so your dog can lick it instead of crunching hard ice.
How Many Frozen Pumpkin Chia Cubes Can My Dog Have?
One or two cubes a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs should get half a cube.
Each cube holds a little over ½ teaspoon of chia gel (my math: about 4 tablespoons of gel across 20 cubes). That keeps these portions close to the Preventive Vet guideline above.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks. For a simple chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day.
Vet Tip: Pumpkin and chia both add fiber. Start with half a cube and watch for gas or loose stools for a day. If your dog has diabetes or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before serving banana treats.
Are Frozen Treats Good on Hot Days?
They’re a fun way to cool down, but they don’t replace water. Always keep a full bowl of fresh water out.
Frozen treats are a nice bonus after a walk. Still, hydration comes from drinking. My guide on how long a dog can go without water explains why that matters. A dog water fountain can keep water cool and tempting on warm days. I like to give these cubes outside or on a mat, and I stay close while my dog finishes.
Substitutions and Variations
You can tweak these cubes for allergies or what’s in your kitchen.
Allergy Swaps
- Banana-free: Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce instead.
- Pumpkin-free: Use ¾ cup plain mashed cooked butternut squash with no seeds or skin.
Grain-Free Option
Good news: this recipe is already grain-free. There’s no flour at all.
Lick Mat Version
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mix on a lick mat and freeze it flat for 2 hours. It lasts longer and slows down fast eaters.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Use a tray with 1-teaspoon wells, or cut cubes in half.
- Medium dogs: 1-tablespoon cubes, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Give two cubes, one at a time.
More Pumpkin and Frozen Ideas
Want a baked version? Try my pumpkin and banana dog treats or easy pumpkin dog biscuits for beginners. For more cool snacks, see my frozen watermelon dog bites. Curious about banana? Read can dogs eat banana. And for the sweet-treat question, see can I give my dog sweet treats.
How Do I Store Frozen Pumpkin Chia Treats?
Keep the cubes in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Don’t leave them out to thaw and refreeze.
Label the bag with the date. Throw out any cubes that smell off or have freezer burn. For days you’re out of homemade treats, keep some ready-made fresh dog treats in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to soak the chia seeds?
A: Yes. Preventive Vet says soaking helps prevent the seeds from expanding in your dog’s stomach.
Q: Can I use plain yogurt instead of water?
A: Some dogs handle a little plain yogurt, but many adult dogs are lactose intolerant to some degree, the AKC says. Water keeps this recipe dairy-free.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin?
A: Yes. Roast or steam plain pumpkin, remove the seeds and skin, and mash it smooth.
Q: Why are my cubes hard to pop out?
A: Let the tray sit for 1 minute, then twist it. A silicone tray releases more easily.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer a small, slightly softened piece.
Q: Are these the same as baked pumpkin chia treats?
A: No. These are frozen and soft, with no flour. They’re best for warm days or as a slow lick treat.
Final Thoughts
These healthy pumpkin chia dog treats are cool, creamy, and need no oven at all. Soak the chia, use plain pumpkin, and keep the banana to half. Then freeze, pop, and share one small cube at a time. Want to watch your dog enjoy them while you’re away? A dog camera makes it easy to check in.
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