ByHealthy apple pumpkin dog treats can look like tiny fall pies. These are mini hand pies with a soft oat crust and a filling of plain pumpkin and finely diced apple. They take about 30 minutes to prep and 20 to 22 minutes to bake. The #1 safety rule is to core the apple and remove every seed, and to use 100% plain pumpkin, never pie filling.
Every fall, I bake a pie for my family. My dog sits by the counter and stares at me the whole time. Real apple pie isn’t for dogs, so I made her a version of her own. These little half-moon pies have a crimped edge and a pumpkin-apple middle. They’re adorable on a holiday plate.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 to 22 minutes
- Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: about 16 mini hand pies (3-inch circles)
- Difficulty: Medium-easy
- Storage life: up to 5 days in the fridge, up to 2 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Make a simple oat dough with egg and pumpkin. Fill 3-inch circles with plain pumpkin and diced, cored apple. Fold, crimp with a fork, and bake. Skip sugar, butter, and pie spice, and keep these as a special-occasion treat.
Are Apples and Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?
Yes, when you prepare them the right way. Plain apple flesh and plain pumpkin are both safe for most dogs.
The American Kennel Club’s apple guide says apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. It also warns that apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, and that the tough core and stem could cause choking.
The AKC’s pumpkin guide says pumpkin is rich in fiber and has vitamins A, E, and C, plus potassium and iron.
Why Not Just Share Apple Pie?
Because people pie has things dogs don’t need. The AKC says the added sugar and crust in apple pie are too much for dogs.
The AKC also notes that apple pie may include nutmeg, which contains a toxin called myristicin. These dog pies skip the sugar, butter, and spices. They taste like fall to your dog without the risky parts.
Healthy Apple and Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe
Dice the apple very small, about the size of a pea. Small pieces cook soft and keep the pies from tearing.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups oat flour (blend about 2 ½ cups plain rolled oats), plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
- 3 to 5 tablespoons water
For the filling:
- ½ cup plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
- ½ cup finely diced apple (about half a small apple, washed, peeled, cored, and seeded)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the egg and ¼ cup pumpkin in a large bowl.
- Add the oat flour and stir.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, stir the ½ cup pumpkin and diced apple together for the filling.
- Dust your counter and rolling pin with oat flour.
- Roll the dough about â…› inch thick.
- Cut 3-inch circles with a round cutter or a drinking glass.
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling onto one half of each circle.
- Fold the circle over to make a half moon.
- Press the edges closed with a fork.
- Poke the top once with the fork so steam can escape.
- Set the pies on the tray, 1 inch apart.
- Re-roll the scraps and repeat.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until golden and firm.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. The filling stays hot for a while.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- No apple seeds, core, or stem. The AKC says seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, and the core and stem could cause choking.
- Plain pumpkin only. The AKC’s chief vet warns that pumpkin pie filling can contain xylitol (AKC squash guide).
- No pie spice or nutmeg. The AKC’s cinnamon guide says nutmeg is a different story from cinnamon and contains myristicin.
- No sugar or butter. The AKC’s cinnamon guide notes that baked goods high in fat and sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and problems like pancreatitis.
- Cool before serving. Fruit fillings hold heat. Break one open to check before you share.
Pro Tip: Don’t overfill. One level teaspoon is plenty. Too much filling squeezes out the sides and makes the crust soggy.
How Many Mini Apple Pumpkin Pies Can My Dog Have?
One mini pie a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs should get half a pie.
The AKC notes that each whole apple has about 19 grams of sugar, so a little apple goes a long way. This batch uses only half a small apple for all 16 pies.
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: If your dog eats an apple core or seeds, the AKC says to watch for signs of digestive trouble or blockage, like choking. Call your vet if you see vomiting, a sore belly, or trouble passing stool.
If your dog loves this one, you will find 29 more in my healthy dog treat recipes with simple ingredients.
Can I Serve These on Holidays?
Yes, they’re perfect for a dog-safe holiday plate. Give one pie while everyone else has dessert.
Holidays bring lots of risky table scraps. Keep pie, stuffing, and anything with raisins or onions out of reach. Check my list of foods dogs cannot eat before guests arrive. Wondering about sweet foods in general? Read can I give my dog sweet treats.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change these pies for allergies, time, or dog size.
Allergy Swaps
- Egg-free: Use 3 more tablespoons of pumpkin in the dough instead of the egg. The dough will be softer, so chill it for 15 minutes before rolling.
- Fruit swap: Use finely diced peeled, cored pear in place of apple.
Grain-Free Option
Use 1 ½ cups chickpea flour in the dough. Add water slowly until it rolls without cracking.
Quick “Sandwich” Version
No time to fold? Cut 2-inch squares, add a dab of filling, top with a second square, and press the edges with a fork.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Cut 2-inch circles and use ½ teaspoon of filling. Bake 15 to 18 minutes.
- Medium dogs: 3-inch circles, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Cut 4-inch circles with 2 teaspoons of filling. Bake 25 minutes.
More Apple and Pumpkin Ideas
Want something simpler? Try my simple apple cinnamon dog treats, easy pumpkin dog biscuits for beginners, or dog treats with applesauce. For more oat-based ideas, see my homemade oatmeal dog cookies.
The AKC’s oatmeal guide quotes a vet who calls oats a great alternative carb for dogs that may be sensitive to wheat. Want support beyond treats? Ask your vet about a dog supplement.
How Do I Store Apple Pumpkin Dog Treats?
Keep cooled pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze extras for up to 2 months.
The moist filling means these don’t keep at room temperature. Thaw frozen pies in the fridge overnight. Throw out any that smell sour or show mold. On busy weeks, keep ready-made fresh dog treats on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to peel the apple?
A: It helps. The AKC says peeling apples makes them easier for dogs to digest.
Q: Can I use applesauce in the filling?
A: Yes, use 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce in place of the diced apple. Avoid any with added sugar or sweeteners.
Q: Can I add cinnamon?
A: The AKC says cinnamon isn’t toxic but can cause irritation in large amounts. I leave it out to keep things simple.
Q: Why did my pies open in the oven?
A: The edges weren’t sealed. Dab a little water on the edge before folding, then press firmly with a fork.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer a small piece once it’s fully cool.
Q: Which apples work best?
A: Any crisp, sweet apple works. I like Gala or Fuji because they soften nicely when baked.
Final Thoughts
These healthy apple pumpkin dog treats bring pie night to your pup, minus the sugar and spice. Core the apple, use plain pumpkin, and crimp the edges tight. Then bake, cool, and share one little pie. Busy during the holidays? A dog camera lets you check in while the house is full.
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