Halloween isn't just for humans anymore! The hubbub around Halloween brings things your dog might not welcome, like strange people showing up at your door. But, happily, dogs get to join in the fun parts, too! That includes delicious, safe treats that can distract and reward your pup in this sometimes spooky season for dogs.
If you're searching for creative ways to make halloween dog treats at home, you've come to the right place. Let's talk about how to create good, nutritious dog halloween treats your dog will love!
Why make homemade halloween treats for your dog?
Before we dive into recipes, let's talk about why homemade treats are the perfect choice for your dog this halloween, and really, all year long. When you make dog treat recipes at home, you control exactly what goes into them. The opportunity to choose human-grade ingredients means no mystery additives, artificial color, or preservatives. Plus, serving your treats in innovative, engaging ways makes the process easier and more fun for both of you.
Store-bought treats often come with questionable ingredients that can be a problem for dogs and their overall health, especially those with sensitivities. Homemade options offer plenty of flexibility to accommodate your dog's size, breed type, and dietary needs. Whether you have a small dog, large dog, or an energetic puppy, you can find the perfect recipe to suit your pup's life stage and preferences.
Two special serving tools can turn your treats into mentally-stimulating opportunities for licking, an instinctive self-soother for dogs:
Mighty Paw Lick Bowl: an innovative slow-feeding bowl perfect for serving soft treats like pumpkin- or yogurt-based recipes. The textured surface turns treat time into an engaging activity providing mental stimulation for your dog. It's also a great way to slow your pup down at mealtime if your dog tends to gulp food too quickly.
Mighty Paw Lick Pad: a versatile lick pad that can be frozen with your homemade treat mixtures for a long-lasting reward your dog will love. It's perfect for keeping your pup occupied during trick-or-treaters' visits or anytime you need a calming distraction.
4 recipes to treat your dog
1) Pumpkin pup-cakes
Soft & tasty
Nothing says halloween quite like pumpkin, and dogs love it! This recipe creates soft, cake-like dog "cookies" that are perfect for the season and easy to break into small pieces for training.
Ingredients:
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2 cups whole wheat flour
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1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling — check labels carefully)
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2 eggs (human-grade, high-protein ingredient)
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1/3 cup dog-friendly peanut butter (xylitol-free, salt-free, palm oil-free)
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
Combine ingredients. Spoon the mixture into silicone muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.
These soft treats stay fresh for up to a week when you store them in an airtight container, making them perfect for preparing ahead of your halloween festivities. They're suitable for dogs of all sizes. Just remember to adjust portions based on your dog's size. The softer texture also makes it easy to break them into small pieces for rewarding your pup with the "more treats, more often" approach during training or on walks.
(Do what trainers do and keep them handy in a treat pouch to reward immediately for good behaviors or as a distraction in the moment!)
2) Ghostly banana bites
Frozen fun
These frozen halloween treats are shaped like little ghosts and provide a refreshing snack dogs love. Serve them in your Mighty Paw Lick Bowl for extended enjoyment and mental exercise, OR spread the mixture on your Mighty Paw Lick Pad.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (human grade)
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1 tablespoon honey (sugar alternative)
Instructions:
Mash the bananas and mix with yogurt and honey.
Pour into ghost-shaped silicone molds or spread onto your Lick Pad. Freeze for a few hours. Pop them out if in molds (or ice cube trays) and serve in your Lick Bowl OR serve as a frozen spread treat in your Lick Pad (with suction cups to stay put anywhere) for a fun, cooling treat either way that's perfect for active pups.
For small dogs or puppies, if you're serving as molds or cubes in your Lick Bowl, break them into smaller pieces to ensure they're easy to enjoy.
3) Pumpkin & oat Lick Bowl delight
Slow-feeding fun
This recipe is specifically designed for the Mighty Paw Lick Bowl, turning treat time into an engaging activity.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pure pumpkin puree
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1/2 cup plain yogurt
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1/4 cup rolled oats
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1 tablespoon dog-friendly peanut butter
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Spread the mixture into your Lick Bowl, ensuring it fills the textured grooves. You can serve immediately or freeze for a longer-lasting treat. The textured surface of our Mighty Paw Lick Bowl makes dogs work for their treat, which is perfect for training and mental enrichment. You can also use the Lick Bowl in either wobbly or stable mode, depending on the experience you want for your pup.
This soft treat option is suitable for puppies, senior dogs, and pets with dental issues!
4) Apple & carrot Lick Pad treats
Nutrient-packed
Turn your Mighty Paw Lick Pad into a halloween treat station with this nutritious recipe.
Ingredients:
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1 apple, grated (remove seeds, of course)
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1 carrot, grated
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1 cup plain yogurt
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2 tablespoons dog-friendly peanut butter
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1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients. Spread evenly across the Lick Pad surface, pressing the mixture into the textured areas. Freeze for a few hours. This creates a tasty, long-lasting treat that's perfect for keeping your pup busy during halloween (or any other) events.
Pro tips: from safety to storage
What dogs should never eat
While making these festive treats, always keep safety in mind. Never use anything with xylitol (found in some human peanut butters as a sweetener), a life-threatening toxin for dogs. And of course, be sure no halloween candy is anywhere near your dog's reach. It's absolutely off-limits for dogs, as it contains chocolate, excessive sugar, and artificial ingredients that can be harmful.
Portion control & moderation
Remember that treats should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Your dog's size matters when determining portion size. What works for a Great Dane isn't good for a Chihuahua. Small dogs need smaller portions to avoid weight gain.
Storing your homemade treats for best results
Proper storage extends the life of your halloween dog treats, all season long and beyond. Baked biscuits can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for up to three months. Soft treats should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days unless frozen.
Frozen treats designed for your Lick Bowl and Lick Pad can stay in the freezer for several months. Simply prep several at once and store them for easy access. That way you always have treats when you need them.
Options for different dogs, different dietary needs
Not all dogs can enjoy the same treats. Some have allergies, sensitivities, or special dietary requirements. The beauty of making homemade treats is that you can choose ingredients that work for your individual pup.
For dogs with grain sensitivities, you'll want recipes using coconut flour or chickpea flour instead of wheat (you can usually find substitution conversions on alternate flour packages). If you're watching your dog's weight, reduce portions and offer frozen treats from the Lick Pad, which last longer and provide more satisfaction with fewer calories.
Puppies need softer options that are gentle on developing teeth, while senior dogs might prefer easy-to-chew treats as well. The variety of recipes and serving options means you have good choices for your dog at every life stage.
Making dog treats at home is a rewarding way to include your dog in holiday celebrations. Using innovative serving methods like Lick Bowls and Lick Pads levels up your dog's treat time to an enriching experience.
Happy treat-making -- for Halloween and all year round!
We believe having our dogs by our sides in all the fun and every adventure makes all of us happier and healthier. That's why we do what we do here at Mighty Paw to make it all easier, safer, healthier for your dog to thrive in every activity, every day with you.
In everything we do, we're here to find ways to help you give your dog the biggest, best, fullest life we all want for our pups. We're committed to creating high-quality products and sharing ideas that are healthful, safe, and practical for everything you need for all your adventures together, large and small, holidays and every day.
