As a dog parent, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing your dog enjoy a treat that you’ve lovingly made from scratch. Whether you’re training your pup, rewarding good behavior, or just looking for a healthy snack, homemade dog treats like these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites offer the perfect combination of nutrition and flavor.

In this post, I’ll not only share the recipe for these delightful treats but also delve into why pumpkin and chicken are such powerful ingredients for your dog’s diet. We’ll also explore other delicious homemade treat options, and I’ll sprinkle in some personal anecdotes about my dog’s treat experiences. By the end of this post, you’ll have all the information you need to make these treats—and more—for your own pup.

The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats

There’s something truly special about preparing treats at home. First and foremost, you have complete control over the ingredients. Unlike store-bought treats, which can often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers, homemade snacks are made with fresh, whole ingredients. This means you can avoid potentially harmful additives and focus on what’s truly best for your dog.

Understanding What’s in Your Dog’s Food

Knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s treats can help you avoid allergens and harmful ingredients. Many commercial treats, even those labeled as “natural” or “healthy,” often contain hidden ingredients that might not be ideal for your pet. For example, some treats might include xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. Others might have excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or artificial colorings that don’t do any good for your dog’s health.

When you make your dog’s treats at home, you have peace of mind knowing that each ingredient is something you would feed your dog with confidence. Not only can you choose fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, but you can also modify recipes to cater to your dog’s dietary needs, preferences, and even health conditions.

Pumpkin: A Superfood for Dogs

Pumpkin has quickly become a go-to ingredient in many dog treats—and for good reason! This vibrant orange vegetable is rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, and E, as well as potassium and iron. These nutrients support your dog’s immune system, vision, and overall cellular health.

One of the standout benefits of pumpkin is its high fiber content. Fiber plays a critical role in regulating your dog’s digestive system, helping to prevent constipation or diarrhea. If your dog ever experiences digestive upset, a spoonful of pumpkin puree can often work wonders to settle their stomach.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for dogs who need to maintain or lose weight. It adds bulk to your dog’s diet, helping them feel full without packing on extra calories.

The Power of Chicken for Protein

Protein is essential for dogs, and chicken is one of the best sources. It’s a lean protein that’s easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. Chicken provides the necessary amino acids that support muscle growth and maintenance, which is especially important for active dogs or those recovering from illness or surgery.

When preparing chicken for your dog, it’s important to cook it plain—no salt, spices, or oils. Dogs have different digestive systems than humans, and ingredients like garlic or onions, which we often use in our cooking, can be harmful to them. When using chicken in homemade treats, always ensure it’s thoroughly cooked to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

By combining pumpkin and chicken, these treats pack a double punch of nutrition: fiber, vitamins, and lean protein all in one delicious bite.

My Dog’s Love for Pumpkin & Chicken Bites

Every dog parent has that one treat that their dog just can’t get enough of, and for my pup, it’s these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites. It all started when I was experimenting with different treat recipes. My dog has a sensitive stomach, and after struggling to find store-bought treats that didn’t upset her digestive system, I decided to try making my own.

I knew pumpkin would be a great base for its digestive benefits, and chicken was her favorite source of protein, so it felt like the perfect match. After a few tries, I finally nailed the recipe, and ever since then, she’s been hooked! Every time I make a batch, she knows it before I even pull out the ingredients. The excitement in her eyes is priceless.

I also love using these bites as training treats. Because they’re small and bite-sized, they’re ideal for rewarding her during training sessions without overloading her with too many calories. Plus, the combination of pumpkin and chicken keeps her coming back for more.

If you’re looking for more treat ideas for sensitive stomachs or even just variety, I also recommend these Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs or Banana and Honey Biscuits, which are both packed with wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin & Chicken Bites

One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple and straightforward it is. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded (plain, no seasoning)
• 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s unsweetened and free of any additives like sugar or spice)
• 1/2 cup of oats (whole oats work best, but you can also use quick oats or grind them down if your dog prefers a smoother texture)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (optional, for added shine and healthy fats)
• 1 egg (helps to bind the ingredients together and adds an extra boost of protein)

These ingredients are not only easy to find, but they’re also common staples in most households. This means you won’t need to make any special trips to the store just to whip up a batch of treats.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin & Chicken Bites

Let’s dive into how to make these tasty treats for your pup. I promise it’s quick and easy, and your dog will be begging for more in no time!

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

If you don’t already have cooked chicken on hand, start by cooking a plain chicken breast. You can either boil or bake it, just make sure to leave out any seasonings. Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding it into small pieces. You want the pieces to be small enough for your dog to chew easily but not so fine that the texture gets lost in the bites.

If you have a large dog, you can leave the pieces slightly chunkier for some added texture. For smaller dogs, I recommend dicing the chicken more finely.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pumpkin puree, oats, and coconut oil (if using). Crack the egg into the mixture and stir everything together. You should end up with a slightly sticky but firm mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more oats until it holds together better.

Step 3: Form the Bites

Next, use your hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into bite-sized balls. The size can vary depending on your dog’s size—smaller dogs will need smaller bites, while larger dogs can handle bigger portions.

For even cooking, try to keep all the bites roughly the same size. If you’re making a larger batch, you can also flatten them slightly to create a “cookie” shape, which may cook more evenly and be easier to store.

Step 4: Bake the Bites

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the formed bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Keep an eye on them while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. You don’t want to overcook the bites, as they could become too hard for your dog to enjoy. Once they’re done, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.

Step 5: Store and Serve

Once the bites are fully cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them before giving them to your dog.

And that’s it! Your dog will love these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites, and you’ll feel great knowing they’re getting a nutritious, homemade snack.

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Why Dogs Love Pumpkin & Chicken Bites

Beyond the health benefits of pumpkin and chicken, there’s something about the flavor combination that dogs just love. It’s the perfect balance of savory and mildly sweet, and the soft texture makes these bites easy to chew for dogs of all ages.

My dog is particularly picky when it comes to textures. She doesn’t love crunchy treats as much as softer, chewier ones, which is why these bites are such a hit in our household. They’re firm enough to hold their shape, but soft enough that she can easily chew through them without any trouble.

If your dog prefers crunchy treats, you might want to experiment with the cooking

time. Baking them a little longer can give the bites a slightly firmer texture without compromising the flavor or nutrition.

For even more texture variation, you can try these Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews or Bull Penis Dog Treats, which are both excellent for dogs who enjoy a little extra chew in their treats.

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How to Customize the Recipe for Your Dog’s Needs

One of the best parts about making your own dog treats is how customizable the recipes can be. While this particular recipe uses pumpkin and chicken, there’s plenty of room for variation, depending on your dog’s taste preferences or dietary needs.

Alternative Ingredients

• Protein Substitutes: If your dog isn’t a fan of chicken, or if you’d like to switch things up, you can easily swap the chicken for another lean protein like turkey or ground beef. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and avoid any added seasonings.
• Pumpkin Alternatives: While pumpkin is a great base ingredient, you can also try using sweet potato puree or butternut squash as alternatives. Both of these options offer similar health benefits and a slightly sweeter flavor that some dogs might enjoy even more.
• Grain-Free Options: If your dog is on a grain-free diet, you can replace the oats with a grain-free flour like coconut flour or almond flour. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to get the right consistency.
• Add-Ins: To boost the nutrition of these bites, consider adding a spoonful of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also add a bit of unsweetened applesauce for a touch of natural sweetness.

Adjusting for Size and Age

Whether you have a large dog or a small one, you can easily adjust the size of these treats. For smaller dogs, consider making mini-bites that are easier for them to chew. For larger dogs, you can form bigger bites or even turn them into larger, flat cookies.

Senior dogs, especially those with dental issues, might prefer a softer, more delicate treat. In this case, you can bake the bites for a shorter amount of time or even reduce the oats to make the texture a bit softer.

No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, the key is to keep the ingredients wholesome and free from harmful additives. Your dog’s health and happiness are the top priorities, and homemade treats are one of the best ways to ensure they get the very best.

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The Joy of Making Homemade Treats for Your Dog

One of the reasons I love making homemade treats, like these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites, is the bond it helps create between me and my dog. There’s something so rewarding about knowing you’re providing your dog with the best possible food, made with love and care.

The time spent baking in the kitchen, knowing that these treats will make my dog’s day, is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Plus, it’s fun to watch her excitedly wait for the treats to come out of the oven. That happy wagging tail makes it all worthwhile!

If you’re just getting started with homemade dog treats, these bites are a great place to begin. They’re easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and loved by dogs of all kinds. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that making homemade treats can quickly become a regular part of your routine.

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More Healthy and Delicious Dog Treat Recipes

If your dog enjoys these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites, I highly encourage you to explore more homemade dog treat recipes. There’s no shortage of healthy, fun, and easy-to-make options out there that will keep your pup excited and happy.

For more inspiration, check out the following recipes on mydogrecipe.com:

• Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews
• Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs
• Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs

And don’t forget to follow mydogrecipe on Pinterest for more dog-friendly recipe ideas, tips, and tricks.

Happy baking, and I hope your dog loves these Pumpkin & Chicken Bites as much as mine does!

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