Apple and Pumpkin Chews Recipe for Dogs: A Soft-Baked Treat Packed with Love and Nutrition

There’s something about the smell of warm apple and pumpkin filling the kitchen that always brings me back to fall afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. While those memories were once filled with pies and muffins, nowadays, I find myself whipping up something a little different—homemade dog treats for my pup, Baxter. These Apple and Pumpkin Chews have become a staple in our household. They're soft, chewy, and packed with nourishing ingredients that dogs absolutely love.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the full recipe, share some heartfelt tips I’ve learned along the way, and explain why these treats aren’t just delicious—they’re genuinely good for your furry companion’s health.

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Why I Started Making Homemade Dog Treats

Several years ago, Baxter started showing signs of a sensitive stomach. I tried different store-bought brands, but the ingredient lists were long and filled with things I couldn’t even pronounce. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands—and honestly, it’s been one of the most rewarding changes I’ve made as a dog parent.

By creating my own homemade dog treats, I know exactly what’s going into his belly. No preservatives, no fillers—just real, wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, oats, and apples. And the best part? I get to spoil him with something that’s made with love.

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Why Apple and Pumpkin Are Perfect for Dogs

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk ingredients. Both apple and pumpkin bring something special to the table—not just in flavor, but also in nutrition.

• Pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestion. It’s also loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and iron.
• Apples are crunchy, naturally sweet, and packed with antioxidants and fiber. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds, as those aren’t safe for dogs.

Together, these two ingredients create a flavor profile that’s slightly sweet, earthy, and totally irresistible to pups.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what I use to make about 30 small, chewy squares (similar to the ones in the photo):

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (or pureed fresh apple, no seeds/skin)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
• 2 cups rolled oats (can use gluten-free if needed)
• ¼ cup ground flaxseed (optional, for added omega-3s)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional and safe in small amounts)

Note: You can easily adjust the quantities to make larger or smaller batches depending on how many treats your dog goes through.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Soft Apple and Pumpkin Chews

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Blend the Base
In a mixing bowl, stir together the applesauce, pumpkin puree, and coconut oil until smooth. I use a silicone spatula for this step—it makes it easy to scrape the sides and ensures everything blends evenly.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the oats, flaxseed, and cinnamon. The mixture will be thick and sticky. If it feels too wet, you can add a bit more ground oats or oat flour to help it firm up.

Step 4: Form the Chews
You’ve got a couple of options here. For that soft, chewy cube shape (like the ones in the image), press the mixture into a small square pan lined with parchment. Pat it down firmly, and use a knife to score small squares before baking. Alternatively, you can shape little bite-sized balls or press the dough into silicone molds.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chews are set and just starting to dry around the edges. If you want a firmer, drier chew, you can leave them in the oven for an extra 10–15 minutes, or turn off the oven and let them cool inside.

Step 6: Cool and Store
Once baked, let the treats cool completely before breaking them apart. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer shelf life.

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Personal Tip: Make It a Weekend Tradition

One thing I’ve come to really love is turning this into a weekend ritual. On Sundays, I’ll throw on some music, brew a cup of tea, and get into the rhythm of mixing, scooping, and baking. Baxter has learned the signs—he’ll wait patiently by the oven, tail thumping, until he gets the first taste.

This ritual is more than just baking. It’s become a way to unwind, bond, and do something that directly supports my dog’s well-being. If you’re someone who enjoys slowing down and creating with intention, this might be the perfect little tradition to start.

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Ingredient Swaps and Variations

One of the joys of homemade dog recipes is that they’re super customizable. If your pup has specific dietary needs or just likes a little variety, try these simple swaps:

• Sweet potato instead of pumpkin
• Mashed banana instead of applesauce (or do a half-and-half blend)
• Add chia seeds or hemp hearts for extra texture and nutrition
• Mix in a tablespoon of homemade peanut butter—this homemade peanut butter for dogs is a go-to in my house

If you want to explore more flavor combinations, definitely check out these other creative recipes like the Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs or Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs—they're both packed with great nutrition and flavor variety.

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Why These Treats Are So Loved

Every time I make these chews, I’m reminded of how something so simple can bring so much joy. The ingredients are gentle on sensitive stomachs, the texture is easy for older dogs to chew, and the natural sweetness makes them an instant hit.

In fact, I’ve even started gifting small batches to friends who also have dogs. It’s amazing how quickly a bag of homemade treats can turn into a thoughtful, meaningful gesture.

And if you’re wondering—yes, they smell so good that even the humans in the house get curious.

Creative Storage Tips and Treat Longevity

Once your Apple and Pumpkin Chews are baked and cooled, storage becomes key—especially if you're making a big batch like I often do. I’ve tested a few different methods, and here’s what works best:

• Room temperature (in an airtight container): up to 3 days
• Refrigerated: up to 1 week
• Frozen: up to 3 months

For freezing, I like to portion them out into weekly bags so I can just grab what I need without defrosting the entire batch. They thaw quickly at room temperature, or you can warm them for 5–10 seconds in the microwave (just enough to soften—not cook them!).

A small tip I’ve picked up: placing a paper towel at the bottom of your storage container helps absorb any excess moisture, which keeps the chews from getting soggy.

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Making It Special with Seasonal Twists

One of the most exciting things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt it with seasonal ingredients or holiday themes. Over the holidays, I love adding a dash of ground ginger and shaping the treats into little stars using cookie cutters.

In the summer, I make a chilled version by skipping the baking entirely and freezing small portions in silicone ice cube trays. Think of it like a soft popsicle your pup can enjoy on hot afternoons. (If that sounds appealing, you’ll also love these Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs, which have been a hit in our house every summer.)

Another fun idea? Adding dried cranberries (unsweetened and safe in small quantities) or grated carrot for color and texture. Just be sure to double-check that any additions are dog-friendly and don’t contain added sugar or preservatives.

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How These Treats Help with Training and Enrichment

Beyond the nutritional benefits, I’ve found that these chewy treats are amazing for training. Because they’re soft, you can easily break them into smaller bits. That makes them perfect for high-reward moments like learning new tricks, recall training, or agility sessions.

Baxter gets especially focused when he knows I have a stash of these in my pocket. Sometimes I’ll even tuck one or two into a puzzle toy or hide them around the house for scent work practice. It turns treat time into a mental challenge, which keeps him stimulated and happy.

And let’s be real—there’s something so satisfying about seeing your dog choose your homemade treats over store-bought ones. That wag of approval? It’s everything.

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Let’s Talk Texture: Soft vs Crunchy

When I first developed this recipe, my goal was to make a treat that was soft enough for senior dogs or dogs with dental sensitivities. However, I’ve also had success tweaking the bake time to create a firmer chew that’s more shelf-stable.

If you prefer a crunchier texture:

• Flatten the dough into thinner layers
• Bake at a slightly lower temperature (300°F) for 45–50 minutes
• Let them cool in the oven with the door slightly open

The result? A snappy version of the same delicious treat. My younger dog friends seem to enjoy this one more—they get that satisfying “crunch” that adds excitement to treat time.

Still, the soft chews remain our go-to for daily snacking, especially when Baxter’s just lounging in his bed with his paws crossed, waiting for a reward.

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Creating a Treat Box for Gifting

Every so often, I like to pack up a variety of treats and send a little box to friends with pups. It’s such a heartfelt gift—especially when you mix and match with a few other homemade recipes.

Here’s what I typically include in a gift set:

• A dozen Apple and Pumpkin Chews
• A few Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs
• One or two Banana and Honey Biscuits
• A printed tag with ingredients and storage instructions

For presentation, I use small kraft paper boxes, parchment dividers, and twine. It makes such a cute, thoughtful package—and I always get messages from happy pet parents afterward.

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What to Watch Out For: Safe Ingredient Practices

A quick word of caution—just because something is healthy for humans doesn’t always mean it’s safe for dogs. When working with fruits like apples, always remove the seeds and core. Avoid any sweetened or spiced canned products (especially those labeled "pumpkin pie filling") because they often contain nutmeg or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.

Stick with pure, simple ingredients. If you're not sure, mydogrecipe.com has plenty of vet-informed recipes and tips on safe food handling. It’s become one of my go-to resources anytime I’m experimenting with a new idea in the kitchen.

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The Joy of Making Something From Scratch

There’s a quiet kind of joy that comes from baking something with your own hands—especially when it’s for someone you love. And while dogs might not say “thank you,” you’ll hear it in every tail wag, happy bounce, and nuzzle against your leg after treat time.

Making your own dog treats isn’t just about nutrition. It’s about creating a connection, a moment of care, and a little burst of happiness in your dog’s day.

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Want More Treats Your Dog Will Go Crazy For?

If this recipe got your tail wagging (or your pup’s, at least), there’s a whole world of delicious, healthy recipes to explore. Whether you’re interested in savory snacks, frozen bites, or crunchy biscuits, you’ll find something inspiring on mydogrecipe.com.

You can also browse treat inspiration by theme, season, or ingredient over on our Pinterest boards at https://www.pinterest.com/mydogrecipe/. I love scrolling through there before a baking day—it’s packed with beautiful ideas and helpful tips from fellow dog lovers.

So grab your mixing bowl, cue up your dog’s favorite tunes (yes, Baxter has a playlist), and have fun getting a little messy in the kitchen. Your pup is going to love every bite.

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Happy baking, and give your good boy or girl an extra treat from us. You’ve earned it.

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