Dehydrated pumpkin is a simple homemade snack made with just one ingredient. Thin slices of pumpkin are slowly dried until they become crispy, crunchy treats that many dogs love.
Because the pumpkin is dehydrated, most of the moisture is removed. This creates a crunchy texture similar to chips and helps them last longer than many baked dog treats. If you are looking for a natural snack made with real ingredients, dehydrated pumpkin for dogs is an easy option.
FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Making homemade treats for your dog is a fun way to spoil them with something special. Watching them happily crunch on something you made yourself is always rewarding. There are so many reasons this recipe will become a favorite.
Easy to Make – All you need to do is slice the pumpkin and dehydrate it until dry. A dehydrator works great, but you can also use your oven.
One Simple Ingredient – These treats are made with only pumpkin. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Crispy Crunch Dogs Love – Once fully dehydrated, the pumpkin slices become crunchy treats similar to chips that many dogs enjoy.
Why Pumpkin is Good for Dogs
Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in homemade dog treats because it is simple, nutritious, and easy for many dogs to digest.
- Pumpkin contains fiber that supports healthy digestion.
- It provides vitamins and antioxidants.
- Pumpkin has a naturally mild flavor that many dogs enjoy.
Ingredients
These treats use only one ingredient.
- Fresh pumpkin
Flavor Variations
You can add a little extra flavor if your dog enjoys variety. Just sprinkle them over the pumpkin slices before dehydrating.
- Ground Cinnamon – A small amount of cinnamon is safe for dogs and adds a warm flavor.
- Liver Sprinkles – Liver powder adds protein and has a savory flavor that many dogs love.
Equipment Needed
You probably have all the kitchen items, but here’s a list just in case:
- Large Sharp Knife – Pumpkins are tough to cut through, and a dull, flimsy knife won’t work.
- Cutting Board – A large wood or plastic one with anti-slip rubber grips is best.
- Food Dehydrator to dehydrate the pumpkin (or use your oven).
How to Make Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
Making these treats is really simple, and there are only a few steps. Here’s what to do:
Prepare the Pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin down the center from the stem to the bottom and remove the seeds.
- Lay the halves flat side down and slice them into ¼ to ½-inch thick slices across the pumpkin. Thicker slices will take longer to dry and may turn out more like pumpkin dog chews. Thinner slices will become crispier.
- Using a paring knife, cut off the pumpkin peel and the stringy edge of each slice. If some slices are very large, you can cut them in half.
- If using optional seasoning such as cinnamon or liver sprinkles, lightly sprinkle it over the slices.
Dehydrator Method
- Arrange the pumpkin slices evenly spaced on dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F.
- Dehydrate for 10 to 12 hours, or until the pumpkin pieces are fully dried and hard or crisp.
- Remove the pieces and allow them to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
Oven Method
- Place the pumpkin slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so air can circulate around them.
- Set the oven to its lowest temperature, about 140°F to 160°F, and crack the oven door slightly. You can do this by placing a wooden or silicone spoon between the top of the door and the oven.
- Bake for 6 to 8 hours, checking the slices every couple of hours until they are completely dried and crisp.
- Allow the dehydrated pumpkin pieces to cool to room temperature before storing.
Drying time can vary depending on the thickness of the slices.
Recipe Tips for Success
A few tips will help ensure the treats turn out well.
- Slice the pumpkin evenly so it dries consistently.
- Thinner slices dehydrate faster and produce crispier treats.
- Avoid overlapping the slices so air can circulate properly.
- The treats are ready when they feel dry and crisp with no visible moisture.
- Save the seeds and either roast them or make pumpkin seed dog treats or pumpkin powder.
How to Store Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Allow the treats to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container or plastic zip-top bag and store them in a cool, dry place such as your pantry.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.
How Long Dehydrated Pumpkin Dog Treats Last and How to Tell if They Spoil
Properly dehydrated pumpkin can last 6 months to 1 year when stored in an airtight container.
Store the treats in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, away from heat and sunlight. Keeping moisture away from the treats is important for maintaining their shelf life.
Vacuum sealing can extend the storage time even longer. Vacuum-sealed dehydrated pumpkin may last up to 18 months.
You can also freeze dehydrated pumpkin to extend its shelf life further. Frozen dehydrated pumpkin can last for several years.
Check stored treats occasionally for any signs of moisture, mold, or unusual odors. If you notice any of these, discard the treats.
A food-safe desiccant packet can help absorb any accidental moisture and keep the treats dry.
Proper dehydration is the key to long storage. Fully dehydrated pumpkin should feel dry and crisp with no visible moisture.
Pumpkin Powder with Dehydrated Pumpkin
You can also turn dehydrated pumpkin into pumpkin powder.
- Make sure the pumpkin pieces are completely dried and crispy. If they still contain moisture, they will not grind properly.
- Place the dried pumpkin pieces in a food processor and process them until they become a fine powder.
Pumpkin powder can be used in several ways:
- Sprinkle it over your dog’s food as a topper
- Mix it with water to make pumpkin puree
- Add it to homemade dog treats
Can people eat these treats?
Yes, absolutely! It’s a great snack and a way to share a treat with your dog.
More Dehydrated Dog Treat Recipes
- Banana Chips for Dogs
- Chicken Jerky for Dogs
- Chicken Wrapped Sweet Potato Dog Treats
- Dehydrated Green Beans for Dogs
- Salmon Jerky for Dogs
- Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Find lots of easy homemade pumpkin dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Dehydrated Pumpkin for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 small Pie Pumpkin aka Sugar Pumpkin
Optional Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons liver sprinkles
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Dehydrator Method
- Cut pumpkin down the center, stem to bottom, and remove the seeds.
- Lay the halves flat side down and cut them into ¼ to ½-inch slices, going all the way across the halved pumpkin.
- Using a paring knife, cut off the pumpkin peel and the stringy edge of each slice. You may want to cut some of the larger slices in half.
- If using seasoning, sprinkle it over the slices.
- Lay slices evenly spaced on dehydrator trays.
- Set your dehydrator to 135°F.
- Dehydrate for 8 to 12 hours until the pieces are hard or completely dried.
- Cool the dehydrated pieces to room temperature.
- Store treats in an airtight container.
Oven Method
- Place the slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Set your oven to the lowest temperature (140 to 160°F) and crack the door slightly. You can do this by placing a wooden or silicone spoon between the top of the door and the oven.
- Bake for 6 to 8 hours or until fully dried, checking the pieces every couple of hours to see when they are fully dried.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the appropriate portion size for your dog.
If your dog has not eaten pumpkin before, start with a small piece to ensure they do not have any allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions.
How to make jerky treats without dehydrater
You can make them in the oven. I included those instructions in the post. Just use the lowest temperature (around 140–160°F) and bake for several hours until fully dried.