Pumpkin Muffins For Dogs

There’s something cozy and comforting about muffins, and now you can share that joy with your furry best friend! These pumpkin muffins for dogs are soft, fluffy, and dog-safe. Whether you’re celebrating pumpkin season or just feel like spoiling your pup, this recipe makes it easy to treat them to something wholesome and homemade.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Sharing muffin time with your dog is such a sweet way to bond and these muffins make it extra special. Here’s why this will be one of your favorite go-to dog treat recipes:

Easy to make – No fancy baking skills needed! Just stir and bake. You’ll have a batch of homemade muffins ready in no time.

Wholesome ingredients that are dog-safe – Unlike pumpkin muffins made for humans with pumpkin spice mix, which can contain harmful spices like nutmeg, these are made with simple, dog-safe ingredients. Plus, there are no mystery fillers or artificial stuff, just goodness your dog can safely enjoy.

No added sugar or sweeteners – These muffins don’t contain any added sugar that dogs don’t need or toxic sweeteners.

Customize to your dog’s taste or dietary needs – Easily swap ingredients for ones that you have on hand or fit with a picky eater or one with food intolerances.

Turn them into cupcakes with frosting – Dress them up with a dog-friendly frosting and a fun topper to make doggy cupcakes (aka “pupcakes”) for birthdays and special days.

Perfect for celebrations or everyday spoiling – Whether it’s a Gotcha Day, birthday, or just a Tuesday, these muffins make it feel like a celebration.

Ingredients and What They Bring to the Muffins

These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a muffin your dog can safely enjoy and happily gobble up. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pumpkin Puree – Full of fiber and vitamins, it adds flavor and helps with digestion.
• Unsweetened Applesauce – A naturally sweet and moist base that keeps the muffins tender.
• Oat Flour – A dog-friendly flour that’s easy to digest and naturally gluten-free.
• Baking Soda – Helps the muffins rise and gives them a soft, fluffy texture.
• Eggs – Add structure and protein to the muffins.
• Coconut Oil – Gives the muffins some medium-chain triglycerides that are an energy source.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

When making these homemade dog muffins, there are a few important things to know and simple swaps you can make:

• Don’t use pumpkin pie mix. It often contains spices like nutmeg that are toxic to dogs.
• Baking soda is safe for dogs in small amounts. Source
• Homemade applesauce is a great option. Try this simple dog-safe applesauce recipe.
• No applesauce? You can substitute with mashed banana.
• Want a touch of sweetness? Add up to 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Need oat flour? Blend old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until it is a fine flour.
• Flour alternatives: Use all-purpose flour, a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat, or just whole wheat (reduce to 2/3 cup or less and add more applesauce if needed).

Equipment Needed

You probably already have everything you need! For mixing the batter, grab a couple of bowls, a whisk or spoon, and measuring tools. For baking, use a 12-cup standard muffin pan, a 24-cup mini muffin pan, or a combo (6 regular and 12 mini muffins).

How to Make Pumpkin Muffins for Dogs

These muffins come together quickly. Here’s what to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease your muffin pan with coconut oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix oat flour and baking soda.
3. Add the eggs, applesauce, pumpkin puree, and melted coconut oil. Stir until just combined, don’t overmix! A few lumps or streaks of flour are fine.
4. Fill the muffin cups about ⅔ full with batter.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes for regular muffins or 10-15 minutes for mini muffins. They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Variation – Pumpkin Cupcakes

Turn these muffins into celebration-worthy dog cupcakes! Just top them with a dog-friendly frosting and add a fun garnish!

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting – Mix 4 ounces of low-fat cream cheese with ½ cup of pumpkin puree.
• Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting – Mix 4 ounces of low-fat cream cheese with ½ cup of peanut butter.
• Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Frosting – Combine ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt with ½ cup of peanut butter.

Important: Make sure the peanut butter is unsweetened and xylitol-free.

You can substitute with xylitol-free almond butter or sunflower seed butter if needed.

Decorating ideas: Top pupcakes with mini dog biscuits, crumbled treats, bacon bits, or even a carrot stick as a candle!

How to Store the Muffins and How Long They Last

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can people eat these muffins?

Yep, you sure can! These muffins are made with human-safe ingredients and are perfect if you’re looking for a treat without added sugar. They’re lightly flavored, wholesome, and a fun way to enjoy pumpkin season alongside your dog.

Great Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more treats for your dog? Check out these recipes:

• Apple Muffins for Dogs
• Baby Food Dog Treats
• Banana Bread for Dogs
• Banana Muffins for Dogs
• Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats
• Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
• Pumpkin Dog Cake
• Pumpkin Pie for Dogs
• Sensitive Stomach Dog Treats

Find lots of easy recipes for pumpkin dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!

Serving Amount

One regular-sized muffin is just right for a medium or large dog. Small dogs should get only a portion of a regular muffin or enjoy a mini one.

Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure about portion size, it’s best to check with your vet.

If your dog hasn’t had one of the ingredients before, start with a small amount to make sure there are no sensitivities or allergies.