Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 25 mins | Yield: 24 bites
Dietary Profile: Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Fat, Vet-Approved Digestibility
Primary Function: Soluble fiber support for firm stools and stomach settling
Ingredients: 1 cup pure canned pumpkin | 2 cups rolled oats | 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1 egg)
Key Takeaways: Pumpkin Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
- Three ingredients: Plain canned pumpkin, rolled oats and unsweetened applesauce (or one egg).
- Fiber does the work: Pumpkin and oats both contain soluble fiber, which can help firm up mild loose stools.
- Check the can: Use 100% pure pumpkin, never pumpkin pie mix or filling.
- Start small: Too much fiber at once can cause the problem you’re trying to fix. Follow the feeding chart below.
- Treats aren’t treatment: If an upset stomach lasts more than a day or two, or comes with vomiting, blood or tiredness, call your vet.
Why Pumpkin and Oats Soothe a Dog’s Upset Stomach
Pumpkin is a go-to home remedy for a dog with a mildly upset stomach. The reason is fiber, and pumpkin has two kinds.
Soluble vs Insoluble Fiber
Soluble fiber soaks up water in the gut and turns into a soft gel. That gel slows things down and helps firm up loose, watery stools.
Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve. It adds bulk and helps move things along, which is useful when a dog is a bit blocked up.
Pumpkin contains both, which is why it can help with loose stools and mild constipation.
Oats add more soluble fiber, mainly a type called beta-glucan. Oat flour is also gentler on many sensitive stomachs than wheat flour, and it’s an easy swap for dogs that don’t do well with wheat.
Mild Diarrhea
For a dog with slightly loose stools after eating something they shouldn’t, the soluble fiber in pumpkin can help bring things back to normal within a day or so.
Keep the amounts small. A treat or two alongside their normal food is plenty.
Mild Constipation
For a dog who’s straining a little or going less often than usual, the insoluble fiber adds bulk that can help.
Make sure they’re drinking well too. Fiber needs water to work, and without it, it can make constipation worse.
When Pumpkin Isn’t Enough
These treats are for small, everyday tummy troubles, not illness. Call your vet straight away if your dog has any of these:
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours
- Blood in their stool or vomit
- Vomiting along with the diarrhea
- Tiredness, weakness or not eating
- Straining without passing anything, which can be a sign of a blockage
- An upset stomach in a young puppy, a senior dog or a dog with health problems
For longer-term gut support, see How to Improve Dog Gut Health.
Critical Safety Note: 100% Pure Pumpkin vs Pumpkin Pie Mix
This is the most important part of the recipe. The cans look almost the same on the shelf, but they’re very different inside.
| 100% Pure Pumpkin | Pumpkin Pie Mix or Filling |
| Just cooked pumpkin | Pumpkin, sugar, spices and sometimes sweeteners |
| No spices | Usually nutmeg and cinnamon, often cloves and ginger |
| No sweeteners | Sugar, syrup, or in some “sugar-free” versions, xylitol |
| Safe for dogs | Not safe for dogs |
Why Pie Mix Isn’t Safe
- Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin. In larger amounts it can cause vomiting, a fast heart rate and disorientation in dogs.
- Cinnamon isn’t toxic in small amounts, but it can irritate a dog’s mouth and stomach, which is the last thing a sensitive stomach needs.
- Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver damage. It’s sometimes listed as birch sugar.
- Added sugar can upset the stomach and adds calories your dog doesn’t need.
How to Check the Can
Turn the can round and read the ingredients list. It should say one thing: pumpkin.
If the label says “pie mix”, “pie filling” or “spiced”, or lists anything else, put it back.
The same goes for the applesauce. Use plain, unsweetened applesauce with no added sweeteners or cinnamon.
Not sure about another ingredient? Check it in our Toxic Food Calculator, or see Food Toxic to Dogs for the full list.
Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe (With Storage Tips)
You’ll need a blender or food processor, a rolling pin, a small cookie cutter or a knife, and a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Easy Pumpkin Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), or 155°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Blend the oats for 30 to 60 seconds until they look like fine flour. Set aside 2 tablespoons for rolling out.
- Stir the pumpkin and applesauce (or beaten egg) together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the oat flour a little at a time and stir until it forms a firm dough. If it’s too sticky, add more oat flour a spoonful at a time.
- Dust the worktop with the oat flour you set aside and roll the dough to about 1/2 inch (1cm) thick.
- Cut into small shapes with a cookie cutter, or into squares about 1 inch (3cm) across. You should get about 24 bites.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until firm and lightly golden at the edges.
- For crunchy treats, turn the oven off and leave them inside with the door slightly open for an hour.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Each bite is about 30 calories. Start with half the amount in the feeding guide for the first few days.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Up to 1 week in an airtight container. Pumpkin keeps them moist, so don’t leave them out on the side.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Freeze them flat on a tray first, then move them into a freezer bag so they don’t stick together.
- From frozen: Thaw a few at a time in the fridge overnight, or give them frozen on a hot day.
- Leftover pumpkin: Spoon it into an ice cube tray and freeze it, ready for your next batch.
If the treats smell sour or show any mold, throw the batch away.
Feeding Guidelines: How Many Bites Can Your Dog Eat Daily?
More fiber isn’t better. Too much at once can cause gas, bloating and the loose stools you’re trying to fix.
Each bite works out at roughly 30 calories and about 2 teaspoons of pumpkin. That’s why the amounts below are smaller than you might expect.
| Dog’s Weight | Bites Per Day |
| Under 5kg (11 lb) Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier | ½ bite |
| 5 to 10kg (11 to 22 lb) Shih Tzu, Pug, Dachshund | 1 bite |
| 10 to 20kg (22 to 44 lb) Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie | 1 to 2 bites |
| 20 to 30kg (44 to 66 lb) Labrador, Boxer, Husky | 2 to 3 bites |
| Over 30kg (66 lb) German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Great Dane | 3 to 4 bites |
These amounts keep treats within the usual guideline of about 10% of a dog’s daily calories, and keep the pumpkin to a sensible amount.
Tips for Feeding
- Start with half the amount in the chart for the first two or three days, so their gut can adjust.
- Cut bites smaller for small dogs, or break one bite into pieces and spread them through the day.
- Count them as treats. If your dog has several bites, cut back their other treats that day.
- Keep water out at all times. Fiber works best when your dog is drinking well.
- Don’t use them as a meal replacement. They’re a snack, not a complete diet.
If your dog is on a special diet or has a health condition, like pancreatitis, diabetes or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding new treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. Peel it, remove the seeds and stringy bits, then steam or boil it until soft and mash it. Never use raw pumpkin, and don’t add salt, butter or spices.
Can puppies eat these pumpkin treats?
Yes, once they’re eating solid food, in small pieces. Puppies with diarrhea can get dehydrated quickly, though, so call your vet rather than relying on treats.
How quickly does pumpkin help with diarrhea?
For mild cases, you may see firmer stools within a day. If there’s no improvement after 24 to 48 hours, call your vet.
Can I use an egg instead of applesauce?
Yes. One egg works as the binder. Applesauce keeps the treats lower in fat, which is better for dogs prone to pancreatitis.
Can my dog eat pumpkin seeds?
Plain, roasted and ground pumpkin seeds are safe in small amounts, but they’re high in fat. Leave them out of this recipe if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Are these treats grain-free?
No. Oats are a grain, but they’re gluten-free if you buy oats labeled gluten-free, and they’re gentle on most dogs’ stomachs.
The Bottom Line
Pumpkin and oats are a simple, gentle combination for dogs with sensitive stomachs, thanks to their soluble fiber.
Use 100% pure pumpkin, start with small amounts, and call your vet if an upset stomach doesn’t settle within a day or two.
For more easy recipes, see 5 Easy 3-Ingredient Homemade Dog Treat Recipes.
