Fall Dog Treats

Fall dog treats are a perfect way to celebrate the season with your four-legged companion. Crisp leaves, shorter days, and cooler temperatures set the stage for comforting flavors like pumpkin, apple, and sweet potato—ingredients that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrients. Pumpkin is high in fiber and supports digestion, while apples deliver beneficial vitamins. By selecting treats specifically formulated for autumn, you can offer your dog a festive snack that aligns with the changing weather. Research shows that moderate use of fall-inspired ingredients can help maintain a balanced diet, supporting overall health and vitality. Whether you’re baking homemade biscuits or opting for prepackaged snacks, look for wholesome recipes that list real ingredients first. Taking time to choose fall dog treats with quality ingredients helps your dog enjoy the spirit of the season and can bring cozy, nutritious fun to every mealtime or play session, making meals special.

Autumn is in the air! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are cooling off. Many of you are likely enjoying some of your favorite seasonal foods, whether that means a pumpkin spice latte, fresh apple cider, or candy corn. Our canine pals can also enjoy a few autumn classics. While we’re focusing on treats here, it’s important to remember that fall brings its own set of safety considerations for pets. For a comprehensive guide, check out our article on 5 Fall Safety Tips for Pet Owners. Now, let’s dive into some delicious fall treats for your furry friend. A local vet offers some tips on giving Fido some fall treats in this article.

Pumpkin Yums

For this one, you’ll mix pureed plain pumpkin with ground turkey, eggs, rolled oats, and oat or whole-wheat flour. Mix the wet ingredients together, and then add the oats and flour. Divide the snacks into individual portions. You may want to get a silicone mold with bone-shapes. Once you have them parceled out, bake for about 20 minutes at 325. Let them cool before giving them to your pooch. Remember to have Fido do a trick for his treat!

Apple Chicken Treat

You’ll need 1 ¼ cups grated carrots, a cup of grated apple, ½ cup of natural peanut butter, two eggs, and instant oats for this one. Mix the apples, oats, and carrots in one bowl, and the peanut butter and eggs in another. Then, combine into a batter and, as with the Pumpkin Yums, divide into small portions. Cook for about 15 minutes at 350. Voila!

Sweet Potato Jerky

Fall dog treats like jerky are a top pick for Fido’s snack time, offering not just a delicious taste but also a satisfyingly tough texture that he loves to chew on. To make jerky for your canine companion, you’ll want to slice some freshly-scrubbed sweet potatoes into thin strips. They should be about ¼ inch thick. Next, put them on a cookie sheet. You can use parchment paper for lining if you like. Cook at 225F for about 3 to 4 hours. You can add more time if you want them crunchier. Just make sure that the strips aren’t a choking hazard.

Tips

These are just a few of the things you can make for your canine companion. You’ll find many more great recipes online. You can also make your own! Just stick with safe ingredients. Never give Fido garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; avocado; any fruit with seeds or pips; coffee; chocolate; or anything with xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Meat on the bone is also unsafe, as is raw dough. Ask your vet for more information.

Fall 2025 Dog Treats: Storage, Preparation, and Safety Tips

How can treats be preserved for longer periods?

To maintain treat quality, store them in sealed containers or zipper-lock bags to limit moisture. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth. Baked treats can often be refrigerated for about a week or frozen for several months. For homemade sweet potato jerky, ensure moisture is minimized to deter mold. Drying or dehydration methods extend shelf life by reducing water content. Label containers with preparation dates to track freshness. If ingredients include eggs or meat, handle them carefully by chilling or freezing soon after baking. Opt for minimal salt or sugar to further support a safer, longer-lasting snack. Always discard treats showing signs of spoilage.

What are alternative preparation methods for ingredients?

Baking, dehydrating, and blending are beneficial ways to prepare pet-friendly treats without sacrificing flavor or nutrients. Plain pumpkin can be pureed for smooth dough, while fresh produce like apples and carrots can be grated for even cooking. Thin slices of sweet potatoes can be dehydrated or oven-baked for crispy jerky that supports oral health. Peanut butter and eggs serve as binding agents, creating a balanced texture in homemade snacks. Adjusting oven temperatures, cooking times, and ingredient thickness can further customize each recipe for different preferences or dietary needs. Choosing wholesome, low-sodium items supports a healthier outcome.

How should fruits be prepared to remove pesticides?

For safer fruit preparation, thoroughly wash them under running water. Optionally, soak them in a mixture of one teaspoon baking soda per two cups of water for about 12 to 15 minutes. Lightly scrubbing firm fruits like apples can help remove residue from surfaces. Peeling them or removing waxy outer layers also lowers exposure to unwanted chemicals. Rinsing after any soaking step ensures no cleaning solution remains. Ensuring produce is cleaned properly helps prevent ingestion of harmful residues. Discard bruised or damaged areas that might harbor higher concentrations of pesticides.

What are the specific dangers of pumpkin spice and nutmeg for dogs?

Dogs are especially sensitive to nutmeg, a common ingredient in pumpkin spice, due to its myristicin content. Ingesting significant amounts can cause disorientation, tremors, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Some dogs may also experience seizures and gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. Chronic exposure might damage organs and heighten long-term risks. Always choose plain pumpkin treats without nutmeg or allspice, as these can contain toxic compounds. Seek veterinary attention if any signs of toxicity appear, such as confusion, tremors, or unusual behavior. Prompt action can prevent serious complications.

How can treats be properly portioned to maintain a healthy diet?

Treats should comprise no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. The rest should be balanced with a nutritionally complete diet. For portioning, break large treats into smaller pieces or use bite-sized shapes. Adjust meal portions when giving extra snacks. Monitor body condition and weight, adjusting treat frequency or size as needed. Evaluate a dog’s activity level and overall health to establish a consistent approach that prevents overfeeding. If using homemade recipes like sweet potato jerky or pumpkin-based snacks, choose small shapes and track consumption to maintain proper balance.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? As your local Peterborough, ON animal clinic, we’re here to help! We offer comprehensive Vet Nutrition and Weight Management services to ensure your pet maintains a healthy diet, even when enjoying seasonal treats. Contact us anytime!