Pumpkin Chips for Dogs
This pumpkin chips for dogs recipe is an easy one ingredient snack for your dog. Made with just pumpkin, they are a great dog treat for Fall. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants they promote digestive health and provide a tasty treat.
These easy one ingredient pumpkin dog treats can be cooked 3 different ways. Our dogs had no preference of how the pumpkin chips were cooked and happily enjoyed them.
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Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Pumpkin is very beneficial for dogs and can offer a range of health benefits when included in their diet in moderation.
- Rich in Fiber: Pumpkin is high in dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion. It can aid both in relieving constipation and firming up stools in dogs with diarrhea.
- Packed with Nutrients: Pumpkin is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Promotes good vision and supports the immune system.
- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and promotes healthy skin.
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and supports muscle function.
- Iron: Essential for producing red blood cells and carrying oxygen in the blood.
- Low in Calories: Pumpkin is low in calories, making it a healthy and guilt-free treat for dogs, especially for those managing their weight.
- Soothes Digestive Upsets: Pumpkin’s soluble fiber content can help with digestive issues, like gas, constipation and diarrhea, by absorbing excess water in the digestive tract.
- Supports Urinary Health: The oils found in pumpkin seeds can support urinary health and help prevent urinary incontinence.
Pumpkin should be given in moderation. Too much can cause digestive issues due to its high fiber content. A couple of tablespoons for small dogs or up to half a cup for larger dogs is generally enough.
Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.
Ingredients
Just one ingredient is all you need to make this pumpkin snacks for dogs. No oil or seasoning is required.
Use a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin, as these varieties are sweeter and have a better texture for making chips.
How to Make Pumpkin Chips for Dogs
These simple pumpkin dog treats can be made in the oven, air fryer or dehydrator. Feel free to experiment with larger or smaller slices for a different texture, but always serve plain with no added salt or seasonings.
Peel the pumpkin and slice into thin pieces.
Place on a baking sheet to cook in the oven.
Or in the air fryer.
Cook until crispy.
Storage
Once the chips have cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. These pumpkin chips can be given to your dog as a snack or training treat. Ensure they’re fully dried to prevent spoilage.
Pumpkin Chip Recipe Tips
- Slice Evenly: For consistent crispiness, use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the pumpkin evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Pat Dry: After slicing, pat the pumpkin pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the chips crisp up better.
- Avoid Seasonings: Keep the chips plain—no salt, sugar, or spices—as many seasonings are harmful to dogs.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Depending on your oven, air fryer, or dehydrator, cooking times may vary. Check frequently to ensure the chips don’t burn.
- Cool Completely: Let the chips cool thoroughly before serving. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Storage: Store fully dried chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. If they soften, pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to revive them.
- Portion Control: Pumpkin chips are healthy, but high fiber can be tough on a dog’s stomach in large quantities. Serve in moderation as an occasional treat.
Portion Control
The number of pumpkin chip servings you should give a dog depends on their size and overall diet. Here’s a general guide to portioning:
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs / 9 kg): 1-2 small chips per day.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs / 9-23 kg): 2-4 chips per day.
- Large dogs (50+ lbs / 23+ kg): 4-6 chips per day.
Pumpkin chips should be given as an occasional treat, not as a main part of their diet. Since they are high in fiber, too many can upset a dog’s stomach. Keep portion sizes small and adjust based on your dog’s tolerance. Always introduce new treats gradually to see how your dog responds.
More Pumpkin Snacks for Dogs Recipes
Make the most of pumpkin season with these other homemade pumpkin dog treat recipes:
Pumpkin Chips for Dogs
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Ingredients
- 10 oz pumpkin
Instructions
Prepare the Pumpkin Chips
- Peel the pumpkin and slice the pumpkin into thin, even pieces (about 1/8 inch thick) for crispiness.
Oven Bake
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through until the chips are dry and crispy.
Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Arrange the pumpkin slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time based on the thickness of the chips.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Dehydrator
- Place the pumpkin slices in a single layer on the dehydrator trays.
- Set the dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 8-12 hours until crisp.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.