5 Safe DIY Halloween Treats to Nourish Your Pet’s Gut- No Tricks, Just Treats!
I am not a veterinarian. I am a certified animal nutritionist, and my advice is based on my training and knowledge in animal nutrition. My recommendations are intended to support and enhance your pet's health and well-being through proper nutrition. For any medical concerns or emergencies, please consult with a licensed veterinarian.
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Halloween season is upon us again, and you know what that means: candy and treats galore! One of my favorite times of year! But when its time for the family to enjoy some chocolate or candy, that can be the time when the pets start asking what about me? Sadly, we know that pets can’t have the same treats as we can, especially chocolate. Fortunately, I’ve created some delicious recipes for your dogs and cats that were put together with the safest yet most mouth-watering ingredients in mind for them. These treats can be enjoyed throughout the autumn season and on Halloween night, bringing fun to the family, including your family members with fur!
Ingredients to avoid for dogs and cats:
Before making homemade treats, always check ingredient safety; some common foods can be harmful to pets. Here are key ingredients to avoid:
Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol – toxic to the nervous system
Grapes, raisins – may cause kidney failure
Onions, garlic – damage red blood cells
Xylitol (in some peanut butters) – triggers insulin spikes and liver failure; ensure peanut butter in dog treats is xylitol-free, like this one.
Macadamia nuts, nutmeg – cause vomiting, tremors, and toxicity
Excess salt, fatty foods – risk of poisoning and pancreatitis
Cooked bones – can splinter and injure internally
Dairy (cats) – many are lactose intolerant
Raw fish (cats) – may deplete vitamin B1
Essential oils (tea tree, citrus, peppermint) – unsafe for cats and dogs
All recipes provided are free from harmful ingredients and tailored for cats or dogs. Use spices sparingly, and always serve species-appropriate treats!
~Ghostly Pup Treats~
Ingredients you’ll need:
Oat Flour – 1½ cups. Gentle on digestion and great for shaping.
Ripe Banana – 1 medium (mashed). Adds natural sweetness and gut-friendly fiber.
Eggs – 2 large. They help bind and add protein.
Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter – ¼ cup. Ensure it’s unsweetened and pet-safe.
Spooky glaze & eyes ingredients:
Plain Greek Yogurt – ½ cup. Use full-fat for better texture; avoid added sugars.
Carob Chips or Blueberries – ~40 pieces. Two per ghost for eyes, carob is a safe chocolate alternative.
Instructions:
Whip up these hauntingly healthy Halloween snacks using oat flour, ripe banana, eggs, and xylitol-free peanut butter for a soft, chewy base. First, mix together the wet ingredients, and after mixing, pour in the flour gradually until the dough forms. Shape into ghostly silhouettes by hand or with a cookie cutter like this one and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden. Once cooled, dip each ghost in creamy Greek yogurt for a spooky white finish, then add carob chips or blueberries as eerie little eyes. Chill in the fridge to set the glaze and voilà, your pup’s new favorite Halloween haunt!
~ Pumpkin Patch Pup Treats~
Ingredients you’ll need:
Oat Flour – 1½ cups. Gentle on digestion and ideal for shaping.
Eggs – 2 large. Adds protein and helps bind the dough.
Pumpkin Purée (unsweetened) – ½ cup. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and fall flavor.
Turmeric – ½ tsp For anti-inflammatory benefits and a golden hue.
Cinnamon (Ceylon preferred) – ¼ tsp Adds cozy warmth—use sparingly for safety.
Carob Chips or Chunks – ~20 pieces One per cookie to mimic the pumpkin stem.
Instructions:
Celebrate spooky season with these wholesome, pumpkin-shaped dog cookies! Blend oat flour, eggs, and pure pumpkin purée with a dash of turmeric for a golden-orange hue and a sprinkle of cinnamon for cozy fall flavor. Shape into pumpkins by hand or with a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter and press a tiny piece of carob on top to mimic the stem or on the front to mimic a jack o’ lantern face! Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and enjoy these adorable little pumpkins!
~Maple Leaf Mutt Morsels~
A Grain Free Option!
Ingredients you’ll need:
Coconut Flour – ½ cup. Highly absorbent and grain-free, great for gut health.
Rolled Oats – ¼ cup. Optional for texture; omit for fully grain-free.
Eggs – 2 large. Adds protein and helps bind the dough.
Unsweetened Applesauce – ¼ cup. Natural sweetness and moisture, can’t forget it’s also a great fiber source!
Mashed Sweet Potato – ½ cup. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and fall flavor.
Cinnamon (Ceylon preferred) – ¼ tsp. Adds warmth, use sparingly for safety.
Ingredients for colored frosting:
Plain Greek Yogurt – ½ cup. Thick, creamy, and probiotic-rich.
Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter – 1–2 tbsp. Adds flavor and helps it stick.
Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch – 1–2 tsp. Thickens and helps it set.
Want yellow or red frosting? Mix Turmeric (just a pinch) in for yellow, and for red, add in beet root powder! You can use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for leaf veins or outlines. Let it chill for 10–15 minutes before decorating.
Instructions:
These grain-free, maple leaf-shaped dog treats are as nourishing as they are festive. Made with coconut flour, eggs, unsweetened applesauce, mashed sweet potato, oats, and a dash of cinnamon, this blend offers fiber, flavor, and gut-friendly goodness. Because coconut flour is ultra-absorbent, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken before shaping. Cut into maple leaves with a cutter, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden and firm. These treats are perfect for crisp walks, cozy cuddles, and seasonal snapshots for the gram once they’ve been adorned with colorful icing!
~Spider Web Cookies for Dogs~
A Grain-Free Option!
Ingredients you’ll need:
Purple Sweet Potato (mashed) – ½ cup. Rich in antioxidants and gives that gorgeous hue.
Pumpkin Purée (unsweetened) – ¼ cup. Adds fiber, flavor, and seasonal flair.
Eggs – 2 large. For binding and protein.
Coconut Flour – ½ cup. Grain-free and gut-friendly, absorbs moisture well.
Cinnamon (Ceylon preferred) – ¼ tsp. Adds warmth and fall aroma, use sparingly.
Ingredients for colored frosting:
Plain Greek Yogurt – ½ cup. Thick, creamy, and probiotic-rich.
Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter – 1–2 tbsp. Adds flavor and helps it stick.
Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch – 1–2 tsp. Thickens and helps it set.
Beet Root Powder or Blueberry Puree- If you want your webs to be colored. If not plain yogurt for the white webs.
Instructions:
Treat your pup to a spooky snack with these grain-free, purple-hued Halloween cookies! Start by blending purple sweet potato with pumpkin purée to create a vibrant base, then mix in eggs, coconut flour, and a dash of cinnamon. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to thicken, then shape and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until firm.
For the spider webs, use Greek yogurt tinted with beet powder or blueberry purée for eerie accents. Or just the Greek yogurt for traditional white webs.
Chill the cookies to set the webs, and you’ve got a hauntingly healthy treat your dog will love sinking their fangs into!
~Spooky Bat Bites For Cats~
Ingredients you’ll need:
Cooked, Shredded Protein – ¼ cup. Choose boneless, skinless chicken, turkey, tuna, or salmon.
Egg Yolk – 1 large. Rich in nutrients and helps bind the mixture.
Catnip or Parsley – Pinch. Adds festive flair and feline appeal.
Tips for Texture and Appeal -Cats are picky, as you know! ;)
Avoid adding salt, garlic, onion, or dairy, these can be harmful to cats.
For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer or let them air-dry post-bake.
If using tuna or salmon, opt for water-packed and low-sodium versions.
Instructions:
Serve your kitty a unforgettablely wholesome snack this Halloween with these protein-packed, bat-shaped bites! What's awesome about these bites is that they don’t contain grain or ingredients that may not be beneficial for your kitty. Start with ¼ cup of cooked, shredded chicken, turkey, tuna, or salmon (boneless and skinless), and mix in a rich egg yolk for binding. For a festive flair, add a pinch of catnip or parsley. Blend the mixture in a food processor for extra chewiness, then press it into bat-shaped silicone molds like this one. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden. Cool completely before serving, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a longer shelf life.
Conclusion.
Baking pet treats, especially during festive seasons, can be a fun activity that brings joy to both you and your pets. However, it's essential to use safe ingredients and opt for organic or limited-ingredient options in your recipes. The recipes provided here serve as a guideline for what is safe and unsafe for dogs; however, please conduct your own research on any ingredients not mentioned. I've linked a few recommended products, such as quality peanut butter and pumpkin puree, to help simplify your choices. Have a spooktacular Halloween season, and I would love to see any pictures taken of your treats through my email or social media! <3
