25 Best Halloween Treats for Dogs: Buy or Bake at Home
Halloween is a holiday that goes beyond tricks and treats for humans—our furry friends love joining in on the festivities, too! Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party, going trick-or-treating with your pup, or just want to include them in the holiday spirit, having some safe, dog-friendly treats on hand is a must. Here, I’ve put together a list of the 25 best Halloween treats for dogs, including store-bought and homemade options, so you can decide whether to buy or bake for your four-legged friend this spooky season.
1. Pumpkin Paws Dog Treats
Why They’re Great: Pumpkin is a fall classic, loaded with fiber and beta-carotene, which dogs love. Store-bought options like Pumpkin Paws are popular because they’re convenient and made with natural ingredients like pumpkin and oat flour. Personal Story: Last Halloween, my dog, Max, had his first taste of pumpkin treats. His face lit up with pure joy! I knew it was a winner when he nudged the empty bag toward me.
2. Sweet Potato Chews
Why They’re Great: These are simple, healthy, and low in fat. You can find them in stores or make them yourself by slicing sweet potatoes and baking them until they’re chewy. Sweet potato chews are a safer alternative to rawhide treats. DIY Tip: Slice the sweet potatoes thinly and bake at 250°F for about three hours for a crunchy, chewy treat.
3. Apple and Carrot Bites
Why They’re Great: Apples and carrots are full of vitamins, making these bites perfect for a sweet, nutritious treat. They’re easy to make by mixing apple and carrot puree with oats and baking into bite-sized balls.
4. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Bones
Why They’re Great: Dogs go crazy for the combo of pumpkin and peanut butter! You can find pre-made treats or bake your own using a mix of pure pumpkin, peanut butter, and a pinch of cinnamon, shaped like spooky bones for Halloween flair. Personal Story: The first time I baked these, my kitchen smelled so amazing that even the humans wanted a taste! Max could hardly wait for them to cool down before jumping for his “bone.”
5. Carob Cookies
Why They’re Great: Chocolate is off-limits, but carob is a safe substitute. Many brands offer dog-friendly carob cookies, but you can also bake your own. Just make sure you’re using carob powder with no added sugar or cocoa.
6. Cheesy Broomsticks
Why They’re Great: These are savory treats made from cheese and oat flour shaped into little broomsticks, which look adorably spooky for Halloween! Dogs who prefer savory over sweet will love them, and you can find ready-made options or follow simple recipes online.
7. Pumpkin Spice Dog Bones
Why They’re Great: Pumpkin spice isn’t just for people—dogs can enjoy it too! Pumpkin spice dog bones are available in stores, or you can make them with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger for a flavorful fall treat.
8. Mini Meatballs
Why They’re Great: Meatballs are easy to make and can be customized with different meats and veggies. You can bake small turkey or chicken meatballs with a hint of parsley for fresh breath.
9. Frozen Pumpkin & Yogurt Pops
Why They’re Great: These treats are perfect for dogs in warmer climates or those who just love a cold snack. Simply mix pumpkin puree with plain yogurt, pour into molds, and freeze. Dogs go crazy for them, especially on a warm Halloween day.
10. Salmon and Sweet Potato Biscuits
Why They’re Great: This savory treat combines the natural flavors of salmon and sweet potato for a high-protein snack. These biscuits are available in many pet stores, or you can make your own with baked salmon and mashed sweet potato.
11. Chewy Beef Jerky
Why They’re Great: Dogs adore jerky treats, and beef jerky made specifically for dogs is free from additives and extra salt. You can find high-quality jerky in stores, or make it by dehydrating thin strips of beef.
12. Cranberry & Oat Bars
Why They’re Great: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, and oat bars make a nice, chewy snack. These bars are great for dogs who enjoy fruity flavors.
13. Pumpkin Ghost Biscuits
Why They’re Great: Shaped like little ghosts, these biscuits are made with pumpkin and oats and are available online and in stores. The fun shape makes them a cute addition to Halloween treat bags.
14. Peanut Butter & Banana Bites
Why They’re Great: This classic combo is a dog favorite! Simply mix mashed banana and peanut butter, roll into balls, and freeze.
15. Carrot and Chicken Nuggets
Why They’re Great: For dogs who love a hearty snack, carrot and chicken nuggets are savory and nutritious.
16. Turkey & Cranberry Mini Muffins
Why They’re Great: Made with turkey, cranberry, and a dash of oats, these mini muffins are holiday-appropriate and make a wholesome treat for Halloween.
17. Frozen Watermelon Bites
Why They’re Great: These are great for Halloween celebrations in warmer regions. Simply chop watermelon into cubes, remove any seeds, and freeze.
18. Dog-Safe Pumpkin Spice Latte
Why They’re Great: Some pet stores now offer dog-safe “lattes,” or you can make one at home with unsweetened coconut milk, pumpkin puree, and a pinch of cinnamon.
19. Duck & Sweet Potato Bites
Why They’re Great: Duck is a novel protein that many dogs enjoy, paired with sweet potato for a balanced flavor.
20. Honey & Oat Biscuits
Why They’re Great: Honey is a natural sweetener that many dogs enjoy, and oats add a nice, chewy texture to these treats.
21. Beetroot Bone Biscuits
Why They’re Great: Beetroot gives these treats a fun red color, perfect for Halloween!
22. Pumpkin & Apple Pupcakes
Why They’re Great: These mini cupcakes, made with pumpkin, apple, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, are perfect for a Halloween dog party.
23. Blueberry & Pumpkin Waffles
Why They’re Great: Waffles aren’t just for humans—dog-friendly versions made with pumpkin and blueberry are a hit, and you can find ready-made options or make your own.
24. Turkey Meatball Treats
Why They’re Great: Simple and savory, turkey meatballs are easy to make and store well for Halloween gatherings.
25. Carob-Coated Peanut Butter Bones
Why They’re Great: Coated with carob and filled with peanut butter, these bones are decadent but safe for dogs to enjoy on Halloween.
With so many options, Halloween treats for dogs are both fun and rewarding to make or buy. Your pup will love getting in on the festivities with these delicious and safe treats. Plus, watching them enjoy each bite makes Halloween even more special!
