These soft-baked pumpkin apple muffins are made for dogs who prefer a moist snack: senior dogs, puppies and anyone who isn’t a fan of hard biscuits. Six simple ingredients, no added sugar or salt, and the batter comes together in one bowl.
We baked and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then bake along.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Yield | 10 standard muffins (or about 30 mini muffins) |
| Oven | 175°C (350°F) |
| Bake time | 20-25 minutes (12-15 minutes for minis) |
| Texture | Soft and moist |
| Best for | Senior dogs, puppies, dogs who prefer soft treats |
| Storage | 4-5 days in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer |
Ingredients
- 245 g (1 cup) homemade pumpkin puree, well strained
- 125 g (1 cup) sweet apple, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 medium apple)
- 3 medium eggs
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) virgin coconut oil, melted
- 180 g (2 cups) oat flour
- 4 g (1 tsp) aluminum-free baking powder
No oat flour? Blend plain rolled oats in a blender or food processor for 30-60 seconds until fine and powdery. About 110 g of oats makes 90 g of oat flour.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a standard muffin tin with paper cases, or lightly grease it with a little coconut oil.
- In a bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs and melted coconut oil.
- Stir in the oat flour and baking powder until a soft batter forms, then fold in the diced apple.
- Divide the batter between 10 muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops spring back when gently pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the best pup muffins
- Strain the puree. Homemade pumpkin holds a lot of water. Draining it in a sieve for 15-20 minutes keeps the muffins from turning gummy.
- Core the apple completely. Remove every seed and the whole core. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed.
- Make minis for small dogs. The same batter fills about 30 mini-muffin cups. Bake them for 12-15 minutes. One mini is a good-sized treat for a small dog.
- Bring the eggs to room temperature. Cold eggs can make the melted coconut oil firm up into little lumps.
How to store pumpkin apple muffins
Keep the cooled muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months and thaw one at a time in the fridge overnight.
How many can my dog have?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Start with half a muffin (or one mini) a day for the first few days and watch for any tummy upset. Cut muffins into smaller pieces for puppies and toy breeds.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat pumpkin and apple?
Yes. Plain cooked pumpkin and peeled, cored apple are both safe for most dogs in treat-sized amounts. Avoid pumpkin pie filling and apple products with added sugar or sweeteners.
Is baking powder safe in dog treats?
The small amount spread across 10 muffins is common in homemade dog treat baking. Never let your dog eat baking powder straight from the tub, as large amounts are harmful.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of homemade?
Yes, as long as the label says 100% pumpkin and nothing else. Do not use canned pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and spices like nutmeg.
More autumn treats to try
- Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup-Rolls
- Pumpkin Bark-scotti with Carrot & Oats
- How to make homemade pumpkin puree for dogs
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
