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Pumpkin & Chia Seed Dog Treat Bars

5 from 1 vote
These Pumpkin & Chia Seed Dog Treat Bars are a wholesome, oven-baked snack designed for dogs as an occasional treat. Made with plain pumpkin puree, oat flour, chia seeds and a touch of natural peanut butter, they provide a soft-but-firm texture dogs enjoy and are easy to slice into individual bars.
Quick to prepare and baked in one pan, the recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and yields about a dozen snack-sized bars. The mild cinnamon adds warmth without spice; no added sugar or salt.
Perfect for training, a small snack after play, or packed in a lunchbox for dog-friendly outings. Store in the refrigerator for freshness and freeze extras for longer storage.
Note: These treats are for occasional feeding and are not a complete diet. Introduce any new ingredient gradually and consult your veterinarian for dogs with health conditions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Wet ingredients
  • 1 cup Canned plain pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup Natural unsalted peanut butter
  • 1 large Large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon Melted coconut oil
Dry ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups Oat flour (or blended rolled oats)
  • 1/2 cup Rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons Chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
Add-ins & finishing
  • 1/4 cup Finely grated carrot
  • 1 tablespoon (as needed) Water (only if dough is too dry)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack
  • Food processor or blender (if making oat flour from rolled oats)

Method
 

Prepare the batter
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, natural unsalted peanut butter, beaten egg, unsweetened applesauce and melted coconut oil. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, stir together the oat flour, rolled oats, chia seeds, ground cinnamon and baking powder until evenly mixed.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently with a spatula until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Fold in the finely grated carrot. If the dough seems excessively dry, add up to 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon at a time, just until it holds together.
Bake the bars
  1. Spoon the dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly, smoothing the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is firm to the touch. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars tender.
Cool, slice, and serve
  1. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab onto a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely (about 45–60 minutes) before slicing.
  2. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars. Serve one appropriately sized bar as an occasional treat. Refrigerate stored bars or freeze extras.

Notes

Important

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual bars in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Do not microwave for long periods; a short 5–10 second warm-up at low power is enough if you want the treat slightly softened.
Storage & Reheating

Variations

Swap oat flour for whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates wheat. Replace grated carrot with finely grated apple (core and seeds removed) for a fruitier bar. For a softer frozen option, you can cut the baked slab into pieces and freeze them for cool summer treats.
Variations

FAQs

What sizes or ages of dogs are these bars suitable for?
These bars are best as small-portion treats. Break or cut bars into appropriate sizes: small bites for small dogs and larger pieces for medium to large dogs. Puppies over 6 months can have small amounts; consult your vet for younger puppies.
Are there allergy considerations I should watch for?
Common allergens include peanut products and grains. Use a peanut-free alternative (like canned pumpkin + plain yogurt in small amounts) if your dog has a known peanut allergy. Always introduce one new ingredient at a time and watch for signs of upset.
How often can I feed these to my dog?
Feed these as an occasional treat — a few times a week at most depending on your dog's size and overall calorie needs. They are not intended as daily staple meals for most dogs.
What substitutions are safe if I don’t have an ingredient?
Oat flour can be made from blended rolled oats. Natural sunflower seed butter (unsalted) can replace peanut butter for dogs with peanut allergies. Omit cinnamon if preferred. Avoid sweetened or flavored nut butters.
How should I store leftovers to keep them safe?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving. Discard if you notice mold, off smells, or an unusual texture.
How many calories are in one bar and how do I control portions?
Each bar is approximately 120 calories (estimate). Adjust portion size based on your dog’s weight and activity level—smaller dogs should receive smaller pieces and fewer treats overall.
Any tips for preparing these successfully?
Measure oats and flour accurately, do not overmix once the dry and wet are combined, and allow the slab to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling. Use parchment for easy removal.
When should I NOT feed these bars to my dog?
Avoid if your dog has known allergies to any listed ingredients, is on a restricted medical diet, or has pancreatitis or other conditions requiring very low fat. Stop feeding if you observe vomiting, diarrhea or allergic reactions.
Should I consult my veterinarian before trying this recipe?
Yes—consult your veterinarian if your dog has health conditions, is on medication, has dietary restrictions, or if you’re unsure about portion size for weight management.
Can puppies eat these bars?
Small amounts may be appropriate for puppies older than about 6 months, but start with tiny portions and consult your veterinarian—puppy calorie and nutrient needs differ from adults.
FAQs

Conclusion

These Pumpkin & Chia Seed Dog Treat Bars make a simple, wholesome occasional treat that’s easy to prepare at home. They are not a complete diet and should be offered in moderation as part of a balanced feeding plan. Introduce new foods gradually and monitor your dog for any signs of intolerance. Consult your veterinarian before giving these treats to dogs with medical conditions or special dietary needs.
Conclusion