Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats for Digestion - Cooper's Treats

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June 30, 2026 5 min read

TL;DR: Frozen pumpkin dog treats are one of the few homemade treats that are both a snack and a digestive aid. Plain canned pumpkin is high in soluble fiber, which helps firm up loose stool and ease mild constipation, and it freezes into smooth, low-calorie pops most dogs enjoy. The single rule that matters: use plain canned pumpkin, never pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar and spices (including nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs). Below are three recipes plus a lick mat version, all gentle enough for sensitive stomachs.

Pumpkin has a reputation among dog owners for good reason. It is the go-to home remedy for mild digestive trouble, it is low in calories, and dogs generally like the mild flavor. Freezing it turns a spoonful of pumpkin into a treat that lasts, which is handy when you want something soothing for a dog with a touchy stomach instead of another rich biscuit.

This guide covers why pumpkin helps digestion, the pie-filling warning, and three frozen recipes built around gentle, simple ingredients.

Why Pumpkin Is Good for Digestion

Plain pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs water in the gut. That does two useful things at once: it bulks up and firms loose stool, and it adds moisture and movement that can ease mild constipation. It is one of the rare foods that helps with both ends of the digestive spectrum. Pumpkin also delivers vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, and it is naturally low in calories.

A spoonful as a treat is fine for most dogs. If you are using pumpkin to address an actual digestive problem, talk to your vet about the right amount, and remember that ongoing or severe digestive issues need a real diagnosis, not just pumpkin. For the full breakdown, see our guide to pumpkin for dogs.

The One Rule: Plain Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling

This trips up a lot of people at the grocery store because the cans sit right next to each other. You want plain canned pumpkin, with one ingredient: pumpkin. You do not want pumpkin pie filling (sometimes labeled "pie mix"), which is packed with sugar and pie spices. Those spices usually include nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs, plus added sugar your dog does not need. Read the label every time. If it lists sugar, spices, or "pie," put it back.

Plain canned pumpkin is the easiest option, but you can also use fresh pumpkin you have cooked and pureed yourself (no added butter, sugar, or salt). Either works for all the recipes below.

Recipe 1: Pumpkin-Yogurt Pops

The default. Creamy, soothing, and low calorie. The yogurt adds protein and a little probiotic benefit; if your dog does not tolerate dairy, use Recipe 2 instead.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)

Steps

  1. Whisk the pumpkin and yogurt together in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Spoon into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
  3. Tap the mold on the counter to settle the mixture.
  4. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours.
  5. Pop out and store in a labeled freezer bag.

Notes

Yields: about 10 to 14 small pops, roughly 15 to 25 calories each. Plain Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than regular yogurt, which makes it easier on the stomach, but watch your dog the first time. For safe yogurt picks, see our yogurt guide.

Variations

  • Add a tablespoon of natural, xylitol-free peanut butter for a richer pop.
  • Stir in a tablespoon of plain rolled oats for added fiber and texture.
  • Mash in a quarter banana for natural sweetness.

Recipe 2: Dairy-Free Pumpkin-Broth Cubes

For dogs that do not handle dairy, this savory version skips yogurt entirely. It is low calorie, high in moisture, and very gentle on the gut.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or bone broth (no onion, no garlic, check the label)

Steps

  1. Whisk the pumpkin and broth together until smooth and pourable.
  2. Pour into an ice cube tray or silicone molds.
  3. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Pop out and store in a freezer bag.

Notes

Yields: about 16 small cubes, roughly 5 to 10 calories each. Critical: most grocery store broth contains onion and garlic, both toxic to dogs, plus a lot of sodium. Use a broth that clearly lists no onion or garlic, or make your own by simmering chicken bones with carrots and celery (no onion, no garlic, no salt).

Variations

  • Stir in a tablespoon of plain canned coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free texture.
  • Drop a small piece of plain cooked chicken into each cavity for added protein.
  • Add a teaspoon of mashed sweet potato for extra fiber and natural sweetness.

Recipe 3: Three-Ingredient Pumpkin-Banana Pops

A slightly sweeter pop that still leans gentle. Banana adds potassium and a soft texture; oats add a little fiber.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2 tablespoons plain rolled oats (uncooked is fine)

Steps

  1. Mash the banana, then stir in the pumpkin and oats until combined.
  2. Spoon into silicone molds.
  3. Freeze for 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Pop out and store in a freezer bag.

Notes

Yields: about 10 small pops, roughly 20 to 30 calories each. Bananas are higher in sugar, so this version is a touch richer than the others. Still a good pick for a dog whose stomach handles fruit fine.

Lick Mat Version for Slow, Soothing Licking

For an even gentler treat, spread plain pumpkin (or any recipe above) across a lick mat and freeze it. The slow licking is calming, the cold makes it last, and there is nothing hard for a sensitive dog to crunch. This works well for dogs recovering from a stomach upset, anxious dogs, or seniors who do not want to chew through frozen cubes.

Our silicone lick mat suctions to the floor or tub so a determined dog cannot flip it. Spread the layer thin so it freezes evenly and the licking lasts.

Equipment and Storage

Silicone molds make this easy because the pumpkin mixture releases cleanly. Our paw and bone silicone molds are food-grade and dishwasher-safe, and they hold up to repeated freezing.

  • Freeze for 2 to 3 hours; larger molds may need 4.
  • Store popped-out treats in a labeled freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Serve outside or on a hard floor for easy clean-up.
  • Do not refreeze a thawed treat.
  • For dogs with dental issues or sensitive mouths, thaw a few minutes or use the lick mat version.

Calorie Math and Portions

Pumpkin treats are low calorie, but they still count toward the 10 percent treat rule:

  • Small dog (under 20 lbs, ~400 daily cal): 40-calorie budget. About 2 to 3 pumpkin-yogurt pops.
  • Medium dog (20 to 50 lbs, ~700 cal): 70-calorie budget. About 4 to 5 pops.
  • Large dog (50+ lbs, ~1200 cal): 120-calorie budget. Plenty of room.

A note on fiber: too much pumpkin too fast can cause loose stool of its own. Start with a small amount and build up.

The Cooper's Treats Approach

Pumpkin pops are a great soothing treat, and for dogs with a genuinely touchy stomach, the food going in matters as much as the pumpkin. That is why our Lamb and Spinach Pupsicle Mix is our gentle, sensitive-stomach option. Lamb is a novel protein many dogs tolerate better than chicken or beef, and the mix has simple ingredients, no added sugar, and no dairy. You add water, pour into a mold, and freeze, about 60 seconds of work, for a roughly 20-calorie frozen treat. Pair a lamb Pupsicle with a pumpkin pop for a stomach-friendly rotation. If you want to see how these stack up against other options, our roundup of the best frozen dog treats lays it out.

Pumpkin can help with mild, occasional digestive upset, but ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation needs a vet, not just a treat. And always use plain canned pumpkin, never pie filling.