Fall is finally here, and with it comes crisp walks, cozy sweaters, and the sweet smells of pumpkin spice drifting through the air. While we humans may indulge in seasonal favorites like pies, lattes, and hearty stews, our furry friends can enjoy autumn flavors too — with a healthy, pet-friendly twist!
At 9 to 5 Pets, we love celebrating the seasons with our fur friends in safe and joyful ways. Here are a few easy DIY fall treat recipes you can make at home to share the cozy vibes with your pets this October.
1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Bites (Dog-Friendly)
Pumpkin isn’t just festive — it’s also packed with fiber and vitamins that support healthy digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive tummies)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth.
- Slowly add flour until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and cut with your favorite cookie cutters.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until firm.
Storage Tip: Keep in an airtight container for up to a week — or freeze for longer!
2. Apple & Cinnamon Pup Chips
Crisp apples are an autumn staple — and most dogs love them! Just be sure to remove all seeds and cores, which can be harmful.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple
- A sprinkle of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°F.
- Slice apple thinly and arrange slices on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon.
- Bake for about 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until crisp.
Pro Tip: These also make your home smell amazing!
3. Kitty Pumpkin Purée Delight (Cat-Friendly)
Many cats enjoy the subtle flavor of pumpkin, and it can support healthy digestion.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon canned tuna in water (drained) or shredded chicken
Instructions:
- Mash ingredients together until well blended.
- Serve in a small dish as a topper or special treat.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to two days.
Note: Treats should be offered in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
Seasonal Safety Tips
- Skip the spices. Nutmeg, clove, and allspice can be toxic to pets. Stick with plain pumpkin or a touch of cinnamon.
- No candy or chocolate. Halloween sweets are a no-go for furry friends.
- Watch portion sizes. Even healthy treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily diet.
- Check with your vet. Especially if your pet has dietary restrictions or health conditions.
Fall Fun with 9 to 5 Pets
We love seeing how our clients celebrate the season with their pets — from scenic autumn walks to cozy costume moments and pumpkin patch adventures. If you try one of these recipes, share a photo with us on social or tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can feature your fur friend in our stories!
✨ Here’s to a tail-wagging, purr-fectly cozy October!
Pawsitively Yours,
The 9 to 5 Pets Team 🐾