Pumpkin Pie for Dogs
Pumpkin Pie for Dogs is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by The Husky Fam on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 42 min
Cost: $1.80 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Wheat Flour (all‑purpose wheat flour, can substitute whole wheat)
- 1/2 cup Applesauce (unsweetened, no added sugar)
- 3 tbsp Water (for crust dough)
- 1/2 cup Water (for filling, microwave)
- 1 tsp Unflavored Gelatin (sprinkle; dissolves in hot water)
- 3/4 cup Pumpkin Puree (canned pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 2 tbsp Whipped Cream (plain, no added sugar; can use dairy‑free topping)
Instructions
Make crust dough
Combine 1 cup wheat flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 3 tbsp water in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture clumps together, then knead briefly into a smooth ball, cleaning any scraps as you go.
Time: PT5M
Roll and fit crust
Lightly flour a clean surface, roll the dough to about 1/8‑inch thickness, place it into the mini pie pan, press gently, and trim off excess dough.
Time: PT5M
Bake crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until it looks set and lightly golden around the edges.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Heat water and dissolve gelatin
In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup water with the gelatin. Microwave on high until the water boils, about 2 minutes, then stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Time: PT3M
Mix pumpkin filling
Add 3/4 cup pumpkin puree to the gelatin mixture and whisk for 5 minutes until the filling is smooth and begins to thicken.
Time: PT5M
Cool crust
Remove the baked crust from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes until it reaches room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Fill pie and chill
Spoon the pumpkin‑gelatin filling into the cooled crust, tap the pan gently to level the surface, and place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
Time: PT2H
Top with whipped cream and serve
Once the pie is set, slice it into small pieces appropriate for your dog's size and top each slice with a dollop of plain whipped cream.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Dog‑friendly, Contains grain, Contains dairy, No added sugar
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (whipped cream), Gelatin (animal derived)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Wheat Flour: Oat Flour, Rice Flour
- Instead of Applesauce: Mashed banana, Pureed sweet potato
- Instead of Unflavored Gelatin: Agar‑agar (use 1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Mashed cooked pumpkin
- Instead of Whipped Cream: Greek yogurt, Coconut whipped topping
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Mini Pie Pan
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Whisk (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Make crust dough
- Roll and fit crust
- Bake crust
- Heat water and dissolve gelatin
- Fill pie and chill
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light hand when rolling the crust to keep it tender.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon (safe for most dogs in tiny amounts).
- If you prefer a dairy‑free topping, use coconut whipped cream.
Troubleshooting
Crust is too dry and cracks.
Add a little more water (1‑2 tsp) to the dough and knead until it comes together.
Filling is runny and does not set.
Increase gelatin to 1½ tsp or chill the filling longer; you can also add an extra 1‑2 tbsp pumpkin puree to thicken.
Pie does not firm up after chilling.
Make sure the gelatin was fully dissolved and the pie was chilled for at least 2 hours; a longer chill (4‑6 hrs) will improve firmness.
Dog shows signs of stomach upset after eating.
Check that no added sugars or artificial sweeteners were used; feed only a small portion and monitor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; may spoil.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the crust and filling separately, then assemble just before serving.
- Store the pumpkin filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual slices for later treats; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pumpkin pie for dogs in American pet cuisine?
Pumpkin has long been used in American pet nutrition as a gentle source of fiber and vitamins. Homemade pumpkin treats, like this dog‑friendly pie, reflect a growing trend of owners preparing natural, preservative‑free snacks for their pets.
What are traditional regional variations of dog‑friendly pumpkin treats in the United States?
In the Midwest, pumpkin is often mixed with oat flour; on the West Coast, owners may add coconut oil or banana. This recipe uses wheat flour and applesauce, a classic combination found in many home‑cooked dog treats.
How is pumpkin pie for dogs traditionally served in American households?
Pet owners typically serve it as a small slice topped with plain whipped cream or a dab of plain yogurt, offering it as a special treat on holidays or birthdays.
What occasions or celebrations is pumpkin pie for dogs traditionally associated with in American pet culture?
It is popular around Thanksgiving and Halloween, when pumpkin is in season, and also as a birthday treat for dogs.
What makes this pumpkin pie for dogs special or unique in American pet cuisine?
The use of gelatin creates a firm, sliceable filling without added sugars, while the wheat‑applesauce crust provides a soft, digestible base that most dogs enjoy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin pie for dogs?
Common errors include under‑baking the crust, not fully dissolving the gelatin, and using sweetened whipped cream or xylitol‑sweetened toppings, which can be harmful to dogs.
Why does this recipe use gelatin instead of agar‑agar for the pumpkin filling?
Gelatin sets at refrigerator temperatures and gives a smooth, melt‑in‑the‑mouth texture that dogs find palatable, whereas agar‑agar can create a firmer, more rubbery texture that may be less appealing.
Can I make this pumpkin pie for dogs ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the crust and prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store the assembled pie sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices for up to a month.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pumpkin pie for dogs is done?
The crust should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. The filling should be smooth, slightly glossy, and hold its shape when the pie is lifted. After chilling, it should feel firm but not rock‑hard.
What does the YouTube channel The Husky Fam specialize in?
The Husky Fam creates family‑friendly cooking videos that often feature pet‑safe recipes, outdoor cooking adventures, and tips for feeding dogs nutritious homemade meals.
How does the YouTube channel The Husky Fam's approach to dog‑friendly cooking differ from other pet cooking channels?
The Husky Fam focuses on simple, quick recipes using everyday grocery ingredients and emphasizes safety warnings, while many other channels use specialty pet‑specific products or more complex techniques.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
