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Fall 2025

Spooktacular Snacks: DIY pumpkin pet treats

Treat your furry friend to a Halloween delight that’s festive, flavorful, and vet-approved—no tricks, just wholesome, homemade goodness.
Picture of By Nationwide
By Nationwide

Halloween is going to the pets—in the best way possible. While candy is off-limits for our four-legged companions, that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the spooky fun. This year, whip up a batch of frightfully tasty pumpkin-nip biscuits that are safe and satisfying for both dogs and cats. They’re easy to make, full of pet-friendly ingredients, and perfect for sharing the Halloween spirit with your favorite furry trick-or-treaters. Whether you're throwing a Howl-o-ween or Meow-o-ween bash, or just want to spoil your pets with something special, these DIY treats are sure to be a tail-wagging and whisker-twitching hit.

Pumpkin Ginger Biscuits for Pups

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened pumpkin (not pie filling)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup water

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F.
  2. Combine flour and ginger in a bowl; in another bowl, combine pumpkin, egg, and coconut oil. Add the flour mixture until crumbly. Using a hand or stand mixer on low, slowly add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together but is not sticky.
  3. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with a 3-inch cookie cutter. If using a bone-shaped cutter, press holes in the center of the biscuit with a fork. If using a pumpkin shape, press lines into the biscuit with the edge of a spoon.
  4. Place biscuits 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for about 2½ hours or until bottoms are lightly browned and treats feel firm when pressed (tops may crack).
  5. Cool biscuits on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.

Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

Recipe courtesy of The Pet Collective.

Pumpkin Nip Biscuits for Cats

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, unsweetened)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or salmon oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional, for cats)
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated carrot or mashed peas (optional)
  • 1½ cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
  • ½ cup brown rice flour (or more oat flour)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, egg, and oil until smooth.
  3. Stir in catnip and veggies (if using).
  4. Gradually add flours until a dough forms. It should be firm but pliable.
  5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
  6. Use small cookie cutters (bone, fish, or pumpkin shapes!) to cut out treats.
  7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
  8. Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet.

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Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
Add-a-pet

Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet. 

Enroll a new pet
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