If your pooch is part of the festivities on Halloween night, here are some safe treats for this canine holiday season:

Halloween is a great day for families to celebrate, but can be a dangerous day for dogs. Candy, chocolate, wrappers, decorations, and many new foods may be found around the house.

Dogs are known to share their food with their owners. However, it can be harmful if you give them human Halloween candy. The good news is there are dog-friendly ingredients and it’s easy to make these safe Halloween treats at home.

This guide offers simple Halloween snack suggestions, doggy foods to avoid, servings guidelines and safety ideas that will help keep your dog happy and safe.

Why Halloween Treats Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Halloween treats can be hazardous for dogs for several reasons.

There are lots of Halloween foods that aren’t designed for pets.

Dogs can also be poisoned by chocolate. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and may be found in some sugar-free candy. Some nuts and raisins can be toxic, too.

Candy wrappers can cause another issue. If a dog swallows a wrapper, it may cause choking or an intestinal blockage.

That’s why it’s best to keep people’s Halloween candy out of their doggy mouths and make their own dog-approved version.

1. Pumpkin Dog Treats

Pumpkin makes a popular dog treat.

Plain pumpkin is a source of fibre and water. Either canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin can be used.

Simple Recipe

Mix:

1/2 cup of plain pumpkin puree

1 egg
1 cup oat flour

Prepare soft dough, cut shapes for October and bake until done.

Do not give the treats to your dog until they have completely cooled down.

Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it can have sugar and spices.

2. Frozen Pumpkin Treats

Cool treats are great for Halloween if it’s a warm day!

Thin the pumpkin puree with some water. A little bit of plain, unsweetened yogurt is another option if your dog doesn’t have any dairy sensitivities.

Fill with mixture into small molds and freeze.

Feed your dog a little bit and monitor him/her while he is eating.

3. Apple and Pumpkin Bites!

Apples can be used as an occasional dog friendly ingredient.

Rinse apple thoroughly and core and discard seeds.

Slice the apple and combine with plain pumpkin purée.

To serve as a soft snack, just put the mixture in a tub and serve, or you can bake it in a pan with oat flour to create little snacks.

Do not feed your dog the apple core or apple seeds.

4. Banana Pumpkin Bites

Bananas do not require any sugar to be added.

Grind one ripe banana and combine with plain pumpkin puree.

If you wish to form a dough, a little oat flour should be added.

Form into small bites and bake until set.

Let them cool down before eating.

As bananas are full of natural sugar, offer them as a treat, but keep in mind that they should be consumed sparingly.

5. Carrot Dog Treats

A simple Halloween snack could be a carrot!

Wash the carrot and cut it into small pieces. Can be served raw (if your dog can chew it), or cooked till soft.

If you’re looking for a fun Halloween idea, cut cooked carrots into small shapes.

Never add butter, salt, sugar or seasoning.

6. Plain Peanut Butter Treats

Peanut butter is a popular treat for many dogs, but it should be used with caution.

Use plain peanut butter – never peanut butter with xylitol.

A small amount of peanut butter, mixed with pumpkin and oat flour may be used to create homemade biscuits containing no xylitol.

Do not eat peanut butter that has too much salt, too much sweetener or chocolate.

When giving peanut butter to dogs, always check the ingredients.

7. Dog-Safe Fruit Pieces

Fruits can be snacked on as little treats for Halloween.

Some of the dog-friendly options are:

Blueberries
Strawberries
Remove core and seeds from apple
Banana
Seedless watermelon

Do not feed your dog large chunks of fruit.Feed small chunks of fruit according to size of the dog.

Avoid grapes or raisins. Can be serious health issues for dogs.

Foods Dogs Should Not Eat on Halloween

Here are some foods that dogs should not eat on Halloween.Dogs should not eat these foods on Halloween day.

Avoid feeding your dog the following:

Chocolate
Sugar-free candy with xylitol
Grapes
Raisins
Macadamia nuts
Alcohol
Coffee
Caffeinated drinks
Onion
Garlic
Candy wrappers
Very salty foods
Spicy foods

Put away chocolate, candy and other goodies where your dog can’t get them, particularly during the Halloween season.

How Many Halloween Treats Can Dogs Eat?

The short answer is that dogs can eat three bits of Halloween candy.The answer is, three bits of Halloween candy.

All treats, even the healthy ones, must be treated in moderation.

The correct dosage will vary according to size, age, activity, health, and a normal diet of the dog.

A little dog eats a lot less than a big dog.

Try one small treat, particularly if your dog is experiencing a new recipe.

Treats can only be a very small percentage of your dog’s calories. Excessive treats can lead to weight gain and can lead to upset tummy.

Ask your veterinarian what treats and amounts are appropriate for your dog if you have any concerns about your dog being overweight or if they have a medical condition.

Halloween Decorations Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Just like with everything else, keep an eye on your dog when it comes to Halloween decorations.

But food is not the only Halloween hazard.

Dogs can chew on decorations, electric cords, plastic objects, candles or small toys.

Avoid using small decorations. Decorations that are battery operated may also be poisonous if ingested.

Open flames and candles must be out of reach of pets.

Dogs should also not be given glow sticks and the like.

Halloween Costumes are Dangerous!

Halloween Costumes are Hazardous!Halloween Costumes are Dangerous!

When dressing your dog for Halloween, ensure the costume fits properly and is comfortable for your pet.

The costume must not impede your dog’s ability to breathe, walk, see, hear or move.

Don’t let your dog wear costumes with small parts that they may chew or ingest.

Don’t make your dog wear a costume if they don’t look at ease or seem comfortable in it.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Candy

Don’t delay in seeking advice if your dog has eaten chocolate, sugar-free candy, raisins or some other potentially dangerous food.

Get in touch with your vet or animal poison center immediately.

Describe your dog’s meal, how much, when, and the size and weight of your dog, if you know it.

Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

Have the food packaging or ingredient label on hand. It can aid your veterinarian in determining what your dog was exposed to.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding dog-friendly treats for Halloween, it’s simple to find safe ones using basic, easy-to-find ingredients. Pumpkin, banana, apple without seeds, carrot, blueberries, strawberries, and xylitol free peanut butter can be used to make delicious homemade snacks.

The most important Halloween guideline is: Do not let your dog eat human candy. Some nuts, chocolate, grapes and raisins can be harmful.

Introduce new foods slowly and give them in small amounts. Ensure that decorations and wrappers, candles and small objects are away from inquisitive dogs.

Please call a vet immediately if your dog accidentally consumes something that could be harmful, not for symptoms.

Your dog can have fun during Halloween without getting into trouble, being uncomfortable or feeling bad, with a little planning.

Halloween Dog Treats: Safe Homemade Treat Ideas for Dogs