Dog Treat Recipe: Puppy Pumpkin Puffs

Pumpkin is a powerhouse fall food that offers real benefits for dogs—it supports healthy digestion and delivers a rich dose of antioxidants for optimal nutrition. This simple, wholesome recipe blends lean turkey, nutrient-dense kale, and pure pumpkin into bite-sized, oven-baked treats your puppy (or adult dog!) will love.

Fresh ground turkey, kale leaves, and canned pumpkin arranged on a clean kitchen counter

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Food processor
  • Slicing knife
  • Measuring cup
  • Spatula
  • Spoon
  • Cookie sheet
  • Plate or platter for freezing

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup finely chopped kale
  • 3–4 oz. plain, unsweetened pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

Directions

  1. In your food processor, combine the ground turkey, egg, and kale. Pulse until smooth and creamy—about 30–45 seconds.
  2. Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  3. Arrange the meatballs in a square formation on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon to create even, patty-like shapes.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, or until fully cooked through and lightly golden at the edges.
  5. Let cool completely on the sheet before transferring to a plate or platter for freezing.
  6. While the patties cool, puree the pumpkin in the food processor for about 1 minute, until smooth and creamy.
  7. Just before serving, place a small dollop of pumpkin on top of each cooled patty.
Golden-brown turkey-kale patties arranged on a baking sheet, ready for the oven

Storage & Serving Tips

Store treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They’ll keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw individual portions in the fridge overnight—or serve slightly chilled straight from the freezer for a refreshing snack.

Finished Puppy Pumpkin Puffs: flat turkey patties topped with a swirl of orange pumpkin puree

Nutrition Notes

This batch yields approximately 897 total calories—ideal for portioning across multiple small servings. As with any new food, introduce gradually and consult your veterinarian before adding these treats to your dog’s regular diet, especially if your pup has allergies, sensitivities, or underlying health conditions.

A happy puppy holding a Puppy Pumpkin Puff treat in its mouth, tail wagging

Developed in partnership with Lisa Hennessy of Your Pet Chef—and exclusively shared by FurPetVo (furpetvo.com).