Homemade Halloween Treats for Dogs

Halloween is one of my favorite Holidays of the entire year!

I love the costumes – even as a grown up. And sometimes I even dress up my dog!

I also love to bake themed treats.

You may be asking can dogs eat candy corn? The short answer is a yes. You may also be asking if my dog ate candy corn will they be okay. I give my Chewy a nibble whenever I treat myself. And after getting this question a few times I decided to ask my vet.

Is candy corn bad for dogs? Giving your pup sugary treats really isn’t recommended as it can cause tooth decay and a myriad of other health issues if given in high quantities. But according to my vet the occasional sweet won’t hurt, just like with everything else in life, moderation is key.

Dog’s have a bigger set of taste bud receptors and an even bigger set of smell receptors than humans so it’s no wonder they would enjoy all the treats and smells we humans do.

I talked with my vet about my dog’s sweet tooth whenever he spies a sweet in my hand and begs, breaking me down and making me give in to those adorable pleading eyes…we’ve all been there! (You’d have to be extremely disciplined not to give into them).

Can dogs have candy corn?

The vet told me to find alternatives that would be best but that a little sugar or salty treats now and again won’t harm them. Just remember NO chocolate or truffles, etc. So working with that advice I did a search and found this adorable yummy alternative.

This is just one of those treats your dog will enjoy but it isn’t really candy corn, I need to put that out there now, but I think it is a cute idea and worth the effort. 

If you worry about giving your pup something sugary this may be some relief to you. Because while it may look like candy corn, there’s nothing sugary about this treat. But it will definitely be gobbled up!

Tips on How to Make Halloween Special for Your Dog

For many dogs, Halloween can be scary. So, as we’re going into the season it’s important to think about how your dog will handle a holiday with lots of extra trick or treaters at the door.

Even dogs who love new people should be kept on a leash when answering the door for Halloween so that they don’t end up darting out the door. (Chewy does this when he gets excited if we aren’t watching him, he’s definitely a greeter, but not all parents and kids feel the same way he does).

If your dog has anxiety around strangers, then it’s a good idea to keep them in a familiar room with a closed-door for Halloween. This will keep your dog, your guests, and YOU calmer.

Some dogs LOVE to go out with their owners trick or treating. And some dogs hate it. If your dog typically does well walking in large groups of people you might want to give walking them on trick or treat night a shot.

But if you’ve never done it before, then be prepared to bring your dog home after a few minutes if they end up being overwhelmed by the people, sounds and scents.

The basic rule is to know your dog and understand how they’ll interact with strangers. It’s the best way to make Halloween fun for you and your dog.

And of course, baking for your pup is a GREAT way to make any holiday special.

What to Look For in Homemade Halloween Treats for Dogs

When I’m sourcing recipes for my dog I always look for recipes with wholesome ingredients and low added sugar content – like this recipe below.

It’s also a good idea to stay away from processed meats for dogs because many contain nitrates and nitrites – which aren’t good for us or for our dogs. And any artificial ingredients too.

Homemade Candy Corn Dog Treats for Dogs

What you’ll need:

For Treat:

• 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup oatmeal
• 1 egg
• ½ cup chicken or beef stock

For Icing:

• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1-2 Tbsps. water
• Food coloring (look for natural colorants, beet juice, carrot juice, etc.)

You can try alternative flours on the market but be careful with nut flours as some nuts are dangerous for our sweet fur babies, like walnuts for example. You can also try cornstarch for the base of the icing.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, mix by hand, until thoroughly combined. If it feels too sticky add a bit more flour or if too dry add more stock.
3. Divide dough in half, or fourth’s if you want smaller cookies.
4. Roll each piece of dough into a circle about ½” thick.
5. Use a butter knife to slice dough in half, cut it in half again, and then cut each ¼ in half to make 8 triangles.  Repeat with each batch of the remaining dough.
6. Use a paintbrush to decorate your doggie treats.
7. Place on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
9. Allow to cool, place on a sheet pan ready for decoration.
10. To make candy corn icing:
11. Combine flour with the water- 1 Tbsp. at a time until it forms the consistency of thick paint. Then decorate!
12. Store in a cool area in an airtight container, these can even be frozen and thawed at room temp for later.

Enjoy your Halloween!!

For more great recipes, try Homemade Pumpkin Pupcakes or Fresh Apple Dog Treat Recipe

Please note: This recipe is not meant to prevent, treat or cure any ailment or disease. We are not veterinarians and you use our recipes and advice at your own discretion. We always recommend that you consult your veterinarian whenever you have health-related conditions your fur baby is facing. With that in mind, we wish nothing but the best for your pet and their healthy and happy lives <3