Halloween is full of fun, frights, and of course—treats! But while you’re indulging in candy corn and caramel apples, it’s important to make sure your furry family members are enjoying safe goodies of their own. This Halloween, treat your pets to something festive and vet-approved by whipping up or picking out spooky, yet safe treats just for them. Plus, we’ll cover which ingredients to steer clear of so your celebration doesn’t end with an emergency vet visit.
🎃 Why Special Halloween Pet Treats Matter
It’s easy to assume our pets can enjoy a nibble of our Halloween haul, but many human treats contain ingredients that are toxic to animals. Chocolate, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), raisins, and certain food dyes can be harmful—or even deadly—to pets.
Instead of taking a risk, prepare or buy treats specifically made with pets in mind. You can even make the occasion special with themed goodies, costumes, and a festive photo shoot (check out our blog on How to Capture Fall-Themed Pet Photos for tips!).
🦴 Spooky Yet Safe Halloween Treat Ideas for Dogs
1. Pumpkin Pup Bites
Canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) is great for dogs. Combine it with oats and a bit of unsweetened applesauce to form soft, chewy bites. Use a small pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to make them extra festive.
2. Frozen Banana Ghosts
Mash a ripe banana, mix in plain Greek yogurt, and freeze in ghost molds or small blobs on parchment paper. These make chilling treats for warm Halloween afternoons. For an extra spooky touch, melt carob chips (a dog-safe alternative to chocolate) and pipe on little eyes once the ghosts are frozen.
3. Apple & Carrot Mummies
Thinly slice apples and carrots into strips and dehydrate them (or bake at a low temperature) until they’re chewy. You can “wrap” treats in stringy carrot shreds to make them look mummy-like!
🐾 Safe and Spooky Snacks for Cats
1. Salmon Crunchies
Mix canned salmon, one egg, and a little flour to form a dough. Cut into spooky shapes and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Make sure the salmon is packed in water with no added salt or flavorings.
2. Tuna Ghouls
Combine tuna and a small amount of pumpkin purée. Scoop into tiny ghost molds or spoon out spooky blobs onto a plate. Chill for 20 minutes for a special treat.
3. Catnip Pumpkin Balls
Blend oat flour, a little plain pumpkin, and dried catnip to create mini balls. Roll in a bit more catnip for an extra boost before serving.
⚠️ Dangerous Halloween Foods for Pets
No matter how tempting it is to share your treats, always avoid these ingredients:
- Chocolate – especially dark chocolate, is toxic to dogs and cats.
- Xylitol – commonly found in sugar-free gums and some peanut butters, it can cause liver failure in dogs.
- Grapes & Raisins – even small amounts can be toxic to dogs.
- Onions & Garlic – often found in savory Halloween snacks, they can cause anemia.
- Macadamia Nuts – dangerous for dogs, leading to vomiting, weakness, and tremors.
- Candy wrappers – ingestion can cause choking or digestive blockages.
If your pet accidentally eats something questionable, contact your vet immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
🐶 Celebrate Safely
Want to include your pet in the Halloween fun without the food? Try a Halloween-themed toy or outfit, or set up a spooky scavenger hunt using safe treats! And if you’re hosting a party or greeting trick-or-treaters, be sure to check out our blog on Pet Anxiety on Halloween for tips on keeping your pet calm through the chaos.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.
References:
- ASPCA. “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
- American Kennel Club. “Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?” https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pumpkin/
- PetMD. “Toxic People Foods to Dogs.” https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_toxic_foods_to_dogs
