Name: Easy Pumpkin –Apple Heart Gummies for Your Pup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 40
Ingredients: 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; ¼ cup water or low sodium bone broth; 2 tablespoons plain gelatin powder (such as Knox or a grass fed option); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy touch)

Making homemade dog treats is more than a fun kitchen project for me it’s a special way to connect with my pup and make sure she’s enjoying something wholesome in every bite. One recipe that always brings a smile to both of us is these Pumpkin Apple Heart Gummies for Dogs. Soft, chewy, and irresistibly cute, they’re a favorite in the fall and just as perfect any time we want a light, tummy friendly treat.

Here’s the little story behind them and how you can whip up your own batch of these sweet, heart shaped goodies.

The Inspiration Behind These Gummy Hearts

This recipe was born on a chilly October morning when I found myself with leftover canned pumpkin from a batch of Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs. My pup, Maple, was sitting nearby with that hopeful, eager expression one every dog parent knows well. I wanted to create something soft, gentle on her teeth, and full of cozy seasonal flavor. That’s when I thought of her favorite pairing: pumpkin and apple.

Pumpkin is fantastic for digestion, and apples add a natural sweetness along with vitamin C and fiber. I couldn’t help but wonder, “What if I brought these together in a fun, gummy style treat?”

Ingredients That Dogs Love (and Their Tummies Do Too)

To make these soft, nourishing heart gummies, gather the following:

1 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup water or low sodium bone broth
2 tablespoons plain gelatin powder (such as Knox or a grass fed option)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy touch)

These simple, dog safe ingredients blend together to create a soft, chewy treat that’s gentle on gums ideal for senior pups or dogs with sensitive mouths.

How to Make These Pumpkin Apple Heart Gummies

1. Warm the Base

In a small saucepan, stir together the pumpkin purée, applesauce, and water (or broth) over medium low heat. Warm until lightly steamy, not boiling this helps the gelatin dissolve smoothly.

2. Add the Gelatin

Slowly sprinkle the gelatin over the warm mixture while whisking continuously. Adding it gradually prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. Whisk until fully dissolved.

3. Optional: Add Cinnamon

If using cinnamon, mix it in now. Just a little adds a warm, comforting flavor many dogs enjoy.

4. Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into silicone molds. Heart shapes keep the theme sweet, but any mold works. No molds? Pour into a shallow dish and cut into squares once set.

5. Chill to Set

Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm. Once set, pop the gummies out and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze wonderfully for longer storage.

**Why This Flavor Combo Works (For Dogs and Their Humans)**

I keep coming back to this recipe because each gummy is naturally sweet, nutrient rich, and packed with benefits your dog can feel.

Pumpkin is loaded with fiber to support digestion and regularity.
Applesauce adds gentle sweetness and provides vitamin C without any added sugar.
Gelatin can help support joint health something older pups like Maple truly appreciate.
Cinnamon (just a pinch) offers a cozy aroma and may help balance blood sugar.

Plus, there’s nothing quite as heartwarming as watching your pup happily munch on a treat you made by hand especially a cute heart shaped one.

Easy Ways to Customize These Gummies

One of the joys of homemade dog treats is how simple it is to adjust them. Try these twists based on your dog’s preferences:

Change up the flavor: Swap applesauce for mashed banana just like in Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs.
Boost the protein: Use low sodium chicken or beef broth instead of water for a savory variation.
Add a hint of honey: If your dog tolerates sugars well, a small teaspoon of raw honey adds extra richness but it’s totally optional.

A Treat That Feels Good to Give

Every batch of these Pumpkin Apple Gummies feels like a tiny edible love note to Maple. Making treats yourself means you know exactly what’s inside, and you get to enjoy the moment your dog devours them with pure joy.

They’re also wonderfully soft, making them great for training sessions, gentle rewards, or even hiding a small pill. I’ve tucked a chewable vitamin into one more than once Maple has never caught on.

A Fun Weekend Project for Dog Parents

If you’re anything like me, homemade dog treats can easily become a weekend tradition. Sometimes we whip up these gummies alongside a batch of Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs, or fill the freezer with Pumpkin Pupsicles for warm days.

There’s something special about the cozy pumpkin apple aroma in the kitchen, pouring mixture into molds, and seeing your dog’s excitement when the gummies are finally ready.

Tips for Perfect Gummies (and Avoiding Sticky Mishaps)

Don’t let the mixture boil — overheating weakens gelatin and prevents proper setting.
Whisk continuously — this keeps the texture smooth and lump free.
Use silicone molds — they make popping out the gummies effortless. If using a dish, lightly grease it first.
Chill in the fridge first — let them set completely before transferring to the freezer for long term storage.

And yes go ahead and sneak a taste. These gummies are totally safe for humans, even if they’re a bit mild without added sugar.

More Reasons to Love Homemade Dog Gummies

One of the things I adore about these heart shaped gummies is how easygoing the recipe is. Whether you’re a seasoned dog treat maker or just dipping your toes into homemade goodies, this recipe is wonderfully simple and approachable. Even better, the soft, chewy texture makes them perfect for every stage of life teething puppies, adult dogs, and seniors with sensitive teeth all enjoy them.

Batch Size, Storage, and Freshness

Here’s a quick look at how much the recipe yields and how to keep the gummies fresh:

Using standard heart shaped silicone molds (like the ones shown in photos), you’ll usually get 40–50 small gummies. If you opt for larger molds or pour the mixture into a dish, your total will vary.

To store your homemade gummies:

Refrigerate: Keep them in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
Freeze: Lay them out in a single layer to freeze, then transfer to a freezer safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Defrost a few overnight in the fridge for convenience.

Frozen gummies are an especially refreshing treat in the summertime they’re perfect after a warm walk or play session.

Creative Flavor Twists to Try

Once you’re comfortable with the base recipe, it’s fun to experiment with dog safe variations. Here are a few easy ways to change thing up:

Peanut Butter Delight
Replace half the pumpkin with natural, xylitol free peanut butter for a rich, nutty treat dogs absolutely love.
Sweet Potato Boost
Swap the pumpkin for mashed, cooked sweet potato to create a firmer, earthier gummy.
Berry-Infused Goodness
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of blueberry purée or crushed freeze dried blueberries for light tartness and antioxidant benefits similar to the flavors in Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs.
Herbal Wellness
Add a tiny pinch of finely chopped parsley for fresh breath, or a sprinkle of turmeric for anti inflammatory support. Always use small amounts and stick to herbs known to be dog safe.

The beauty of homemade treats is how easily you can tailor them to your dog’s specific needs whether that’s flavor preference or extra nutritional support.

Why These Gummies Are a Healthier Choice

I’ve tried my fair share of store bought treats. While some are great, many contain fillers, preservatives, or unnecessary sugars. One of the biggest reasons I embraced homemade recipes was wanting full control over what Maple eats.

These gummies check all the boxes:

Grain free and gluten free
No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
Made with just a few wholesome ingredients
Low calorie and gentle on digestion

They’re a fantastic option for dogs with allergies, food sensitivities, or weight concerns.

Pairing Soft Gummies With Crunchy Treats

I love giving Maple a mix of soft and crunchy treats. The gummies are perfect for training, slow chewing, or sneaking in a pill, while baked biscuits provide that satisfying crunch dogs crave. On weekends, I sometimes make a batch of these Pumpkin Apple Gummies alongside Banana and Honey Biscuits the textures are different, but together they make a perfect treat duo.

Offering variety keeps Maple interested, and I’ve noticed she’s more responsive during training when the rewards aren’t always the same. Plus, having multiple treat types on hand gives me flexibility no matter the occasion.

My Treat Making Routine

Sunday evenings have unofficially become treat prep night in my home. I’ll whip up a fresh batch of gummies, pop them in the fridge to set, and start mixing dough for some baked biscuits. It’s become a cozy little ritual part self care, part pet care and it always leaves me feeling connected and intentional as a dog parent.

These heart gummies have become a go-to tool in my daily routine. Here are a few of the ways they come in handy:

Training sessions: Their soft texture makes them easy to break into tiny pieces, perfect for frequent rewards.
Puzzle toys: I’ll slip one or two inside Maple’s favorite enrichment toy to give her a fun mental workout.
Daily supplements: When she needs a chewable vitamin, I simply press it into a gummy she never notices.
Special occasions: Valentine’s Day? Heart gummies. Her birthday? Heart gummies and a homemade dog friendly cake, of course.

Over time, these treats have evolved into more than just snacks they’ve become part of our daily rhythm, bonding time, and even our celebrations.

For Dogs Who Love to Chew (But Need a Softer Option)

Some dogs enjoy the act of chewing but can’t handle hard biscuits due to dental sensitivities. That’s exactly where these gummies shine. They offer a satisfying bite without putting stress on teeth.

If your dog prefers something with a little more chew, try this fun variation:
After the gummies have fully set, leave them uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours.
This allows them to air dry slightly, creating a denser, more toothsome texture still soft, but with a pleasant “chew,” almost like a wholesome fruit snack for dogs.

And if your pup enjoys tougher, long lasting chews, you might explore something completely different, like homemade Bull Penis Dog Treats a totally separate category, but equally thoughtful for dogs who love serious chewing.

The Joy of Making Treats That Look This Cute

Can we take a moment to appreciate how adorable these heart-shaped gummies are?

There’s something undeniably rewarding about making treats that look as delightful as they taste (at least to our dogs!). Even though they’re for our pups, the visual appeal makes the whole process more fun and satisfying. I love pouring the mixture into the molds, sliding the tray into the fridge, and coming back to perfectly shaped, glossy little gummies. And yes snapping photos to share with fellow dog parents or pinning new inspiration to my treat board is half the fun.

These charming gummies make wonderful:

Homemade gift basket additions for dog loving friends
Pet party favors
Holiday treat bag goodies
Contributions to rescue or shelter fundraisers

Just be sure to label the ingredients and note that they’re dog treats though humans can nibble on them if they’re curious!

When You Need a Quick, Healthy Win

We all have those hectic weeks when everything feels like too much. But somehow, whisking together a quick batch of pumpkin and applesauce delivers a tiny but meaningful sense of accomplishment. It’s a reminder that caring for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated sometimes the simplest recipes offer the biggest comfort.

These gummies are that kind of recipe: easy, wholesome, and always appreciated.

Final Thoughts: A Little Love in Every Bite

At the end of the day, these Pumpkin Apple Heart Gummies are so much more than treats they’re small, heartfelt tokens of love. They’re perfect for those everyday moments when your dog curls beside you on the couch, follows you into the kitchen, or gives you that look that clearly says, “You’re my favorite human.”

Whether you’re trying homemade dog treats for the first time or adding something new to your rotation, this recipe is a wonderful place to start.

Easy Pumpkin –Apple Heart Gummies for Your Pup

Yield: 40–50 small gummies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
¼ cup water or low sodium bone broth
2 tablespoons plain gelatin powder (such as Knox or a grass fed option)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a cozy touch)