A pizza-shaped treat is an easy way to make Halloween feel like an occasion rather than just another walk around the block. This version uses a pumpkin and oat base instead of regular pizza dough, with toppings built entirely from dog-safe ingredients, so the whole thing can be handed over without editing anything off first.
The Base
Makes: 1 small pizza (about 15 cm) or several mini pizzas | Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 to 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 200 g rolled oats, blended into a rough flour
- 130 g pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 egg
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and line a tray with baking paper.
- Mix the oat flour, pumpkin puree and egg into a firm, workable dough. Add a splash of water if it's too dry to bring together.
- Press into a round base, either one pizza or several smaller ones, about 1 cm thick.
- Bake for 15 minutes before adding toppings, then return to the oven.
The Toppings
A mix of textures and colours works best, and none of the below need approval from a vet before use, though always check your specific dog has no individual sensitivity first.
- "Sauce": a thin layer of plain mashed sweet potato or extra pumpkin puree spread over the base.
- "Cheese": a light sprinkle of finely grated carrot for colour, or a few small dabs of plain cottage cheese if your dog tolerates dairy.
- "Pepperoni": thin coins of cooked, plain chicken or lean beef.
- Finishing touch: once the pizza comes out of the oven and has cooled slightly, a light sprinkle of Luminous over the top adds a coat and skin boost to the occasion without changing the bake.
Method
- Spread the sauce layer over the par-baked base.
- Add the toppings of choice.
- Return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the toppings are warmed through and the base is firm.
- Cool completely before cutting into slices or wedges sized for your dog.
Storage: airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This one doesn't freeze well due to the toppings, so it's best made close to Halloween night rather than in advance.
The No-Bake Version
For a Halloween that doesn't involve the oven at all, Pet Pizza is built for exactly this kind of occasion, a ready-made option that turns the day into something a bit special without the prep. Worth keeping on hand as the backup plan if Halloween night gets busier than expected.
Serving It Up
A slice or two is plenty as a special-occasion treat rather than a meal replacement, and it still counts towards the day's overall treat allowance. For how that fits alongside everything else on the table this Halloween, see the full Halloween dog treat recipes post.
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