Dogs and Pumpkin – Your Ultimate Guide

If your dog is anything like ours, as soon as food drops on the floor, they come and gobble it right up. So, what happens if you’re carving your pumpkin, and you drop some pieces on the ground? Is pumpkin safe for dogs?

We’ve had this exact situation happen more times than I can count, and I’m happy to say that yes, pumpkin is safe for dogs!

In fact, it’s a superfood that can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. We love sharing pumpkin with our pups, Ginger, Bear, Thunder, and Wizard. All four of them will beg for pumpkin, whether it’s fresh or from a can.

It’s one of those ingredients that makes me feel good about what I’m giving them – healthy, natural, and yummy.

Why pumpkin is so good for dogs

Pumpkin is filled with great vitamins and nutrients, including Alpha-Carotene, Beta-Carotene, Fiber, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Zinc.

• Vitamin A helps promote healthy eyes
• Antioxidants boost the immune system
• Vitamin A and zinc create healthy skin and coat
• Fiber helps with both constipation and diarrhea
• Cucurbitacin found in pumpkin seeds paralyzes and eliminates worms from the digestive tract

The fiber in pumpkin helps keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly. Whenever one of our dogs isn’t feeling good (diarrhea), a little bit of pumpkin mixed into their food works wonders.

I like to think of it as nature’s simple solution to upset tummies. And with dogs and foster dogs, we’ve had our fair share of upset tummies over the years!

Whenever I get my hands on fresh pumpkin in the fall, we go all out with treats. But when the season ends, we rely on Native Pet’s air-dried pumpkin. It’s a great option because you can make as much or as little as you need, and it doesn’t go bad like fresh pumpkin.

How we use pumpkin with our dogs

At our house, pumpkin is a treat that everyone gets excited about. When fall rolls around and we start carving pumpkins, the dogs are always waiting nearby, hoping for some scraps. We even let them have the guts and seeds (in moderation and always roasted without salt, of course).

But the fun doesn’t stop there. I love making homemade pumpkin treats for them, too. We’ve got a few recipes on the blog, and trust me, they’re dog-approved!

Whether it’s baked into treats or just a scoop mixed into their dinner, our dogs go crazy for it. And let’s be real… it feels great knowing I’m giving them something that’s good for them.

What about canned pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin is a lifesaver when you want to give your dog the benefits of pumpkin year-round. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin (like this one), not the spiced pie filling.

We’ve used canned pumpkin for years, and it’s always been a hit with our dogs. But if you want to try something a little different (and have more control over portions), Native Pet’s air-dried pumpkin is a great alternative.

We’ve found that it’s perfect for those times when you don’t want to open a whole can but still want to give your dog a little treat.

How much pumpkin is safe for a dog to eat?

How much pumpkin you feed your dog depends on their size and weight, and how sensitive their stomach is. Below is a general guideline, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s health.

Add 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin with your dog’s food to help with diarrhea. As with anything, too much of a good thing can turn bad.

I recommend slowly adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet, 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. Then gradually increase depending on the size of your dog.

Dogs and pumpkin seeds

We love pumpkin seeds! I make them every year and they don’t last long because everyone eats them so fast!

And it’s so great to know that pumpkin seeds are safe and good for your dog! 

According to DogsNaturally, “Pumpkin seeds contain the amino acid called cucurbitin, which paralyzes and eliminates the worms from the digestive tract.”

So the seeds are a natural dewormer! Imagine that, isn’t it wonderful to know that nature has its own methods to keeping our dogs healthy.

If you drop a few when carving your pumpkin, they can eat them raw. But anytime after that, make sure to roast the seeds to keep them fresh for longer (about a month). Raw pumpkin seeds will become spoiled quickly without roasting.

QUICK TIP: Roasting pumpkin seeds is very easy. Simply wash them, remove the pumpkin flesh as best as possible. Spread them out on a roasting pan and put them in a preheated oven at 300° for about 20-25 minutes. You can roast a batch for yourself with some olive oil and salt and a plain batch for your dog.

The Bottom Line

Pumpkin is a great, healthy treat for dogs that you can feel good about giving them.

Whether you’re using fresh pumpkin, canned, or the air-dried version from Native Pet, it’s a simple, natural way to boost your dog’s nutrition.

Our dogs approve and recommend you share some with your pup today!