Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so. 

Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in everything from pies to lattes, but can dogs eat pumpkin, too? Yes, they can—and when prepared properly, pumpkin can be an especially healthy treat for dogs to eat.  

In fact, vets will often recommend adding a little pumpkin into your dog’s diet to help things “flow” properly if your pup has some mild constipation or diarrhea. But there are some specifics to keep in mind when feeding pumpkin to your dog in a healthy, safe way. 

Can Dogs Have Pumpkin?

Dogs can have pumpkin as long as it’s prepared safely. Plain, cooked pumpkin and 100% canned pumpkin (with no added ingredients) are both healthy options that are rich in fiber and other nutrients that support digestion and overall wellness. 

If you're making pumpkin from scratch, opt for sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins). They have a smoother texture, sweeter taste, and denser flesh, making them easier to cook and mash.  

Carving pumpkins—the kind used for jack-o’-lanterns—are safe too, but they tend to be stringy and watery. 

Avoid raw pumpkin, which can be tough for dogs to digest and may pose a risk of choking or intestinal blockage. The rind, in particular, can be hard for dogs to safely chew and swallow.  

Also steer clear of pumpkin pie filling—it may contain sugar, nutmeg and cloves (which can be dangerous to dogs), and sometimes xylitol, a sweetener that’s extremely toxic to dogs. 

Pumpkin isn’t just a DIY topper, though—you’ll also find it in many store-bought dog foods and treats. A few highly rated options include: 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? 

Dogs can also eat pumpkin seeds—which contain zinc, magnesium, and copper—with or without the shells. This includes pepitas, a type of pumpkin seed found in certain types of pumpkin.  

The safest way to feed pumpkin seeds to your pup is by roasting them, then grinding them up. This way, you can sprinkle them over your dog’s food without worrying about how easy they are to chew or swallow.  

If you do serve pumpkin seeds whole, watch your pup (especially small dogs) as they eat them in case they become a choking hazard. 

Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?

When served plain, pumpkin can offer a range of health benefits for dogs. Here are some of the biggest perks: 

• It has plenty of nutrients. Pumpkin is high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and iron. These nutrients support your dog’s immune system, skin and coat health, digestion, and more. 

• It may help with digestion. Feeding pumpkin to your dog is a great way to help with both mild constipation and mild diarrhea because of its high fiber content. However, if your dog is suffering from severe constipation or diarrhea, take them to your veterinarian right away. These could be signs of a more serious underlying health issue.   

• It may help with anal-gland issues. In addition to promoting good bowel movements, a high-fiber diet will bulk up your dog’s stool, which helps them express their anal glands naturally. This can help them avoid anal gland issues in the future.  

• It may help regulate blood sugar. The fiber in pumpkin can help slow digestion and the absorption of glucose, which may help dogs maintain steadier blood sugar levels—especially helpful for dogs with diabetes (though always check with your vet first). 

Is Pumpkin Bad for Dogs?

But while pumpkin is generally good for dogs, too much of a good thing can cause issues. Here are some things to watch out for: 

• It may cause digestive upset. While pumpkin can help with constipation and diarrhea, too much of any new food can cause an upset stomach. Stick to the recommended portions. 

• It may contribute to nutrient imbalances. Too much pumpkin can push other balanced food options off their plate, leading to nutrient deficiencies. On the other hand, too much of a certain nutrient, like vitamin A, can build up and cause imbalances over time. 

How Much Pumpkin Can a Dog Have?

Even though pumpkin is a very nutritious treat, in general, all treats combined should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.  

If you’re giving your dog pumpkin for the first time, start slowly and give them a small amount at a time, watching for any reactions, like vomiting or diarrhea. If all goes well, you can work up to the recommended serving sizes. 

For general guidelines on the safe amounts of pumpkin to feed your dog, check out the list below.  

How To Safely Feed Pumpkin to Dogs

Before giving your dog pumpkin, it’s important to prepare it properly. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe: 

• Use plain pumpkin only. Choose 100% canned pumpkin with no added sugar, salt, or spices. Avoid pumpkin pie filling. 

• Or cook fresh pumpkin. Peel and remove the seeds, then roast or boil the flesh until it’s soft. Once cooled, mash or puree it until smooth. 

• Skip the seasoning. Never add butter, oils, spices, or sweeteners. Dogs do best with plain, unseasoned pumpkin. 

• Let it cool before serving. Always make sure cooked pumpkin is at room temperature before feeding it to your dog. 

Once the pumpkin is prepared and ready to serve, here are a few simple ways to offer it to your dog: 

• By the spoonful: The easiest way to feed pumpkin to your dog is straight from the spoon. They will love the taste and lick it right up.  

• As food topper: You can also put it on top of your dog’s food or mix it in to kibble.  

• Stuffed in a KONG: Stuff pumpkin into your dog’s KONG toy by itself, or mix it with other dog-safe fruits like banana and peanut butter. Freeze it overnight for a tasty treat.  

• Frozen: Use the same mixture above of pumpkin, banana, and peanut butter—or pureed pumpkin alone—and smear it onto a lick mat, like the Pink Papyrus Lick Mat. Freeze it overnight and watch your dog go crazy licking it up!  

• In a pumpkin spice latte: You could go all out and mix up a dog-safe pumpkin spice latte that’s made with canned pumpkin, yogurt, and chicken broth.