Can dogs eat pumpkin?

Quick takeaways about pumpkin for dogs

• Pumpkin is a type of fruit, not a vegetable, and it’s safe for dogs to eat.
• It’s full of soluble fibre, so it might help dogs with constipation.
• If feeding fresh, you’ll need to remove the stalk, leaves and skin or opt for plain, canned pumpkin.

 

If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably been told that pumpkin is a good option when your pooch has an upset stomach. And the good news is, in much the same way that a dog is not just for Christmas – pumpkin is not just for tummy troubles.

Pumpkin has lots of nutritional value and is often found as an ingredient in both wet, raw and dry dog food. Packed with fibre, potassium and vitamin C, the most well-known winter squash can make a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when you want to switch things up a bit.

There are some things to know, though, to make sure you’re feeding it safely. If you’re feeding fresh pumpkin, for example, you’ll need to avoid the parts that are covered in prickly hairs. And if you’re feeding tinned pumpkin, watch out for added sugar and flavourings.

We’ve gone back to basics to cover everything you need to know about feeding pumpkin to your dog, so you know what’s safe and what’s not. And don’t forget to discuss any new foods with your vet first, and make dietary changes gradually.

 

Is a pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?

Believe it or not, pumpkins are classed as a type of fruit – at least if you’re a botanist.

Similar to tomatoes though, they’re mostly treated as a type of vegetable from a culinary point of view, thanks to their more savoury taste.

Either way, this orange squash from is most often associated with Halloween in the UK, and pumpkin pie in the US.

 

Can dogs eat pumpkin – and are they good for them?

While it’s not necessary for dogs on a complete and balanced diet, a bit of pumpkin can be good for dogs.

Pumpkins are a good source of soluble fibre, which is why experts sometimes recommend giving your dog a little to help with tummy troubles.

It can help to bulk out the poo when your dog is suffering from diarrhea, and get things moving if your pooch is constipated. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, plus potassium and iron.

 

How should I feed pumpkin to my dog?

Here are some healthy ideas:

Fresh pumpkin

Peel the outside, gut the middle, and slice the flesh into chunks. You can then steam, bake, or purée the pumpkin for your dog, with no need to add any flavourings.

Use it as a topper for their food, feed small cubes as a treat, or try mixing a few spoons of puréed pumpkin into their food if your dog is having mild stomach issues.

Remember to talk to your vet if your dog has been ill for longer than a day.

 

Canned pumpkin

Outside of the winter months, canned pumpkin can be a good option when fresh is unavailable – but you’ll need to keep a close eye on the ingredients.

Avoid any extra flavours or ingredients like sugar, spices or xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs, and only choose 100% pumpkin.

And never feed your dog pumpkin pie filling, which is also served canned and easily mistaken for plain pumpkin. This is because it’s usually full of sugar.

 

How much pumpkin should I feed my dog?

Bearing in mind that pumpkin is full of fibre, serve it sparingly to avoid diarrhea. If your vet has recommended it for constipation, they can tell you roughly how much to give your dog depending on their size.

As always, there’s no need to add pumpkin if your dog is on a healthy complete and balanced diet as all the nutrients, vitamins and fibre they need will be in their existing food.

 

Which parts of a pumpkin aren’t safe for a dog to eat?

The stem and leaves of a pumpkin are covered in prickly hairs, so you’ll need to remove them. While the flesh inside the pumpkin is edible, it rots very quickly and can cause stomach upsets for your dog, so it is best avoided.

 

Feeding dogs pumpkin FAQs

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked pumpkin seeds, but they have a higher fat content than the flesh so they should be served sparingly. They can also be a choking risk, particularly for smaller dogs.

 

Can dogs eat pumpkin spice?

No – some of the spices in a pumpkin spice mix, like nutmeg, can be toxic or even fatal to dogs in large quantities.

Many things that are called ‘pumpkin spice’ don’t actually contain any pumpkin, so only ever choose a fresh pumpkin or plain, canned pumpkin to be safe.

 

Can I give my dog raw pumpkin?

While you can give your dog a little raw pumpkin to chew, it isn’t easily digested, so you’ll want to give it sparingly.

They’ll likely find it quite tough when it’s raw, and you’ll still need to remove the stem, leaves, skin and guts first.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients, including plenty of proteins and vitamins to help keep your dog’s skin healthy.