Skip to main content

Is pumpkin bad for dogs? What you need to know

Every year as autumn rolls around — or even during late summer — pumpkin-flavored everything starts to take over. If you’re pumpkin-obsessed (looking at you, latte lovers and candle hoarders), this is great news, but is pumpkin bad for dogs?

You’re about to find out! In this article, we’ll get up to date on everything pumpkin: why it’s good or bad for dogs, how much to feed your furry friend per serving, and even a few ways to prepare this fun autumn food. As long as you keep a few rules in mind, the possibilities and recipes can be nearly endless! Whether you’re eating to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply Monday, pumpkin can make the perfect addition for your pup. Let’s dive in.

Can dogs eat pumpkin?

Long story short: yes! Pumpkin can be a great addition to any dog’s diet, and it can even have some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Every dog reacts to foods differently, but pumpkin is not a common allergen or irritant for canines. In fact, it’s not unusual to see this ingredient in dog foods thanks to its high fiber count and a multitude of vitamins.

Not just any pumpkin is good enough for your furry friend, though. Even though dogs can eat pumpkin raw or cooked (even the seeds!), they should not have any added sugar, salt, or seasonal spices that are often used in some of our favorite fall recipes. These ingredients aren’t toxic to dogs, but they’re likely to cause stomach upset.

Canned pumpkin — plain of course — is the ideal choice. According to the canine nutrition pros at the American Kennel Club (AKC), canned pumpkin contains less water than whole pumpkin and therefore a higher concentration of fiber and other valuable nutrients. Don’t be fooled, though: Fresh pumpkin still makes an awesome treat for your dog.

A Pembroke Welsh corgi chews on a pumpkin
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Health benefits of pumpkin for dogs

Besides being a delicious snack or mealtime addition, pumpkin has a few key nutrients and health benefits. This gourd is chock-full of soluble fiber, which can regulate bowel movements and contribute to overall intestinal wellness. The fermentation process of fiber in the body also helps “supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower the pH level of the large intestines” (via AKC).

Pumpkin is also a fantastic source of vitamins — A, E, and C, specifically. Helpful minerals like potassium and iron can also be found here. Potassium — an electrolyte — is vital for heart, nerve, and muscle function, while iron keeps the circulatory system oxygen rich. Who doesn’t love a healthy treat?

How much pumpkin is too much?

Because pumpkin is so high in fiber, it’s smart not to jump right in with a large serving. Instead, start with about 1 tablespoon of canned or powdered pumpkin to your dog’s normal meal (via AKC.) The AKC recommends keeping it at around 1–4 tablespoons (depending on your dog’s size) per meal to help combat constipation, though this is an ideal serving size for pumpkin treats, too.

Giving your dog too much pumpkin can result in diarrhea and intestinal upset. This is why it’s important to start small and to keep an eye on your dog after trying something new. His body will know if he’s had too much of a good thing.

A Samoyed eats a pumpkin
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to serve pumpkin to dogs

First and foremost, make sure the pumpkin you’re serving up is free of spices, sugars, artificial sugars, and salt. If you’re using fresh pumpkin, you can cut up bite-sized pieces to make snacking even easier for your pup.

If your fur baby is a picky eater, you may want to bake your pumpkin into a yummy treat instead of mixing it into his kibble. Even the AKC offers pumpkin dog treat recipes! These crafty ideas include a pumpkin-and-frozen-yogurt treat for warmer weather, peanut-butter-and-pumpkin dog biscuits, and banana-pumpkin cookies.

There’s something for every palate! For an extra-festive look, try out a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or cute serving bowl — not that your pup will pay much mind to that.

Since pumpkin is not only edible but also delicious to dogs, it makes the perfect autumn snack, treat, or meal addition. Its digestive benefits will leave your pup feeling better than before, while its fun texture will leave him so thrilled, he won’t even know he’s eating healthy food.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
What to do if your dog keeps throwing up with no sign of stopping
Here's what to try first and when to call the vet
A dog sleeping in a bed with a water bottle on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.

If you're like most pet parents, the sight of your beloved dog throwing up sends shivers of fear down your spine. Just like us, dogs occasionally eat something that disagrees with them and causes them to vomit. In most cases, your dog's vomiting will resolve on its own, but if your pup keeps throwing up, it could be cause for concern.

We'll give you the rundown on everything you need to know about why your dog keeps throwing up, from potential reasons why your pet might be vomiting to when you should take your pooch to the vet. 

Read more
Can dogs eat celery? The do’s and don’ts you should know
Your pup will probably love a veggie snack now and then
Woman chops up veggies including celery for her dog

Your dog's favorite snacks might include dog biscuits, fancy chews, or even that bacon you dropped on the floor one time, but can dogs eat celery? The truth is lots of dogs like veggies, even bland ones such as celery. While you wouldn't want this green and healthy nibble to become a staple in their diet, you can absolutely give your pup a celery snack now and then — and they might grow to love it.

Can dogs have raw celery?
As omnivores, our pet dogs need a balanced diet of both meat and plants. That's likely because their domestic history made them into scavengers thousands of years ago when our ancestors were still in the hunter-gatherer phase. In modern times, this diet preference has huge benefits because you can throw in some healthful treats that will give your pup a nutrition boost and keep them full.

Read more
Seizures in dogs can be scary – this is what you need to do
How to help your dog if they have a seizure
Australian shepherd by brick wall

Witnessing a seizure can be jarring, especially if you never have before. You may feel scared and helpless if the person is a stranger at a restaurant or a friend or family member. What if that friend or family member is of the furry variety? The experience can take on new layers — you're supposed to care for and help a dog, but you have no idea what to do.

Your best bet is to call the vet if your dog has never had a seizure. Should the veterinarian's office be closed, an emergency hospital is equipped to handle seizures in dogs. If your dog is prone to seizures, your vet likely gave you instructions on what to do — follow them. However, perhaps you're in the lobby waiting for answers, trying to make sense of what happened. Alternatively, maybe you're a pet parent-to-be who wants to be prepared for anything and everything. This guide to seizures in dogs can help.

Read more