Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our new series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Read on!

Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?

Can my dog eat pumpkin? The answer is a hearty oh yeah. Not only is pumpkin safe (in most cases), it’s full of nutrients and considered a superfood by many.

Pumpkin has many nutritional benefits. It’s high in fiber, which aids in digestion. It offers plenty of antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system. And it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A can support healthy vision, while the high levels of vitamin C are another boost to the immune system. Meanwhile, magnesium supports easy digestion and zinc helps the skin and coat look and feel good.

Pumpkin has quite a few other gourd qualities for pets and owners. Plain, canned pumpkin with its gentle blandness is a popular stomach-soother if there’s an upset tummy in the (dog) house. In addition, the fiber levels in pumpkin can help stem the flow of doggy diarrhea. That fiber can be a factor in weight loss; since pumpkin is filling, you can supplement a dog’s diet with it so they won’t make so many visits to the food bowl.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pumpkin?

As with everything you feed your dog that doesn’t come directly from a pet food bag, preparation is everything. Though raw pumpkin isn’t bad at all for your dog on a nutritional level, there are some physical dangers. Letting your dog chew on an actual pumpkin can mean choking hazards from chunks. Big chunks of raw pumpkin are harder to digest than cooked pumpkin, as well. And finally, stems and raw seeds aren’t good for your pup. So avoid using pumpkins as chew toys — otherwise your pup may need to visit their veterinarian!

If you want to feed fresh pumpkin, stick to unsweetened, fresh pumpkin puree. When a dog eats their regular food, a dab of pumpkin puree can be a nice little treat!

Raw pumpkin also comes with pumpkin seeds, which technically aren’t bad for dogs but can create issues in a dog’s diet. While pumpkin seeds count as superfoods for people, dogs don’t digest pumpkin seeds very efficiently, so they don’t really get much of the nutritional value. If they steal one or two during carving sessions, there’s no need to panic. But we wouldn’t make it a habit to feed your dog pumpkin seeds.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie Filling?

The best way to offer pumpkin, other than as an ingredient in your pup’s favorite dog food, is canned pumpkin: cooked, 100 PERCENT pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pie fillings contain sugar, spices and other ingredients that can upset a dog’s stomach, contribute to obesity, or worse. Make sure the canned pumpkin you offer is plain and without any additives. Can dogs eat canned pumpkin? Yes. Pumpkin pie filling: no.

So, Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

When feeding your dog any food, moderation is important. Too much pumpkin, like anything else, can cause an upset stomach. But when you feed pumpkin, how much pumpkin is too much pumpkin? You’ll have to check with your vet before you feed pumpkin to your dog. Check with your vet before offering any non-dog-food treat and feed according to your dog’s size, age and weight.

While largely good for your dog, pumpkin is a high-fiber food, and too much of a good thing can cause problems. Are you wondering, “Can dogs eat pumpkin?” The answer is yes!