Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Puree, Pie, Seeds and Pumpkin Spice Explained
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin, as long as it is plain. Pure cooked or canned pumpkin is low in fat and high in fiber, and many vets suggest a small amount for mild tummy trouble. Pumpkin pie, pie filling and pumpkin spice treats are a different story. Here is what is safe this fall and what to keep on the counter.
Quick Facts
- Plain canned pumpkin: Yes, in small amounts
- Pumpkin pie filling: No: added sugar, fat, spices
- Pumpkin pie: No
- Pumpkin spice treats: No: spices like nutmeg, possible xylitol
- Stems, leaves, carved jack-o'-lanterns: No
Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
The American Kennel Club describes pure pumpkin as low in fat, vitamin-rich and high in fiber, and notes that plain pumpkin puree is often used at home for mild diarrhea or constipation. The fiber helps firm up loose stools and keeps things moving.
Use 100 percent pure pumpkin. Check the label: the only ingredient should be pumpkin.
How Much Pumpkin Can a Dog Have?
Start small, about a spoonful mixed into a meal, and adjust to your dog's size. Too much fiber can cause the stomach upset you were trying to fix. If your dog has ongoing diarrhea, vomiting or constipation, call your vet rather than relying on pumpkin.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie or Pie Filling?
No. Pumpkin pie and canned pie filling come with added sugar, fat, dairy and spices that can upset a dog's stomach. Canned "pumpkin pie mix" sits right next to plain pumpkin on the shelf, so read the can.
Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Spice?
Skip it. Pumpkin spice is a blend that usually includes nutmeg, which the AKC warns is toxic to dogs in larger amounts. Baked pumpkin spice treats may also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is dangerous for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
A few plain, unsalted, roasted seeds are generally considered fine. Skip salted, seasoned or candied seeds, and give only a few at a time to avoid a stomach ache.
What About Raw Pumpkin and Jack-o'-Lanterns?
Cooked or canned pumpkin is easier to digest than raw. Keep stems, leaves and carved jack-o'-lanterns away from your dog: they are tough to digest, and a carved pumpkin left out for days can grow mold.
If Your Dog Ate Something It Shouldn't
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain or unusual tiredness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?
Yes, if it is 100 percent pure pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
Is pumpkin good for dogs with diarrhea?
Plain pumpkin is often used for mild cases because of its fiber. Call your vet if it lasts more than a day or your dog seems unwell.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
No. The sugar, fat, dairy and spices can upset their stomach.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet before changing your dog's diet.
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The plain stuff, not pie filling: Libby's 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin, 6-pack (4.8 stars). See it on Amazon
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Sources
- American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat pumpkin spice?: plain pumpkin, pie, nutmeg, xylitol and the poison control line
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