Is pumpkin good for dogs?

Updated 18/12/2023

The ultimate autumnal vegetable, pumpkins are seriously popular in the human world. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it’s thought to boost our immune system, promote heart and gastrointestinal health, protect our eyesight and even lower our risks of certain cancers. 

So with all of these benefits, it’s no surprise that you might have thought about adding a few chunks to your fluffy friend’s dog bowl, but is pumpkin good for dogs? Here we dive into how pumpkin can be used to help soothe your pup’s stomach, along with settling all kinds of commonly asked questions around safe preparations (sometimes canned) pumpkin for dogs. Just remember, if you’re pet sitting, only feed your new canine pal the foods laid out by their pet parents - any drastic changes could cause more harm than good. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

Related article: Can dogs eat pomegranate?

Can dogs eat pumpkin?

Yes! The famous fall gourd is safe for your furry friends to tuck into - it’s packed with fiber which is great for your canine pal’s gut, plus it’s packed with nutrients that will benefit their overall health. In fact, many common commercially-available dog foods contain pumpkin, as it aids your pup’s digestion of the meal. It’s important to be choosy about the form of pumpkin that you’re feeding your pup, though. If you opt for canned pumpkin for dogs, make sure it’s either specifically made for dogs, or is organic without any added ingredients or sweeteners such as Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Related article: Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

Can dogs eat fresh pumpkin?

If you’ve got a fresh pumpkin in your pantry, firstly, be sure to cook it thoroughly. Pumpkin is hard, and will be much more enjoyable (and more easily digested) if it’s cooked until soft, and then mashed. Just be sure to avoid the stem or leaves, as they’re covered in prickly hairs that can irritate your pup’s throat and mouth. Also steer clear of the pumpkin skin - it’s much harder than the flesh and could quickly become a choking hazard.

Related article: Can dogs eat beets?

What does pumpkin do for dogs?

Pumpkin has a seriously long list of nutrients that benefit us humans and our canine friends, too. Just to name a few, pumpkin contains vitamins A, B1, B6, and C along with copper, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium and magnesium. One of the most important nutrients from pumpkin for your furry friend is fiber. And as many pet parents prefer canned pumpkin for dogs, we’ve explained all the fab health benefits of the fiber  in our section below on canned pumpkin for dog diarrhea.

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Is canned pumpkin good for dogs?

Canned food gets a bit of a bad rep, so is pumpkin good for dogs if it’s straight from the can? Yup, canned pumpkin for dogs can be a great way to get all the nutritional benefits of the popular gourd, without all the prep. Pumpkins can be pretty difficult (and dangerous) to cut into, so if you’re looking to add pumpkin to your pup’s diet on the regular, you’re probably more likely to keep it up if you opt for canned pumpkin for your dog. Another benefit of going down the canned route is that it’s arguably more nutritious than fresh - this may sound controversial, but it’s because a lot of the water has been cooked out, so a higher concentration of the nutritious flesh is left behind. 

On the flip side, some of the canned pumpkin, such as that used for pumpkin pie fillings can be seriously bad news for your pooch. As canned pumpkin is popular in the human world for cooking up a storm over fall, many cans will be spiced and contain ingredients that are either toxic to dogs, simply unnecessary or will seriously irritate their stomachs. After a rule of thumb? Opt for pet-safe canned pumpkin for dogs, or make sure the canned pumpkin you choose is made with 100% pumpkin.

Related article: Can dogs eat seaweed?

Canned pumpkin for dog diarrhea

First things first, you’ll need to work out the cause of your pup’s diarrhea - it could be something easily cured like stress. But in other cases, diarrhea in dogs can be a symptom of something much more serious. So, take a look at your pup’s other symptoms (if there are any) and be sure to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible if you think anything more serious might be at play - continued diarrhea for more than three days or bloody diarrhea are clear signs that a check up is needed.  

Assuming your pooch doesn’t have anything serious going on, canned pumpkin for your dog’s upset stomach might help to settle the diarrhea. While many upset tummies in your pooch will sort themselves out, it’s only natural for you to want to help your pup get over their discomforts as soon as possible. So, is pumpkin good for dogs with diarrhea?

Yes - it can certainly help to ease your poorly pup’s symptoms due to its high fiber content - pumpkin is jam-packed with soluble fiber. This absorbs water which helps to bulk out your pup’s stool, meaning it’s going to be more solid when passed by your dog. The breakdown of fiber in the gut also produces fatty acids that help with the energy supply to cells and helps to promote the absorption of sodium and water in the intestines.

If you’re after a more preventative measure and would like to promote your pup’s healthy gut, pumpkin puree for dogs could help. Pumpkins contain lots of fiber, which is a prebiotic. These help to stimulate the growth or activity of the beneficial bacteria in the intestines while combating the growth of harmful bacteria. If you’re interested, fiber is great for this because it helps to lower the pH level of the gut, and feeds the good bacteria with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

How much pumpkin to give a dog

If you’re feeding canned pumpkin to your dog, you’ll need to know the amount of pumpkin to feed your pooch. Small dogs should be fed around one to two tablespoons of cooked pumpkin. Medium size dogs can have two to three tablespoons and large breed dogs (40kg+) can have up to four tablespoons per day. Feeding more than this can lead to constipation and tummy upsets. 

Where to buy canned pumpkin for dogs

Conveniently canned pumpkin for dogs is the easiest option for busy pet parents - perfectly soft, ready to eat and packed with nutrition, it’s a no-brainer over the fresh stuff. But where can you find it? Well there are heaps (we mean heaps) of brands out there selling canned pumpkin. Rather than listing brands that may not be available in your area, here’s our advice: opt for one of two types: a)dog-safe canned pumpkin from a pet store, or b)100% pure plain canned pumpkin (with no added extra ingredients). If you can’t get hold of either of these, give pumpkin powder or dog-safe pumpkin treats a go.

If you want to use fresh produce, roast the pumpkin well and then remove the seeds and skin before blending or mashing and feeding to your dog. Cooked pumpkin can be kept in the fridge for around four days, and you can freeze portions if you have leftovers. Cooked pumpkin can be added to homemade dog treats for a healthier treat option. 

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

If you’re avoiding canned pumpkin for dogs and are instead opting for fresh pumpkin, you’ll be left with pumpkin seeds - a delicious and nutritious bi-product of cutting open a pumpkin. Roasted pumpkin seeds are indeed safe for dogs - simply toss them on an oven tray and cook without any oil or seasonings, and they’re a fab snack (that your pooch will love the crunchy texture of), filled with vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants that help to promote strong, shiny fur. Just be aware that pumpkin seeds are small and hard, so if you think your pup will be likely to choke on them or if you’ve got particularly small dogs, avoid.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?

While canned pumpkin for dogs can sometimes be hard to come by, never be tempted to feed your dog pumpkin pie mix, or worse, pumpkin pie itself. The mix contains a variety of ingredients that are harmful to your pooch, even in small amounts. Namely, xylitol, which is toxic for our furry friends. Oh, and while we’re on the topic of things not to feed your pooch, never be tempted to share your pumpkin spiced latte - no matter how irresistible those puppy dog eyes!

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

What can and can’t my dog eat?

It turns out that there are many foods that us humans enjoy that are either toxic to dogs, or will give them a seriously upset stomach. Like any responsible pet parent, be sure to find out what dogs can and can’t eat so that you’re only feeding your favorite fluffy pal snacks and meals that’ll nourish them.