Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? Yes, Plain Pumpkin, Not Pie Filling
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin, as long as it is plain. Cooked fresh pumpkin and canned 100 percent pumpkin puree are safe, fiber-rich treats, and the AKC and VCA both list plain pumpkin as a good choice. Pumpkin pie filling is a different product: it contains sugar and spices like nutmeg, and some brands contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Raw pumpkin, the stem, the rind and carved jack-o'-lanterns are best kept away.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read4 sources
Why plain pumpkin is safe
Pumpkin is a winter squash that brings soluble and insoluble fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin A and potassium, and it contains nothing that poisons dogs. Its mild sweetness and smooth texture make it popular as a food topper, a lick mat filler and a base for homemade frozen treats.
Pumpkin is still fiber, and fiber has limits. Pet Poison Helpline notes that pumpkin can cause stomach upset, especially diarrhea, if a dog eats too much. A spoonful works as a treat. A whole can at once is a recipe for a messy afternoon.
Pumpkin pie filling and pumpkin spice
Read the can. Plain canned pumpkin lists one ingredient, pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling, often on the same shelf in a similar can, adds sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and sometimes xylitol. The AKC warns that pie mix may contain xylitol, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin spice candy bring the same problems plus dairy, fat and caffeine. If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, chocolate or a large amount of nutmeg, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 straight away. A fee may apply.
How to serve pumpkin
The easiest option is canned pure pumpkin puree with no salt or spice. Spoon a small amount on top of your dog's food, or freeze teaspoon-sized dollops on a tray for treats. Refrigerate an opened can in a covered container and use it within about five days, or freeze the rest in an ice cube tray.
For fresh pumpkin, peel it, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp, cut the flesh into chunks and steam or bake until very soft, then mash. Do not feed raw pumpkin, which is hard to digest, or the rind and stem, which can cause a blockage.
If you like to share small snacks, a lick mat or a treat ball makes a little go further and slows a fast eater down.
How much pumpkin by dog size
Under 20 lb: about one teaspoon of plain pumpkin. Between 20 and 50 lb: about one tablespoon. Over 50 lb: up to two tablespoons. Offer it a few times a week, and count it within the 10 percent of daily calories set aside for treats.
Start with half these amounts, since a sudden rise in fiber is the usual cause of gas and loose stool. If your dog has diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a day, call your vet rather than relying on pumpkin, because both can signal a problem that needs care.
Pumpkin seeds and puppies
Pumpkin seeds are not toxic, but whole seeds and shells can be a choking risk. If you want to share them, roast plain seeds with no salt or oil, then grind or crush them and offer a pinch. Skip salted, spiced or candy-coated pepitas.
Puppies can have a small taste of plain canned pumpkin once they are eating solid food well. Start with about half a teaspoon. Their main meals should stay a complete puppy food, so pumpkin is an occasional extra, not a staple.
Halloween and Thanksgiving safety
Carved jack-o'-lanterns and decorative pumpkins start to mold within days, and moldy food can make dogs very sick. Keep porch pumpkins out of reach, toss them once they soften, and do not let your dog chew pumpkin stems or decorative gourds.
During Halloween and Thanksgiving, candy bowls, pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread are the bigger risks. Set aside a spoonful of plain puree for your dog before baking begins, and keep desserts and candy wrappers well away from the edge of the table.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?
Yes, if it is plain 100 percent pumpkin puree with no added sugar, salt or spice. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices and can contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
Raw pumpkin is not toxic, but it is hard to digest and the rind and stem can cause a blockage. Cook fresh pumpkin until soft, remove the skin and seeds, and mash it before serving.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
It is best avoided. Pumpkin pie contains sugar, fat, dairy and spices such as nutmeg, and some recipes use xylitol. If your dog ate pie made with xylitol, call your vet or a poison line now.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, in small amounts, if they are plain, roasted without salt and ground or crushed. Whole seeds and shells can be a choking risk, and salted or flavored seeds should not be shared.
How much pumpkin can I give my dog?
About a teaspoon for small dogs, a tablespoon for medium dogs and up to two tablespoons for large dogs, a few times a week. Ask your vet before using pumpkin for any digestive problem.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
