Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie? No — Plain Pumpkin Instead

Why pumpkin pie is bad for dogs

The AKC says dogs should not eat pumpkin pie. The filling is made with sugar, evaporated milk or cream, and eggs, then spiced, and those sugars, fats and dairy can upset a dog's stomach. Canned pumpkin pie mix and pie filling carry the same ingredients and should also be avoided.

The crust adds butter or shortening. The AKC notes that a taste of crust will not harm a dog, but too much fat can cause digestive discomfort or pancreatitis. A whole slice of pie is a lot of sugar and fat for any dog, and a very large dose for a small one.

For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.

Nutmeg and xylitol: the poisoning risks

Pumpkin spice blends contain nutmeg, which the AKC lists as toxic to dogs in larger quantities. One slice of homemade pie usually contains a small amount, but a dog that eats a whole pie, or gets into the spice jar, is at real risk.

Some low-sugar and sugar-free pies and baked goods use xylitol, which the ASPCA warns can cause low blood sugar and liver damage. Pet Poison Helpline notes the blood sugar drop can start within 10 to 15 minutes. If there is any chance the pie contained xylitol, call for advice straight away.

What to do if your dog ate pumpkin pie

Work out how much was eaten and whether the pie was homemade, store-bought or sugar-free. Check the label or recipe for xylitol, chocolate, raisins or nuts. A small bite of regular pie usually needs nothing more than watching for stomach upset.

Call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 if your dog ate a large amount, a whole pie, a sugar-free pie or the spice jar. A fee may apply. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless you are told to.

Signs to watch for

Sugar, fat and dairy usually cause vomiting, diarrhea or gas within a few hours. Pancreatitis can follow a rich meal within a day or two and looks like repeated vomiting, a sore belly, a hunched posture and refusing food.

Signs that need a vet straight away include weakness, trembling, wobbliness or collapse, which can follow xylitol, and any unusual behavior after a dog has eaten a whole pie or got into the spice jar, since nutmeg is toxic in larger amounts. Bring the pie box or recipe if you can.

Thanksgiving and holiday baking

Pumpkin pie usually sits on the counter or coffee table at Thanksgiving, often next to pecan pie, rolls and a turkey carcass, all of which carry their own risks for dogs. Pies cooling on a low counter are an easy target for a tall dog.

Cool pies out of reach, ask guests not to share dessert, and clear plates promptly. If you want your dog to have a holiday treat, set aside a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin before you start mixing the filling.

Plain pumpkin is the dog-friendly version

Plain pumpkin is a good food for most dogs. The AKC describes it as low in fat, rich in vitamins and high in fiber, and most dogs enjoy it. Buy canned pumpkin that lists only 100 percent pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix, which looks almost identical on the shelf.

As a guide: under 20 lb, a teaspoon; 20 to 50 lb, a tablespoon; over 50 lb, up to two tablespoons, a few times a week. If your dog has diarrhea or constipation, talk to your vet before using pumpkin, rather than treating it at home.

Puppies and pumpkin pie

Puppies should not have pumpkin pie. Their small size means sugar, fat and nutmeg affect them more, and a xylitol-sweetened slice is even more dangerous. Call your vet if a puppy ate any pie.

A teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin is a safer holiday taste for a weaned puppy. Freeze small spoonfuls in an ice-cube tray for a cold treat, and keep it a small part of the puppy's day.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.