How Much Pumpkin Can I Give My Dog?
When it comes to pumpkin and your dog’s diet, many questions arise. Is pumpkin good for my dog? Can my dog eat pumpkins raw, or do they need to be cooked? Can they eat pumpkin seeds? What about pumpkin puree? It turns out, pumpkins are not only great for humans but make an excellent treat and supplement for your pet. Let's explore the different types of pumpkin and how much you can give to your dog.
How Do I Serve Pumpkin to My Dog?
What’s excellent about pumpkin is that it’s universal and can be enjoyed in various ways. From pumpkin treats to daily food and supplements, there are easy and affordable ways to include pumpkin in your pup’s diet.
While you can feed your dog cooked pumpkin or a small amount of pureed pumpkin from a can, make sure only to feed them treats and supplements designed with dogs in mind.
Types of Pumpkin You Can Feed Your Dog
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are suitable for your dog in small doses, except for pumpkin pie filling or anything with added sweeteners (such as Xylitol) or spices, which can't be served to dogs. Check out which other foods to avoid giving to your pup.
If serving canned pumpkin by itself, just add a dollop to your dog’s regular food or give them a spoonful as a snack. You can also make your dog treats from canned pumpkin, but ensure that you include only safe ingredients for dogs in your recipes, such as Pumpkin Banana Pops.
Once opened, cans typically last anywhere from 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze individual servings in ice cube trays for a longer-lasting alternative. If choosing the latter, make sure to store the trays properly to avoid freezer burn, affecting taste and nutrient density.
Cooked Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin is an excellent alternative to buying processed cans from the store. Just poke a few holes in a pumpkin and bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes. Cube or puree for a tasty addition to their regular food or a delicious home-cooked dog treat!
Cooking the pumpkin will improve the flavor, texture and make for a warming snack.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Although they can be consumed raw by your dog, they will likely enjoy them dry roasted.
Unlike pumpkin seeds that you plan on eating yourself, make sure to avoid salting or adding oils to the seeds you plan to feed your dog.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:
- Heat oven to 350F.
- Clean, rinse, and dry out pumpkin seeds after you scoop them from a fresh pumpkin.
- Roast pumpkin seeds free of oil or salt on a baking sheet (with parchment paper to prevent sticking).
- Bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Cool and treat your dog to a healthy snack!
How Much Pumpkin You Can Feed Your Dog
While this seasonal treat can be a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet, you mustn’t overdo it. If you feed your dog too much pumpkin, it could lead to a nutritional deficiency.
Canned, Cooked or Pureed Pumpkin
A good general rule of thumb is to provide your pup one teaspoon of canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin per 10 lbs of body weight per day.
Pumpkin Seeds
Since pumpkin seeds are high in fat, serve them sparingly. For pumpkin seeds, try one ground-up pumpkin seed per 10 lbs of body weight per day to start.
Other Things to Consider
If your dog has any health conditions, please address them with your vet before including pumpkin in their diet. For puppies and very small or underweight dogs, only feed pumpkin in tiny amounts as a treat.
Served in moderation, pure pumpkin with no added sweeteners or spices makes a great fall treat for dogs. Now you know how much pumpkin you can feed your dog, check out more ways to keep your dog safe at Halloween. And for pawesome Halloween apparel, you're in the right place! Check out our scarily fun witch designs, Halloween heart, ghost pups, and more!
