Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? How Much to Give, Which Kind to Buy, and 6 Lick Mat Recipes

Short answer: yes, most dogs can eat plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin in small amounts. A good starting point is about 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 1 tablespoon for medium dogs and 1 to 2 tablespoons for large dogs, mixed into food or spread on a lick mat. Never use pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices. If your dog has a health condition or a special diet, check with your vet first.

Below we answer the questions dog owners search for most each fall, then share six simple ways to use pumpkin in a slow feeder or lick bowl.

Is pumpkin safe for dogs?

Plain cooked or canned pumpkin is a common, low-calorie food that many dogs enjoy. The label should say 100% pumpkin and nothing else. Raw pumpkin, stems and the skin are harder to digest, and a jack-o'-lantern that has been sitting outside can grow mold, so keep those away from your dog.

How much pumpkin can I give my dog?

Start small and see how your dog's stomach handles it. Too much pumpkin at once can cause loose stools.

Dog size	Starting amount per day
Small (under 20 lb)	About 1 teaspoon
Medium (20 to 50 lb)	About 1 tablespoon
Large (50 lb and up)	1 to 2 tablespoons

Treats and extras, pumpkin included, should stay a small part of your dog's daily food.

Canned pumpkin vs. pumpkin pie filling: what's the difference?

• Canned pumpkin (puree): just pumpkin. This is the one to buy.
• Pumpkin pie filling: has added sugar and spices such as nutmeg. Do not give it to dogs.
• "Pumpkin spice" foods: lattes, muffins and candy are not dog food. Skip them.

When you mix pumpkin with yogurt or peanut butter, read those labels too and avoid anything with xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.

How do I keep my dog calm on Halloween?

A doorbell that rings every few minutes can stress many dogs. A few things that help:

• Set up a quiet room away from the front door with water, a bed and some background noise.
• Give a long-lasting licking activity right before trick-or-treaters arrive. Licking is a calming behavior for many dogs, and a frozen lick bowl can keep them busy for 15 to 20 minutes or more.
• Keep candy, chocolate and wrappers out of reach.
• Make sure your dog's ID tag and microchip details are up to date in case of an open door.

6 easy pumpkin recipes for lick mats and slow feeders

These work in a Puzzle Licker lick bowl, a Puzzle Feeder Wave slow feeder or any textured lick mat.

1. Pumpkin and kibble swirl

Stir a spoonful of pumpkin into your dog's regular kibble and press it into a slow feeder. The pumpkin holds the kibble in place, so each bite takes more work.

2. Frozen pumpkin and yogurt

Mix equal parts pumpkin and plain, unsweetened yogurt. Spread it on a lick bowl and freeze for 2 to 3 hours. This is the go-to for Halloween night.

3. Pumpkin and peanut butter

Use about three parts pumpkin to one part xylitol-free peanut butter and spread it thinly into the grooves.

4. Pumpkin and banana

Mash a few slices of ripe banana into the pumpkin for a sweeter mix. It spreads easily and freezes well.

5. Pumpkin with blueberries

Press a few blueberries into a layer of pumpkin. Your dog has to lick around them, which adds a small puzzle.

6. Frozen pumpkin dots for snuffle play

Freeze small dots of pumpkin on a tray, then hide them with kibble in a Grass Snuffle Mat so your dog can sniff and search.

Frequently asked questions

Can puppies eat pumpkin?

Many puppies can have a very small amount of plain pumpkin, but puppies have sensitive stomachs. Ask your vet before adding new foods.

Can I give my dog pumpkin every day?

A small daily amount is fine for many dogs. Keep portions small and adjust if you notice changes in your dog's stool.

How long does opened canned pumpkin last?

Move it to a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to about a week. For longer storage, freeze it in an ice cube tray and use one cube at a time.

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Plain, unsalted pumpkin seeds that are roasted and ground can be given in small amounts. Avoid salted or seasoned seeds, and never give whole seeds to small dogs.

Find the right feeder for your dog

Not sure which slow feeder or lick bowl fits your dog's size and eating style? Our buying guide walks you through it. US orders over $40 ship free, and every order comes with 30-day returns.