Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Quick verdict
Safe
Recommended amount
A spoonful of plain cooked or tinned pumpkin (not pie filling) as a treat.
Why
Plain cooked pumpkin is a gentle, fibre-rich food for dogs.
Can dogs eat pumpkin, and why?
Plain cooked pumpkin is a gentle, fibre-rich food for dogs.
Dogs are omnivores, so most of their diet should be a complete, balanced dog food, with treats on top. They cope with a wide range of foods, but rich, fatty or sugary ones can cause stomach upset and, over time, weight gain or pancreatitis.
How to feed pumpkin to dogs
- •How much: A spoonful of plain cooked or tinned pumpkin (not pie filling) as a treat.
- •How often: An everyday option in sensible amounts, but rotate with other foods for variety. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
- •Young pets: Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
- •Preparation: Always wash fresh produce, remove any pips, stones, seeds, peel or tough skin where relevant, and serve it plain — never with salt, sugar, oil, butter or seasoning.
More foods dogs might eat
Make treat time better
Handy kit for feeding dogs well:
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Safe. Plain cooked pumpkin is a gentle, fibre-rich food for dogs.
How much pumpkin can a dog have?
A spoonful of plain cooked or tinned pumpkin (not pie filling) as a treat.
Can dogs eat pumpkin every day?
In sensible amounts pumpkin can be a regular treat, but variety matters — treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of a dog’s daily calories.
Can puppies eat pumpkin?
Puppies have more delicate tummies and specific growth needs, so introduce any new food in tiny amounts and check with your vet.
Check pumpkin for another pet