Pumpkin for Dogs: A Canine Nutritionist’s Deep Dive
Discover the surprising benefits of pumpkin for dogs: digestive support, skin health, weight control, urinary health, and more. Includes supplement options, cooking, seed use, jerky & gummy recipes, and more.
Introduction
Pumpkin is often tucked away as a fall decoration or seasonal pie filling, but for dog owners it can actually be a nutritional powerhouse when used properly. In this post I’ll cover why pumpkin can be such a beneficial addition to a dog’s diet, how to use it safely, and I’ll share a host of recipes (gummies, jerky, muffins, one-pot meals) plus five commercial supplement options. I’ll also dive into the controversies around pumpkin seeds, myths about natural deworming, and tips for roasting, grinding, and sprinkling them.
My aim: you’ll walk away understanding how to use pumpkin smartly — not as a magic cure, but as a complementary tool in a balanced diet.
Why Pumpkin? Nutrients & Key Benefits for Dogs
Here are the major benefits backed by research, veterinary insight, and nutritional reasoning.
1. Digestive health, stool consistency & gut motility
One of the best-known roles for pumpkin in dogs is its effect on both mild diarrhea and mild constipation. The soluble fiber in pumpkin helps absorb excess water in looser stools, adding bulk and slowing transit.
Conversely, the fiber and moisture help with constipation by softening stool and promoting motility, especially when enough water intake is ensured.
Also, pumpkin acts as a mild prebiotic — the fiber feeds beneficial gut microbes, which can support intestinal health and immune function.
Veterinary sources caution that it’s not a cure-all — severe or persistent GI disturbances always require veterinary assessment.
2. Vitamins, minerals & antioxidants
Pumpkin delivers a variety of micronutrients:
Beta-carotene / Vitamin A precursor (important for skin, vision, immune system)
Vitamin C & E — antioxidants supporting immune health
Potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, folate
Trace minerals such as zinc and copper (especially when seeds are included)
These nutrients help maintain skin and coat health, ocular health, and contribute to overall antioxidant defense.
3. Weight management & satiety
Because pumpkin is fairly low in calories but contains fiber and moisture, adding small amounts can help dogs feel fuller without adding a lot of extra energy.
In overweight dogs, pumpkin can be used as a “bulking” agent, replacing a portion of kibble (within the permitted treat/extra limits) to reduce caloric density.
4. Urinary and bladder support
Some proponents suggest that the potassium and hydration from pumpkin help regulate urinary pH and reduce the formation of certain types of urinary crystals (like calcium oxalate).
While the effect is modest, it can contribute to urinary health as part of an overall good diet.
5. Skin, coat, and anti-inflammatory potential
Because of its antioxidant profile and essential nutrients (especially vitamin A, E, zinc, and carotenoids), pumpkin may support skin repair, reduce oxidative stress, and improve coat shine.
Inflammation is often tied to gut health, so indirectly supporting the gut may reduce dermatological issues. Some blogs and pet product companies cite anti-inflammatory and allergy benefits from pumpkin.
6. Assisting anal gland health
Because firmer stools can help naturally express anal glands, some veterinarians recommend fiber sources like pumpkin to reduce recurrent anal gland problems in predisposed dogs.
Dosing & Safety: How Much Pumpkin for Dogs?
Pumpkin is generally safe, but the key is moderation and correct preparation.
Safe types to use
Plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, no additives, no spices, no sweeteners) is a go-to. Avoid “pumpkin pie filling.”
Fresh pumpkin is acceptable — you cook, remove seeds/skin, and puree. It tends to contain more water, so nutrient density is lower comparatively.
Pumpkin powders / dehydrated pumpkin (reconstituted) are also common supplements (see the product section).
Pumpkin seeds, if roasted or ground, can be used, but with care (see later).
Never feed pumpkin with sugars, chocolate, sweeteners (especially xylitol), spices (nutmeg, cloves), or heavy butter, oils, etc. These can be harmful.
Suggested amounts
While individual needs vary, commonly quoted guidelines:
Dog Size / Weight Typical Pumpkin Portion*
Extra small (2-10 lb) ~1-2 teaspoons per day
Small (11-20 lb) ~2-3 teaspoons per day
Medium (21-50 lb) ~1–2 tablespoons per day
Large (51-90 lb) ~2–3 tablespoons per day
Extra large (90+ lb) ~3–4 tablespoons per day
* These are indicative. Always introduce slowly like any new food and monitor stool consistency.
Also, total treats or additions (including pumpkin) should remain under ~10% of daily caloric intake so as not to unbalance the diet.
Precautions & things to watch
Overfeeding can tip a beneficial effect into loose stool or diarrhea.
Sudden introductions can upset digestion — always start with small amounts.
Underlying disease: If your dog has GI disease, pancreatitis, or renal disease, consult your vet before adding high-fiber foods.
Reactions: As with any food, monitor for signs of intolerance (vomiting, gas, change in stool).
Water intake: When increasing fiber, ensure ample water is available — fiber needs water to function.
Not a substitute for dewormers or medications: Pumpkin (or pumpkin seeds) should not replace prescribed anti-parasitic treatments.
Five Pumpkin Supplement / Powder Options on the Market
Below are five reputable products you can consider, depending on availability in your region:
Buddy & Lola 100% Natural Pumpkin Powder - £16.99 — full-spectrum pumpkin powder, subscribe and save options avaialbe
Pet Purest Pumpkin Powder £11.99— UK-available powder, simple formulation and budget friendly option
Karnlea Pumpkin Powder from £9.99 — UK - Available in a powder in packs or tubs in different sizes
Bugalugs Pumpkin Supplement Chews £29.99 — chew form for convenience (but check for extra calories and additional ingredients).
Petastical Pumpkin Seed Powder £16.99 — seed-based, for those wanting more seed benefits.
When selecting a product, check for purity (ideally just pumpkin or pumpkin + minimal natural additives), absence of harmful ingredients, and company quality or third-party testing if possible.
Tip: Use powders or crushed seeds as a topper or blend into homemade recipes rather than replacing complete food.
Cooking Fresh Pumpkin: How to Prepare it Safely for Dogs
If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin (for cost savings or freshness), here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients & supplies
A sugar pumpkin or other edible (non-decorative) pumpkin
Sharp knife
Spoon or ice-cream scoop to remove seeds
Baking sheet or pot for boiling/ steaming
Blender or food processor or sieve
Method A: Roasting / Baking
Preheat oven to ~ 180–200 °C (350–400 °F).
Cut pumpkin in half (or into quarters) and scoop out seeds and stringy pulp.
Remove outer rind/skin (you can peel beforehand or after softening).
Place pumpkin flesh cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil; you may add a little water to prevent sticking.
Bake 30–60 minutes, until flesh is soft and easily pierced with a fork. Time depends on size of pieces.
Let cool, scoop out flesh, and puree or mash until smooth. Add a small amount of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Store in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze in portioned cubes.
Method B: Boiling / Steaming
Peel pumpkin, remove seeds, and cut flesh into cubes.
Place cubes into a pot, add just enough water to cover bottom (you don’t want to dilute too much), or steam.
Cook until tender (15–30 min).
Drain excess water (reserve a little if needed), then mash or blend to a smooth puree.
Cool and portion/store as above.
Tips & cautions
Discard skin, rind, stems, and tough fibers (these can be hard to chew/digest or choking hazards).
No salt, butter, oil, or spices when preparing for dogs.
Be sure to cool thoroughly before feeding — hot food might burn.
Portion and freeze (e.g. ice cube trays) for easy use.
Always inspect for mold if stored; discard anything suspicious.
Using Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs:
Pumpkin seeds (often called pepitas) contain additional nutrients like zinc, magnesium, iron, healthy oils, and antioxidants. They can be valuable, but only when processed properly.
The myth: pumpkin seeds as a natural de-wormer
There is a traditional belief that pumpkin seeds can “expel worms” or act as a de-wormer. However:
Scientific evidence in dogs is very limited. Most claims are anecdotal or extrapolated from studies in ruminants or livestock using cucurbitacin (a component in seeds) at high doses.
At typical home feeding levels, pumpkin seeds are unlikely to reliably kill or dislodge intestinal parasites.
They can be used as a supportive, mild antiparasitic adjunct, but should not replace veterinary-prescribed dewormers.
Overreliance on seeds instead of proper anti-parasitic meds can allow worm burdens to persist or worsen.
So think of seeds as a nutritional bonus, not a treatment.
Roasting & preparing seeds safely
Here’s how to turn fresh pumpkin seeds into a sprinkle or crunchy snack:
Collect the seeds (with some attached pulp).
Rinse thoroughly to remove flesh and strings.
Optional: soak seeds in water (with a pinch of salt) overnight to reduce phytic acid (an "anti-nutrient") which can impair mineral absorption.
Drain and pat dry.
Preheat oven (e.g. ~150–160 °C / ~300–325 °F).
Spread seeds on a baking sheet, no oil or seasoning.
Roast gently, stirring occasionally, until crisp but not burnt (~15–30 min, depending on size).
Let fully cool.
Grinding into sprinkle or powder
Once roasted, you can:
Grind or mill seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor to powder.
Optionally sieve to a fine dust.
Store in an airtight container, refrigerated or frozen, to prevent rancidity (seed oils oxidize).
Usage suggestion: sprinkle ~1/8 to ½ teaspoon of ground seed powder over meals, depending on dog size. Always monitor for tolerance.
Practical uses & caution
Seeds are calorific (oils), so use moderately.
Oxidation/rancidity: seed oils go rancid quickly. Use small batches.
Mold risk: seeds must be dry and stored properly.
Pumpkin Recipes for Dogs
Conclusion & Final Notes
Pumpkin is not a miracle cure, but when used thoughtfully it can be a powerful tool in the canine nutrition toolbox. Its fiber content, moisture, and micronutrients make it an excellent "functional food" to support digestion, help regulate stool consistency, and boost the diet with healthful antioxidants.
Always introduce pumpkin gradually, respect dosage limits, monitor your dog’s response, and never substitute it for proper veterinary care — especially for GI issues, parasites, or nutrient-deficient diets.
Want more information about your dog’s diet? Book a consult today or Check out my E-Book “Can My Dog Eat That?”
