Pumpkin is one of the fall season’s most iconic and beloved products, and it’s safe to say that our society has incorporated the staple into almost every aspect of autumn. From jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin decor to the infamous takeover of “pumpkin spice everything,” it’s nearly impossible to celebrate fall without them!
While we enjoy our pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin carving, let’s not forget to share our love for the gourds with our fur babies. Not only do dogs love the taste of pumpkin, but it’s actually one of the best healthy human foods for dogs!
Here are some great ways to use pumpkin for dogs that are sure to get your four-legged friends into the fall spirit!
Why Pumpkin is So Good for Dogs
Pumpkin is considered to be a superfood for canines! It contains an ample number of vitamins and fiber, which is why so many people use pumpkin to heal their pets’ digestive ailments. The vitamins also improve the health of a dog’s urinary tract and help with weight loss. If you’re going to share pumpkin with your pet, you can rest assured that he/she will benefit from the tasty treat!
Our Favorite Ways to Use Pumpkin for Dogs
1. Pumpkin Puree
Whether your dog is suffering from a stomach ache or you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack to give him/her, pumpkin puree is an easy option! Canned pumpkin can be found in any local grocery store and is also relatively inexpensive. When shopping, be sure you’re buying high-quality pumpkin puree and NOT the pumpkin pie filling!
If your pup is showing signs of a stomach ache, has diarrhea, or isn’t eating their normal food, try feeding him/her a couple spoonfuls of the pumpkin puree. Their body will convert the high levels of fiber and beta-carotene into some much needed Vitamin A. You can also add some pumpkin puree to their regular food or feed it alone as a yummy treat.
However, be sure you don’t feed them too much pumpkin, as unusually high levels of Vitamin A can be toxic for dogs. Just a couple spoonfuls should do the trick!
There are several pumpkin puree brands out there made just for dogs! Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Is one of my personal favorites and the go-to for feeding my own pets. It’s a pre-packaged puree made from GMO-free pumpkins, and both my dog and my cats chow on it! Order a 12-pack online right now and save yourself a trip to the store!
2. Pumpkin Seeds
For hundreds of years, pumpkin seeds have been used to treat ailments, heal wounds, and improve overall health in both humans and canines.
In more recent years, scientists have also discovered that pumpkin seeds are a safe and all-natural way to treat tapeworms and other intestinal parasites. This is due to the presence of an amino acid known as cucurbitin, which can paralyze and eliminate worms from the digestive system.
If you’d like to feed pumpkin seeds to your dog, they can be served whole as long as they are not salted. They can also be ground in a food processor and sprinkled into your pet’s regular food. Even if your dog isn’t suffering from worms or stomach ailments, they’ll be sure to enjoy the high levels of protein, amino acids, fiber, iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium, folic acid and niacin, all of which are essential to a healthy dog’s diet.
3. Homemade Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a regular ingredient for many all-natural and organic dog treats. In fact, I use pumpkin for many of Lady’s homemade dog treats! If you’d like to bake some pumpkin snacks for your four-legged friends this season, here are some quick and easy recipes that we’re sure your pups will be thanking you for!
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
These are Lady’s favorite homemade dog treats! When they’re finished, they come out like crisp cookies that your furry friend won’t be able to resist biting into. The best part for you is that it only requires three simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats (I prefer to use old-fashioned)
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add oats to a food processor and grind until they become a fine powder. Add in the pumpkin and peanut butter and blend until it all becomes a sticky dough
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into squares with a knife. If you want to add a little flair, you can also use fun-shaped cookie cutters!
- Lay the cut treats on the baking sheet and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Be sure they’ve cooled off before feeding to your dog! When you’re done, store the leftovers in an airtight container for later.
You can also find this recipe on a vegan-friendly website known as It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken.
Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
These fun and limited ingredient dog biscuits are sure to be a huge hit with your canines! Plus, if you’d like to add extra flavor, you have the option to use organic chicken broth instead of water while you’re baking.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon dry milk
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- Water or organic chicken broth as needed
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Blend eggs and pumpkin together before adding salt, dry milk, and flour.
- Add enough water or chicken broth to make dough dry and stiff and mix with your hands.
- Roll to half an inch thick and cut into shapes.
- Place one inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes on one side. Flip biscuits and bake another 20 minutes.
Check out Genius Kitchen to find this recipe and many others like it!
Pumpkin Puppy Muffins
Not only are these mini muffins great for your dog, but they’re a delicious treat for you, as well! They require a few more ingredients than the others, but they’re all puppy-approved and create a uniquely delicious snack for everyone.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- ¼ cup of water
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Put oats in blender and food processor and pulse until they are half powder.
- Place oats and all other ingredients into a bowl and stir until mixed.
- Fill muffin tins ⅔ full of batter.
- Sprinkle oatmeal on top of the muffins to make them more visually appealing.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
- When the muffins have cooled, be sure to store them in the refrigerator for no longer than a week.
Learn more about this recipe on Homemade Dog Treat Now.
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Lady and I hope you all have a wonderful fall season and don’t forget to share photos of your pets enjoying their pumpkin treats or your own pumpkin for dogs recipes on Facebook and Instagram using #doggonedestinations!
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