Can My Dog Eat Pumpkin?

Pumpkin is a popular seasonal flavor, but you may wonder: Can my dog eat pumpkin, too? Great news: Pumpkin isn’t just for people—it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition for dogs any time of year. Pumpkin is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to nourish your dog and support their digestion, immune system, and overall well-being. On top of all that, it’s delicious. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome meal topper, a fun seasonal treat, or a gut-friendly ingredient, pumpkin is a versatile, nutrient-rich way to boost your dog’s bowl.

Whether you feed a raw diet, kibble, canned dog food, or a mix, pumpkin is an easy ingredient to incorporate into your dog’s meals or treats. Explore our mealtime tips for including pumpkin in your pet’s diet. You can provide pumpkin fresh, canned, or as an ingredient in one of our raw pet food recipes.

Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

We believe in feeding real, whole foods to nourish your pet, and pumpkin is a perfect addition to a balanced raw pet food diet. Pumpkin is a natural prebiotic, so it supports gut health and digestion—and works great with the other raw ingredients in our biologically appropriate dog food recipes.

Here are some of the top reasons we love pumpkin for dogs:

• Supports healthy digestion: Pumpkin is rich in fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestive system. It can ease constipation or firm up loose stools, so it’s a favorite ingredient for digestive health or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

• Boosts immunity: Pumpkin is loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, which help strengthen your dog’s immune system, as well as antioxidants that help promote overall health.

• Great for skin and coat: The vitamins in pumpkin contribute to healthy skin and a shiny coat and support eye health.

• Pumpkin offers hydration: Because pumpkin is naturally high in moisture, it’s excellent for helping keep dogs hydrated, which is essential for proper kidney function and overall well-being.

• Supports muscle function: Pumpkin is also rich in potassium, which helps support muscle function and recovery—making it a great choice for active or senior dogs who need joint and mobility support.

How To Feed Pumpkin to Your Dog

Not sure how to start including pumpkin into your dog's diet? Here are some easy and delicious ways to serve it up. But first, remember:

• Select recipes formulated for dogs, such as our hydrators and toppers, or use plain, unsweetened, unseasoned pumpkin (fresh or canned) to mix in or make homemade treats.

• Do not feed pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar or sweeteners, spices, and artificial ingredients that aren’t dog-friendly.

• Talk to your veterinarian about how much pumpkin you should give as the amount will vary based on your dog’s size and dietary needs. 

Explore these ways to include pumpkin and squash ingredients in your dog’s diet:

• Mix a bit of pumpkin into your dog’s favorite Primal Pet Foods recipe, like Kibble in the Raw or Pronto.

• Choose from our range of Dog Treats made using top-quality ingredients, including pumpkin-forward recipes perfect for pumpkin spice season or any time of year.

• Blend some pumpkin with our Bone Broth or Raw Goat Milk for an extra boost of hydration, gut health, and nutrients. You can also explore our recipes that already include pumpkin and squash for a convenient way to add these benefits to your pet’s diet.

• Combine pumpkin with our Freeze-Dried Raw Toppers and add to their bowl for added texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits.

• Stuff your dog’s mental stimulation toy, slow feeder, or other pet enrichment game with pumpkin and freeze it for a healthy, flavorful enrichment activity.

• Make your own DIY Pumpkin Pupsicles for a refreshing snack on hot days by mixing our goat milk and bone broth with some canned or fresh pumpkin. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray, and freeze for a few hours, then serve up the tasty treat.

Pumpkin isn’t just for fall—it’s a great year-round addition that brings both flavor and function to your dog’s diet. Whether blended into one of our fresh, raw dog food recipes, frozen into a pupsicle, or stuffed into a fun enrichment toy, this versatile ingredient is a delicious and nutritious way to support your pup’s health. Looking for more ways to feed your dog fresh, whole foods? Explore our full lineup of biologically appropriate raw dog food options, treats, and toppers & hydrators today!