We all love carving pumpkins for Halloween. It’s a fun activity for adults and children alike.
Jack-o-lanters sit on our porches and light up the chilly October nights leading up to Halloween.
Some people even choose to keep the seeds and roast them as a snack. They’re tasty and it helps to prevent waste from having to hollow out the colourful gourds.
But, did you know that pumpkin is good for your dog?
It’s full of fibre, vitamin A and vitamin E. It’s low in calories, and it’s a great digestive aid.
So, before you think about throwing away your scrap pieces or letting your pumpkins sit out to rot: try making some treats for your dog.
Pumpkin Puree for Dogs
Pumpkin puree is what you buy when you purchase cans of plain pumpkin. You can very easily make your own.
Remove all of the seeds and string from inside of the pumpkin, remove the skin, cut it into chunks, and then run it through a food processor.
You can add a small amount of water if it’s too thick or if you use a blender instead of a food processor.
Baked Pumpkin for Dogs
Clean out your pumpkin and then half or quarter them depending on their size.
Bake them for 50-60 minutes at 200 C (400 F). You know the pumpkin is ready when a fork easily pierces the skin.
Let the pumpkin cool, skin it, and then mash or run it through a food processor if you want it to be more smooth.
Whether you puree or bake the pumpkin, you can portion it out and freeze it for later use.
Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
Pumpkin seeds are packed full of antioxidants that are good for your dog.
You can roast them without extra salt and then turn them into powder with a food processor.
Or just process them raw. They’re good for your dog either way.
It can be used as a food topper, mix it into their wet food, or bake it into treats!
Add Pumpkin to Your Dogs Veggies
Do you give your dogs veggies along with their kibble or as part of their main diet?
Pumpkin is a great addition. You can freeze the inner strings and seeds in portions.
Then when it’s time to give your dog their vegetables, you can thaw them and add them to the mix.
Pumpkin in Broth (Store Bought or Homemade)
If you purchase “no sodium added” broth from the store, you can add in some pumpkin puree to mix it up.
If you make your own broth, you can save the seeds and strings and add them while it’s boiling.
Broth is normally added to dry kibble to make it more enticing and to help dogs get enough water.
Pumpkin will make a tasty and healthy addition.
Pumpkin Butter for Dogs
This won’t be very tasty for you as it lacks the sweetness of the pumpkin butter we like as humans, but your dog will love it.
You can add a small amount of coconut oil to your pumpkin puree and whip them together with a mixer.
Coconut oil is good for your dog’s digestive system in small amounts and contains important antioxidants and healthy fats.
This can be used as a food topper or the occasional treat.
Homemade Dog Treats Using Pumpkin
You can use your pumpkin puree or baked pumpkin to make homemade treats that your canine companion will love.
All it takes is a few ingredients you already have on hand at your house.
We’ve provided you with two different recipes to try!
Plain Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1C Pumpkin
- 2C Flour
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175C (350F).
- Add pumpkin to a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add to the pumpkin and mix well.
- Stir in flour and transfer onto a nonstick surface.
- Knead until mixed well and roll out until 1 1/4cm thick (1/2in).
- Cut into squares with a pizza cutter or use cookie cutters.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2.5C Flour
- 2 Eggs
- ½ C Pumpkin
- 2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
Instructions
1.Preheat the oven to 175C (350F).
- In a large bowl, mix together eggs, pumpkin, flour and peanut butter. This mixture will become stiff, dry and crumbly very quickly when first mixing.
- Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough becomes workable.
- Knead until mixed well and roll out until 1 1/4cm thick (1/2in).
- Cut into squares with a pizza cutter or into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake for 35 minutes until hard.
Stuff Pumpkin into Toys
Pumpkin is soft and makes for a great stuffer!
Fill up your dog’s favourite Fenrir Hammer or Dragon Egg and freeze for a cool treat.
Or leave it as is and let them have a good time licking out the filling.
Conclusion
We hope this has opened your eyes to all of the pumpkin possibilities there are around Halloween. It’s a great way to let your dog in on the fun.
Whether as a treat or a part of their regular diet, pumpkin is an amazingly healthy edition.
Don’t worry if you’ve thrown out your pumpkin already either. You can make good use of those after holiday sales and purchase them at a low price.
Do you and your dog have a favourite pumpkin recipe that you want to share?
Come on over to social media and share it with us. We’re waiting to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pumpkin safe and beneficial for dogs to consume?
Yes, pumpkin is not only safe but also packed with nutrients beneficial for dogs. It's rich in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Additionally, it's low in calories and acts as a great digestive aid. Before discarding pumpkin leftovers, consider creating some healthy treats for your canine friend.
How can I make my own pumpkin puree for my dog at home?
Making pumpkin puree is simple. After cleaning out the seeds and strings from the pumpkin, remove the skin, and cut it into chunks. Then, blend these chunks in a food processor or blender, adding a small amount of water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
Are pumpkin seeds safe for dogs?
Absolutely! Pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants that are beneficial for dogs. You can roast them without adding salt or process them raw. Once processed, you can sprinkle the powder as a food topper, mix it into their wet food, or incorporate it into homemade treats.
Can I add pumpkin to store-bought or homemade broth for my dog?
Yes, adding pumpkin to "no sodium added" broth or homemade broth is a delightful way to enhance its flavor. When making broth from scratch, consider adding the pumpkin seeds and strings to the boiling mix. Broth with pumpkin not only makes kibble more appealing but also ensures your dog gets the added benefits of pumpkin.
Are there any homemade dog treat recipes using pumpkin?
Certainly! There are various recipes to try, like the Plain Pumpkin Dog Treats or the Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats. Using ingredients commonly found at home, these treats are both nutritious and delicious for your furry friend.