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Pumpkins are a big part of fall, and those curious noses have good reason to love the season: plain, cooked pumpkin in small amounts is a healthy treat for dogs.
That said, it gets dicey allowing your pet to eat your carved pumpkins or have a slice of Between mold, sugar, spices, and digestive risks, not all pumpkins are created equal when it comes to your pet’s safety.
Are Carved Jack-o’-Lanterns Safe for Dogs to Eat?
The answer is a clear no.
"Pumpkin is a fiber laxative: be prepared for some possible diarrhea or worse if you have a dog with a sensitive stomach," cautions Veterinarian Dr. Ezra Ameis, founder of Paw Priority. "Once a pumpkin has been carved and sits out, it quickly grows really gross mold and bacteria, can collect candle wax/soot, and the rind/strings can be a choking or GI-obstruction risk especially for small dogs."
He adds, "Even though carved pumpkins don’t have added sugar or spices, portion size still matters. If owners want to share pumpkin, I advise plain, cooked pumpkin purée in small amounts only—about 1 teaspoon per 10 lb dog, not from the porch décor. I recommend being cautious on this - I see a lot of GI problems right after halloween that were easily avoidable."
If your dog happens to lick or chew a Jack-o’-lantern, watch closely for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. These could point to stomach irritation or even an infection from bacteria or mold.
The Safe Way to Share Pumpkin with Your Dog
Pet owners love to include pets in fall festivities. Just remember: keep it simple:
- Plain, cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin purée
- Fresh pumpkin flesh that’s been roasted and cooled
- Small doses. As Ameis recommended, only 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pulp fed per 10 pounds in weight.
- Opt for pumpkin dog treats. Or pumpkin spice treats, if you must :) Your local pet store has 'em!
- Avoid: Carved pumpkins or any that have been sitting outside. Food safety rules apply!
- Avoid: Pie pumpkin with added sugar, butter, or spices
- Avoid: Pumpkin pie filling or flavored canned varieties
Why Sugar and Spices Are a Big Problem for Dogs
It's tempting to share a little pumpkin pie with your pup, but we have very different digestive systems, so resist the urge.
"Dogs are extremely sensitive to new dog foods," highlights Dr. Ameis. "Imagine eating chicken and rice for 10 years and then having spicy Jamaican curry - you may see it coming out of both ends pretty quickly."
He cautions about serious effects and the likelihood of veterinary intervention. "Dogs also have a very sensitive pancreas and develop pancreatitis quickly which can land them in the hospital quickly even with minor cases starting with low grade GI upset."
"Sugar is a giant trigger for GI upset. Spices like nutmeg (myristicin) can be toxic, cinnamon can irritate the mouth and stomach, and clove (eugenol) is harsh on the GI tract and liver. Some ‘sugar-free’ recipes even contain [sugar substitutes like] xylitol, which is extremely dangerous to dogs and causes blood sugar and liver issues."
Remember that our taste buds are different. "Honestly, sometimes boring is best if you want your pup to stay out of the ER," reminds Dr. Ameis. "Unsalted, unbuttered popcorn is my favorite dog treat. To your dog - that probably tastes like a dessert made in heaven."
FAQ
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin seeds can be okay in moderation, but not whole pumpkin seeds, and only if they’re plain and roasted, not salted or flavored.
Remove the shells, roast them without oil, and give just a few as a treat.
They’re high in fat, so too many could cause digestive issues.
Is canned pumpkin pie filling the same as plain pumpkin?
No. Pumpkin pies usually contains sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, all of which are dangerous for dogs. Always read the label and choose plain, unsweetened pumpkin only.
