Vegetables · updated 2026-09-12
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes — plain cooked pumpkin is a digestive helper.
Why
Pumpkin's soluble fibre helps both diarrhoea and constipation, and it's low in calories with vitamin A and potassium. Use plain tinned purée or cooked fresh pumpkin — never pie filling, which is sugared and spiced.
How to serve it
A teaspoon (small dog) to a tablespoon or two (large dog) mixed into food.
If they eat too much
Loose stools if much too much is given; vitamin A excess only with very large amounts.
How much pumpkin for my dog?
A daily maximum for a healthy adult dog, kept inside the 10% treat rule. Enter body weight.
Up to 30 g a day — roughly 2 tablespoons (a small handful) · plain purée or cooked.
Treats of all kinds should stay under about 10% of daily calories. Puppies, kittens, seniors and pets with a medical condition: ask your vet first.
And for cats?
Safe. Yes — a teaspoon of plain purée helps hairballs and digestion. Can cats eat pumpkin? →
Related foods for dogs
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This guide is general information for healthy adult dogs, based on published veterinary guidance (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, AKC, VCA). It is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your dog's weight, age and medical history. If you are unsure, ask them before sharing any human food.