Canned pumpkin for dogs can be a fun—and healthy—treat for many pups. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby shares the health benefits of canned pumpkin along with how it can help manage some cases of constipation and diarrhea in dogs. As an added bonus, she also gives you a recipe for pumpkin dog treats that are sure to make your dog’s tail wag.
As an integrative veterinarian with over 25 year of experience, I have been asked many times about canned pumpkin for dogs. Some dog parents want to know if they can use it to help treat their dog’s diarrhea or constipation. Others wonder if it might help solve their dog’s anal gland problems. And still others inquire about it because they are searching for a healthy treat for their dogs.
I’m happy to report that canned pumpkin does indeed fit the bill for all those uses. So let’s dive right in to why I think canned pumpkin for dogs is so great!
Can I give my dog canned pumpkin?
As I tell my clients, “Yes! You can give your dog canned pumpkin. Just check the label first to make sure that pumpkin is the only ingredient.” Canned pumpkin is safe for dogs, but pumpkin pie filling is not.
Also, canned pumpkin has many great health benefits. So while it is always good to check with your vet when adding something new to your dog’s diet, in general, giving your dog the appropriate amount of canned pumpkin is fine— and even recommended in some cases.
Is canned pumpkin good for dogs?
The most basic answer to this question is, yes, canned pumpkin is good for dogs! It is high in fiber and vitamins and helps promote a healthy digestive tract. However, like most things, moderation is important too. More on that in a bit. First, let’s talk about the benefits of canned pumpkin.
What are the benefits of canned pumpkin? What does canned pumpkin do for dogs?
Canned pumpkin for dogs is high in soluble fiber and water and rich in vitamins. Plus, it contains prebiotics to aid in digestion. All in all, this makes pumpkin a healthy and beneficial addition to your dog’s diet.
High in fiber
One of the main reasons dog parents like to use canned pumpkin is because it is high in fiber. Just like in our diets, fiber for dogs is very important for your dog’s digestion and overall health.
Aids digestion
Additionally, there are decent amounts of PREbiotics in canned pumpkin. Many people are familiar with PRObiotics, which are the helpful gut bacteria. Their lesser-known companion, prebiotics, like those in canned pumpkin, are the “food” that helps the good bacteria grow. As such, prebiotics also have a role in aiding in digestion.
(For more on the science behind prebiotics and probiotics, check out the Veterinary Information Network’s article: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics.)
High water content
Canned pumpkin has a high water content that can help with hydration and digestion. Since there is so much water in pumpkin, this also means that it is less calorie dense than some other human foods you might consider giving your dog.
Vitamin rich
Canned pumpkin is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins play important roles in the body.
- Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for dogs. It helps a dog’s muscles and nerves function properly and helps keep his or her fur coat healthy. Beta carotene, the pigment that gives pumpkin its orange color, is a good source of Vitamin A. Incidentally, it may also give your dog’s poop an orangish hue.
- Vitamin C is very important for your dog’s immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
- Vitamin E is another antioxidant that is important in your dog’s body. If vitamin E is too low in your dog’s diet, it can lead to eye, muscle, and reproductive problems.
Canned pumpkin also contains multiple beneficial minerals like iron and potassium.
What are the uses for canned pumpkin for dogs?
Since canned pumpkin has many attributes that make it healthy for dogs, it would make sense that it has a variety of uses as well.
Canned pumpkin for dog diarrhea
Canned pumpkin can be useful for managing diarrhea in dogs for several reasons. It contains prebiotics which help promote healthy bacteria in the gut. Additionally, the soluble fiber in canned pumpkin adds bulk and helps absorb water. This can concentrate the contents in your dog’s digestive system and help “firm things up.” The key is knowing how much to give and when.
It is important to note that canned pumpkin is not the solution for all cases of diarrhea. It can be a good option if your dog is having diarrhea but acting fine. However, you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog is:
- Having bloody diarrhea
- Experiencing profuse watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Acting sick
- Having diarrhea that lasts for several days without responding to a bland diet for dogs and canned pumpkin
Dogs can have diarrhea from GI parasites, parvovirus or other viral conditions, stress colitis in dogs, fungal infections, overgrowth of harmful bacteria, toxins, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, and many other causes. These must be addressed by a vet.
Canned pumpkin may be part of the treatment but is unlikely to fix those issues on its own. Seeking veterinary care in those situations is important because diarrhea can lead to dehydration. This can sometimes be life-threatening in young puppies or frail senior dogs.
Canned pumpkin for dog constipation
Interestingly, while canned pumpkin works for diarrhea, it can also be effective for dogs who are constipated. Here’s why. Canned pumpkin naturally has a high water content. Plus, the fiber in canned pumpkin absorbs even more water. As a result, canned pumpkin can make your dog’s stools bulkier and softer. This “fluid and fiber boost” may be useful for a dog or cat who tends to suffer from mild constipation.
As an alternative to canned pumpkin, you could also treat constipation with an actual fiber supplement such as Metamucil for dogs (only the unflavored powder variety—other types may contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs).
But regardless of if you give your dog canned pumpkin or Metamucil for constipation, always ensure he or she has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Water and fiber work hand-in-hand when it comes to treating constipation in dogs.
Also, it is important to note two things:
- Canned pumpkin (or Metamucil or increased water intake) is not the solution for all cases of constipation. If your dog is excessively straining to poop, vomiting, or is a lethargic dog, or if your dog has gone too long without pooping, you should schedule a visit to your vet promptly. Sometimes foreign material (bones, grass, etc.) in the poop or compression of the rectum by a mass or enlarged prostate in dogs may also cause a dog to have difficulty passing stool. These are problems that require veterinary attention.
- Too much pumpkin can actually cause the other problem—dog diarrhea. Since pumpkin may increase the fluid content of the stool, too much of it can tip the scales toward diarrhea.
Canned pumpkin for dog anal gland problems
Since the fiber in canned pumpkin can help bulk up the stools, it can also be a good way to help prevent anal gland issues in dogs. Larger-diameter stools can help naturally express a dog’s anal glands, which decreases the risk of anal gland impaction, infection, or rupture.
However, it is important to note that canned pumpkin is not intended to be a treatment for existing anal gland issues. Instead, if your dog is licking the base of the tail, your dog smells like fish, he or she is scooting, you see redness or discharge in the region of the anal glands, or you notice any other signs of anal gland problems, please take your dog to the vet. Then, once the vet addresses the problem, you may start feeding your dog canned pumpkin as a preventive measure.
Canned pumpkin for good health
As mentioned above, canned pumpkin is very high in soluble fiber which bulks up stools. Additionally, the fiber is readily converted to products that help healthy bacteria grow (i.e. prebiotics). This bacteria then aids digestion by promoting healthy tissue in the digestive tract, specifically the colon, and improving immune health.
Since the canned pumpkin is improving gut health, it can also help promote a healthier dog. As you have probably heard your own doctor say, a healthy gut is very important. This is why both our diet and your dog’s diet matter so much.
Canned pumpkin for dog weight loss
A healthy digestive system is very important and can help with weight loss. However, this does not mean that the canned pumpkin itself causes weight loss. Rather, since it is fairly low in calories, small amounts are not likely to contribute significantly to weight gain.
Using canned pumpkin by itself or in a treat recipe can be a great way to make homemade low-calorie treats (assuming you pay attention to the calorie content of the other ingredients in your recipe). This is a good alternative to store-bought treats, which are often very high in calories and can pack on the pounds over time.
Dogs who are on a weight loss diet also may enjoy having a bit of canned pumpkin added to their regular food. The high fiber aspect helps keep them feeling full and also promotes digestive health.
If you are wondering if your dog needs to lose some weight, you can use my easy three-step method to determine your dog’s body condition score (BCS). Additionally, you can, and should, consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s weight. If your dog does need to lose some weight, the tips found in these two articles may be helpful:
How much canned pumpkin should I give my dog?
Usually, it is recommended that you give your dog about one to four tablespoons of canned pumpkin a day. The amount of pumpkin varies with the size of dog and the reason you are giving it to your dog.
Small dogs usually need less than big dogs. And if you are using it as a treat or to help with weight loss, you won’t want to use as much as if you were trying to treat constipation or diarrhea.
It should be noted that there is no “perfect amount” or “dosage” for canned pumpkin use in dogs either. Giving your dog canned pumpkin is not an exact science and might require some trial and error. This is why it is so important to consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s specific circumstance to develop a plan that is best for your dog.
Additionally, remember that just like any time you introduce a new food to your dog’s diet, it is important to do so slowly. A rapid change could cause an upset stomach. So it is best to start with a smaller amount and work your way up.
Pumpkin precautions
Along the same lines, there are a few other things to keep in mind before opening that can of pumpkin and adding a spoonful on your dog’s food.
The first thing is that more fiber equals more poop. As you are figuring out an amount that is ideal for your dog, be prepared to take your dog on more walks or let him or her outside more frequently to go to the bathroom.
It is also important to consider what type of pumpkin you are giving your dog.
Can I give my dog canned pumpkin from the grocery store? What about other types of pumpkin?
Plain canned pumpkin (i.e. pureed pumpkin) from the grocery store is the best and safest option to give your dog. It is high in nutrients and is free from spices or other harmful ingredients. The correct type of canned pumpkin for dogs is the one that lists pumpkin as the only ingredient.
You can also use fresh pumpkin, but it is not usually as nutrient rich as canned pumpkin. This is because it contains significantly more water than canned pumpkin. Also, you have to be very careful to ensure that fresh pumpkin is not spoiled or moldy. This could make your dog sick (or sicker if you are trying to treat diarrhea or constipation).
Also, if you give your dog fresh pumpkin, please ensure that your dog only gets the fruit. The pumpkin stem and seeds could cause an upset stomach.
When shopping for pumpkin at the grocery store, the most important thing to remember is to never use pumpkin pie mix. This product often contains extra ingredients that can be toxic to your dog. One of the most concerning is xylitol, an artificial sweetener which is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. If you are not sure if the pumpkin you are buying has xylitol or not, read the label to be safe.
Pumpkin dog treats
For fun, here is the pumpkin dog treat recipe that my dogs thoroughly enjoy!
You will need:
- 1 ½ cup flour
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 1 cup plain, canned pumpkin
Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl very thoroughly. When you are making the treats, add the flour slowly. You may not use it all, because you only need enough to make the ingredients stick together and have a dough-like consistency. Then, use the mixture to form whatever shape treats you would like. Place the treats on a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake them at 350° F for 5-10 minutes until the treats are firm. Cooking time and temperature can vary depending on your oven and the size of the treats.
DISCLAIMER: These treats are not as low-calorie as some other options and are not intended to replace your dog’s normal diet. Also, while the amount of peanut butter (a high-fat food) in a few of these treats isn’t a problem for most dogs, they could potentially create issues for dogs who are prone to pancreatitis in dogs. Finally, you should always check the label to ensure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol.
Final thoughts on canned pumpkin for dogs
If you are going to use canned pumpkin at home, remember to keep these important details in mind:
- Never use pumpkin pie filling! It might contain toxic xylitol and the added spices can be problematic for your dog too.
- If you are making pumpkin treats, check all the ingredients for xylitol or other additives that could be harmful to your dog. If you are not sure if something is safe, please consult with your veterinarian.
- Start out slow. You can overdo it and give too much canned pumpkin.
- More fiber = more poop.
- Please consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns, especially if you believe your dog is feeling sick. While canned pumpkin can help with some stomach problems, it isn’t the answer for everything. (And on a side note, neither is Pepto Bismol for dogs.)
Whether you are in the midst of a fall frenzy filled with pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes, and pumpkin patches or it is any other time of the year, keep this information in mind. As I tell my clients, canned pumpkin is fine to feed your dog in moderation, and it may even help improve his or her digestive health. So why not whip up a batch of pumpkin bread (or donuts, pancakes, muffins, etc.) for yourself and some pumpkin treats for your pup!
Have you given your dog canned pumpkin? What did he or she think of it?
Please comment below.
My 10 month old mini aussie is having issues with soft stools. The stool starts out firm but becomes very soft as she goes. By the end of the movement it is too soft to be picked up. I am giving about 2 tablespoons daily of pumpkin puree (1 am with food and 1 pm with dinner). She does not have parasites and I am unsure if there is anything, in addition to the pumpkin, that I should experiment with.
Hi Angela,
I am sorry your puppy is having issues with soft stools. I am glad you aren’t seeing any parasites, but has she had a fecal test to be sure? The reason I ask is because some parasites are microscopic and cannot be seen without a microscope. You could try a probiotic as they are great for gut health and shouldn’t cause any unwanted side effects. If this issue persists, I recommend you talk to your vet. They may want to check some routine lab work just to make sure nothing more serious is contributing to this problem. Hoping you can get the answers you need to ensure your girl remains happy and healthy. Best wishes and good luck!
Hi. Our pups have soft stools. I tried an organic canned pumpkin and it made them worse. However the pumpkin had a very wet consistancy. I am not a pumpkin pie fan, so I am not familiar with how it should look. I am thinking the watery form was the problem, so if the average can is thicker (maybe like tomato paste) then could it still help my dogs? I am trying to avoid anal gland problems and glandex doesn’t seem to be helping much. Thanks!
Hi Lillian,
I am sorry your dogs are having issues with soft stools. There is normally some water with canned pumpkin but without seeing it for myself, it is hard to say if the brand you have contains more water than normal (make sure it is just pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling). Either way I would not think the water would cause an issue. Just as if your dog drank a bit more water, I would not expect this to cause diarrhea. If your pups have something going on with their GI tracts, then the addition of a new food could potentially cause some upset. I think you are at a point where a visit to your vet may be warranted. I would try to get some answers for the soft stools before moving forward with ways to prevent anal gland problems. Hoping for quick answers and praying for a favorable outcome. Best wishes to you all!
My dog is 7 lbs and she eats 1 tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin daily. in the past she has had anal gland abscess issues and we are hoping this will help add more fiber to her diet!!
Thanks so much for this post- it was very helpful!!
Hi Megan,
So glad you found the information you needed. Thanks for the positive feedback about the article! Best wishes and good luck to you and your little pup. ♥
I have a mini dachsund . She is 6 years old. I’m going to try this and see if it helps with anal gland issues as well. Fingers crossed 🤞
Hi Bev,
Wishing you all the best of luck!
Hi, I have an 11 pound shih poo I feed her shredded boiled chicken some kibble and a little freeze dried primal nugget that I grind up however she has a pretty good appetite and is still hungry, she eats twice a day.. She’s three years old, but she won’t eat any vegetables and my vet says she needs fiber she will eat pumpkin however I need to know what is the safe amount of pumpkin to give her twice a day to increase fiber to fill her up.?
Hi Simone,
I am glad you girl has a good appetite and she is lucky to have you making her delicious home cooked meals. With that being said, I am a bit concerned that her diet is not complete and may be lacking in essential nutrients. I am not sure that just adding pumpkin will balance things enough. I recommend you talk with a veterinary nutritionist. They can help formulate a diet that will be best for your girl and ensure she is getting what her body needs to function properly. Also, I have heard great things about the Balance.it website. You can get a free recipe for your dog based on weight and age. The site also allows you to select ingredients you want to use and determines the best quantities to include. Here is a link to the page: https://balance.it/recipes
Hoping you can find the information you need to ensure your girl is happy and healthy for years to some.
My PomChi and Shi Tzu LOVE that I add 1-2 tbs to their food. Even my Shi Tzu who has a sensitive stomach and will get diarrhea with any new food addition can eat the canned no additives pumpkin “treat” and not have any digestive issues!!
I started my 50 pound terrier mix that’s 4 years old on canned pumpkin, 2 tbsp at lunch and 2 tbsp at dinner to help with an itchy rectum suggested by my vet by the second day he was restless and just wanted to go out and eat grass. this continued all night, whenever he would get in a good sleep pattern he’d wake up licking his lips and acting like he was swelling hard so he’d go out and eat grass come back in than 30 minutes later it continued so I stopped the pumpkin
Hi Nancy,
That is very strange! It sounds like symptoms of nausea. I agree, it is best to discontinue the pumpkin for now and recommend you contact your vet. Hoping you can get some answers quickly and find a solution.
Can pumpkin help with itching and hot spots? She is a yorkie approximately 12 years old. She seems to itch a lot and it started about 6 to 7 months ago. The only food she eats is Blue Buffalo senior small bites.
Hi William,
I am not aware of any properties in pumpkin that would decrease inflammation or help with allergy symptoms. Please reach out to your vet and see what they would recommend for treatment. Best wishes!
Hi William!
I have a rat terrier that has itchy paws during late spring and summer. My vet recommended Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Supplement for dogs (available at Chewy). It’s worked wonders for the last 7 years and he loves it. Just add it to your dog’s food (a tiny measuring spoon is included). It’s worth a conversation with your vet!
Hi Corinne,
Thanks for the tip! I do love the anti-inflammatory and skin and coat benefits of Omega-3s and am glad that your pup responded so well to them!
I used Libby’s organic pumpkin purée. Pumpkin being the only ingredient listed. My dog has acid reflux & this both settles her stomach & promotes her eating her dry kibble.
Hi Joe,
I am glad the pumpkin has been so beneficial for your dog. Thank you for sharing with us!
Hi, can i puree the pumpkin myself with fresh pumpkin? I’m from The Netherlands and they don’t sell canned pumpkin here.
Love, Sophie.
Hi Sophie,
Yes! Absolutely! And pumpkin baby food works well too…it’s just expensive. 🙂
I have my 2 big dogs 2 tablespoons of pumpkin. I think they may have worms. I want to try natural foods before spending a ton of money
on dewormer
Hi Orianna,
If you are suspicious your dogs could have intestinal parasites, I highly recommend you have them examined by your vet. Your vet can let you know if there are parasites present or if you need to be focusing your attention elsewhere. Dewormer is SUPER CHEAP and some of the most common worms are contagious to humans. While pumpkin is great and can help with diarrhea, it will not do anything for parasites.
I started giving my 2 – 40 pound dogs pumpkin. My one dog has anal gland problems and has to have them cleaned out a lot. His stool is very tiny and I don’t think it is large enough to help him keep his glands cleaned out. I read that the pumpkin has fiber and it is recommended for dogs. So since I have started giving it to him his stool is larger (normal size again) and he doesn’t scoot anymore. I am so glad I found something that works for him and no more vet visits to “clean his glands” out.
Hi Judy,
I am so glad pumpkin has resolved this troublesome issue for your pup. Thanks for sharing your experience. Best wishes and keep up the good work!
One article I read said that pumpkin will make my dog stop eating their poo. Has anyone else tried that?
Hi Emily,
I have never heard of pumpkin being used in this way. I guess it is possible it could help. The idea behind most products made to help prevent dogs from eating their feces is to change the way the feces tastes so the dog doesn’t want to eat it anymore. If pumpkin changes the taste enough to make the feces undesirable, then it could be effective. Most dogs like the way pumpkin tastes so I am not super hopeful about this as a solution to your problem.
There is a product called “Forbid” that works like magic to stop stool eating.!
Hi there I feed pumpkin daily to all my dogs. I buy PURE CANNED PUMPKIN or use PUMPKINS If I have them on hand and have the time. I put a few tablespoons in marrow bones and freeze them. Great treat for all the dogs. I have Standard Longhair Dachshunds and Dobermans
How can I stop diarrhea
Hi Pam,
Before you can get the appropriate treatment for your dog’s diarrhea, you have to know the cause. Many things can cause diarrhea (diet, parasites, bacteria, viruses, cancer, etc.). My recommendation is to have your dog evaluated by your vet so they can determine the best course of action.
I use whole wheat flour when making treats. I just wanted to mention that some brands of peanut butter are sweetened with xylitol so make sure you read the ingredients label.
Hi Cathy,
Yes! You are right about some peanut butter containing xylitol. This is extremely dangerous for dogs! Thank you for pointing this out and bringing it to the attention of our readers.
Thank you for the remainder
My dog is very picky so I tried mixing the pumpkin with plain Greek yogurt is that ok? She has skin and food allergies and I think a bad gut from all the medication and allergies she has. She also has deep anal glands so she’s constantly scooting and having to have them expressed. We learned to do it ourselves By the vet because it gets expensive. Is there any other recommendations you can give to help the overall gut health because I think that’s an underlying cause of most of her problems. She’s a beagle basset mix thanks!
Hi Kristi,
Yes, the yogurt is a great idea and just fine for dogs. You may want to look into a probiotic/prebiotic supplement for your pup. There are several good veterinary specific brands out there. I recommend you talk to your vet and see which one they prefer. Also, if you are looking for additional options of fresh foods that are full of good nutrients and safe for dogs, here is a link to another article with more information: 14 Vegetables Dogs Can Eat (and May Just Love)
Hope this helps!
Our Rottie loves the pumpkin and would certainly overeat if not controlled. I am mixing about 3-4 tablespoons with a raw egg and a scoop of Dinovite everymorning. She loves it. Initially used the pumpkin to firm up some very loose stools. It has done the trick.
Hi Kay,
I am glad the pumpkin was an easy fix for your Rottie’s loose stools. Thanks for sharing your experience with our readers!
I would like to know how much pumpkin to give my 68 lb dog for anal gland issues? We have been using Glandx which is costly as we are on a fixed income
Hi Kathy,
I am not sure there is an exact dosage for the pumpkin. It is more trial and error than anything. I usually have my patients start with a teaspoon of pumpkin added to their food. For larger dogs I sometimes use a tablespoon. We try it for a few days/weeks to see if he helps bulk up the feces due to the added fiber. It is always a good idea to ask your vet what they recommend since they are more familiar with your dog’s specific details.
We give our frenchie baby pumpkin puree as she has had so much tummy trouble. We also give pumpkin seeds roasted gently then ground to powder. Brilliant for worms.
Hi Yvonne,
I am glad to hear that pumpkin has helped your frenchie with her tummy troubles! Also, if you think your pup may have intestinal parasites, I highly recommend you have your vet perform a fecal exam. Some worms are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye and a few are contagious to humans. Best wishes to you and your sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Dr. Buzby,
How is Encore Mobility different from Cosequin? I have a 12 yr old German Shepherd whom I give Cosequin to daily.
Hi Ellen,
I am glad you asked! The main difference in these supplements is the addition of New Zealand Deer Velvet and Green Lipped Mussel in Encore Mobility. I will attach some links to other articles that may offer additional information you may find helpful.
1. Deer Antler Velvet: The Science Behind the Supplement
2. Deer Velvet Supplement for Dogs: One Veterinarian’s Guide
3. Green Lipped Mussel for Dogs: Our Planet’s Gift for Arthritic Joints
We started giving our dogs pumpkin about 7 or 8 years ago when we had a dog suddenly start having anal gland problems. After three seperate trips to the vet for this we started adding a tablespoon of pumpkin to his food twice a day and he’s not had to go back to the vet for any more anal gland problems. He liked it so much, and as I read how healthy it was we started feeding it to our other dogs too. They love it! We’ve been giving it to them ever since.
Hi Lisa,
Glad your pups are enjoying the pumpkin. You will have to let me know if you decide to try the recipe for the “pup-kin” treats!
My dogs have a tablespoon of pumpkin every morning. It is great for them and they think it is a treat all by itself…no baking here!
Hi Heather,
I’m glad to hear that your dogs are enjoying their daily pumpkin! That can definitely be a great (and easy) way to give it to them!