Why Pumpkin Is a Fall Favorite for Your Pup

Pumpkin season isn’t just for lattes—it’s for pups, too.

Beyond being a fall favorite, this bright orange fruit (yes, it’s technically a fruit!) is one of nature’s gentlest ways to support your dog’s everyday wellness.

Why Pumpkin Deserves a Spot in Your Pup’s Bowl

Pumpkin is packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help support: [1-4]

• Normal digestion through natural soluble fiber.

• Overall wellness, with vitamins A, C & E plus minerals like potassium and iron.

• Hydration, thanks to its naturally high water content.

• Healthy skin and coat, with nutrients that help nourish from the inside out.

• Balanced energy, providing natural carbohydrates that help keep pups active.

How to Safely Serve Pumpkin to Your Dog

When it comes to pumpkin, simple is best:

• Plain canned pumpkin. Look for 100% pure pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.

• Freshly cooked pumpkin. Steam or bake, then mash and cool before serving.

• Frozen pumpkin cubes. Pour pure pumpkin purée into an ice tray for quick, single-serve treats.

• Mixed with meals. Stir a spoonful into your dog’s regular food for an easy fiber boost.

• Baked into homemade treats. Combine with mashed banana for a pup-safe snack.

• Pumpkin-powered supplements. If you’d rather skip the kitchen prep, look for a supplement that includes pumpkin alongside pre- and probiotics for balanced gut support.*

💡Pro Tip: Start small. About 1–2 teaspoons for smaller dogs or 1–2 tablespoons for larger pups—and introduce gradually over several days to let their system adjust. Serve in moderation, and if your dog has a sensitive stomach or new dietary needs, chat with your vet before making it a daily routine.

Try This at Home: 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Pup Treats

You’ll need:

• ½ cup 100% pure canned pumpkin

• 1 cup oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)

Directions:

1. Mix ingredients until a soft dough forms.

2. Roll into small bite-sized balls or press into a silicone mold.

3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until firm.

4. Cool completely before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week—or freeze for a cool post-walk treat!

What to Avoid

Not all pumpkin products are pup-safe. Skip:

• Pumpkin pie filling – often contains sugar, nutmeg, or xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.

• Canned pumpkin blends – some “pumpkin mixes” include added spices or artificial sweeteners.

• Pumpkin spice lattes or baked goods – made for humans and often high in sugar, dairy, or caffeine.

• Flavored pumpkin purées for baking – these can contain preservatives or vanilla extract (which isn’t safe for dogs).

• Raw pumpkin rind or large chunks – tough to digest and may pose a choking risk.

💛 How PupGrade Uses Pumpkin

We love pumpkin so much, we built it into our PupGrade Digestive Support Soft Chews.

Each delicious bite blends pumpkin powder, blueberry prebiotics, probiotics, and mineral oil—a trio that helps maintain healthy gut flora and comfortable digestion for dogs of all ages.*

90% of PupGrade parents reported noticeable digestive comfort in their dogs after consistent use.**
(**Based on a survey of PupGrade customers.)

A Cozy Season Starts with a Healthy Gut

Pumpkin is more than a fall favorite—it’s a gentle, nourishing way to keep your dog feeling their best from the inside out. Whether you stir a spoonful into dinner or give a PupGrade Digestive Support Soft Chew, you’re giving your pup one of nature’s simplest forms of holistic care.

Because when their gut feels good, they feel good—all season long. 

Use code BLOG10 at checkout for 10% off your first order!

Made in USA | GMP Certified | 3rd-Party Tested | Driven By Love

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources:

1. Batool M, Ranjha MMAN, Roobab U, Manzoor MF, Farooq U, Nadeem HR, Nadeem M, Kanwal R, AbdElgawad H, Al Jaouni SK, Selim S, Ibrahim SA. Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). Plants (Basel). 2022 May 24;11(11):1394. doi: 10.3390/plants11111394. PMID: 35684166; PMCID: PMC9182978. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9182978/ 

2. ProDog Raw (2024) Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs https://www.prodograw.com/nutrition/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-dogs 

3. Ceclu, L., Mocanu, D.G., & Nistor, O.V. (2020). Pumpkin – health benefits. Journal of  Agroalimentary Processes and Technologies, 26(3), 241-246. 

4. Williams, P., Foster, D., & Carughi, A. (2021, July 29). Pumped up for pumpkin. US Department of Agriculture.