Simple recipes using plain pumpkin, plus a vet-sourced breakdown of which fall spices are safe and which ones are toxic.
By Onslow's Team · Published September 18, 2026
Plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, no additives) is vet-recommended; high in fibre, vitamins A, C and E, potassium and iron; supports digestion for both diarrhea and constipation.
Buy this
100% pumpkin
Ingredients: Pumpkin.Not this
Pumpkin pie mix
Pumpkin, sugar, salt, spices, including nutmeg.Check every label for xylitol.
Some sugar-free products contain it. This applies to pumpkin products and to the peanut butter in recipe 2.
| Spice | Safe? |
|---|---|
| Nutmeg | Toxic |
| Cloves | Avoid |
| Allspice | Avoid |
| Cinnamon | Low risk |
| Ginger | Safe |
| Cardamom | Safe |
Sources: AKC, ASPCA, PetMD.
No pumpkin spice lattes or chai.
Chai contains caffeine and typically cloves; pumpkin spice blends contain nutmeg. Plain pumpkin only.
All five use dog-safe ingredients only. No nutmeg, no cloves, no allspice. Eggs should be fully cooked; raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency.
Pumpkin + eggs + flour
Mix all ingredients until a dough forms. Roll out, cut into shapes, bake until firm. Substitute oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs.
Pumpkin + peanut butter + oats
Combine all ingredients and spoon onto a lined baking sheet. Bake until set. Check peanut butter label for xylitol. Most major brands are fine, but some sugar-free brands contain it.
Skip this recipe if your dog is prone to pancreatitis. Peanut butter is higher in fat.
No baking required
Mix pumpkin and yogurt, spoon into silicone molds or an ice cube tray, freeze until solid. Use plain Greek yogurt for less lactose and more protein.
Soft texture, good for seniors
Mix all ingredients and drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet. Bake until set. These stay soft and moist, good for older dogs or dogs with dental issues.
Gentle on sensitive stomachs
Combine ingredients, roll into small balls, flatten, and bake until firm.
Coconut oil is safe in very small amounts but can cause diarrhea in larger doses, so don’t overdo it.
Start small and increase gradually. Too much fibre at once can cause gas or loose stool.
| Dog size | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small(under 10 lb) | 1 tablespoon |
| Medium(10–40 lb) | 2 tablespoons |
| Large(40–80 lb) | 3 tablespoons |
| Giant(80+ lb) | 4 tablespoons |
Treats, including pumpkin treats, should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
Yes. Plain, cooked pumpkin (or 100% canned pumpkin) is safe and vet-recommended. It’s high in fibre and vitamins. Do not feed pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
No. Pumpkin spice blends contain nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs (causes hallucinations, seizures, increased heart rate). They may also contain cloves and allspice, which cause GI distress. Plain pumpkin only.
Yes. Plain, roasted pumpkin seeds (unsalted, no seasoning) are safe in small amounts. They’re a source of healthy fats and fibre. Don’t give them raw or salted.
In small amounts (as in baked treats), yes. It’s not toxic. But large quantities can cause stomach irritation, and cinnamon essential oil is toxic. Don’t give your dog cinnamon sticks to chew on.
No. Coffee contains caffeine, which is toxic to dogs. Pumpkin spice contains nutmeg, which is also toxic. And the milk and sugar aren’t great either. Give your dog plain pumpkin instead.
Sources: AKC (“Can Dogs Have Pumpkin Spice?”); ASPCA (“When Pumpkin Spice is Not So Nice”); PetMD (“Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?”); Merck Veterinary Manual; ASPCA Poison Control.
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