Can dogs eat pumpkin?

The short answer is yes: pumpkin is safe and genuinely good for dogs, as long as it's cooked and plain — no salt, no sugar, no spices. It's actually one of my favourite ingredients to bake with.

Why it's good for them

Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach and a real help with digestion — whether your dog is a little loose or a little backed up. It's high in fibre and water and low in calories, so it fills them up without the weight. It also has vitamin A, which supports their eyes and coat.

How to give it (the right way)

Cooked and puréed, on its own. Skip the canned pie filling (it's full of sugar and spices), and watch out for the seeds and tough skin. If you'd rather keep it simple, that same natural pumpkin is what goes into my Chicken Liver & Pumpkin Cake — ready to go, just right, in the perfect portion to spoil them.

Introduce any new food slowly and in small amounts. If your dog has a health condition, check with your vet first.