A Seasonal Superfood
Pumpkins have long been a symbol of Halloween, but this vibrant orange squash is more than seasonal décor. It’s a nutritional powerhouse — a natural superfood that can support your dog’s digestion, boost immunity, and keep their skin and coat healthy and hydrated.
The modern Halloween pumpkin, or Jack-o’-lantern, has its roots in an old Irish legend about Stingy Jack, whose carved turnip lantern evolved into the glowing pumpkin we know today. Beyond their spooky glow, pumpkins represent abundance and the comforting nourishment of autumn — fitting, then, that they offer so much goodness for our dogs, too.
Anna Webb's Miniature English Bull Terrier 'Prudence'
Packed with Vitamins and Natural Hydration
Pumpkins are naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and E — all of which help to strengthen your dog’s immune system and promote skin health. Vitamin A supports good vision and a glossy coat, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant to reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. The minerals potassium and iron help maintain muscle function and overall vitality — especially important as temperatures drop and activity levels change.
With a high water content of around 90%, pumpkin is also an excellent natural hydrator. It’s especially beneficial for dogs that aren’t big drinkers, or those fed on a kibble diet, particularly during winter when centrally heated homes can lead to dehydration.
Gentle on Tummies, Great for Digestion
Over the years, I’ve often turned to plain pumpkin purée to help soothe tummy upsets — easing both constipation and diarrhoea. This balancing effect comes from its soluble fibre, which absorbs excess water in the intestines and slows digestion when needed.
Pumpkin fibre also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria within your dog’s gut microbiome. A healthy microbiome is key to strong immunity, good digestion, and even emotional balance. Just as we know gut health influences mood in humans, studies suggest dogs benefit in much the same way.
An Easy Way to Boost Everyday Nutrition
By adding a little pumpkin to their meals, you’re providing a natural, gut-friendly boost that helps keep their defences strong. The combination of antioxidants, prebiotic fibre, and vitamins supports the body in fighting infection and maintaining overall wellbeing through the darker months.
Always use plain, cooked pumpkin or unsweetened pumpkin purée — never pumpkin pie filling, which can contain sugar and spices that are toxic to dogs.
These days, with many dehydrated pumpkin powder products available, it’s easy to enjoy the benefits of this superfood all year round. I like to mix a batch and freeze it in ice-cube trays — handy as meal toppers, or even as cooling pumpkin “sorbets” for summer.
How Much Pumpkin Should You Feed Your Dog?
A teaspoon or two is perfect for small dogs (under 10kg), while larger breeds can enjoy up to a tablespoon or two. Simply adding pumpkin to their regular meals a couple of times a week is enough to see the benefits.
A Simple Seasonal Ally for Winter Wellness
Maintaining your dog’s natural health through winter doesn’t need to be complicated. I always recommend a fresh, wholefood diet with plenty of meat — and a spoonful of pumpkin as a seasonal ally for balanced, happy health.
Written by Anna Webb
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As a pet expert, Anna has contributed to ITV1's Titchmarsh show, Channel 5's Gabby Logan show, and SKY1's 'dogumentary' A Different Breed. Anna also contributes regularly across national radio including TalkTV, Radio 2, Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio London, BBC Local Radio GBNews, BBC Politics and LBC Anna Webb — Canine Behaviourist & Wellness Expert, A Dog’s Life podcast |