Homemade Pumpkin Puree For Dogs

Making Pumpkin Puree for Dogs is an easy way to turn fresh pumpkin into something special for your pup. With just one ingredient, you can make a smooth puree that’s perfect for adding to meals, stuffing into enrichment toys, or using in all kinds of dog treat recipes.

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Why Make Pumpkin Puree for Dogs

There’s something satisfying about turning a fresh pumpkin into something you can use in so many ways for your pup. And once you see how simple it is, you may want to make a batch every fall.

Just One Ingredient – Fresh pumpkin is all you need. There are no added sugars, salt, spices, preservatives, or other unnecessary ingredients.

Easy to Make – Cooking pumpkin puree for dogs is surprisingly simple. You can roast the pumpkin in the oven or cook it quickly in an Instant Pot, then blend the tender flesh until smooth.

Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch while baking pumpkins are in season and freeze it in convenient portions. You’ll have pumpkin ready whenever you need it.

Versatile – Spoon some over your dog’s food, use it for enrichment, or turn it into baked or frozen goodies. It’s a handy ingredient to keep around if you enjoy making food and treats for your pup.

Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Plain pumpkin can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when served in moderation. It’s a good source of fiber and contains nutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and iron.

The fiber is one of the biggest reasons pumpkin is popular with dog owners. It may help regulate digestion and can be useful for some dogs experiencing mild diarrhea or constipation. Too much pumpkin can cause digestive problems, though, so more isn’t necessarily better.

Pumpkin isn’t a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog has persistent or severe diarrhea or constipation, frequent vomiting, blood in their stool, lethargy, or other concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

What You Need to Make the Puree

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. You only need one ingredient:

• Fresh Pumpkin – Once cooked, the flesh becomes tender and easy to blend into a smooth puree.

Best Pumpkins for Making Puree

Small baking pumpkins are your best bet because they have dense, flavorful flesh and aren’t as watery as the large pumpkins grown for carving.

• Sugar or Pie Pumpkin – My first choice and usually the easiest variety to find.
• Kabocha Pumpkin – Has dense, smooth flesh with a naturally sweet flavor.
• Red Kuri Pumpkin – Has creamy flesh with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Blue Hubbard – Has dense, starchy flesh that works well for puree.

Whichever variety you choose, look for a pumpkin that feels firm and doesn’t have soft spots, mold, or signs of decay.

What about carving pumpkins? They’re edible, but their flesh tends to be more watery and less flavorful. Smaller baking pumpkins are better for making a thick, smooth puree.

Equipment Needed

You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen:

• Large Sharp Knife – For safely cutting through the pumpkin.
• Cutting Board – Use a large, sturdy board that won’t slide while you’re cutting.
• Rimmed Baking Sheet – For roasting the pumpkin in the oven.
• Food Processor – For turning the cooked pumpkin into a smooth puree.2
• Instant Pot and Rack or Steamer Basket – You’ll only need these if you’re using the pressure cooker method.

How to Make Pumpkin Puree for Dogs

Making pumpkin puree for dogs is a simple process, and you can cook the pumpkin in the oven or an Instant Pot. Here’s how to do both:

Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the pumpkin in half from stem to bottom.
3. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
4. Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and allow it to cool enough to handle.
7. Peel away and discard the skin.
8. Cut the cooked pumpkin flesh into chunks.
9. Place the chunks in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

Instant Pot Method

1. Place a rack or steamer basket in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
2. Cut the stem off the pumpkin and place the whole pumpkin on the rack.
3. Cook on high pressure for 13 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully remove the pumpkin and allow it to cool enough to handle.
6. Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
7. Remove and discard the skin.
8. Cut the cooked flesh into chunks.
9. Place the pumpkin in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.

Recipe Notes

• Some pumpkin varieties contain more water than others. If your puree is watery, place it in a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth and let the excess liquid drain for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• One small baking pumpkin makes approximately 2 cups of puree. The exact amount will vary depending on the size and variety of pumpkin.
• If you don’t want to make your own, plain 100 percent pure pumpkin puree for dogs is a convenient alternative. Check the ingredient list to make sure pumpkin is the only ingredient.
• Don’t use pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin pie mix. It contains added sugar and spices and may contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for dogs.

Ways to Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Once you have a batch in the fridge, there are all sorts of ways to use it for your pup.

• Dog Treats – Use the puree to make baked dog cookies, biscuits, cakes, or frozen treats.
• Dog Food – Add it to homemade dog food recipes that call for pumpkin.
• Enrichment – Mix a little pumpkin with plain yogurt or xylitol-free peanut butter and freeze it in a Kong or other fillable enrichment toy.
• Food Topper – Spoon a small amount over your dog’s regular food.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Puree and How Long It Lasts

Store the pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze it for 4 to 6 months. Portion ½ to 1 cup into freezer bags, press out the excess air, and seal them. You can also spoon the puree into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag.

Thaw frozen pumpkin puree in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

How Much Pumpkin Puree to Give a Dog

The amount of pumpkin puree you can give your dog depends on their size, diet, and individual needs. Start with a small amount, particularly if your dog hasn’t had pumpkin before, and gradually increase it if your dog tolerates it well.

Pumpkin should be an addition to your dog’s regular balanced diet rather than a large part of their meals. Treats and extras should generally make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure how much pumpkin is appropriate for your dog or if you’re giving it to help with diarrhea, constipation, or another digestive problem.

Can people eat this?

Yes, they most certainly can! It’s simply cooked and pureed pumpkin, so you can enjoy it too. Use it for pies, breads, muffins, soups, and all your favorite pumpkin recipes.

More Recipes for Dog Food and Treats

You can make healthy homemade dog treats and food with these easy recipes:

• Applesauce for Dogs
• 3 Ingredient Dog Treats
• Dog Food Seasoning
• Golden Paste for Dogs
• Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
• Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs
• Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats

Find lots of recipes for pumpkin dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!