Homemade pumpkin puree is the base of almost every autumn dog treat we make. It takes one ingredient, no oil and no salt, and it freezes beautifully in small portions. Pumpkin is a source of gentle soluble fiber, potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C, which is why so many dog owners keep it on hand.
We made and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then roast along.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | 1 small sugar pumpkin |
| Oven | 200°C (400°F) |
| Roasting time | 40-50 minutes for halves, 25-35 minutes for wedges |
| Draining time | 15-20 minutes |
| Used in | Muffins, pup-rolls, bark-scotti, training nibbles |
| Storage | Up to 5 days in the fridge, up to 6 months in the freezer |
Choosing the right pumpkin
Use: small sugar pumpkins, also called pie pumpkins or sweet pumpkins. Their flesh is dense, smooth, naturally sweet and less watery. Other dense cooking pumpkins work well too.
Avoid: carving or jack-o’-lantern pumpkins, which are stringy and watery. Never use canned pumpkin pie filling. It contains added sugar and spices such as nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.
Short on time? Plain canned pumpkin works in every recipe. Check that the label lists 100% pumpkin and nothing else.
Ingredients
- 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 1-2 kg)
That’s it. No oil, no salt, no spices.
Instructions
- Prep the pumpkin. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash the outside well, then pat dry. With a sturdy chef’s knife, slice off the stem and cut the pumpkin in half from top to bottom. For faster roasting, cut each half into wedges about 5 cm (2 inch) wide. Scoop out all the seeds and stringy pulp with a metal spoon.
- Roast. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place halves cut-side down, or lay wedges skin-side down. Roast halves for 40-50 minutes or wedges for 25-35 minutes, until a fork slides easily through the thickest part.
- Cool and peel. Let the pumpkin cool on the tray for 15-20 minutes until safe to handle. Peel away the skin or scoop the soft flesh into a bowl. Discard the skins.
- Blend. Blend the flesh in a food processor or blender until completely smooth.
- Strain. Transfer the puree to a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander set over a bowl. Let it drain for 15-20 minutes.
Why straining matters
Homemade pumpkin holds much more water than canned pumpkin. If you skip straining, biscuit and muffin doughs turn soggy or sticky, and you end up adding extra flour to compensate. A short drain gives you thick, spoonable puree that behaves like the canned kind.
How to store pumpkin puree
- Fridge: keep it in an airtight glass container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer (recommended): spoon 2-tablespoon (about 30 g) portions into silicone ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and use within 6 months.
Thaw cubes in the fridge for baking, or offer one straight from the freezer as a cooling treat.
Don’t throw away the seeds
Rinse the seeds clean, roast them plain with no oil or salt, then grind them into a mineral-rich food topper. Always serve them ground, never whole.
How much pumpkin can my dog have?
Pumpkin is high in fiber, so a little goes a long way. Start with about a teaspoon for small dogs and a tablespoon for large dogs, and keep all treats and toppers under 10% of daily calories. Ask your vet before using pumpkin to manage diarrhea or constipation.
Frequently asked questions
Is canned pumpkin or homemade better for dogs?
Both are fine if they are 100% pumpkin. Homemade is fresher and costs less in season. Canned is thicker and more convenient.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
Cooked pumpkin is easier to digest. Raw pumpkin flesh is hard, and the stem and skin can be tough on the stomach.
Can I use the pumpkin skin?
No. Discard the skin after roasting. It is tough and hard for dogs to digest.
Recipes that use this pumpkin puree
- Pumpkin Apple Pup Muffins
- Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Pup-Rolls
- Pumpkin Bark-scotti with Carrot & Oats
- Mini Autumn Crunch Training Nibbles
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
This information is for general education and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
