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The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Guide For Dogs Who Love Fall

By  Kayleigh Roberts Updated

'Tis the season for PSLs, and if you want your dog to be just as sweater weather basic (in a good way) as you, you're in luck, because pumpkin happens to be one of the most dog-friendly foods around. Here's what you need to know about feeding pumpkin to your dog, and the best pumpkin spice products out there for your furry friend.

A person holding a mug and their dog in Autumngradyreese/E+/GettyImages

Is pumpkin good for dogs?

Pumpkin is great for dogs, especially when they're having digestive issues. Basically, whatever issue your dog is having with his poops, pumpkin is probably a good fix. If your dog has diarrhea, the fiber in the pumpkin will absorb some of the excess water. If he's constipated, the same fiber will act as a stool softener. Win-win.

It's also high in zinc, iron and beta carotene. This is the one potential downside of pumpkin though, because carotene converts to vitamin A, which is fat-soluble and stored in the liver until needed. Too much can become toxic, so go easy on serving any kind of liver and definitely skip the pumpkin when you do.

White Samoyed dog is eating halloween pumpkin.infinityyy/iStock/GettyImages

How to feed canned pumpkin to a dog

While cooked pumpkin is better for dogs than raw pumpkin, the canned pumpkin puree you can buy at the grocery is also great for them. One thing, though: Make sure you buy pure pumpkin puree and ​not​ pumpkin pie filling. The former is natural and great for dogs. The latter is full of sugar and spice and not very nice for dogs.

From here, it's easy. Open the can, add two teaspoons of pumpkin puree to your dog's regular food (or feed it to him plain, if you prefer and he likes pumpkin enough to eat it that way) and wait. If you're feeding him pumpkin to cure digestive distress, keep an eye on his, uh, output to monitor when the pumpkin starts to help. You can also feed your dog pumpkin in moderation to help with everything from making his coat as shiny and healthy as possible to helping his vision.

Sweet spicy pumpkin jamRimma_Bondarenko/iStock/GettyImages

How to Make Pumpkin Dog Treats at Home

Gather the necessary supplies and then watch our video for an easy step-by-step recipe for homemade pumpkin dog treats (or click here for a written version).

​What you'll need:​

  1. Cookie sheet
  2. Rolling pin
  3. Measuring cup
  4. Stand mixer or spoon and bowl
  5. Small cookie cutters
  6. 2 1/2 cups whole wheat, or all purpose flour
  7. 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin, canned
  8. 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1 egg

Watch the video for yourself:

How to Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte for Your Dog

Here's how to make a pumpkin spiced latte for your dog:

References

What you'll need:

  • Honest Kitchen Pro Bloom Probiotic
  • Pumpkin Puree
  • Water
  • Cinnamon
  • Dog Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups

Step 1: Pour 1 cup water in saucepan (but this can be made without heat as well).

Step 2: Heat over medium (but don't make it ​too​ hot).

Step 3: Whisk in 2 scoops of Bloom.

Step 4: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree.

Step 5: Cool and pour into your dog's bowl

Step 6: Add some cinnamon sprinkle as a garnish.

Step 7: Give it to your dog and bask in the love.

Close up of female feet in warm socks with mug of latte in company of doggy and pumpkin. Enjoy yourself at home with pet as best friendDi_Media/iStock/GettyImages

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