Is Libby’S Canned Pumpkin Safe For Dogs

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Canned pumpkin for dogs can be a fun—and healthy—treat for many pups. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby shares the health benefits of canned pumpkin along with how it can help manage some cases of constipation and diarrhea. As an added bonus, she also gives you a recipe for pumpkin dog treats that are sure to make your dog’s tail wag.

Recently, a client mentioned to me that she was making pumpkin bread and her Toy Poodle, Toby, kept staring at her with his big, brown eyes. She could tell that he was enjoying the smell of pumpkin as much as she was. He obviously wanted a taste of whatever smelled so good. So she asked me about making pumpkin treats for Toby.

I thanked her for asking, explained a bit about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs, and gave her my favorite pumpkin dog treat recipe. (You’ll find at the end of this article.)

The next time I saw her, she told me that she’d made the treats and Toby gave them an enthusiastic “four paws up.” (She also said she didn’t feel nearly as guilty eating her pumpkin bread once Toby had a pumpkin treat of his own.)

This conversation made me realize that the various uses of canned pumpkin for dogs would make a perfect blog post topic. So let’s dive into my client’s questions about canned pumpkin in more detail.

Libby’s, 100% Pure Pumpkin, 15oz Can (Pack of 6) (Misc.) A favorite for both flavor and texture, this thicker pumpkin puree is our pick if your dog prefers dry dog food. That’s because it won’t get the food soggy. Or just use it as a stand-alone snack.

Is Libby’s 100 pure pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?

For just about any other recipe, it’s probably pumpkin puree you’re after. Pumpkin puree, like the ever popular Libby’s brand, is pure canned pumpkin. You may also find it labeled with terms like “pure pumpkin” or “solid-pack pumpkin.” You can be sure pumpkin is the only ingredient in the can.

How much canned pumpkin can I give my dog?

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog? Add one to four pumpkin tablespoons per meal to your dog’s diet. Always start with small quantities to avoid adding too much fiber.

Is Libby’s pumpkin good for dogs?

I give this pumpkin to my dogs every morning, and it helps them with digestion–and I’m sure it also gives them vitamins, fiber, and something else to eat, which they love, being dogs!

FAQ

Is Libby’s pumpkin pie mix okay for dogs?

Plain canned pumpkin without added sugars, ingredients, or fillers, as well as plain fresh pumpkin and pumpkin flesh, are safe bets for your dog. One thing to be sure to avoid is sugar-free canned pumpkin, Dr. Woodnutt warns. “The main concern is with sugar-free canned pumpkin, which may contain xylitol,” she told us.

Can I give my dog canned pumpkin from the grocery store?

The short answer is no. Pumpkin pie contains ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs to consume in large quantities, so it’s best to save this particular treat for your human family members.

Is human canned pumpkin good for dogs?

You can give your dog regular canned pumpkins from your local grocery store. However, it’s best to not feed your dog any pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin that has added sweeteners and spices. The fewer additives and ingredients in canned pumpkin, the better it will be for your dog’s health.