If you’ve got a patch of tasty Hokkaido pumpkins (also known as Red Kuri squash) growing in your garden, there’s no need to keep the harvest all to yourself! Thanks to their naturally sweet flavor, most dogs absolutely love pumpkin-based treats. Here is everything you need to know about sharing this fall favorite with your four-legged best friend.
Is Hokkaido Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?
Pumpkin is a fantastic, low-calorie addition to your dog’s diet that can actually help support healthy digestion. Whether cooked or raw, Hokkaido is perfectly edible for pups.
These gourds are packed with vitamins, including B1, B2, B6, C, E, and folic acid. They are also rich in essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. That vibrant orange skin is a dead giveaway for high levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A—great for eye health! The best part? You can cook and serve the skin right along with the flesh.
As for the seeds, they do contain trace amounts of a toxic substance called cucurbitin. However, a few seeds won’t hurt your dog. In fact, many natural health enthusiasts believe they can actually help prevent intestinal parasites like worms.
When Pumpkin Becomes Dangerous
Pumpkins belong to the cucurbit family, which also includes zucchini and cucumbers. These plants can sometimes produce toxic bitter substances called cucurbitacins. If a pumpkin contains these, it will taste extremely bitter and become inedible. While wild pumpkins originally developed this as a defense mechanism, modern edible varieties have been bred to be safe. Ornamental pumpkins, however, are much closer to their wild ancestors; they contain high levels of these toxins and are poisonous.
In the fall, when you’re decorating your porch with ornamental gourds, make sure they are out of your dog’s reach. Humans have more taste buds than dogs, so we can easily spot that “bitter warning sign.” Dogs might not notice it as quickly, especially if the pumpkin is mixed in with their favorite meat.
Pro Tip: Always take a tiny bite of the pumpkin yourself before prepping it for your dog. If it tastes bitter, toss it!
Signs of Poisoning
If a dog ingests a toxic pumpkin, they react much like humans do. You’ll notice excessive drooling, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your dog ate a decorative gourd or a bitter pumpkin, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.
Gardening Tip: If you like to save your own seeds to plant next year, be careful about cross-pollination with ornamental gourds. To play it safe, it’s usually best to buy fresh, certified seeds every season.
Tasty Ways to Serve Pumpkin to Your Pup
While dogs can eat it raw, most pets prefer their pumpkin cooked. Just like for us humans, there are tons of recipes out there for pumpkin soups, muffins, or biscuits. A simple mix of pumpkin and meat also makes a great meal topper.
You can even share a bit of your own pumpkin soup with your dog, provided you haven’t loaded it with sugar or onions. But if you really want to spoil them, try making a batch of treats specifically for them.
Homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuits
The Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup (approx. 250g) Hokkaido pumpkin
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
1. Boil the pumpkin in a little bit of water for about 15 minutes until soft.
2. Let it cool, then mash it and mix all the ingredients together into a dough.
3. Roll the dough out thin and cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.
4. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Once they’ve cooled completely, they make the perfect healthy reward for your pup!