Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie?

Maybe, but pumpkin pie is not a typical treat for dogs. It’s full of sugar and simple carbs, so it’s not nutritious. Since it’s tasty, your dog might get hooked and start refusing to eat anything else. So, while it might be safe in small amounts, we don’t recommend it. Also, it’s good to know that pumpkin spice isn’t toxic to dogs—even though it contains nutmeg, which can be harmful in large amounts.

Pumpkin pie is usually made with ingredients like canned or cooked pumpkin, sugar, eggs, sometimes condensed milk, and various spices. The spices include cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. You’ll often find them in cinnamon rolls that are also not toxic to dogs, and in pumpkin spice donuts that your dog should really avoid! However, all of these are not toxic in small amounts that you would usually find in pumpkin pie, so you don’t need to worry!

Pumpkin spice — toxic or nice?

If you’re getting ready to get cozy and bake some pumpkin pie, you don’t need to worry about your spices harming your dog. Contrary to what you may read online, these spices are not dangerous in small amounts, and it would take a significant amount to actually harm your dog. Even then, it’s not lethal, so again, don’t worry.

Here are all the spices that make up pumpkin spice:

Cinnamon is safe for dogs

Cinnamon is tasty, healthy, and safe for dogs. It’s anti-inflammatory and can help control blood sugar. This doesn’t mean I’d recommend giving cinnamon to dogs, but it’s good to know that it’s safe. By the way, out of all the types of cinnamon available in the U.S., the best one is Ceylon cinnamon, as it contains the lowest dose of coumarin—a natural plant compound that can be toxic in insanely huge amounts. Just don’t ever let your dog play with spices, inhale them, or eat them!

Nutmeg is toxic to dogs, so be careful

Now, nutmeg is not safe for dogs, but the amount of nutmeg in pumpkin spice is low, so that’s why I said you don’t need to worry. Nutmeg is toxic, and about one teaspoon of ground nutmeg can be dangerous to dogs. If your dog eats a lot of nutmeg, the first symptoms will be vomiting and diarrhea, but it can also cause other digestive issues, dry mouth, and more problems.

Ginger is safe for dogs

Ground ginger and all other types of ginger are safe for dogs! Even though it’s a bit spicy and zesty, ginger is absolutely fine and won’t cause any harm to your dog.

Cloves are a bit dangerous for dogs

While not immediately harmful or toxic, cloves can be dangerous to dogs in large amounts. A lot of ground cloves or clove essential oil can cause liver issues, so if you use cloves often, be sure to keep them away from your dog. However, don’t worry about the small amount in pumpkin spice.

What to do if your dog eats a lot of pumpkin pie?

Accidents happen, and we’ve all heard about dogs snatching whole pies off kitchen counters! But if your dog eats a lot of pumpkin pie, you usually don’t need to do anything. Pumpkin spice is diluted, and there’s not enough in the entire pie to be dangerous for dogs.

Plus, pumpkin is perfectly healthy for dogs, and while flour and sugar aren’t nutritious, they aren’t toxic either. After your dog finishes their delicious and mischievous meal, just make sure they drink plenty of water and have their regular dog food for the next meal.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Here are some of the most popular questions about whether dogs can eat pumpkin pie! Please keep in mind that there are many brands that make pumpkin pie, so if you’re looking for a particular brand, it’s best to read the labels and make sure it doesn’t contain lots of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that can be dangerous to dogs.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie mix?

Dogs shouldn’t eat pumpkin pie mix straight from the can because it usually has added sugar and spices like nutmeg, which can be harmful in large amounts. While a little mix isn’t likely to cause major problems, it’s best to avoid it.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin pie filling is not the best for dogs because it’s often loaded with sugar, spices, and sometimes even preservatives. It’s better to stick with plain, canned pumpkin if you want to share some pumpkin goodness with your dog.

Can dogs eat Libby’s pumpkin pie mix?

Libby’s pumpkin pie mix usually contains added sugar and spices, including nutmeg, which isn’t great for dogs. It’s not toxic in small amounts, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Go for plain canned pumpkin instead!

Can dogs eat Costco pumpkin pie?

Costco pumpkin pie, like any store-bought pie, has a lot of sugar, spices, and other ingredients that aren’t ideal for dogs. While it’s not deadly, it’s definitely not something you want to share with your dog.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie crust?

Pumpkin pie crust isn’t good for dogs because it’s made with butter, sugar, and flour—none of which are nutritious for them. A small piece won’t harm them, but it’s best to avoid giving them any crust at all.