If you love whipping up pumpkin recipes like pumpkin cream pie, you may be wondering if you can save some pumpkin pie filling for your dog.
So, can dogs eat pumpkin pie filling?
No.
You shouldn’t feed your dog pumpkin pie filling as it contains excess sugars, oils, nutmeg, and other seasonings that may cause mild to severe health issues, including liver failure.
Pumpkin pie filling also includes milk or cream, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
This article will discuss why you should or shouldn’t feed your dog pumpkin pie filling.
It will also explain what you should do if your dog eats pumpkin pie filling.
What to do if your dog eats pumpkin pie filling
If your dog accidentally took a small bite of the pie filling, he should be fine.
Your dog may suffer symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea but should be self-limiting.
However, you should contact your vet if your dog shows signs like:
Vomiting for more than 2 hours
Increasing diarrhea
Crying or whimpering
Lethargy
You should try to find out how much pumpkin pie filling your dog ate, as this information will help your vet know the exact treatment to offer.
Pumpkin pie filling contains nutmeg, which is extremely dangerous for dogs as it has the hallucinogenic compound myristicin.
If your dog ate large quantities of the pumpkin pie filling, you might need to look out for signs of toxicity, especially for small breed dogs.
Some signs of nutmeg toxicity include:
Dry mouth
Stomach upset
Abdominal pain
Disorientation
Increased heart rate
Hallucinations
Seizures
Keep the leftover pumpkin pie filling away from your dog to avoid further contact.
Give your dog plenty of water as pumpkin pie filling contains xylitol and other ingredients that may cause dehydration in dogs.
Try to regularly give your dog a bland diet of rice and unseasoned chicken or ground beef in tiny amounts to help settle its stomach without overloading it.
Call your vet and explain the situation, including the approximate time your dog consumed the pumpkin pie filling and the amount.
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin pie filling?
No.
You shouldn’t offer your dog canned pumpkin pie filling as it has added fat, sugar, and spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger which can be dangerous for dogs.
Some of these spices, like nutmeg, are toxic to dogs due to a compound called myristicin which can cause severe stomach upset, high blood pressure, and agitation, especially if ingested in large amounts.
Canned pumpkin may also contain xylitol which can be potentially life-threatening for dogs as it can result in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), seizure, and liver failure.
Harmful ingredients in pumpkin pie filling for dogs
Some of the ingredients used in the pumpkin pie filling can cause severe issues to your dog’s health, including obesity and liver failure.
These ingredients include:
Excess fats and oils
Pumpkin pie filling contains high amounts of saturated fats and oils, which can cause digestive distress in dogs, resulting in an upset stomach or predisposing them to rapid weight gain.
The copious amounts of fats and oils can also lead to more severe issues like pancreatitis.
Some signs to look out for include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, and weakness.
Sugar
The excess amount of sugar in the pumpkin pie filling will not only cause rapid weight gain but can also make him sick.
This is because the blood glucose levels may spike, leading to insulin resistance, and as a result, the pancreas is forced to produce more insulin to keep blood sugar levels stable.
When insulin production becomes excessive, the body stops responding properly to insulin, and your dog develops Type 2 Diabetes.
Seasonings
Pumpkin pie filling may include toxic seasonings like allspice and nutmeg, which may be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Allspice contains eugenol, which can cause liver toxicity in dogs if consumed excessively.
Your dog might experience symptoms like GI upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Nutmeg contains myristicin which can cause dry mouth, stomach upset, stomach cramping, high blood pressure, or disorientation in dogs.
Artificial flavors
Store-bought pumpkin pie filling may include xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be harmless to most humans but potentially life-threatening for dogs.
Another health concern caused by ingesting xylitol is liver failure in dogs.
Can puppies eat pumpkin pie filling?
Avoid feeding puppies pumpkin pie filling as it may cause several health issues, including obesity, liver failure, and diabetes.
Pumpkin pie filling contains excess amounts of sugar, fats and oils, salt, and other toxic seasonings like nutmeg and allspice that are potentially fatal for dogs.
Apart from being extremely toxic, puppies require a well-balanced diet as they are at a growing stage of development.
Pumpkin pie filling is high in calories and can lead to unnecessary weight gain, disrupting your puppies’ growth, especially when consumed in large amounts regularly.
Always consult your vet before providing your puppy with any food not specially formulated for them.
Pumpkin pie filling alternatives for dogs
Feeding your dog plain canned pumpkin may significantly boost his nutrition.
It has a high soluble fiber content which is essential for your pup’s digestion.
There are various healthier ways to prepare pumpkin treats for your pup without the excess sugar, oils, and seasonings. You can:
Add it to their regular meal – You can mix plain canned pumpkin into your fido’s meal as it contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron and potassium, which are vital for your dog’s normal growth
Make a delicious frozen treat – You can mix pumpkin with plain yoghurt in a 1-to-1 ratio and freeze. Wait for at least 24 hours, then offer it to your dog.
Make a dog-friendly soup – Mix low-sodium chicken broth with canned pumpkin and warm it up for your pup as a treat, especially when rewarding good behavior
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
