Frozen Recipes

Pumpkin for Pups: A Halloween Superfood

Why plain pumpkin earns a spot in the pantry, how much to give, and five spooky frozen fills.

By 4 min read
Pumpkin for Pups: A Halloween Superfood – Freezbone

October smells like pumpkin spice, and your dog would like in on it. The good news: plain pumpkin, not the latte, is one of the best human foods you can share with them.

Real pumpkin is fiber-rich, low in calories and gentle on the stomach. Freeze it inside an enrichment toy like the FreezPumpkin and it becomes nutrition, play and a calmer evening all at once. Here is why pumpkin is so good for dogs, how much to give, and five Halloween recipes to try this month.

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Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin: plain cooked or canned pure pumpkin, never pie filling and not raw. Give small dogs 1 to 2 teaspoons a day and medium to large dogs 1 to 2 tablespoons. Freezing it in a toy makes it last longer and adds mental stimulation.

Why is pumpkin good for dogs?

Pumpkin is one of the few human foods that checks every box for dogs: safe, nutritious and versatile.

  • High in fiber. Keeps digestion smooth and can help with both constipation and loose stools.
  • Low in calories. A tasty, weight-friendly treat.
  • Packed with nutrients. Beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin A support overall health.
  • Gentle on the stomach. A good fit for dogs with sensitive tummies or recovering from mild digestive upset.
90%+of pumpkin is water, which makes it a handy extra for dogs who do not drink enough.

For the full story, including the one can to avoid, read our guide to pumpkin purée for dogs.

How much pumpkin can I give my dog?

Dog sizePumpkin per day
Small dogs1 to 2 teaspoons
Medium to large dogs1 to 2 tablespoons

Moderation is key, because too much fiber can cause soft stools.

Cooked or canned, never raw. Raw pumpkin is tough to digest and can upset your dog's stomach. If you buy canned, check it has no added sugar or spices.

Why freeze pumpkin instead of serving it from a spoon?

A spoonful of pumpkin is fine. But freeze it inside a FreezPumpkin or any Freezbone toy and snack time turns into a calm, enriching ritual: mental stimulation, stress relief and even a sense of accomplishment once every last bit is licked out. A filled, frozen FreezPumpkin gives up to 45 minutes of licking and play.

If you have watched your dog work through a frozen fill, you know the look: relaxed eyes, quiet paws and pure satisfaction.

“My babies love their Halloween freeze ones with Greek yogurt and pumpkin !!”
Melanie S., verified buyer

1. Pumpkin patch freeze

Freeze: 3 to 4 hours · Good for: a wholesome, soothing lick

FreezPumpkin frozen pumpkin treat

You'll need

  • 2 tbsp pure pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • ½ tsp honey (optional)
  • 1 Freezbone Veggie Stick

Method

  • Mix the pumpkin, yogurt and honey in the FreezPumpkin until smooth
  • Push the Veggie Stick upright into the center, like a crunchy pumpkin stem
  • Freeze 3 to 4 hours or until firm

2. Boo-berry pumpkin swirl

Freeze: overnight · Good for: a layered, antioxidant-rich fill

FreezSwirl frozen pumpkin and blueberry treat

You'll need

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 3 blueberries, mashed

Method

  • Mash the blueberries and mix with the pumpkin
  • Layer into a FreezSwirl, following the spiral
  • Freeze overnight for a layered texture

3. Monster mash delight

Freeze: 3 to 4 hours · Good for: a post-play wind-down

FreezSunflower frozen pumpkin treat

You'll need

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp mashed banana
  • ½ tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)
  • 1 Freezbone Hip & Joint Chew, crushed (optional)

Method

  • Mash the banana and peanut butter until smooth
  • Mix in the pumpkin and the crushed chew pieces for texture
  • Spoon into a FreezSunflower or FreezFlower
  • Freeze 3 to 4 hours before serving

Check every peanut butter label first. Our xylitol guide lists the names it hides under.

4. Witch's brew pup shake

Freeze: 4 to 5 hours or overnight · Good for: a protein-rich frozen chew

FreezPumpkin frozen pumpkin and chicken treat

You'll need

  • 2 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Freezbone Bone Refill, chicken flavor
  • 1 Freezbone Chicken Foot

Method

  • Mix the pumpkin and yogurt in the FreezPumpkin until smooth
  • Swirl in the chicken refill gently, so the savory streaks show
  • Push the chicken foot halfway into the center, like a spooky garnish
  • Freeze 4 to 5 hours or overnight

5. Jack-o'-lick lava

Freeze: at least 6 hours or overnight · Good for: anxious pups on Halloween night

FreezLava frozen pumpkin treat

You'll need

  • 1 tbsp pumpkin purée
  • 1 tbsp unsalted bone broth
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp Freezbone Bone Refill, liver flavor

Method

  • Mix the pumpkin, broth and chia seeds; let it sit 5 minutes to thicken
  • Fill the bottom half of a FreezLava with the mix
  • Add a swirl of liver refill in the center for the "lava" core
  • Cover with the rest of the pumpkin mix and freeze

Freezbone tip

Give the lava fill on Halloween night, before the doorbell starts. Our guide to Halloween fears has more ways to keep a nervous dog settled.

Make pumpkin part of your fall routine

Calm dogs are happy dogs. A frozen pumpkin fill feeds your dog, slows them down and helps them focus, all in one.

If your pup has not tried one yet, this Halloween is the perfect time to start. Planning to bring them along for the fun? See 5 ways to include your dog in trick-or-treating, and find more fills in the Freezbone recipe videos.

Frequently asked questions

  • It is best to stick with cooked or canned pure pumpkin. Raw pumpkin is tough to digest and can cause an upset stomach. Check that canned pumpkin has no added sugar or spices.

  • For small dogs, 1 to 2 teaspoons a day; for medium to large dogs, 1 to 2 tablespoons. Too much fiber can cause soft stools, so keep it moderate.

  • Yes. Freezing it inside an enrichment toy makes it last longer and adds mental stimulation on top of the nutrition.

  • Pumpkin's soluble fiber can help regulate digestion in both cases. If the problem lasts more than a day or two, or your dog seems unwell, call your vet.

  • No. Use plain pure pumpkin only, and check that the can has no added sugar or spices.

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Written by Freezbone Team

We make freezable, refillable chew toys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and test every fill and routine on our own dogs before we write about it.

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