How to Turn Your Jack-o’-Lantern into Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Puree

This simple recipe can serve as the base for dog treats.

Updated October 31, 2025

It’s officially Halloween — which means that tomorrow, you’re going to be staring at your freshly carved jack-o’-lanterns (and piles of on-sale pumpkins at the supermarket) and wondering what in the world to do with them. Fear not: No pumpkin has to go to waste. There are plenty of ways to make use of leftover pumpkins — including one that comes as a big treat for your dog.

Pumpkin puree is super easy to make at home from fresh pumpkins. And since pumpkins happen to be very healthy for dogs, a puree can be used as a delicious and nutrition-packed food topper for your pup. You can also use this pumpkin puree in cookies and biscuits to add some health benefits to your dog’s treats.

Benefits of pumpkin puree

Pumpkins aren’t just useful for decorating; they’re also a great treat to add to your dog’s diet. Pumpkin puree is nutrient dense, low in calories, and rich in vitamin A, which your dog needs to create antioxidants. It also contains potassium and vitamin C, which help strengthen your dog’s heart and immune system. Nothing beats making pumpkin puree fresh, but if you don’t have the time or you want your pup to chow down on pumpkin during all seasons, canned pumpkin is a decent substitute.

Simple Pumpkin Puree For Dogs Recipe

There’s not much to this super simple recipe for pumpkin puree, but that’s what makes it so great. You only need one pumpkin, ideally a baking pumpkin that is a bit sweeter and less stringy — but any pumpkin will do, so long as it’s clean. This pumpkin puree recipe is done by baking the pumpkin in the oven, but you can also make it in an instant pot.

INGREDIENTS

1 Pumpkin

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350° degrees F.
Cut your jack-o-lantern into large wedges.
Place the wedges skin side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Bake for approximately 90 minutes, or until the pumpkin wedges are fork tender.
When the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the skin into a bowl, then mash it or whirl it in a food processor. If the puree is a bit watery, cook in a saucepan over medium heat until some of the moisture has evaporated.
Let cool, then portion into freezer bags or containers and freeze. The puree can be defrosted quickly in the microwave or by placing the frozen bag or container into a bowl of hot (but not boiling) water.

Use pumpkin puree alone to help with canine constipation or diarrhea (check with your vet for the amount appropriate for your dog), or — more pleasantly — try it in this recipe for dog-safe pumpkin cookies.