8 DIY Dog Food Recipes with Pumpkin That’ll Have Your Pup Drooling

So, you’ve realized your furry best friend deserves more than the same dry kibble every single day? I had that realization over 20 years ago while grooming dogs daily and seeing firsthand how diet affected their coats, digestion, and energy. Pumpkin quickly became one of my go-to ingredients—and for good reason.

Pumpkin isn’t just tasty for dogs, it’s packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and gut-soothing benefits. I’ve used it for picky eaters, seniors, puppies transitioning foods, and dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s versatile, affordable, and incredibly effective.

Key Takeaways:

• Pumpkin supports digestion and stool consistency in dogs
• Homemade meals help reduce fillers and mystery ingredients
• Fiber-rich foods can ease both diarrhea and constipation
• DIY recipes allow better control for allergies and sensitivities
• Pumpkin pairs well with lean proteins and dog-safe carbs

1. Pumpkin and Chicken Stew

Dogs love chicken, and pumpkin makes it even better. I’ve fed this stew countless times to dogs recovering from tummy troubles or after grooming sessions when stress affected digestion.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin (plain, no sugar or spices)
1/4 cup green beans, chopped
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

How to make it:
Combine everything in a pot and simmer for about 10 minutes. Let it cool before serving.

This stew is perfect for picky eaters and dogs who need soft, hydrating meals. According to veterinary nutrition data, soluble fiber like pumpkin can help regulate stool in over 80% of dogs with mild digestive upset.

2. Turkey, Pumpkin, and Green Bean Mash

Turkey isn’t just a holiday protein. I regularly use it because it’s lean and easy to digest.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked ground turkey
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup green beans, steamed and chopped

How to make it:
Mash everything together until soft.

I often mix this into regular meals for dogs transitioning to homemade food. Lean protein plus fiber is a winning combo for sensitive stomachs.

3. Beef and Pumpkin Casserole

This is a hearty meal I use for active dogs who need more calories without fillers.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked ground beef
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup cooked quinoa

How to make it:
Layer ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Cool before serving.

Beef provides iron and zinc, while quinoa adds amino acids. I’ve seen dogs maintain muscle mass better when meals include quality protein like this.

4. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Medley

Sweet potatoes and pumpkin together are a digestion dream team.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup steamed peas

How to make it:
Mix and serve.

This is one of my favorite senior-dog meals. Soft texture, high fiber, and gentle carbs make it easy to eat and digest.

5. Salmon and Pumpkin Patties

When I want to support skin and coat health, this is my go-to.

Ingredients:
1 can salmon (boneless, skinless, packed in water)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
1/4 cup oats

How to make it:
Mix ingredients, form patties, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon can reduce inflammation and improve coat shine within weeks—I’ve seen it repeatedly over the years.

6. Lamb, Pumpkin, and Carrot Delight

Great for dogs who don’t tolerate chicken or beef well.

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked lamb, shredded
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup shredded carrots
A pinch of parsley

How to make it:
Mix everything together and serve warm.

Lamb is often recommended for elimination diets, and pumpkin helps keep digestion steady.

7. Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Frozen Treats

Perfect for hot days or just spoiling your dog (which I fully support).

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1/4 cup plain yogurt

How to make it:
Mix, spoon into molds, and freeze for several hours.

These treats support gut health thanks to probiotics and fiber while keeping calories reasonable.

8. Pumpkin, Oats, and Blueberry Bites

These are excellent for training and portion control.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1 egg

How to make it:
Mix, scoop into small balls, and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

Blueberries provide antioxidants, which support cognitive health—especially helpful for aging dogs.

Final Thoughts

After 20 years of grooming dogs and preparing homemade meals, I can confidently say pumpkin is one of the most useful ingredients you can add to your dog’s diet. These eight DIY recipes are easy, nutritious, and genuinely loved by dogs.

Introduce new foods slowly, watch your dog’s response, and always keep meals simple and balanced. The tail wags, better digestion, and improved coat health make the effort more than worth it.