Fall is full of delicious seasonal treats, but not everything on your plate belongs in your dog’s bowl. Knowing which seasonal foods are safe and which should stay off the menu is an important way to keep your dog healthy and feeling their best.
Below are some simple dos and don’ts to help you navigate fall food safely while still letting your dog join in on the seasonal fun. Remember that dog-approved fall foods should be given in moderation, and you should always get the go-ahead from your vet before introducing any new items to your pup’s diet.
DO: SHARE PLAIN PUMPKIN WITH YOUR DOG
Pumpkin recipes are everywhere during the fall season, and sharing them with your dog just takes a few modifications. Plain cooked pumpkin cut into bite-sized pieces or plain pumpkin puree can be a suitable treat for dogs in small amounts.
Nutritional benefits: Pumpkin contains fiber, which can support healthy digestion, and provides nutrients like potassium and beta-carotene.
Important note for pet parents: Pumpkin should be plain with no added sugar, sweeteners, spices, or other ingredients. If you’re picking up pumpkin puree at the store, make sure it is plain pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling, which can contain ingredients your dog should avoid.
DON’T: ADD POPULAR FALL SPICES LIKE NUTMEG, CLOVES, CINNAMON, AND ALLSPICE TO YOUR DOG’S FOOD
Some of the spices that give fall foods their signature seasonal flavor, like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice, are often best left out of your dog’s bowl.
Important note for pet parents: If your pup eats any of these spices in small amounts, stomach upset can occur. However, when consumed in large amounts, many of these spices can cause severe toxicity.
- Nutmeg contains myristicin. In large amounts, it can lead to myristicin poisoning, which can cause symptoms like stomach upset, behavior changes (disorientation, hallucinations, etc.), and physical effects like increased heart rate, tremors, and more.
- Cloves and allspice contain eugenol and, in large amounts, can lead to eugenol poisoning, which can cause digestive irritation and other health problems, mouth irritation, lethargy, seizures, etc.
- Cinnamon is generally safe for dogs in very small amounts, but large quantities can irritate the mouth and digestive system. Inhaling cinnamon powder can also cause respiratory irritation.
DO: OFFER APPLE SLICES
Fall is synonymous with apple season, making crisp apples another tasty seasonal food you may be able to share with your pup.
Nutritional benefits: Apples provide fiber and are a great source of vitamin C. They also contain a high percentage of water, offering an excellent way to support daily hydration.
Important note for pet parents: Remove the apple core, stem, and seeds, as these can be choking hazards. During the fall season, you may find a lot of apple products with caramel or other sweet toppings, but it is best to avoid that for your pup.
DON’T: SHARE FRUIT-FILLED PIE WITH YOUR DOG
Apple and pumpkin pies are a classic dessert for us humans during this season, but it is not meant to be shared with pups. Pie crust is typically high in fat, and pie filling can contain added sugar, butter, spices, and sweeteners that are not safe for dogs to eat.
DO: ADD PLAIN CARROTS
Carrots are an easy fall food to share with your dog that can be served cooked or raw as a snack or as a tasty orange addition to their regular meal.
Nutritional benefits: Carrots are full of beta-carotene to help promote healthy vision and eye function, and high in fiber which can support a healthy digestive system.
Important note for pet parents: Cut carrots into manageable pieces based on your pup’s size to reduce the risk of choking. Avoid serving seasoned carrots, including canned, cooked in butter, salt, sauces, sugar, or other seasonings. Keep in mind that carrots contain natural sugars, so offer them in moderation.
DON’T: OFFER GRAPES OR RAISINS
Some ingredients in popular fall dishes can be particularly dangerous for dogs, such as grapes and raisins. Even just a tiny amount of either can lead to sudden kidney injury or failure.
DO: GIVE YOUR DOG PLAIN SWEET POTATO
This is another orange veggie that can be a great fall treat for your dog! A small amount of plain, cooked sweet potato can be a tasty addition to mealtime or served as a treat. Dehydrated sweet potatoes make a healthy and crunchy snack.
Nutritional benefits: Sweet potatoes provide fiber and nutrients like vitamin C and B6, as well as potassium.
Important note for pet parents: Skip the butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, or other toppings that commonly pair with sweet potatoes around this time of year. Before serving, let the sweet potato cool, and remove the skin, as it can be difficult to break down in your dog’s digestive system.
DON’T: ADD ONIONS OR GARLIC
Is your dog more of a savory treat kind of pup? Avoid serving anything that contains onions, garlic, chives, or related ingredients, as they can damage red blood cells and cause serious health issues. Stuffing, sauces, and prepared foods, for instance, can sometimes contain these ingredients, so always check the ingredients list before adding them to your pup’s bowl or sharing food with them.
DO: SET ASIDE PLAIN TURKEY
Turkey often takes the spotlight during fall, and your pup can enjoy a little too, as long as it is prepared with them in mind. Before setting aside a serving of turkey for your dog, make sure the meat is plain and has not been seasoned or cooked with butter, oil, gravy, or sauces.
Nutritional benefits: Turkey is a protein source and provides nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. Protein in your pup’s diet plays an important role in maintaining healthy muscles.
Important note for pet parents: Remove the skin and all bones from your dog’s serving of turkey before offering it. Keep the portion appropriately sized for your dog, and consider it a treat that complements their regular, balanced diet.
DON’T: ASSUME SUGAR-FREE MEANS DOG FRIENDLY
Some treats like sugar-free candy, baked goods, or spreads like peanut butter can contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. When consumed, xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in pups and may result in seizures, liver damage, and other serious complications. Always double-check the ingredients list before sharing off-the-shelf food.
DO: MAKE FALL FUN FOR YOUR DOG
Getting into the fall and spooky season spirit can be even more fun when your pup gets to join in. Just make sure any treats you share are made with dog-friendly ingredients and served in appropriate amounts.
Want to make the season extra special for your pup? Bring them to Dogtopia daycare, where we host occasional seasonal photoshoots, themed treat days, and other fall activities designed with dogs in mind. Check with your local Dogtopia to see what festive events are coming up near you.
This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Senior Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.
