If you’re looking for simple ways to improve your dog’s diet, pumpkin is a smart place to start. It’s rich in fiber, gentle on the stomach, and easy to mix with everyday ingredients.
These 5 easy pumpkin dog food recipes are made with simple, wholesome foods you can prepare at home. They’re balanced, affordable, and easy to adjust based on your dog’s size and needs.
Let’s get into it.
1 Pumpkin Rice and Green Beans Dog Food Recipe
This fiber-rich recipe is great for digestion and works well for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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2 cups brown rice – Provides steady energy and fiber.
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3 cups canned green beans (no salt added) – Low-calorie and rich in vitamins.
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2 cups plain pumpkin puree – Supports digestion (not pumpkin pie filling).
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4 cups water – For proper rice cooking.
Optional Add-Ons
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1 cup shredded cooked chicken – Adds lean protein.
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½ cup diced carrots – Adds vitamins and natural sweetness.
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1 tablespoon flaxseed oil – Supports coat health.
Substitutes
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Brown rice → Quinoa or white rice
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Green beans → Peas or broccoli
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse rice under cold water.
Step 2: Cook rice with 4 cups water for 35–40 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in pumpkin and green beans.
Step 4: Add optional ingredients if using.
Step 5: Cook on low for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Cool completely before serving.
Storage and Serving
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
2 Ground Turkey and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe
This recipe adds lean protein while staying easy on digestion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 pound ground turkey
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 cup brown rice
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1 chopped carrot
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½ cup chopped zucchini
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1½ cups water
Optional Add-Ons
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1 boiled egg
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1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
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¼ cup chopped green beans
Substitutes
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Ground turkey → Ground chicken or lean beef
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Brown rice → Quinoa or white rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook rice in water for 35–40 minutes.
Step 2: Brown turkey in skillet until fully cooked.
Step 3: Sauté carrot and zucchini until softened.
Step 4: Combine rice, turkey, vegetables, and pumpkin.
Step 5: Cook on low for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Let cool before serving.
Storage and Serving
Store in airtight container for 4 days.
Freeze portions for 3 months.
3 Chicken and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe
A simple, balanced recipe made with lean chicken and pumpkin.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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3 skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup pumpkin
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1 cup brown rice
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup water
Optional Add-Ons
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½ cup carrots
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¼ cup peas
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1 boiled egg
Substitutes
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Chicken → Turkey or ground chicken
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Olive oil → Coconut oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook rice until tender.
Step 2: Cook chicken in olive oil until fully done (165°F internal temperature).
Step 3: Sauté pumpkin until soft.
Step 4: Shred chicken and combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Cool completely before feeding.
Storage and Serving
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.
4 Beef and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe
This version is higher in protein and works well for active dogs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 pound lean ground beef
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 cup cooked brown rice
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½ cup chopped spinach
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1 cup water
Optional Add-Ons
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1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
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½ cup peas
Substitutes
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Ground beef → Ground turkey
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Spinach → Kale or green beans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown beef and drain excess fat.
Step 2: Cook rice separately.
Step 3: Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 4: Mix beef, rice, pumpkin, and water.
Step 5: Let cool before serving.
Storage and Serving
Refrigerate 4 days.
Freeze in portions up to 3 months.
5 Salmon and Pumpkin Dog Food Recipe
A great option for dogs that need healthy fats for skin and coat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1 pound cooked salmon (boneless)
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1 cup pumpkin puree
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1 cup quinoa
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½ cup chopped zucchini
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1½ cups water
Optional Add-Ons
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1 boiled egg
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1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
Substitutes
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Salmon → Sardines (boneless)
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Quinoa → Brown rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
Step 2: Flake cooked salmon, remove all bones.
Step 3: Sauté zucchini until soft.
Step 4: Combine salmon, quinoa, pumpkin, and vegetables.
Step 5: Cool before serving.
Storage and Serving
Store in refrigerator for 4 days.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Feeding Guidelines for Homemade Pumpkin Dog Food
Portions vary based on size and activity level.
Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): ½–¾ cup daily
Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–1½ cups daily
Large Dogs (50–75 lbs): 2–3 cups daily
Giant Breeds (75+ lbs): 3–4 cups daily
Adjust based on weight changes and energy levels.
When switching to homemade dog food, transition slowly over 5–7 days by mixing increasing amounts with their regular food.
Always consult your veterinarian before making long-term diet changes.
