Pumpkin Spice and Pet Safety: What’s Okay to Share?

Fall is a season of cozy flavors and festive treats—but before you let your pet sneak a bite of your pumpkin muffin or apple crisp, it’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not.

Let’s start with the good news– What fall favorites are safe for your pet:

• Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pie filling) is actually great for pets. It’s full of fiber and can help with digestion. A spoonful mixed into your dog or cat’s food can be a healthy treat—just make sure it’s unsweetened and unseasoned.

• Apples are another fall favorite that can be shared—just remove the seeds and core first. Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful over time. A few crisp slices make a refreshing snack for dogs, especially when served raw and plain

• Carrots are crunchy, low-calorie, and packed with vitamins. They’re great raw or cooked, as long as they’re plain.

• Sweet potatoes are nutritious and pet-friendly when cooked and served without added sugar or spices. Avoid candied versions or casseroles.

• Green beans are high in fiber and safe for pets when steamed or raw. Just skip creamy or onion-heavy dishes.

Not all fall flavors are pet-friendly. What is unsafe for your pet:

• Pumpkin spice blends or pie filling often include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. While cinnamon in small amounts may be tolerated, nutmeg is toxic and can cause serious symptoms like tremors or seizures. Cloves and allspice can also irritate your pet’s digestive system, so it’s best to avoid spice-heavy treats altogether.

• Grapes and raisins: These can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Even a few can be toxic, so avoid sharing baked goods, trail mixes, or stuffing that may contain them.

• Onions and garlic: Found in many savory fall dishes, these can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in both dogs and cats. This includes powdered forms used in seasoning blends.

• Chocolate: Especially dark or baking chocolate, it contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets and can cause vomiting, tremors, or even seizures.

• Xylitol: A sugar substitute often found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and even some peanut butters. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure in dogs.

• Turkey bones and skin: Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. Skin is high in fat and seasoning, which can upset digestion or trigger pancreatitis.

Fall is a time for warmth, comfort, and togetherness. With a little care, your pet can safely enjoy the season right alongside you.

This article was partially generated with assistance from Microsoft CoPilot and reviewed by Mission Animal Hospital Director.