There's a lot to love about fall and the seasonal food and drinks are certainly up there. In fact, people love fall flavors so much that Starbucks reportedly sells over 20 million pumpkin spice lattes each year! They've actually sold more than 600 million since 2003, when the drink debuted according to a report by CNN. But there's so much beyond pumpkin spiced lattes to enjoy - from Thanksgiving favorites to seasonal sweets to everything pumpkin flavored.
Sadly, our dogs can't enjoy these delicious autumnal goodies because of harmful ingredients like sugar, fat, seasonings and more. Fortunately, there are ways to modify the recipes for our pups! Here are pet-safe versions of your favorite fall foods and drinks, with simple homemade and store-bought options as well as some quick and easy ones!
Important Notes
Here are some general tips to keep in mind when feeding your dog different foods:
- Keep everything plain - unsweetened, unseasoned, no fats (think butter and oils) or spices (like salt, garlic, onion, nutmeg, etc.) - as theses ingredients are harmful to dogs.
- Remove thick or tough-to-digest skin from foods like sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash, turkey and more. Also, avoid giving any bones.
- Feed in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal upset (such as diarrhea and gas) and weight gain (think of these as special treats, not regular feedings).
- Make sure everything is the appropriate size for your dog's mouth to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.
- Many of the following swaps aren't necessarily for every dog, such as those with specific conditions like diabetes or kidney disease (for example, our older dog who has CKD can't eat many of these items).
- It's also always a good idea to talk to your vet about different foods and keep in mind that dogs can have allergies.
Butternut Squash Soup
What's bad about it? Fats, onion and garlic (which are toxic to dogs), salt, seasonings and spices (like nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Squash! Squash is safe for dogs to eat, if prepared properly. This veggie is full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that support the health of your dog's eyes, immune system and beyond.
Super simple homemade option: Cooked butternut squash (plain, skinned and baked or boiled with no fats, spices or seasonings)
Quick and easy option: Frozen plain pre-cooked butternut squash
Store-bought dog specific options: Canidae Butternut Squash And Bison Dog Biscuits or Smart Cookie Duck And Squash Chews
Pro Tip: Raw squash and those with skin are tough to digest and can become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. Also avoid feeding your dog the seeds.
Candied Yams
What's bad about it? Sugar, fats, milk, cream, seasonings and spices (like nutmeg and vanilla extract, which are toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Yams! Many people think yams and sweet potatoes are the same thing, but this isn't the case. That being said, yams, like sweet potatoes, are safe for your dog to eat. They are low in fat but packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They can help the health of your dog's immune, nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine and digestive systems, among others.
Super simple homemade option: Cooked yams (plain, skinned and baked or boiled without fat, spices or seasonings)
Store-bought dog specific option: Portland Pet Food Company Chicken & Yams Dog Food Pouch or their Turkey & Yams Dog Food Pouch
Pro Tip: Raw yams and yams with skin are not recommended because they are tough to digest and large pieces can be choking hazards, damage your dog's throat or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. Also feed in moderation as they are high in fiber, which can cause digestive issues (like upset stomach or diarrhea) as well as weight gain in large amounts.
Caramel Apples
What's bad about it? Sugar, fats, lemon, nuts and other seasonings, spices or additives (like vanilla extract, which is toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Apples! Apples are a great treat for your dog. They are crunchy (which can provide minor dental health benefits to your dog's teeth) and full of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Super simple homemade option: Cooked apples (boiled or baked without fats, spices or seasonings - like our crunchy baked apple recipe)
Quick and easy option: Raw or frozen apples (in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Store-bought dog specific options: Wholesome Pride All Natural Dog Treat Apple Slices or Grandma Lucy's Organic Baked Apple Flavor Dog Treats
Pro Tip: It's best to feed apples in moderation, as they are high in sugar and their fiber content can cause an upset stomach. Also avoid letting your dog eat the seeds, stem or core. This is because the seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs, and the core can be a choking hazard or cause intestinal obstruction.
Cranberry Sauce
What's bad about it? Sugar, additives (like lemon, port wine, vanilla extract (toxic to dogs), etc.).
What's good about it? Cranberries! Cranberries are generally safe for dogs to eat and can even have health benefits for your dog. They are low in calories but full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and other nutrients that support heart, stomach and immune health. Cranberries may also alleviate skin problems and promote a healthy coat.
Super simple homemade option: Cooked cranberries (boiled or baked without fats, spices or seasonings)
Quick and easy option: Raw cranberries or unsweetened, low-sugar dried cranberries (like these My Berry Unsweetened Dried Cranberries)
Store-bought dog specific options: Zesty Paws Cranberry Bites for Dogs, Benefit Biscuits All Natural Cranberry Dog Biscuits or Grandma Lucy's Organic Oven Baked Cranberry Treats
Pro Tip: It's important to feed cranberries to your dog in moderation, as too many can cause an upset stomach or lead to the development of calcium oxalate stones in the bladder.
Cornbread
What's bad about it? Sugar, fats, salt, milk, cream, baking powder (which can cause gastrointestinal issues like spasms, as well as seizures and heart problems), vanilla extract (toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Corn! Corn is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, which is unsurprising given that lots of dog foods contain it. What may be more of a surprise is that corn actually has some nutritional value for your dog, including protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients.
Super simple homemade option: Plain, unsweetened and unseasoned boiled corn off the cob (don't feed your dog the cob - it's a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages)
Quick and easy option: Low sodium canned corn, plain frozen corn, unsalted and unflavored plain air-popped popcorn, or unsweetened freeze dried corn kernels (like Mother Earth Freeze Dried Corn)
Store-bought dog specific options: Pupcorn Dog Treats
Pro Tip: Make sure your dog is not allergic to corn, as some dogs experience allergic reactions after eating it. In addition, don't feed your dog the cob because it's a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can cause intestinal blockages.
Green Bean Casserole
What's bad about it? Salt, fats, onions (toxic to dogs), milk, cream, spices (like garlic and onion powder, which are toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Green beans! Green beans are a good vegetable to feed your dog. This is because they are super low on calories but high in vitamins and minerals (such as iron and calcium), as well as protein and fiber. Green beans are a particularly good snack for overweight dogs.
Homemade option: Cooked green beans (with no fats, spices or seasonings and in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Quick and easy option: Raw or frozen plain green beans (in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth) or freeze-dried green beans (like these from Nuts.com)
Store-bought dog specific options: K9 Granola Factory Green Bean Chips Dog Treats, Bocce's Bakery Market Greens Flavor Dog Biscuits, Nulo Freestyle Natural Dog Food Topper (Chicken And Green Beans) or PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Treats
Pro Tip: Because green beans are high in fiber, it's best to feed them in moderation to avoid an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Mashed Potatoes
What's bad about it? Salt, fats, spices (like garlic, which is toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Cooked potatoes! Cooked potatoes are okay to feed to your dog in small amounts. Note: raw potatoes are toxic because they contain solanine, which is poisonous to dogs. Cooking potatoes reduces the amount of solanine, making them safer to feed to your pup.
Quick and easy option: Unseasoned, frozen French fries in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth (like Gold Rush one ingredient potato products)
Homemade option: Cooked potatoes or cauliflower (baked or boiled with no fats, spices or seasonings and in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth - you can mash them for even easier consumption!)
Store-bought dog specific options: Portland Pet Food Company Dog Food Pouches (Pork & Potato Flavor), Natural Balance Platefulls Dog Food Topper (Beef & Potato), JustFoodForDogs Topper (Beef & Russet Potato) or Good 'n' Tasty Triple Flavor Wavy Chips Dog Treats
Pro Tip: Feed cooked potatoes in moderation to avoid weight gain and cut them into bite-sized pieces to avoid becoming a choking hazard or causing intestinal blockage.
Pumpkin Pie (And Pumpkin Spice Drinks)
What's bad about it? Sugar, fats, spices (like nutmeg and vanilla extract, which are toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Pumpkin! Pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat. It's low in calories but full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit your dog. Because of its fiber content, pumpkin can help your dog's poops and digestive system, from improving diarrhea to relieving constipation.
Homemade option: Cooked pumpkin (skinned and baked or boiled without fats, spices or seasonings and in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Quick and easy option: Plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
Store-bought dog specific options: Bocce's Bakery All-Natural Pumpk'n Spice Flavor Dog Treats, Blue Buffalo Crunchy Dog Biscuits (Pumpkin And Cinnamon), GREENIES Pumpkin Spice Flavor Dental Dog Treats, The Honest Kitchen Goat's Milk N' Cookies Crunchy Probiotic Dog Treats (Pumpkin & Cinnamon), Three Dog Bakery Grain Free Soft Baked Dog Treats (Pumpkin Flavor With Cinnamon), Weruva Pumpkin Pouches for Dogs And Cats Plain Pureed Pumpkin and Pumpkin Ginger Turmeric or Fruitables Baked Dog Treats (Pumpkin Banana With Cinnamon)
Pro Tip: Raw pumpkin is not recommended because it's tough to digest. In addition, avoid feeding your dog the skin, stem and leaves as they can be choking hazards, damage your dog's throat or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. Also don't give your dog any of the pumpkin you carve for Halloween because that often has mold and bacteria after sitting on your porch for weeks.
Pumpkin Seeds
What's bad about it? Salt, fats, spices and seasonings.
What's good about it? Pumpkin seeds! Pumpkin seeds have protein, fiber, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Some benefits they may provide include regulating digestion and relieving diarrhea, improving skin and coat health, strengthening bones and muscles, improving and maintaining cognitive function, as well as supporting red blood cell health, kidney and urinary tract health.
Homemade option: Plain roasted pumpkin seeds whole or ground up into powder (with no salt, fat, seasoning or spices)
Quick and easy option: Unsalted whole pumpkin seeds (like these from Gerbs), pumpkin powder or pumpkin seed powder (like this one from Nuts.com)
Store-bought dog specific options: Native Pet Organic Pumpkin Powder With Pumpkin & Pumpkin Seeds, Amazon Brand Wag Expedition Organic Dog Biscuits (Pumpkin & Chia Seeds), Merrick Oven Baked Crunchy Dog Treats (Plain Pumpkin Flavor), Weruva Pumpkin Pouches For Dogs And Cats (Pumpkin, Coconut Oil & Flaxseed) or The Petz Kitchen Pumpkin Powder Digestive Supplement For Dogs & Cats
Pro Tip: Make sure to only feed a small amount as pumpkin seeds are not the lowest in fat content and their high fiber content may cause soft stools or diarrhea in excess.
Roasted Carrots
What's bad about it? Salt, fats, sugar, spices (like garlic, onion powder and nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs)
What's good about it? Carrots! Carrots are one of the best vegetable snacks you can feed your dog. They can serve as a healthy, low-calorie, and nutritious alternative to treats. They can also serve as something for your dog to chew, providing some at-home dental care and relief for teething puppies.
Homemade option: Cooked carrots (with no fats, spices or seasonings and in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Quick and easy option: Raw or frozen plain carrots (in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Store-bought dog specific options: Olewo Dehydrated Carrots for Dogs, Lord Jameson Carrot Pops Vegan Dog Treats, SHAMELESS PETS Dog Dental Treats Carrot & Salmon Sticks, Wet Noses Crunchy Dog Treats (Carrot & Sweet Potato) or SHAMELESS PETS Soft-Baked Dog Treats (Chicken & Carrot)
Pro Tip: Make sure you serve your dog carrots in proper portions for his or her mouth size to prevent choking, especially for smaller dogs.
Spiced Apple Cider or Hard Cider
What's bad about it? Alcohol, sugar, spices (like nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs, and cloves, which can cause gastrointestinal upset)
What's good about it? Apple cider! In extreme moderation, apple cider is okay for dogs. This is because it is the unsweetened, unfiltered, unpasteurized, non-alcoholic juice from the pulp of apples. It contains vitamins and minerals (like potassium, iron and vitamin C), fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids.
Homemade option: Juiced apples (unsweetened and unseasoned)
Quick and easy option: Unsweetened, unspiced, unfiltered, unpasteurized and non-alcoholic apple cider or apple cider vinegar (no more than one tablespoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight of each).
Store-bought dog specific options: Three Dog Bakery Soft and Chewy Apple Pie Flavor Dog Treats, American Journey Apples & Cinnamon Oven Baked Crunchy Dog Treats, Bocce's Bakery Apple Pie Flavor Dog Treats or Instinct Boost Mixers Gut Health Grain-Free Frozen Dog Food Topper With Apple Cider Vinegar
Pro Tip: Do not give your dog too much as that can cause gastrointestinal upset (such as cramps, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea) or sugar overload. The Farmer's Dog canine food company recommends no more than one tablespoon per 50 pounds of bodyweight. In addition, dogs with kidney disease should not be given any as it contains a decent amount of potassium. Avoid making your own apple cider vinegar as the process requires apple cider to ferment, meaning it becomes alcoholic and toxic to dogs. Also, make sure not to buy any apple cider that has been treated to kill bacteria and extend shelf life.
Sweet Potato Casserole
What's bad about it? Sugar, fats, milk, cream, salt, other spices and seasonings (like nutmeg and vanilla extract, which are toxic to dogs).
What's good about it? Sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes are safe for dogs and a healthier option than potatoes. They are low in calories and fat but high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Sweet potatoes can benefit your dog's digestive, immune and nervous systems as well as their eyes, muscles and skin.
Homemade option: Cooked sweet potato (skinned and baked or boiled without fat, spices or seasonings and in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth)
Quick and easy option: Pre-cooked frozen plain sweet potato or steam-in-a-bag plain sweet potato in appropriate portions for your dog's mouth (like Gold Rush one ingredient sweet potato fries)
Store-bought dog specific options: Wholesome Pride One Ingredient Sweet Potato Chews or Sweet Potato Fries, Cadet One Ingredient Sweet Potato Fries, Fruitables Baked Dog Treats (Sweet Potato And Pecan) or Pupford Freeze Dried Sweet Potato Dog Training Treats
Pro Tip: Raw sweet potato and those with skin are not recommended because it's tough to digest and large pieces can be choking hazards, damage your dog's throat or cause intestinal blockage if swallowed. Also, feed in moderation as too much can lead to weight gain.
Turkey
What's bad about it? Salt, fats, garlic and onions (which are toxic to dogs), spices (like garlic and onion powder, which are toxic to dogs), bones, skin, etc.
What's good about it? Turkey! Turkey is packed with nutrients like protein, riboflavin and phosphorous (which is why it's in many commercial dog foods). It's also a decent alternative for dogs with protein allergies.
Homemade option: Cooked white meat turkey or ground turkey in small amounts (boneless, skinless with no fat, spices or seasoning). If you do feed your dog turkey, opt for white meat, as it's blander and easier to digest. Make sure to cut it into bite-size pieces to avoid becoming a choking hazard.
Quick and easy option: Low or no sodium and sugar sliced turkey breast in very small amounts
Store-bought dog specific options: Rocco & Roxie - Turkey Jerky Dog Treats, Spot Farms Turkey Meatball All Natural Dog Treats, Blue Buffalo Soft-Moist Turkey Training Dog Treats, Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Meat Turkey Dog Treats, Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters Freeze-Dried Turkey Food Mixer Or Topper, Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Turkey Meal Mixer or The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Meal or Topper (Turkey, Cranberry & Spinach)
Pro Tip: Turkey skin should not be fed to your dog because it's fatty and difficult to digest in general. Do not feed your dog any bones either, as they are a choking hazard and can cause stomach obstruction. Furthermore, poultry bones are hollow and thus break easily, which means they can end up with sharp edges that could hurt your pup or pierce their intestines.