Life Hack: How to repurpose those Halloween pumpkins — feed them to the dog!

Pic: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

Halloween is on the horizon and the shops are filled with pumpkins ready to be carved. However, if you typically carve a face in the pumpkin’s flesh and then dump the scooped-out innards, you are contributing to a seasonal spike in food waste.

In an Irish Examiner column last year, Dr Michelle McKeown described how pumpkin waste can negatively impact our environment: “When pumpkins rot in landfills, they decompose anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that’s 25 times more effective at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Methane emissions from landfills account for around 4% of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas output, and the seasonal surge from discarded pumpkins doesn’t help matters.” 

She also highlighted how a dumped pumpkin is also a waste of the resources which were used to grow, transport, and sell it, including water, energy, and labour.

With this in mind, you may be looking at ways to repurpose that excess food so it doesn’t go to waste. 

Pumpkin is used in many recipes, but for those who may not be a fan of the flavour, there is another option: feed it to your dog. 

It is actually considered a doggy ‘superfood’ thanks to the many ways it can positively impact your dog’s diet.

Superfoods for dogs are highly nutritious foods that are typically abundant in essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and a range of vital nutrients and offer health benefits when incorporated into their diets.

Dog-friendly letting specialists Canine Cottages has collaborated with Peter Wright, better known as Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, to explain how to add moderate doses of pumpkin to the dog bowl to support their immune system, enrich their digestive system and support with weight management.

Improves overall digestion

Pumpkins, particularly the seeds, offer exceptional benefits to dogs and can promote healthy digestion. 

“Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C and E, this dog superfood also contains potassium and iron. It is also high in fibre and can boost gut efficiency and bulk out a dog’s stool, which can help reduce diarrhoea,” Wright says. A

dditionally, pumpkin is known for its soluble fibre, which slows down the digestive process and aids in water absorption a valuable remedy for mild cases of diarrhoea. 

Pumpkins can also be beneficial in addressing mild constipation by helping regulate bowel movements.”

Great for the tummy and gut

Some dogs have exceptionally sensitive stomachs and feeding them pumpkin can be a gentle and effective way of providing relief for their digestive woes. 

The fibre found in pumpkins facilitates easier waste elimination, all the while alleviating undue strain on their intestinal system. 

Pumpkin stands as a valuable at-home remedy for addressing both constipation and loose stools in your furry friend.

“Pumpkin should be seen as a dietary supplement fed in very small doses, rather than as a treat. As a stodgy vegetable, it is also high in calories,” Wright advises.

“You can feed it from a ready-to-eat can or use a fresh pumpkin. Remove the seeds and bake it in the oven until soft.”

Dog-friendly recipes

When it comes to incorporating pumpkin into your dog’s diet, here are three easy options to use up your Halloween pumpkins:

• Freshly Baked Pumpkin: To prepare this, remove the seeds and bake the pumpkin in your oven at 180 degrees until it becomes soft and palatable. You can then add a small amount to your pup’s meals.
• Crunchy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy treat can be added to your dog’s diet with roasted pumpkin seeds. Clean and roast the fresh seeds at 180 degrees for about an hour. After cooling, grind them and mix them into your dog’s food.
• Pumpkin Puree: For a homemade pumpkin puree, peel a whole pumpkin, remove the seeds, and slice it into chunks. Simmer the pumpkin in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes until it’s soft and tender. Drain and mash it into a smooth paste. You can store it in the fridge for three to four days or freeze it for up to six months.