Over here in Scotland we only have pumpkin in the shop around this time of year so it is not something I have ever eaten myself - I'll be honest and admit that I wouldnt even know what to do with one, I have used them for carving lanterns at halloween and thats it I have seen in a few different threads that people add pumpkin to the hounds dinner (I'm always looking for something different to add to his dry food!) so I thought I might try this. Here is the embarrassing question - How? Do I give it raw or do I cook it and if so how?

I am sorry for asking such a stupid question but I dont want to try something new and do it wrong and upset the dogs tummy.

Here is the U.S. you can get canned pumpkin, and that's what most people are using. You are talking about buying a raw, whole pumpkin I take it? I'd slice it up (scooping out the seeds and stringy part inside), bake it until soft, and then mash it up. Add a scoop to the dogs' food.

And try it yourself too, with butter, cinnamon, and a little sweetener if you wish! Delicious and nutritious for humans as well.

Added because I was wondering if I was clear enough: cut the pumpkin in wedges, then scoop the flesh out of the skin to mash it. When you're baking it you might want to add a little water to the pan, and cover it with foil or a lid.

Thank you so much, I know it was a bit of a stupid question but since its something we dont use over here I thought I better ask, will actually try some myself aswell, thank you.

P.S. we dont get pumpkin in tins here, so this is going to be his autumn treat!

Actually, I'm wondering the same thing about raw pumpkin. Does anyone give it to their dogs raw? Archie loves to eat raw bits of pumpkin when I'm carving jack o lanterns . . . .

2 years ago during Holly's first Halloween, after the trick or treating was over, I took her for a walk around the house to go to the bathroom, and she saw the carved out pumpkin. She walked over and smelled it, and started licking the cut out eyes, then grabbed the lid by the stem, and ran toward the back door to take it inside. She refused to give it up.

All my hounds love pumpkin.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (180C). Break off the stem and cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out the seeds and membrane. Bake both halves upside down in a baking pan with about 1/2" of water for at least 30 minutes--depending on the size--until a fork can easily pierce the flesh. After allowing the halves to cool enough to handle, scoop out the pumpkin and place it in either a mixing bowl or food processor and puree.

You can freeze pumpkin, but you can not can it once it is cooked.

a 5pound pumpkin makes about 4 cups of puree.

That's funny. I'll be sure to keep an eye on Soul this Halloween so he doesn't steal any Jack o latern lids

And don't forget roasted pumpkin seeds! Mmmmm!

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds

You mean if you want pumpkin pie in Scotland, you have to buy an actual pumpkin and cook it? How barbaric.

Just joking people.

I'm so glad you asked the pumpkin question greyhoundgal, I am in England and was thinking the same.......what do I do with pumpkin!!!! ha

Don't think we can get it in tins over here in the UK?? can't say I have ever looked though

Not to mention pumpkin bread and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Now, we're talking.

Pumpkin pancakes ? Pumpkin muffins?

Pumpkin bagels.....(think: Homer Simpson voice)

Oh - and pumpkin lattes....

You can cube pumpkin and use it in stews with tomatoes and garbanzos and onions and some spices like cumin, cinnamon, red pepper, etc...

Oh, and don't forget to save the seeds for roasting!

I have a recipe for pumpkin spice cookies that are to die for! (Really!)

I'll be baking them for thanksgiving.. *impatient*

I look forward to pumpkin pancakes all year!!