The first crisp mornings of fall are here, and pumpkin spice is back on every menu. While you sip your latte or bake that pumpkin loaf, your dog is probably eyeing those cozy fall flavors, too. The good news: with a little know-how, you can safely bring seasonal foods into your pup’s world. The not-so-good news: some autumn favorites are off-limits and even dangerous for dogs.

Here’s your guide to fall flavors your dog can enjoy in moderation, which ones to skip, and a couple of easy homemade treats that let them join in on the seasonal fun.

Fall Foods Dogs Can Enjoy (In Moderation)

Just like us, dogs can enjoy some of fall’s best flavors—but the key is keeping it simple and unseasoned. These options are not only safe but also bring real nutritional benefits, from fiber for digestion to vitamins that boost skin and coat health:

• Pumpkin (plain, cooked/puréeed) – Gentle on tummies and rich in fiber. Use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling).

• Sweet Potato (plain, cooked) – Packed with beta-carotene and fiber. Best baked or steamed without butter or salt.

• Apple (no seeds, no core, sliced or grated) – A crunchy, lightly sweet snack. Peel if your pup has a sensitive stomach.

• Green Beans (plain, cooked or frozen) – Low-calorie and hydrating—great for dogs watching their weight.

• Plain Yogurt or Kefir (unsweetened) – Adds probiotics for gut health. Skip if your dog is dairy-sensitive.

• Cinnamon (tiny pinch only, optional) – Safe in very small amounts; most owners skip it, which is fine too.

Fall Foods to Avoid

Not every fall flavor is safe for dogs—some seasonal staples are actually dangerous. To keep tails wagging and bellies happy, steer clear of these common culprits:

• Pumpkin Pie Filling – Loaded with sugar and nutmeg, which can be toxic.

• Nutmeg – Contains myristicin, which can cause disorientation or worse.

• Grapes & Raisins – Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

• Onion, Garlic, Leeks, Chives – Allium family members are unsafe for dogs.

• Chocolate – Especially dark or baking chocolate.

• Xylitol (birch sugar) – Found in “sugar-free” syrups and baked goods; extremely toxic.

• Heavy spices, butter, salt – All irritate doggy digestion.

Two Easy DIY Fall Treats

Safety first: always introduce new foods slowly, and check with your vet if your pup has allergies or health conditions. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories—think of them as a bonus, not a meal replacement.

That said, one of the best parts of fall is getting into the kitchen and making something cozy and seasonal. And while your pup can’t share your pumpkin pie, they can enjoy homemade snacks that highlight the flavors of the season—without the sugar, salt, or spices that make human recipes unsafe.

Here are two simple, dog-friendly treats to try:

1) 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Pupsicles

You’ll need:

• ½ cup plain pumpkin purée

• ½ cup plain kefir or yogurt (unsweetened)

• 1–2 Tbsp water (as needed for pourable texture)

How to:Whisk, pour into silicone molds or an ice cube tray, freeze.Serving: 1 cube for small dogs, 2–3 for medium, 3–4 for large.

2) Chewy Apple–Sweet Potato Bites (No Added Sugar)

You’ll need:

• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1½–2 cups oat flour (blend oats if needed)

How to:Mix to a soft dough, roll ¼-inch thick, cut into small shapes.Bake at 325°F for 18–22 min (chewier) or 30–35 min (crispier).Cool completely. Store airtight 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

More Cozy Ways to Use Fall Flavors...

• Stir a spoon of pumpkin into breakfast on chilly mornings.

• Top a lick mat with a thin layer of pumpkin + yogurt and freeze.

• Pack apple slices for post-hike snack time (for you both!).

• Swap a few training treats with tiny sweet-potato cubes.

Final Thoughts

Fall flavors can be fun, functional, and totally dog-friendly—as long as you keep them simple and unspiced. Your pup doesn’t need pumpkin pie to enjoy the season; a dollop of plain purée or a homemade bite goes a long way.

So while you sip your pumpkin spice latte, let your dog crunch an apple slice or enjoy a pumpkin pupsicle—and celebrate the season together.