Fall Foods and Your Dog: What’s Safe and What to Avoid
It’s officially fall in Missoula — the air is crisp, the leaves are turning gold, and pumpkin spice is everywhere. 🎃 From lattes to baked goods, it’s the season of cozy treats… and for many of us, that means extra temptation to share a bite (or two) with our furry friends.
But before you slip your pup a piece of pumpkin pie or a crunchy apple slice, it’s important to know which fall favorites are safe for dogs and which could cause serious harm. Here’s your go-to guide for keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe this fall season! 🐶🍁
🍎 Apples – A Crunchy, Healthy Yes!
Apples are one of the best fall snacks for dogs — crisp, sweet, and packed with vitamins A and C. They also help clean teeth and freshen breath! Just make sure to remove the seeds and core before sharing, as the seeds contain small amounts of cyanide.
🦮 Pro Tip: Slice up an apple and bring it along for a treat during a fall walk through Kim Williams Nature Trail or Pattee Canyon — your pup will love the reward!
🎃 Pumpkin – A Fall Favorite, in Moderation
Pumpkin is basically the superfood of the season for dogs. Plain canned pumpkin (without sugar or spices) can help with digestion and provide a fiber boost.
But beware of pumpkin spice–flavored treats — nutmeg and added sugars can upset your dog’s stomach and are even toxic in larger amounts. Stick to plain pumpkin purée or dog-safe pumpkin treats instead.
🌰 Nuts – A Risky Snack
Those mixed nuts on the table might seem harmless, but many nuts are a no-go for dogs. Walnuts, macadamias, and pecans can cause stomach upset or even toxicity.
If you’re baking or snacking, keep your pup out of the kitchen — a dropped nut could lead to a trip to the vet.
🍫 Chocolate & Candy – A Definite No
Halloween candy is fun for humans but dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, especially dark and baking varieties, can cause vomiting, tremors, or worse. And don’t forget that sugar-free candy may contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.
Keep all candy bowls, trick-or-treat bags, and baked goods far out of reach.
🥧 Baked Goods – Tempting but Troublesome
Pumpkin bread, pies, and muffins are delicious fall staples — for you, not your dog. Most baked goods contain sugar, nutmeg, and butter, all of which can upset your pup’s stomach. Instead, make your dog their own special treat using safe ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and pure pumpkin.
Keep Training on the Menu This Fall
Fall in Missoula is full of exciting distractions — new scents, wildlife activity, and all kinds of food around the house. 🍂 Training your dog helps them stay calm, focused, and well-behaved no matter what the season brings.
Whether it’s mastering leash manners on a fall trail or learning to “leave it” when tempting food drops, we can help you and your pup stay on track.
📞 Call/text Off Leash K9 Training Missoula today at (406) 946-3037 or fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation and make this fall the season of better behavior, stronger bonds, and peaceful walks through Montana’s beautiful autumn landscape. 🍂🐾
