How To Dehydrate Pumpkin: Make Pumpkin Dog Treats, Pumpkin Spice

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Susan Gast | Author and blogger at Bored Boomers, Beesville Books, A New Sober You and Easy Food Dehydrating

Are you ready to learn how to dehydrate pumpkin? Of course you are, and you've come to the right place!

pile of pumpkins

Folks write in and ask me, "Can I dehydrate pumpkin?" and "How do I dry pumpkin seeds?"

My answers are, "Yes, and it's easy (in true Easy Food Dehydrating-fashion) to dehydrate pumpkins and dry their seeds."

TAKE NOTE: I am NOT suggesting you dehydrate your old carved-out pumpkins after they've been "in use." No Siree Bob.

I'm talking about drying pumpkin that is FRESH, so consider picking up an extra one or two smaller pumpkins that are just for dehydrating!

🎃 The Must-Know FAQs About Dehydrating Pumpkin

How Do You Dry Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are nutritious and easy to dry. Here’s how:

  • Rinse seeds under running water and pat dry with a towel. Dry-roast them for extra flavor.
  • Spread a single layer of pumpkin seeds onto a parchment-lined tray or fruit roll drying sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
  • Dehydrate at 120-130°F for 12-24 hours. Check and rotate trays every few hours. Actual time depends on your desired final crispness.

To test if seeds are done, check for a super crispy hard texture throughout. They will also shrink considerably, too.

For extra salted flavor, lightly toss cooled seeds in a bowl with sea salt and return to the dehydrator for 2 more hours.

Sore pumpkin seeds in an airtight glass Mason jar or a vacuum-sealed bag in a cool dark place for up to 3 months.

Proper low and slow dehydration helps the seeds retain their healthy fats and oils while evaporating the excess moisture so they can be enjoyed - or planted - later.

Do you have to cook pumpkin before you dehydrate it?

No, you do not need to cook the pumpkin before dehydrating. All you need to do is slice it thinly - in evenly sized pieces - and dry it in a dehydrator.

How long does pumpkin take in a dehydrator?

The process takes between 9-11 hours, depending on the size and thickness of your pumpkin slices.

Can my dog eat pumpkin?

Yes, Pumpkin is great for dogs! Check out my homemade recipe: Fresh Pumpkin Dog Treats!

Pumpkin Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, Copper, Fiber, Folate, and Manganese.

MINERALS: Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium, which can help keep your heartbeat regular and your blood pressure low.

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin for Dehydrating

Child in a pumpkin field with a farmer

Let's start with picking the right pumpkin. Ask the farmer to help you pick just the right one. The perfect pumpkin is generally one that feels solid and heavy for its size. Look for smooth, consistent coloring and no visible blemishes.

Buy a few smaller ones, too, for dehydrating. Tell the farmer you've learned how to dehydrate pumpkin on Easy Food Dehydrating! ;-)

Pumpkin pieces drying

How to Dehydrate Pumpkin

The dehydrating process for pumpkin is easy. Follow these four simple steps:

  1. Clean your pumpkin thoroughly.
  2. Cut it into thin slices. The thinner, the faster it will dehydrate.
  3. Arrange the slices on your dehydrator trays, making sure the pieces don't overlap.
  4. Set the temperature to 135°F on your dehydrator.

💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

  • Dehydrated pumpkin will be brittle when fully dried.
  • Drying time: between 9-11 hours.
  • Please remember to rotate your trays for even drying.

Storage Tips:

Store your dried pumpkin in an airtight container such as a glass Mason jar and put an oxygen absorber inside the jar before vacuuming and screwing on the lid.

If you prefer to store the pumpkin in vacuum-sealed bags, add the oxygen absorber to the bag before vacuuming out the air.

Keep all your dehydrated goodies in a cool, dark area of your home.

TIP: See how to make storage space "where there is none" right HERE.

Keep It Fresh: Best Storage Methods

Ball Reg Mouth Quart (32oz) Jar, 12-pk
Ball Reg Mouth Quart (32oz) Jar, 12-pk

Mason Jars Regular Mouth Quart Jars

  • Ball brand regular mouth Glass Mason Jars. Quart size (32oz)
  • Package of 12
Ball Mason Jar Pint size, Wide Mouth, 12-pk
Ball Mason Jar Pint size, Wide Mouth, 12-pk

Mason Jars Wide Mouth Pint Jars

  • Ball brand wide mouth Glass Mason Jars. Pint size (16oz)
  • Package of 12
Jarden Kerr Wide Mouth 8oz jar, 12-pk
Jarden Kerr Wide Mouth 8oz jar, 12-pk

Mason Jars Wide Mouth Half Pint Jars

  • Ball brand wide mouth Glass Mason Jars. Half-Pint (8oz)
  • Package of 12

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Adding Flavor: Spice Up Your Dehydrated Pumpkin

Add spices to raw pumpkin before dehydrating it to add flavor. While you can dehydrate raw pumpkin "as is," adding a bit of seasoning enhances the flavor depending on the intended use, i.e. a "sweet" or "savory" outcome.

For a Sweet Treat:

  • Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin spice before drying.

For a Savory Twist:

  • Lightly season with sea salt, smoked paprika, or chili powder.

IMPORTANT Note:
DO NOT add any spices to your raw pumpkin
if you're going to feed the dried pumpkin to your dog!

IMPORTANT Note:
DO NOT add any spices
to your raw pumpkin
if you're going to feed the
dried pumpkin to your dog!



Homemade
Pumpkin Spice Blend

Want to make your own pumpkin spice blend? Here’s a simple recipe:

pumpkin spice in a bowl

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

How to Make Pumpkin Spice:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
  2. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Store the blend in an airtight container.
  4. Use this spice blend in your favorite fall dishes and desserts for that extra hint of warmth and coziness!

Did you know this? While dried ground pumpkin adds an interesting twist, traditional pumpkin spice blend does not contain any pumpkin. It's made with the simple ingredients above.



Turn Dehydrated Pumpkin into Pumpkin Powder

Once your pumpkin slices are completely dry, you can grind them into a fine powder using a blender or a spice grinder. Pumpkin powder adds a unique flavor to:

  • Soups and stews 🍲
  • Baked goods like muffins and bread 🍞
  • Protein shakes and smoothies 🥤
  • Spice rubs for meats 🍖

Did you know that pumpkin powder can even replace wheat flour in some baking recipes!

Also, waste not, want not - save your pumpkin seeds and dehydrate (and roast them) - learn how on my how to dehydrate nuts and seeds here.

Remember to Pick Up Extra Pumpkin Just for Dehydrating

Make dehydrating pumpkin into a new routine that you can look forward to every year!

Getting the most out of Halloween pumpkins never tasted so good!

Carved Pumpkins with candles lit

You’ll not only create a scary lantern or two, but you'll also have delicious snacks for you and your dog - and have fun doing it! (Reminder, we're not dehydrating the old pumpkin carcasses - just fresh pumpkin!)

Go grab your pumpkin-cutting tools (or "treat" yourself to some new ones below - no "tricks" allowed), and then I'll show you how to dehydrate pumpkin for dog treats!

#1: Pumpkin Carving Kit

Pumpkin Carving Kit, Heavy Duty, Halloween, Stainless Steel
Pumpkin Carving Kit, Heavy Duty, Halloween, Stainless Steel

Pumpkin Carving Kit

For Halloween pumpkin carving, you'll want this kit of carving tools for making intricate designs. Look for sturdy tools that won't bend easily.

#2: Sharp Chef's Knife (by Cutluxe)

Cutluxe 8
Cutluxe 8" Chef Knife, Full Tang

Cutluxe Chef Knife

A sharp and sturdy knife is essential for cutting the pumpkin (and anything else!) into smaller, manageable pieces. Here is a chef's knife with a full tang (that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin').

#3: Non-Slip Cutting Board

Thirteen Chefs Non-Slip Cutting Board, 30
Thirteen Chefs Non-Slip Cutting Board, 30"x18", 1/2" thick. Black. Dishwasher Safe.

Thirteen Chefs Cutting Board Non-Slip Surface

Use a cutting board with a non-slip bottom. Pumpkins can be quite slippery, and a secure cutting board can prevent spills, slips... and accidents.

#4: Vegetable Peeler

OXO Vegetable Peeler, Black.
OXO Vegetable Peeler, Black.

Vegetable Peeler by OXO

A good vegetable peeler helps to remove the pumpkin's skin more efficiently than a knife. I'm an "OXO"-brand fan. Just keep your fingers out of the way...

#5: Melon Baller / Scooper

OXO Melon Baller Scooper, Black, Stainless Steel
OXO Melon Baller Scooper, Black, Stainless Steel

Melon Baller/Scooper

Obviously, this is useful for easily scooping, scraping, and removing the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin.

Check out this page on "Dehydrating Nuts and Seeds" (and how to roast pumpkin seeds).

#6: Mandoline Slicer or Food Processor

Progressive International Slicer - PL8
Progressive International Slicer - PL8

Mandoline Slicer

Once you have your pumpkin pieces, a mandoline slicer - or a food processor-type gadget that has a slicing blade - make slices of pumpkin that are the same thickness. (Wear gloves if you're accident-prone).

Slice thickness matters. Why? Because we need to dehydrate pieces that are of a uniform thickness so the slices dehydrate at the same rate.

Try this awesome slicer I just had to get:

SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer
SUPMAKIN 5-in-1 Mandoline Slicer

SUPMAKIN Slicer + Dicer Mandoline ~ OnceForAll Brand

French fry cutter, vegetable chopper, vegetable slicer cutter, potato slicer, chopper for kitchen meal prep.

A multi-function mandoline that I just couldn't resist getting!

#7: Safety Gloves

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection; Ambidextrous; Machine Washable; Superior Comfort and Dexterity; Lightweight Protective Gloves; Complimentary eBook
NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves Food Grade — Level 5 Protection; Ambidextrous; Machine Washable; Superior Comfort and Dexterity; Lightweight Protective Gloves; Complimentary eBook

NoCry Premium Cut Resistant Gloves - Food-Grade

To protect your hands while cutting or peeling the pumpkin, consider purchasing a pair of these cut-resistant gloves. Safety is always be a priority in the kitchen.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Remember, always handle these pumpkin-cutting tools with care, especially when children are nearby (and are watching you closely and learning from you).

Can I Feed Pumpkin to My Dog?

Dog sitting inside a carved pumpkin

Many dog owners have asked, "Is pumpkin safe for my dog to eat?"

Yes! Pumpkin is beneficial not only for us humans - but for our four-legged friends too. So, while you and your kids are carving out pumpkin faces, Sheba can watch and drool while she waits for her treats made from fresh pumpkin pieces!

Here’s my tasty healthy recipe for pumpkin dog treats:


Fresh Pumpkin
Dog Treats

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh pumpkin purée*
  • 1 and a half cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup of dry oats
  • 1/4 cup of cornmeal
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1/2 cup of water

*To make fresh pumpkin purée: Cut a small pumpkin in half, remove the seeds, and bake in the oven cut-side-down on a baking sheet for 45-50 minutes at 375°F or until the pumpkin is soft and the skin can be easily pricked with a fork.

💡 Tip: Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

Scoop out the pumpkin and blend until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for this recipe and save the rest for another use.

How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Dog Treats!

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large glass bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, eggs, and honey. Then give your arm a rest (or use a mixer!)
  3. In another bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, oats, and cornmeal. (Not as hard as the pumpkin mixin'!)
  4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until it's all combined. If the dough is too dry, add water gradually until it reaches a workable doughy consistency.
  5. Roll out the dough on a well-floured board or countertop to about a 1/4-inch thickness.
  6. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Check out the bone-shaped cutters below! Transfer the cut-out dough pieces to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake them for 35-40 minutes or until the treats are hard and dry. Allow them to cool before serving to your pup!
    I bet you try one too... and that's OK, just don't let your dogs catch you stealing their treats!
Dog Bone Shape Cookie Cutters Ass't Sizes, 3-pk
Dog Bone Shape Cookie Cutters Ass't Sizes, 3-pk

Bone Shaped Cookie Cutters!

Here are some handy bone-shaped doggie treat cutters!

Yep, they're on Amazon.

Everything's on Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Make Your Own Dog Food book cover

Don't forget - it's like a pet food party to your pooch, so introduce new nibbles gradually, and keep your eagle eyes open for any funky reactions.

Remember, your best bet is to have a quick chat with your vet to make sure that these new treats are a good match for your dog's specific health profile.

Enjoy cooking for your pup! 

Learn how to make your own dog food here or click the image.


Now you know how to dehydrate pumpkin at home. I do hope you are even more eager to take on this year's - and every Halloween season - in full swing!

Get Your Free Guide to Dehydrating Like a Pro!

Don't forget to grab your free Six Simple Steps eBook! It’s packed with tips for dehydrating everything from fruits and veggies to dog treats. Get it here.

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