The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I want to start giving the dogs pumpkin but I cannot use it as fast as it goes to waste and gets bad in the ref. How long can you store the pumpkin in a container in the ref? And can you store in freezer that way I would not waste it and can use the following week or so. I think this will help Molly and it is also good for the other one. Thanks.

Mary lou

You can store pumpkin in the freezer for 6 months. It doesn't go bad after that but the nutrient content goes down. If you have the space, drop pumpkin by tablespoon onto a cookie pan and freeze overnight. Then take the "drops" and put in a freezer bag or container. That way you can defrost them as you use them. You can also give them to your dogs as a "pumpkin-sicle" on hot days.

I agree about storage length in the freezer, but I would add that freezing in ice cube trays or muffin tins and then transfering to baggies makes a really easy measurement.

How much do you give them? I give three each one tablespoon a day and the large cans last only a week or less. I am sure if you purchase the small cans you would be fine, or better yet buy fresh and bake or boil your own.

Claire, do you have any tips for getting the frozen pumpkin out of the tins? When I tried that method the pumpkin was a pain to get out.

Let them thaw a tiny bit on the counter and then flip them out of the tin. I tend to use a silicone one that I have, but slight thaw has worked for me with the metal.

Thanks!

I line a cookie sheet with plastic wrap before spooning (tbsp.) out the pumpkin. Then, transfer to a zip-lock baggie and freeze.

Spanky gets one tbsp. every morning.

Bonz

I use wax paper on a cookie sheet - the pumpkin drops pop right off!

I know I've posted this before. I usually buy the cubed, raw butternut squash at TJ's or Costco. I then toss it with a small bit of EVOO and then throw it in the oven on a stone. When nicely colored and tender, I cool it and pack in snack-size baggies and toss in the freezer. The advantage to this is I feel the pumpkin releases so much water when it's frozen. Sadie gets this at dinner on top of her kibbles. I just take one baggie out and that lasts for a few days. When it's empty, that same night I take the next baggie out of the freezer and put in the frig. That way it's ready to go for the next dinner. The roasted squash has already given up some moisture, so it's not as weepy as the canned pumpkin is when it thaws.

I think a yellow squash is a yellow squash, so I think both pumpkin and butternut produce the same effect. She loves pumpkin, too, but with one dog a can lasts too long. I have frozen it in single serving sizes, but then I have to thaw it before I put it on her kibbles. I know that isn't a requirement for her, but I don't like the thought of thawing pumpkin on my carpet.