I just want to remind people that this is a great time to buy pumpkins.... one of the most beneficial foods you could give to your dogs. They might be on sale at your local supermarket. And if they were already on sale, they might be discounted even more after halloween or Thanksgiving (your store manager may choose to put them on sale, even cheaper than what is advertised, if they have too many). (UPDATE: OK so I just went to the store, thinking I might be able to score a bunch of pumpkins, even cheaper than they were yesterday, but guess what.... they were ALL GONE. Maybe the farm buys them back to sell to companies for pumpkin puree, or something I don't know, but I thought I should give an update that maybe you shouldn't count on getting them super cheap the day after halloween, after all! 😂). $5 per jack-o-lantern type pumpkin, any size, really is a pretty good deal. 
I am not at a point where I can afford to stop the dry kibble entirely, but I have found things that I can use to add to it, that actually costs less than dry kibble (the one I buy a tractor supply is about fifty cents a pound) when they are on sale. I was recently able to get pumpkins, from less than twenty cents a pound ( but I should note, I am that person who will dig around in the giant supermarket pumpkin box for the biggest one 😀). You could probably also get some pumpkins for free, if you were willing to go on next door or a neighborhood facebook group to see if anyone is about to throw theirs away! A majority of people who buy pumpkins just throw them in the trash or green bin, and it seems like such a waste when they are so good for dog health!!
They are great for compost, too.
And you can FREEZE DRY pumpkin!! There are lots of videos on youtube that show how to do this. I do not have a freeze dryer yet, but plan to save up and get one when I can afford it. You can see a few videos where people are reviewing different types of freeze dryers, HERE ( there are just a few in this playlist but many more on youtube).
Lately I have been combining the following with their dry kibble: pumpkin, potatoes, beans (black, white or pinto), rice, garlic (1/2 clove to 1 glove per dog.... which it's not only great for my dogs, but it also makes it smell fantastic while it's cooking). If you don't already know about the health benefits of garlic for dogs, CLICK HERE. I can help with fleas, and I saw a great video about how it's one of those foods people take to prevent cancer.
I also add 4 chicken drumsticks (because they go on sale for about 50 cents a pound at a local supermarket in my area) and after it's all cooked, I pull out the bones and blend them in a nutribullet with 4 raw eggs (I leave the shells in to give them extra calcium).
I blend this mixture for about a minute to make sure nothing sharp is left. I have added other things to their food in the past (probiotic cabbage / sauerkraut, apples, zucchini) but that's been the mixture lately.
Every pumpkin is loaded with seeds, that would cost you a lot of money, if you were to buy them in packets at the store! They're really easy to grow!
From Chat GPT:
I said:
Can you give me a summary of the many different reasons why pumpkin is good for dog health
They said:
Pumpkin is one of those inexpensive, nutritious foods that can benefit dogs in several different ways! 🎃🐕
And since you're already adding pumpkin to the homemade food you prepare for your dogs, I think you'll appreciate how much nutritional value it can provide.
The biggest benefit is digestive health, but pumpkin also contains nutrients that support the eyes, immune system, skin, and other parts of the body.
10 health benefits of pumpkin for dogs
1. Helps relieve diarrhea
Pumpkin contains soluble fiber that absorbs water in the intestines, helping firm up loose stools. It can be useful for occasional, mild diarrhea.
2. Helps prevent or relieve constipation
Its fiber helps regulate bowel movements, while its moisture contributes to softer, easier-to-pass stools. Interestingly, the same food can help with both diarrhea and constipation!
3. Feeds beneficial gut bacteria
Pumpkin fiber acts as a prebiotic, providing nourishment for beneficial intestinal bacteria. When some fibers ferment, they produce short-chain fatty acids that help nourish cells lining the colon.
4. Supports the immune system
Pumpkin supplies beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to normal immune function and help protect cells against oxidative damage.
5. Supports eye health
Its orange color comes partly from beta-carotene, which dogs can convert into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, particularly in low-light conditions, and helps maintain healthy eye tissues.
6. Supports healthier skin and coats
Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin, while vitamin E contributes antioxidant protection. Adequate nutrition supports normal skin renewal and coat quality. However, pumpkin itself isn't a proven treatment for allergies or persistent itching.
7. May help with weight management
Pumpkin is relatively low in calories and contains fiber and water, which add volume to food. In appropriate portions, it can help dogs feel satisfied without adding many calories.
8. Supports normal muscle and nerve function
Pumpkin provides potassium, an important electrolyte involved in muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.
9. May improve natural anal gland emptying
Firm, appropriately bulky stools can help compress a dog's anal glands during bowel movements. For some dogs, the added fiber from pumpkin may help with recurring anal gland problems.
10. May help moderate blood sugar absorption
Fiber can slow digestion and glucose absorption, potentially reducing sudden blood sugar fluctuations after a meal. This is a possible supporting benefit, not a treatment for diabetes.
Since you're cooking for eight dogs at a time, one standard 15-ounce can of pumpkin divided into your two-day batch would provide roughly 2 tablespoons per dog daily.
Use plain pumpkin without spices, sugar, or other additives. Too much can cause gas or loose stools, and persistent diarrhea or constipation needs veterinary attention.
One important distinction
Pumpkin is a wonderful supporting ingredient, but it doesn't provide complete nutrition by itself. Homemade dog food still needs the correct balance of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients.
My favorite thing about pumpkin is that it supports intestinal health in several interconnected ways: regulating stool moisture, providing fiber, feeding beneficial bacteria, and helping maintain the intestinal lining.
For a food that's inexpensive and easy to mix into a big Instant Pot batch, that's quite a lot of potential benefit!