Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

 

Summary: If you’re asking whether there are any benefits of pumpkin for dogs, in this blog we learn whether dogs can eat pumpkin and if pumpkin is good for dogs! We’ll find out what kind of pumpkin you can feed your dog too… 

 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin! Pumpkin can be a really healthy addition to most doggy diets in small, daily quantities.

Benefits

It’s thought there are many benefits to feeding your dog pumpkin!

Pumpkin can aid digestion; pumpkin is loaded with fiber and prebiotics which are great for your doggy’s digestion and gut. The soluble fiber helps maintain a healthy acidity level in the intestines and the prebiotic load can support the presence of essential, good bacteria in the gut which is great for strengthening their digestive process.

Pumpkin can help with both occasional loose stools and overly firm stools; the soluble fiber in pumpkin can help target mild bouts of firm stools whilst also helping bulk up the occasional loose stools your pup may be producing.

Pumpkin can benefit skin, heart, and eye health; pumpkin is also packed with Vitamin E and Carotenoids. Vitamin E can help keep an optimum skin and coat condition whilst also contributing to your pup’s heart health. Carotenoids can also benefit the skin whilst boosting the health of your pup’s peepers!

Pumpkin also contains Iron, Vitamin C, Potassium, and Vitamin A; this means it can help make sure your dog’s body is getting vital nutrients it needs to function efficiently! Potassium in particular can help the nerves and muscles work properly.

PetLab Co. Pro Tip: If you’re reading this blog because your dog has severe or sudden diarrhea or constipation, get them assessed by a vet to rule out anything serious before attempting home remedies like pumpkin.

What Kind Of Pumpkin For Dogs?

First things first, never feed your dog canned pumpkin pie. It’s often artificially sweetened with xylitol which is incredibly toxic to dogs!

But, plain pumpkin puree or plain canned pumpkin that doesn’t contain xylitol is perfectly safe and healthy for your dog to eat. When checking over the ingredient list, the only one you should see ideally is pumpkin. 

You can also feed your dog fresh pumpkin that’s been cooked or roasted. They can also eat it raw but the roughage can be quite intense on a doggo’s digestive tract so only provide them with very small quantities of raw pumpkin if you choose to do so. 

Pumpkin powder makes a good alternative if you can’t source canned pumpkin without xylitol or if fresh pumpkin is out of season.

Pumpkin Seeds

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds. They’re actually packed with antioxidants and considered a good source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium too. You can dry or roast pumpkin seeds and grind them up before adding a handful of these surprisingly nutritional pumpkin innards to your pup’s bowl!

How Much Pumpkin To Give A Dog?

Add 1-4 teaspoons of cooked pumpkin or pumpkin seeds to your dog’s food bowl at one of their mealtimes, but start with 1 initially and work your way up to more so as not to shock your dog’s tummy. If you want to know the exact amount appropriate for your dog and their breed, consult with their vet. 

Too much pumpkin can be a problem for your dog, so make sure you’re not overdoing it. Fiber, however essential it is in a doggo’s diet, in excessive amounts can cause digestive distress and prevent other nutrients from being absorbed by the body.

Sources

Author Kawczynska, Claudia "Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? The Bark, Nov 19. 2021 https://www.thewildest.com/dog-nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pumpkin

Author Burke, Anna "Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea?" American Kennel Club, Jul 06. 2021 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-pumpkin-help-with-dog-diarrhea/

Author Taffer, Marissa "The Benefits (And Risks) Of Pumpkins For Dogs" Dog Eared, By Ollie, Sep 15. 2021 https://blog.myollie.com/pumpkin-for-dogs/

Author Farner, Vanessa DVM "Can I Give My Dog Pumpkin?" Fetch by Web MD, Mar 11. 2021 https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/can-i-give-dog-pumpkin#1