Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Can dogs eat pumpkin? In general, yes, pumpkin is proven to be a remarkably effective remedy for various digestive problems in dogs, including constipation and diarrhea, and at the same time, it offers plenty of health benefits to our canine friends.
However, like most human food, there are a few things to keep in mind before adding pumpkin to your furry friend’s diet.
Is pumpkin good for dogs?
Yes, pumpkin is a healthy alternative to commercial dog treats. Pumpkin boasts a lot of nutritional benefits for our canine companions.
Pumpkin is fully loaded with nutrients.
Pumpkin contains nutrients that are essential to your dog’s health. It contains vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet offers numerous benefits. The nutrients found in pumpkin provide the following health benefits:
- Aid in blood cell production,
- Help in lowering blood pressure,
- Prevent cardiovascular problems;
- Enhance muscle, teeth, and bone health.
- Promote healthy eyesight for dogs.
Vitamin A promotes eye health and keeps our dog’s vision sharp and clear. It also prevents eyesight loss, night blindness, and other eye degeneration diseases from developing.
Pumpkin strengthens the dog’s immune system.
Antioxidants, together with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E, boost our dog’s immune system. These nutrients protect him from oxidants, also known as free radicals, which contribute to cancer advancement.
Moreover, these nutrients and antioxidants prevent various types of cancer from developing.
Pumpkin improves a dog’s skin and coat condition.
Pumpkin is a great source of vitamin A and zinc, which are vital in keeping Fido’s skin and coat healthy. Since the fruit has high water content, it also keeps the coat glossy and the skin supple.
Thus, he is less prone to heavy hair loss and various skin and coat problems.
Pumpkin aids in weight loss and promotes smooth digestion.
Pumpkin is high in dietary fiber and water content. Combined, they promote weight loss and make pooches feel full quicker.
Fiber is also important in regulating dogs’ metabolism. If your dog is suffering from constipation, adding pumpkin to his food will help loosen his stools. Pumpkin is also a popular remedy for diarrhea in dogs.
Pumpkin provides an extra dose of water to your dog.
Did you know that pumpkin flesh contains 90% water? This comes in handy, especially if your dog’s meals consist of dehydrated kibble, which is low in water content.
Adding pumpkin to Fido’s diet will keep him properly hydrated. Keep in mind, though, that this should not be used as a substitute for fresh water.
Can dogs have pumpkin daily?
Pumpkins are nutritious treats for dogs, and dogs love them. However, feeding your dog pumpkin should be done in moderation. Excessive consumption is unhealthy for him, no matter how nutritious pumpkin is.
Small dog breeds should only have ½–1 teaspoon of pumpkin daily.
Medium dog breeds can consume 1 tablespoon a day.
Large dog breeds should only have 1 ½–2 tablespoons daily consumption.
For large to medium dogs suffering from diarrhea, it is recommended to mix a maximum of 4 tablespoons of pumpkin into their food. Meanwhile, it should not go over 2 tablespoons each meal for small dogs and a maximum of three dosages per day.
Although pumpkin is a remedy for digestive issues in dogs due to its high fiber content. Too much of it may result in digestive upset, bloat, gas, and diarrhea. Thus, serving more than the recommended amount is greatly discouraged.
When introducing pumpkin to your dog, start offering it in small amounts. Sudden changes in his meals must be avoided. That’s because your dog’s digestive system is sensitive to new foods or abrupt adjustments in food quantity.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
Raw pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat only if it undergoes proper preparation. Always pick a fresh raw pumpkin for your pooch. Serving your dog spoiled ones will result in a bad case of diarrhea.
Be sure to remove the stem and leaves. These parts have prickly hairs that can irritate your dog’s mouth and digestive system. Remove the pumpkin skin as well as it is indigestible. It’s also a choking hazard and may cause stomach obstruction when ingested.
Cut up the peeled pumpkin into small pieces as it is hard to chew. Avoid giving your dog large bits since it puts him in danger of choking.
Raw pumpkins should be served plain to prevent digestive issues and other health problems. So, don’t add any oil, salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
Can dogs eat cooked pumpkin?
Yes, dog can eat plain cooked pumpkin. Cooked pumpkin is easy to eat and digest, making it a safer option than raw pumpkins. You can roast, bake, and steam pumpkins for your dog.
Always make sure to cut it up into small pieces to avoid the risk of him choking.
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?
Opt for plain canned 100% pumpkin that is free from additives and preservatives. This is a healthier choice for your dog compared to the canned pumpkin; that contains extra ingredients, such as sugar and salt and too many calories, which might have adverse effects on a dog’s health especially those with heart and kidney disease.
Plain canned pumpkin for dogs is a fantastic source of fiber, which aids in keeping their digestive tract in good shape. But it is advised that fresh home-cooked pumpkin is the better option for dogs as it delivers more health benefits to them.
Can dogs eat pumpkin puree?
Yes, plain pureed pumpkin is safe and nutritious for dogs to eat, and it is loaded with fiber. Dog owners commonly use pumpkin puree to help alleviate their furry pals’ constipation and diarrhea. The problem with some pet foods is that, despite being healthful and safe for the majority of pets, they often contain less fiber than what would be available from a modest amount of a concentrated fiber supplement.
Creating your very own pumpkin puree at home is quite easy. Roast sliced raw pumpkins in the oven for around forty to sixty minutes, then puree them using a blender, and you’re done! This way, you can ensure that your dog gets the benefits of natural fiber without any unnecessary additives. Storing pumpkins properly in the freezer will make them last for approximately four to five months, allowing you to have a convenient supply of pumpkin puree whenever your dog needs it.
So, if you want to provide your dog with a healthy source of fiber, making pumpkin puree at home is an excellent option. It’s a safe and effective way to support your pet’s digestive health while avoiding the potential drawbacks of some commercial pet foods.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, pumpkin seeds are healthy treats for dogs. Unlike other fruit seeds, pumpkin seeds are non-toxic to dogs and are great sources of fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients are great at preventing bladder or kidney stones from developing in a dog’s urinary system.
Crushing pumpkin seeds is recommended to lower the risk of choking and digestive blockage. If you opt to feed your dog the seeds whole, do it one at a time.
Limit the serving you give to your dog, as they are high in fat. Letting him gorge on them will lead to diarrhea, an upset stomach, and weight gain.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
No, pumpkin pie made with a traditional recipe, especially store-bought ones, is dangerous for dogs. Aside from containing large amounts of spices, pumpkin pie may also have poisonous ingredients to dogs, such as nutmeg and xylitol, a sugar substitute that is extremely poisonous for them.
For the same reason, sharing pumpkin pie fillings and mixes with your furry pal should be avoided.
A dog experiencing nutmeg or xylitol toxicity will show signs of disorientation, abdominal pains, increased heart rate, vomiting, tremors, and seizures. It will take twenty-four to forty-eight hours for these symptoms to show.
If your dog suffers from these conditions, take him to the vet immediately.
Home-made Pumpkin Dog Treats
Is plain pumpkin too bland for your furry friend? Here’s a recipe to help you transform it into a mouth-watering pumpkin treat to set Fido’s tail wagging.
Pumpkin Yogurt Pupsicle
Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
Procedure
- Mix pumpkin and yogurt in a bowl.
- Divide the mixture evenly into an ice tray or molds.
- Freeze for about twenty-four hours.
- Remove the treats out of the mold and serve them to your dog.
- Transfer leftover pupsicles into a freezer bag for storage.
