Reviewed by Vanessa Farner, DVM on March 11, 2021 Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs. It contains essential micronutrients and fiber that make it a very nutritious treat.
Besides being a natural stomach soother, pumpkin also helps to remove excess water in a dog's digestive tract. Pet owners have relied on pumpkin for a long time to reduce instances of diarrhea in their dogs. This means it’s good to know how to prepare and serve pumpkin to your pet. Pumpkin is a delicious
addition to a human diet, but it also has a number of health benefits for your dog. Mineral and vitamin-packed. Pumpkin contains vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. Feeding plain canned pumpkin gives a great boost to your dog’s nutrition. Great for digestion. Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog’s
digestion. If you feed your dog some pumpkin, it will add bulk to their stool. This helps reduce issues with diarrhea. In addition, fermentation of the same fiber produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells. Pumpkin also aids in lowering the acidity level of your dog’s large intestines. Prebiotic
powerhouse.Prebiotics are essential compounds found in specific foods. Among them are pumpkin and butternut squash. Prebiotics support the presence of important bacteria in the digestive tract. Feeding dogs prebiotic foods is a great way to strengthen their digestive health. While pumpkin may be a great
choice to add to your dog’s diet, it’s important to remember that you can have too much of a good thing. Too much pumpkin in your dog’s diet can cause some harmful effects. Nutrient deficiencies. While some people add pumpkin to their dog’s diet to boost fiber intake, too much fiber can be dangerous. Adding a lot of fiber from pumpkin or other fiber-rich foods may decrease how much protein and other nutrients your pet can absorb from their food, putting them at risk for
deficiencies. High in calories. Pumpkin is a starchy vegetable that is high in calories in addition to fiber. Having any one food make up more than 10% of your dog’s total calorie intake is not good. Potentially high in sodium. It is important to always check canned pumpkin before buying it for your dog. Some canned pumpkin brands with salt can have nearly 600 milligrams of sodium per cup, which is
too much sodium for a dog with heart or kidney disease. May contain dangerous additions. It is essential that you differentiate between pumpkin pie filling and canned pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling has added fat, sugar, and spices like cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Some of these spices can be toxic
to your dog. Plain canned pumpkin consists of pumpkin flesh, which is generally safe for your dog. Add one to four pumpkin tablespoons per meal to your dog’s diet. Always start with small quantities to avoid adding too much fiber. If you have doubts about the amount of pumpkin to add to your dog's diet, always consult your veterinarian. The following are the best ways to prepare and serve pumpkin for dogs: Canned pumpkin. Plain canned pumpkin is easy to feed your dog as you don't need to cook it. Ensure it doesn’t have additives, and serve it directly. Freshly baked pumpkin. To prepare fresh pumpkin, remove the seeds and bake it in your oven until it is soft. Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds. You may also add pumpkin
seeds to your dog’s diet as a crunchy treat. Clean and roast fresh seeds for one hour at 350 degrees. Let them cool, and then grind them up into your dog’s food. You may also feed them whole, but be sure to consider the size of your dog — very small dogs or puppies may not handle them well. Cool pumpkin purée. Peel a whole pumpkin and remove the seeds, then slice it into chunks. Simmer the flesh in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes or until it’s tender. Drain and mash it into a smooth paste. Pumpkin purée will keep for three to four days in the fridge and six months in the freezer. Make sure to defrost it completely when adding to another recipe. ‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice, but is this beloved fall treat safe for Fido? Sort of. Pumpkin, though not the spices associated with it, is actually great for dogs! But there are some caveats to giving pumpkin to your pooch, so be careful. Read on to find out more, and, of course, if you have questions or doubts, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. All dogs are different, and your specific pet’s needs and sensitivities may vary. What Are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs? Pumpkin boasts some serious health benefits for your dog.
Keep in mind, though, much of the success of feeding pumpkin to dogs also depends on the cause of their gastrointestinal issues. If feeding your pooch pumpkin doesn’t seem to be helping your baby get back to his or herself, talk to your veterinarian. How Much Pumpkin to Give Your DogLike anything else, with pumpkin, you can very well have too much of a good thing.
If you aren’t sure how much pumpkin your dog can eat safely, check with your vet. Keep Your Pumpkin PlainPumpkin is best served plain to canines, so skip the pie filling, spices, and seasonings that we often associate with yummy human treats.
Plain canned pumpkin without added sugars, ingredients, or fillers, as well as plain fresh pumpkin and pumpkin flesh, are safe bets for your dog. One thing to be sure to avoid is sugar-free canned pumpkin, Dr. Woodnutt warns. “The main concern is with sugar-free canned pumpkin, which may contain xylitol,” she told us. “Since the ingredients in all of these change over time (and our understanding of toxins develops, too), the safest bet is to avoid everything but 100% pumpkin.” Pet Pro Tip: If you have a cat that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a cat insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more. Steer Clear of Some Pumpkin PartsNot all parts of a pumpkin are created equal. If you’re feeding your dog fresh pumpkin, keep the following rules in mind:
Carved Pumpkins Are a No-GoDon’t recycle an old Jack O’Lantern as a snack for your dog! Carved pumpkins, especially ones that have been sitting outside for a while, can breed mold and bacteria, which can make your beloved pet pretty sick (and that’s scary). How to Prepare Pumpkin for Your DogIf you feed your dog plain fresh pumpkin, be sure to bake it until soft first. Remove the pumpkin seeds and let it cool before serving. Canned pumpkin puree can be served as is, and you can make your own pumpkin puree using this easy recipe. But let’s be real—you’ll probably want to kick it up a notch for your furbaby, right? Dr. Sievert gave us this recipe for DIY pumpkin treats using ingredients you can get from the grocery store or already have at home:
Melt all of these ingredients in the oven, mix them up, create small cookie shapes, and put them back in the oven for 30 minutes at 180℉. Save the SeedsPumpkin seeds contain oils that are great for your dog’s urinary tract and may help with canine incontinence. If your dogs pees a little too much, ask your veterinarian if adding pumpkin seeds to his or her diet can help with urinary health. The seeds are also full of Omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help dislodge kidney stones. If you get the all-clear to give your dog pumpkin seeds, it’s important to prepare them properly.
How to Store Pumpkin for Your DogChances are you may have some leftover pumpkin. No problem! Here’s how store your extra stash:
Of course, we’re pretty partial to pumpkin here at Pumpkin. If you aren’t sure whether pumpkin is safe for your pet or if your dog is having digestive issues that pumpkin can’t fix, be sure to book an appointment with your veterinarian—especially because Pumpkin pet insurance covers diagnostics and treatment for eligible digestive illnesses. Ali DoyleCopywriter, mini schnauzer mom, cat lover Ali is a copywriter with a passion for grammar. She's also mom to Ziggy, the mini schnauzer. Should I give my dog pumpkin if he has diarrhea?Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog's digestion. If you feed your dog some pumpkin, it will add bulk to their stool. This helps reduce issues with diarrhea.
How fast does pumpkin work for dog diarrhea?That's because it takes time for a dog's stomach acids to break down the pumpkin serving added to their food. For a moderate case of diarrhea, your dog's next poop might show some signs of improvement within 4 – 6 hours. However, 24 – 48 hours is a more reasonable timeframe to expect a full recovery.
What can I give my dog to stop diarrhea?A bland diet for 24 to 48 hours may help to resolve your pup's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) may help to make your pup's tummy feel better. Once your pooch feels better, gradually reintroduce their regular food.
How does canned pumpkin help dogs with diarrhea?If your dog has diarrhea, the soluble fiber in canned pumpkin will help absorb the excess water, resulting in firmer stool. For a pet that is constipated, the high water and fiber content in the pumpkin will help add bulk and soften the stool, acting as a natural laxative and making the stool easier to pass.
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How much pumpkin do you give a dog for diarrhea
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