If your dog gets excited when you’re opening a can of pumpkin or whipping up a pumpkin pie, you may wonder if you can pop a spoon or two into his bowl.
There are many reasons why people consider giving some pumpkin to their dogs. After all, it‘s a nutritious food source for humans. Why not for dogs too?
Pumpkin is one of those all-rounder veggies. It‘s low calorie, an excellent fiber source, and jam-packed with Vitamin C, beta-carotene (an antioxidant), potassium, and carotenoids (also an antioxidant).
A serving of pumpkin also has some B-complex vitamins and calcium to offer! Still, does all of this mean that pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are actually good for dogs? Can dogs eat pumpkin and not get sick or suffer from toxicity?
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Yes! Pumpkin is a safe and nutritious treat for most dogs when given in moderation. This vibrant orange vegetable is packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and E, as well as fiber, which supports digestive health. Whether served plain, cooked, or as a puréed addition to their meals, pumpkin can be a great way to enhance your pup’s diet.
However, it’s important to choose the right kind of pumpkin. Fresh, plain pumpkin or 100% canned pumpkin (without added sugars, spices, or fillers) is the best option. Avoid pumpkin pie filling or heavily processed pumpkin products, as they may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Always introduce pumpkin gradually into your dog’s diet to ensure it agrees with their stomach.
Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Let’s explore the health benefits, risks, and best ways to serve pumpkin to your dog.
What Are the Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs?
Pumpkin isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can support your dog’s overall health. Here are some key benefits:
Supports Digestion: Pumpkin is rich in fiber, making it an excellent natural remedy for both diarrhea and constipation. It helps regulate bowel movements and promotes a healthy gut.
Boosts Immune Health: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin provides antioxidants that support your pup’s immune system, helping to fight off illness and inflammation.
Aids in Weight Management: Because pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, it can help dogs feel full longer, making it a great addition to a weight management plan.
Promotes a Healthy Coat & Skin: Pumpkin contains essential fatty acids and beta-carotene, which contribute to a shiny coat and nourished skin.
Adding a small amount of plain, canned, or fresh-cooked pumpkin to your dog’s meals can provide these valuable health benefits without any artificial additives or fillers.
What Type of Pumpkin is Safe for My Dog?
If you have pumpkins growing in your garden, you probably shouldn‘t let your dogs simply help themselves to some. The growing pumpkin plant has prickly leaves and stems, for starters, which could hurt your dog and put him off from eating pumpkin in the future.
However, can dogs eat raw pumpkin, and can dogs have pumpkin seeds? That‘s where things get tricky.
While raw pumpkin won‘t hurt your dog, it‘s good to be aware that it‘s not particularly digestible, which could lead to tummy upset and bloating.
On the other hand, the seeds are packed with antioxidants and make for an excellent snack for dogs.
Most pet parents used canned pumpkin, which is entirely safe for dogs as long as it is 100% pure pumpkin with no additives.
However, be very careful of feeding your dog a canned pumpkin pie mix, as the sugar, salt, and nutmeg can actually be toxic to your dog.
Another type of canned pumpkin to be careful of is those that claim to be sugar-free.
Unfortunately, many sugar-free products contain a sweetener called Xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs (it can lead to seizures, liver failure, and even death). Always check the can label to verify the ingredients before feeding the contents to your pet.
As already mentioned, portion sizes are essential when feeding pumpkin to your dog. If you don‘t know how much pumpkin to feed dogs, it‘s best to get advice or choose a suitable food source.
Pumpkin is not a complete and balanced meal and therefore should be fed to your pet alongside existing, nutrient-dense meals. It’s also a great option to feed your dog pumpkin if he needs to be on a bland diet after an upset stomach or similar.
Are There Any Risks of Feeding Pumpkin to Dogs?
While pumpkin is generally safe, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Portion Control Matters: Too much fiber can cause digestive upset, leading to bloating or loose stools. Start with small amounts and monitor your dog’s reaction.
- Avoid Pumpkin with Additives: Pumpkin pie filling and flavored pumpkin products often contain sugars, spices, and xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Stick to pure, unsweetened pumpkin.
- High Vitamin A Content: While vitamin A is beneficial, excessive amounts can lead to toxicity. Make sure pumpkin is just a supplement to a balanced diet rather than a primary food source.
By serving pumpkin in moderation and ensuring it’s free of harmful ingredients, you can safely incorporate it into your dog’s diet for a nutritious boost.
Pumpkin is a Natural Remedy for Worms & Parasites
Not many people know this, but pumpkin seeds and canned pumpkin are natural remedies for worms and parasites in dogs.
Inside each pumpkin seed is cucurbitacin, an amino acid that can paralyze and eliminate parasites living in a dog‘s digestive tract. Meanwhile, canned pumpkin adds several vitamins to your dog’s diet and it’s also high in fibers, helping the animal’s digestion.
Many pet parents choose to use pumpkin as a natural alternative to vet-provided dewormers, especially if their dog has suffered uncomfortable side effects, such as an allergic reaction, vomiting, and diarrhea.
On the contrary, while pumpkin works to relieve your dog of parasites, it also contains healthy protein and amino acids.
How do you use pumpkin as a natural remedy for worms and parasites? You can offer whole pumpkin seeds to your dog and see if he/she will happily eat them.
If he/she doesn‘t seem too interested or keeps dropping the seeds, you can grind the seeds up and then simply add the powder to your dog‘s food. You should only give your dog a ¼ teaspoon of ground seeds per 10 pounds of body weight. Only do this twice per day until signs of the worms are gone.
Pumpkin is High in Antioxidants and Vitamins
We have already touched on the fact that pumpkin is high in vitamins and antioxidants, but let‘s look at what vitamins and antioxidants it has that are good for your dog. Here‘s what‘s inside a serving of pumpkin:
- Carotenoids – this is an antioxidant that gives a pumpkin its color. These antioxidants are present in the skin, the flesh, and the seeds of the pumpkin. Carotenoids benefit dogs by slowing down the process of aging, reducing inflammation, and promoting good eye health.
- Vitamin A – this vitamin is essential for healthy vision.
- Vitamin C – this particular vitamin will boost your dog’s immune system and ease joint and mobility issues.
- Zinc – this promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin in dogs.
- Magnesium – this particular element is essential for many processes in the body. Zinc is also essential for a healthy nervous system, strong bones, and good vision.
Whole human-grade foods, like pumpkin, can be great on a dog’s digestion. If you’re looking to transition your pup to a human-grade diet to help with digestion, consider the Spot & Tango range of fresh wet and dry dog food.
By feeding your dog this particular veterinary nutritionist-designed food, you can ensure healthy skin, coat, immune system, and digestive system for your pet.
How to Store Pumpkin for Your Dog
Most pet parents used canned pumpkin to feed their pets as fresh pumpkin is seasonal. The good news is that storing canned pumpkin once open is easier than you think.
You can buy canned plain pumpkin and store it in a plastic sealed container in the fridge to use as required.
Make sure to check the food safety label for advice on how long you can store the pumpkin in the refrigerator once the can is open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
A. Raw pumpkin is safe for your dog to eat, so don‘t stress out if your dog snacks on a Jack-o’-lantern when you‘re not looking. If your dog has a non-sensitive stomach, he/she may show no signs of discomfort after eating raw pumpkin. However, other dogs with more sensitive stomachs or digestive issues may find that raw pumpkin isn‘t very digestible.
Q. Can dogs eat pumpkin skin?
A. Pumpkin skin is particularly tough-textured, making it quite difficult to digest. Therefore, if your dog does eat raw pumpkin skin (or even cooked pumpkin skin), it may give him/her stomach discomfort or lead to a temporary digestive issue.
That said, some dogs can tolerate a small amount of pumpkin skin with no issues.
Q. Can puppies eat pumpkin?
A. Yes, puppies can eat a small amount of pumpkin, but be careful about how much you feed. Just a teaspoon or two should be enough.
As pumpkin is very high in fiber and puppies’ tummies can be sensitive, it‘s best not to overdo it.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin is indeed healthy and safe for dogs to eat. Opposite to other human foods and vegetables, such as onion and garlic, pumpkin is mostly safe for dogs to snack on.
It can help with digestive issues, assist in maintaining a healthy weight, and be used to treat constipation, diarrhea, worms and parasites.
Adding a small amount of pumpkin to your dog‘s daily diet can be beneficial to his health.
To find healthier options for your dog’s diet, don’t forget to browse Spot & Tango website, where you can create a personalized meal plan for your dog.
