Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Sundays
Is pumpkin safe for dogs to eat? Absolutely! Read on to learn about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs.
Pumpkin is a popular seasonal vegetable to include in your diet (and your coffee) when autumn rolls around. From pumpkin-flavored lattes to pumpkin sauce pasta, there are tons of ways to include this ingredient in your diet.
But, can dogs eat pumpkin, too? The answer is yes, they sure can!
Pumpkin has a range of benefits for humans and dogs. From supporting digestion to supplying natural nutrients, pumpkin is an excellent ingredient to look for on the dog food label.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of pumpkin for dogs and how you can include this unique ingredient in your dog’s diet.
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin isn’t just popular because it tastes good. This superfood is rich in natural nutrients to support your dog’s well-being. Here’s how pumpkin supports your dog’s health.
Vitamins
Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and B vitamins B1 and B6.
Vitamin A supports eye health, growth, development, and cellular health, while vitamin C is essential for immunity.
Pumpkin is also rich in magnesium antioxidants that combat free radicals, including lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help address free radical damage in the eye area, especially as it relates to aging.
Urinary Health
Pumpkin for canines also supports urinary health. Nutrients found in pumpkin seeds promote healthy kidney function and renal health in dogs.
Digestive Support
Does pumpkin help dogs poop? Yes, because pumpkin is a fiber-rich food. Fiber is essential for your dog’s digestive health, and pumpkin is a rich source of soluble fiber.
Can dogs eat pumpkin if they have diarrhea? Yes, pumpkin flesh helps absorb excess moisture in diarrhea, hardening stool and supporting regular movements. For constipated dogs, pumpkin releases water into the drier stool to help it pass more easily.
If your dog is experiencing constipation, diarrhea, or discomfort during bowel movements, consider giving them a small amount of pumpkin as a natural remedy. Pumpkin puree for dogs is easy to find at your local pet store and can be served as a treat or topper.
This versatile tool for digestive health is affordable, easy, and side-effect-free! Simply use a small amount of pumpkin and monitor your dog’s bowel movements. If pumpkin doesn’t help, talk with your vet about other solutions.
Heart Health
Because of the variety of antioxidants in pumpkin, this fruit can improve your dog’s heart health. Natural potassium in pumpkin fights the bad types of cholesterol and supports the good cholesterol for optimal heart health.
How Do I Feed My Dog Pumpkin?
Many parts of pumpkin offer benefits for your dog, from the seeds to the flesh. How can you incorporate this ingredient into your dog’s diet? Let’s break it down.
Avoid Canned Pumpkin
First, it’s critical to avoid canned pumpkin with added ingredients. Pumpkin pie filling, for example, has sugar, spices, and other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. Canned pumpkin puree is perfectly fine as long it’s the only ingredient on the label.
Keep It Simple
Remember to keep it simple when preparing pumpkin for dogs. If you’re making your own pumpkin cubes, puree, or even roasted seeds, don’t add any seasonings, butter, or oil.
Excess salt is unnecessary and can be harmful to your dog’s health. Plus, your dog will enjoy the flavor of pumpkin as it is without the excess seasonings. It’s also important to avoid some seasonings like garlic and onion as these are toxic for dogs.
You can roast pumpkin seeds in the oven, feed your dog pureed pumpkin, or thaw frozen pumpkin pieces as treats. Stick to small quantities to avoid giving your dog too much.
It’s also important to introduce new foods into your dog’s diet slowly. This way, you can monitor them for any allergic reactions or sensitivities. If you notice any unusual behavior after feeding pumpkin for canines, give your vet a call.
Try Dog Food with Pumpkin Ingredients
While homemade dog food is a great option, not all pet parents have the time and resources to make their pup’s daily meals. Instead, focus on spending more time with your furry friend and let Sundays for Dogs do the hard work.
At Sundays, each recipe is made with only 100% human-grade ingredients. Pumpkin is a key ingredient in our air-dried dog food to naturally support digestion and overall health. Other superfood ingredients include real meat, blueberries, carrots, wild salmon oil, spinach, and more.
We rely on the natural nutrients and flavors of each ingredient in our food. The results is a vet-made, AAFCO-approved meal your dog will love.
Want to learn more about which foods to feed your dog and which foods to avoid? Our resources break down everything you need to know about being the best dog parent you can be.
SOURCES:
Health Benefits of Pumpkin | Cleveland Clinic
