It’s officially pumpkin season! Throughout the fall, you’ll find this gourd all over grocery stores, front porches, and even in your coffee. From pumpkin spice lattes to roasted pumpkin seeds, there are tons of ways to include this food in your diet. 

Can dogs eat pumpkin, too? The answer is a resounding “yes”! Pumpkin offers natural benefits for both humans and dogs. From supporting healthy digestion to supplying natural nutrients, pumpkin is an excellent ingredient to look for on your dog’s 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 a rich source of natural vitamins and minerals that support your dog’s well-being. Here’s how pumpkin supports your pup’s health. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B1, and B6. Vitamin A supports eye health, growth, development, and cellular health, while vitamin C is essential for immunity.

This food is also rich in magnesium antioxidants that combat free radicals in your dog’s body. Two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin, can address free radical damage in your pup’s eyes as they get older. 

Urinary Health 

Pumpkin for dogs also supports urinary health. Specifically, the nutrients found in pumpkin seeds promote healthy kidney function 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 dry 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 alternative 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. 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

We know pumpkin is safe–but can dogs have pumpkin seeds, too? Yes! Pumpkin seeds are a nutritious and dog-safe snack when served correctly. 

With high levels of zinc and antioxidants, pumpkin seeds can support your dog’s immune system, skin, and coat health. They may even help naturally repel intestinal parasites like worms. 

To serve pumpkin seeds for dogs, always choose plain, unsalted seeds—or pull them right from a pumpkin if you’re carving some up for Halloween. For high digestibility, grind or crush the seeds before mixing them into your dog’s food. Too many pumpkin seeds may cause stomach upset, so only serve them in small portions. 

How Do I Feed My Dog Pumpkin? 

Most pumpkin parts offer benefits for your dog, from the seeds to the flesh. How can you incorporate this gourd into your pup’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 as 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 foods 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.