Joseph Roetheli, PhD
Highlights:
Pumpkin is generally considered safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
Giving a dog too much pumpkin can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
The best way to let your dog enjoy this fall favorite is to do so in moderation and offer treats like Yummy Combs® for daily enjoyment.
The first pumpkin spice latte of the season has you feeling all things fall and cooler weather, but what about your pup? Shouldn’t your dog also be entitled to a little pumpkin treat?
The good news is that your dog can safely consume pumpkin in limited amounts. There are a few simple rules to follow when giving your dog pumpkin to help them avoid getting an upset stomach or consuming ingredients that aren’t good for them.
We’ll explain the benefits of pumpkin for dogs, how to feed your dog pumpkin, and how much they can have. We’ll also talk about a dog-safe treat that is not only nutritious but good for their oral health.
So, is pumpkin good for dogs? The answer is yes! Pumpkin is a nutritious squash that is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has health benefits that both humans and canines can enjoy.
Pumpkin contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, all of which are essential to your dog’s healthy body. It also contains iron and potassium, which support your dog’s overall health and well-being.
Pumpkin’s high fiber content makes it a good solution for supporting your dog’s digestive tract. If your dog is sick with constipation, adding pumpkin to their food can help alleviate it. Pumpkin is also good for other poop problems like diarrhea. Because pumpkin absorbs water, it firms up your dog’s stool and can reduce diarrhea symptoms.
The insoluble fiber in pumpkin acts as a prebiotic. Your dog’s gut health is essential to overall health. Just like our gut, your dog’s gut is made up of microorganisms. Prebiotic fiber helps support healthy levels of these microorganisms for a healthier digestive system and a healthier body overall.
The benefits of pumpkin for your dog make pumpkin a healthy treat you can offer your dog in moderation. However, it is important to remember that your dog’s dietary needs are different from your own. Additionally, most pumpkin-flavored treats (like pumpkin pie or pumpkin pie filling) contain added sugar and ingredients your dog doesn’t need.
If you’d like to give your dog pumpkin, the two best sources are plain canned pumpkin and fresh pumpkin.
Canned pumpkin is available year-round and can usually be found in the baking aisle of your grocery store. Canned pumpkin is usually made from a special variety of pumpkin that is specifically grown to be cooked, pureed, and canned.
This variety of pureed pumpkin has a rich flavor and contains more fiber and nutrients in concentration than fresh pumpkin. Just be sure that the canned pumpkin you use contains 100% pumpkin and nothing else. Additional ingredients like salt, sugar, or spices can be unhealthy for your dog.
You can keep a few cans of canned pumpkin on hand to help your dog through any digestive issues they may have or offer it as a treat.
If you’d like to give your dog fresh pumpkin, you’ll need to prepare it first. Dogs can eat raw pumpkin in small amounts, but the touch texture of the uncooked pumpkin can present a choking hazard. Raw, uncooked pumpkin is also harder for your dog to digest and may even lead to an intestinal blockage.
To prepare fresh pumpkin, remove the pumpkin seeds and roast the pumpkin until it is cooked thoroughly. Scoop out the flesh and toss it into a blender to make pumpkin puree, or allow it to cool and offer the cooked chunks to your dog as a treat.
Some grain-free dog foods contain pumpkin, which can be a good source of soluble fiber and nutrients. Pumpkin-flavored treats are also available and can be used as a part of your dog’s diet. Just be sure that your dog’s treats contain real pumpkin, not just pumpkin flavoring, and nutritious ingredients that support your dog’s diet.
Anytime you offer your dog treats or new food in addition to their regular kibble, you should reduce their kibble intake to account for those calories. For this reason, the treats you offer should have a high nutrient value to make up for the nutrients lost in their dog food.
Pumpkin (and other treats) should only make up about 10% of your dog’s diet, with the other 20% coming from their balanced dog food. If you want to feed pumpkin to your dog, offer it in small amounts based on your dog’s body weight.
A small dog that weighs up to 20 pounds can eat one to two teaspoons of pumpkin per day. Medium-sized dogs weighing 30-40 pounds can have a few tablespoons of pumpkin per day.
Extra large breeds that weigh over 90 pounds can have ¼ cup of pumpkin per day. Because you’ll be giving your dog very little pumpkin, you can add it as a topper to their pet food or as a special treat while you enjoy your own pumpkin pie mix concoctions.
Some pumpkin pie products (especially those marketed as low-calorie) may contain artificial sweeteners that are not good for your dog. Xylitol, for example, is toxic to dogs. Avoid giving your dog cooked pumpkin or pumpkin products that contain xylitol or other added ingredients to avoid negative health impacts.
Halloween can be difficult to navigate as a pet parent. It’s easy to forget about candy and treats left around the home, which could negatively impact your pet’s health. Pumpkin to the rescue. Offering your dog some of the season’s most popular superfood can deter them from scavenging candy from treat bags.
For digestive health, a fall treat, and a low-calorie snack, a small amount of pumpkin can be wonderful for your furry friend. Just remember, most of the time, pet owners should limit their dog’s diet to kibble and occasional treats. One treat that is safe and beneficial to offer daily is Yummy Combs.
Yummy Combs are designed to be given to your dog daily. In fact, It is recommended. Because we know you have to limit your dog’s kibble to account for treats, we made sure that Yummy Combs are a source of complete, balanced nutrition.
With 45 whole, non-GMO ingredients, you can have peace of mind knowing your dog’s nutritional needs are being met. We combine 44% pure chicken protein along with 12 wellness ingredients, so your dog is getting the nutrition they need every time they receive a Yummy Combs treat.
The unique honeycomb design of Yummy Combs has two purposes: safety and effectiveness.
Yummy Combs are available in several sizes and should be given to your dog based on their size and weight.
Your dog can enjoy pumpkin any time of year, but it can be particularly fun to give your dog a pumpkin treat in the fall while you enjoy your own pumpkin-themed goodies. While you’re at it, consider giving your dog the only treat that can help keep their teeth clean and even reduce bad breath.
In addition to proper oral care, Yummy Combs helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and supports healthy gums. It’s one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to keep your dog healthy, their diets balanced, and their bellies happy.
Sources:
Can My Dog Eat Pumpkin? | Web Med
Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea? | American Kennel Club.org
What’s Really In Canned Pumpkin? – Squash | Southern Living.com
Updates, coupons, deals, and more!
Always feed the right treat size for your dog’s weight category. Always supervise your dog when feeding treats. This product is an adult only dog treat. Always provide ample fresh water for your dog.
Type anything...
We use cookies to provide you the best possible experience on our website. You consent to the usage of cookies by continuing to view our website. See our Privacy Notice for more information.
