We all love pumpkins and the signs of fall! The pumpkin itself has so many uses, as both a decoration and as a food. Now that fall has arrived, everyone’s kitchen is filling up with this season’s star, the pumpkin. Bake for 30 minutes on a lined baking sheet.Īs with any new food - whether that be treats or main meals - it’s advised that you consult with your veterinarian first to ensure that it is safe for your dog.Today’s question: can dogs eat pumpkin? Is pumpkin good or bad for dogs? Scroll down to find out. Suggestion 3 - It can be used to make dog-friendly “cookies” by mixing 2/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 ½ cups of oat/whole wheat flour, 2 eggs and 3 tbsps of peanut/almond butter.Suggestion 2 - Fresh pumpkin can be steamed and mashed to make a delicious topping on their regular food.Suggestion 1 - One of the most fun ways for your dog to enjoy pumpkin, is to smush the pulp into their favorite Kong toy.There are plenty of recipes for homemade dog treats available online, but here’s a few simple suggestions for your dog to try that includes pumpkin: If you find that your four-legged friend is getting tired of the treats you pick up for them from your local store, then pumpkin (prepared the right way) can make for a good substitute. Start with 1/2 tsp and increase to 2tsp if symptoms persist. Fiber also acts as a prebiotic which stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria and kills harmful bacteria, so a small amount of pumpkin can help rebalance the gut.Īnd as luck would have it, this miracle orange vegetable works wonders for serious constipation too, acting as a natural laxative and softening your dogs stools. We recommend you start off slowly and see how your dog reacts, especially given that pumpkin is high in fiber, which could cause digestive issues in dogs with sensitive stomachs.įunnily enough though, the soluble fiber content in pumpkin can come in handy if your dog has diarrhea because it absorbs water and helps bulk up their stool. They'll be able to rule out any underlying conditions and recommend whether any other dietary changes need to be made to your dog's diet. However, as with any health remedy or introduction of any new food, we always recommend you have a chat with your vet first. No more than a couple of teaspoons a day for smaller dogs or a couple of tablespoons for larger breeds each day is thought to be a safe amount. (Image credit: Getty Images) How much pumpkin to give a dog Too much pumpkin can actually be quite dangerous due to the high levels of beta carotene, which a dog’s body will convert into Vitamin A - which in large quantities can be highly toxic. But this doesn’t apply to all types of pumpkin-based products.Īny type of pumpkin pie mix or blend should be completely avoided as it contains spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, which can be toxic for puppies and cause digestive issues in older dogs.Īnother thing to keep in mind is the quantity. The tough exterior shell of a raw pumpkin can also prove to be a problem, as it isn’t easy for dogs to digest, so it’s advised not to give them a raw pumpkin - no matter how much it resembles a small ball-like chew toy.ĭespite this, canned plain pumpkin is safe for your dog to enjoy. The leaves and the stem of this hearty vegetable are covered in prickly hairs, which could irritate or harm your dog if they’re chewed or swallowed. You might think that there’d be no harm in giving your canine a raw pumpkin to chew on, right? Wrong. A tablespoon of canned pumpkin, which is mixed in with their normal food, could make them feel right as rain in no time. Its high fiber content could also be the reason why so many owners swear by it when their pet has digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea. This fall favorite is also low in calories and filled with lots of fiber, making it the perfect treat should your pooch need to lose a few pounds. It contains Vitamins A, C and E, Alpha carotene, Calcium, Iron, and Lutein, which (among other things) help to improve your pooch’s immune system, strengthens their bones and teeth, and keeps their skin, coat, and eyes healthy. In short, yes, but only the pulp and the seeds! Pumpkin is packed full of important vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog in a number of ways. Can dogs eat pumpkin and is it good for them?
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