In the United States, it seems like there is a pumpkin explosion every year as soon as the temperatures begin to fall. There are numerous giant decorative pumpkins, pumpkin-scented candles, and pumpkin spice lattes. In fact, the US produces more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins annually [1].
You might be wondering if you can feed your dog pumpkin with all the pumpkin around. The quick response is yes, but continue reading to learn how to give your dog pumpkin safely.
It’s important to do your research and ensure that the food won’t harm your dog before introducing new foods to them. For instance, some artificial sweeteners, grapes, onions, and garlic are poisonous to dogs.
Pumpkin, however, is safe for humans and dogs alike. A and C vitamins, fiber, and calories are all found in abundance in pure, unadulterated pumpkin. In fact, pumpkin is an ingredient in some dog foods to support the digestive system. Many dogs also enjoy the taste of pumpkin.
Compared to cooked pumpkin, raw pumpkin has a much tougher texture and is much harder to digest. Some dogs, however, might tolerate and relish consuming small amounts of uncooked pumpkin or pumpkin rind.
If dog owners decide to feed their dogs raw pumpkin, they should begin with very small amounts and keep an eye out for any gastrointestinal upset symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite.
If you decide to give a dog pumpkin rind, make sure she is only chewing on the rind and not ingesting big chunks as this could cause an intestinal blockage, a very dangerous condition.
A Halloween Jack-O-Lantern that has been left outside should not be given to a dog to chew on because it may have started to rot and contain mold.
It’s very safe to give your dog canned pumpkin as long as it contains only 100% pumpkin and no additional ingredients, like salt or sugar. In fact, to help with symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, veterinarians frequently advise pet parents to include canned pumpkin in their dog’s food.
This advice is given because it is believed that the fiber in canned pumpkin will help to alleviate these symptoms. These suggestions are derived from other studies on the advantages of high fiber foods for gastrointestinal health, even though no studies have specifically examined the advantages of using pumpkin to treat diarrhea or constipation. Many veterinarians and pet parents swear by this simple trick.
The good news is that small amounts of canned pumpkin won’t hurt your dog and can be a tasty low-calorie treat, even though the fiber in pumpkin may not have much of an impact on his digestive system.
Once more, make sure that the only ingredient listed on cans of pumpkin intended for dogs is pumpkin. DO NOT give your dog canned pumpkin pie filling because it contains sugar and spices that may upset your pet’s stomach and is much higher in calories.
Can dogs eat pumpkin puree?
The best pumpkin to feed your dog is plain, canned pumpkin puree.
“I typically advise acquiring canned pumpkin and incorporating it into their regular diet,” Dr Davison said.
Just make sure there are no additives in the canned pumpkin you give your dog, such as salt, sugar, or other spices.
CAN I GIVE DOGS PUMPKIN FOR CONSTIPATION?
Unexpectedly, you can also use pumpkin to assist in the treatment of constipation in dogs. Once more, it’s crucial to let your veterinarian examine your dog for any underlying conditions before you attempt to treat them.
To try to treat mild constipation, follow the same instructions for treating diarrhea and add 1-4 tablespoons of pumpkin to your dog’s dinner.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
Despite how adorable it would be to see a dog dive into a pumpkin pie, you shouldn’t give your dog pumpkin pie.
Due to the sugar and higher fat content (cream, crust, etc.), it would be best not to [feed your dog pumpkin pie]. Davison said.
Pumpkin pie is not only unhealthy because of the sugar and fat, but it can be made with ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as nutmeg. Canned pumpkin pie filling can also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs.
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats pumpkin skin?
Certain pumpkin-based products should not be given to dogs as they may be harmful to their health. Giving him pumpkin skin, for instance, is not advised because it is difficult for him to digest and may cause an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat pumpkin skin cooked?
The pumpkin’s skin is quite tough, despite being nontoxic, and your dog shouldn’t eat it either raw or cooked. The pumpkin skin may be difficult for the dog to digest, which could cause problems like constipation. Make certain the peels have been completely removed before preparing the pumpkin.
What part of pumpkins can dogs eat?
The gist of the matter is that, yes, dogs can eat pumpkin, both the pulp and the seeds, but only when properly prepared and served plain (sorry, pup; no pumpkin pie for you).
Can dogs eat pumpkin shells?
A: Since the shells of pumpkin seeds are inedible, dogs cannot eat them. Before giving dogs pumpkin seeds, be sure to safely remove and discard the shells.