It makes sense to assume that since humans adore pumpkin, dogs would also enjoy it. In order to quickly respond to your question, no dogs should not eat raw pumpkin. However, before you buy a pumpkin, have you considered the benefits and drawbacks of feeding raw pumpkin to your dog?
This article responds to your inquiries about the safety of feeding dogs raw pumpkin. It’s wise to develop the practice of doing your homework on the foods your pet will be eating. Not all human foods are suitable for dogs, and this is particularly true if you have a dog who has food allergies and sensitivities. You don’t want to add new food without understanding the effects, both positive and negative. So continue reading to learn if feeding raw pumpkin to your dog is safe.
Discover delicious food your dog deserves
When feeding a fresh pumpkin to your dog, remove the flesh, cut it into small cubes, and then boil, steam, or roast them until they are tender. You can feed your dog these cubes or make a puree for your dog by blending them with a little bit of water. If you prepare pumpkin puree for your dog, you can spread it on a licki mat or use it as a filling for a Kong toy.
The flesh and seeds from a pumpkin you purchased to carve for Halloween can be saved and given to your dog. Prior to cooking the flesh, simply remove the seeds and stringy parts. The seeds can also be peeled, roasted, and ground, and your dog can eat those as well.
Moderation is essential with almost any food your dog consumes. Although eating pumpkin is completely healthy and safe, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If your dog eats too much of the high amounts of fiber at once, it may upset their stomach. Additionally, there is a lot of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. While your dog needs some vitamin A, too much can be toxic.
Yes and no. Although it is difficult to digest and could make some dogs ill, raw pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat. If your dog consumes a lot of raw pumpkin, you might notice that they experience diarrhea or vomiting.
You just need to be aware that raw pumpkin can cause stomach issues. Your dog can probably eat a spoonful of it and be fine. It’s typically best to lightly cook pumpkin before feeding it to your dog.
However, you should never give a whole, raw pumpkin to your dog. Particularly hard to chew and digest is the skin. Additionally, it can increase the risk of choking or intestinal blockage if they consume large chunks of it. The tough stem, which your dog cannot safely chew or decompose, is similar.
Dogs can consume canned pumpkin, and this is usually the simplest way to give them some. It is safe for your dog to consume a spoonful of pumpkin straight from the can.
You can easily use canned pumpkin to add some enrichment to your dog’s food because of its consistency. Like the puree, you could spread it on a licki mat or stuff it into a Kong toy to keep your dog occupied for a short while. You could also use a can to make a delicious recipe for doggie ice cream if you were able to hold onto one until summer.
There is only one rule for feeding canned pumpkin to dogs, and that is to make sure to use it sparingly. Read the label!
Make sure there are no additional ingredients, such as sugar, and that you are only giving your dog pure pumpkin by carefully reading the label.
There are additional ingredients and seasonings in canned pumpkin pie filling (or anything similar) that can make your dog ill, so you cannot feed them to your dog.
There is a lot of refined sugar in canned pumpkin pie filling, which is bad for dogs. Additionally, it frequently contains nutmeg, which is toxic to both dogs and cats.
Dogs can consume pumpkin seeds, but only after some preparation. If there are any fresh seeds left over after carving a pumpkin, you must peel, roast, and grind them before giving them to your dog.
The roasted seeds could be consumed whole by large dogs, but they can be a choking hazard for smaller dogs, so you might want to grind the seeds first.
You can always opt to purchase a packet of pumpkin seeds from the grocery store if that sounds like too much work.
Pumpkin seeds have a lot of nutritional value. Like nuts, they are loaded with protein and useful fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6 that will help maintain the health of your dog’s skin and fur. However, you should only give your dog a small amount of the seeds once or twice a week at most because they are quite calorie-dense and fatty.
Additionally, those tiny seeds contain a surprising amount of nutrients, such as a lot of fiber, a small amount of vitamin K, and minerals like phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
A wide range of amazing benefits for humans, including the prevention of some cancers and heart disease, have been discovered for pumpkin seeds.
Although there isn’t much proof that your dog will enjoy the same advantages, it’s conceivable that they might.
Clean and healthy guts are one advantage of feeding pumpkin seeds to your dog. In addition to providing a significant amount of fibre to support gut health and regular bowel movements, the seeds also have an “anthelmintic” effect. That means that eating pumpkin seeds can assist both humans and dogs in getting rid of parasitic worms.
Your dog will still require routine treatments for creepy crawlies like fleas and ticks because it hasn’t been thoroughly studied and won’t shield them from every parasite out there.
However, it appears to be effective, and since pumpkin seeds are already extremely healthy, there is no reason why you and your dog can’t enjoy a snack of this superfood.
So is pumpkin healthy or beneficial for dogs?
Says Dr. Bowen: “Pumpkin is definitely healthy for dogs as part of a well-balanced diet. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, lycopene and dietary fiber.” The meaty part of the pumpkin adds hydration—great for pets who don’t drink lots of water throughout the day, and the seeds are antioxidant and omega-3 fatty acid-rich. This is beneficial for eye health, skin and coat, digestion and organ health. Pumpkin also contains heaps of potassium, which, according to Chewy, is necessary for regulating blood pressure, improving muscle health and assisting your dog’s metabolism. Food therapy and holistic veterinarian expert, Judy Morgan, DVM, from Clayton Veterinary Associates, also says because of pumpkin’s soluble and insoluble fiber, it’s a natural remedy for both constipation and diarrhea in dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are surprisingly healthy for dogs—as long you prepare them correctly. They should be cleaned, peeled and roasted without any salt or other ingredients. If that sounds like too much of a load, you can buy pre-peeled pumpkin seeds and add them to your dog’s meal for a hit of fiber, Vitamin K, magnesium, antioxidants and more nutrients your dog needs. You can even grind up the seeds to thoroughly mix in with your pup’s food. And, although it’s not clinically proven, Dr. Bowens says that properties of the seeds have been studied as a natural remedy for certain intestinal parasites.
What type of pumpkin can dogs eat? Roasted? Canned? Raw?
Dogs can eat pumpkin, but not all in all forms. For example, it’s best to avoid raw pumpkin, pumpkin skin and the stem, as they’re hard for your pup to digest. Canned and roasted pumpkin, however, are fine as long as there aren’t added ingredients or spices, Dr. Bowens says. (Recipes for roasting pumpkin below.) In fact, the easiest way to serve up pumpkin is straight from the can. To know if it’s safe for your dog, look at the ingredients list. It should say “Certified Organic Pumpkin,” or just “Pumpkin.” (Like Farmer’s Market Foods Canned Organic Pumpkin or Whole Foods 365.) If there are other fillers in the ingredient list, don’t serve it to your pup.
FAQ
Can I give my dog raw pumpkin everyday?
Pumpkin is safe for dogs and cats to eat every day, and you can add small amounts of pumpkin to their meals every day. One of the many health advantages of giving your pet extra fiber on a daily basis is that it can help them feel fuller sooner, which is good for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
Is it OK for dogs to eat raw pumpkin?
Although pumpkin can be eaten raw by dogs, it may be difficult for them to digest and pose a choking risk. The rind can also suffocate someone and result in an obstruction in the intestines. If the pumpkin is 100% pumpkin and contains no additional ingredients, you can feed cooked or canned pumpkin to your dog.
Is too much raw pumpkin bad for dogs?
Pumpkin can be harmful to dogs if consumed in excess. Nutrient deficiencies. While some people increase their dog’s fiber intake by feeding them pumpkin, too much fiber can be harmful.
What happens if I give my dog too much pumpkin?
A surplus of canned pumpkin may cause constipation and a completely different problem. Make sure your pet isn’t experiencing a more severe gastrointestinal problem, such as pancreatitis, which can be fatal.