Is your furry friend struggling with constipation or stomach upset? If so, there are a few home remedies that can help them feel A-OK again, such as feeding them canned or pureed pumpkin.
Key Takeaways
- Pumpkin is good for dogs, as it contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals in addition to prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber.
- You can serve canned pumpkin, pumpkin puree, cooked pumpkin, or pumpkin seeds to your dog. Avoid using products with added salt, oils, or sweeteners, like pumpkin pie filling.
- You can feed your dog one teaspoon of canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin for every 10 lbs of body weight per day.
Keep reading to learn more about feeding your dog pumpkin!
(As always, we recommend visiting your vet if you’re worried about the health and wellness of your canine companion.)
See Related: How To Make Your Dog Laugh
Is Canned Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Simply put, yes! Pumpkin is good for dogs. However, like everything else, it’s only good in moderation.
There are a few key benefits of pumpkin. Canned pumpkin has a high water content, which is great for hydration and digestion. It’s also rich in vitamins and nutrients that are excellent for dog health, such as;
- Vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and helps support the immune system.
- Vitamin E, which also acts as an antioxidant and supports eye and muscle health.
- Vitamin A, which is high in beta carotene and supports muscle and nerve function.
- Iron, which helps maintain energy levels.
- Potassium, which is a primary electrolyte for dogs.
Pumpkin also contains a high amount of fiber, which is essential for digestive and intestinal health. It’s also a good source of prebiotics and probiotics, which help support the presence of good gut bacteria.
How Do I Serve Pumpkin to My Dog?
Though you might be inclined to enjoy a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin pie, that’s not the type of food you should feed to your four-legged friend.
Luckily, plain pumpkin is a very versatile food and can easily be incorporated into your furry friend’s diet. You can simply feed them cooked or raw pumpkin, which is simply delicious by itself!
Types of Pumpkin You Can Feed Your Dog
Canned Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree is an excellent way to fuel your four-legged friend with probiotics, fiber, and nutrients.
However, do not feed your dog pumpkin pie filling or other pumpkin products with added sweeteners or spices. This can cause a stomach upset and other digestive issues. (It’s a good idea to read up on the types of foods that you should avoid feeding to your dog.)
You can feed canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree to your dog by itself. Simply add a small dollop to their meal.
Canned pumpkin can last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze pumpkin puree in an ice cube tray for a refreshing snack.
Cooked Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin is a comforting and flavorful alternative to store-bought canned goods. Simply poke a few holes in a whole pumpkin and bake at 350F for 45 to 60 minutes. Either cube or puree it and feed it to your furry friend alongside their regular meals.
Pumpkin Seeds
Believe it or not, pumpkin seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. They can be consumed raw or dry toasted. Be sure to avoid buying processed pumpkin seeds that have added salts or oils.
To dry roast pumpkin seeds, clean, rinse, and dry your pumpkin seeds that are scooped from a fresh pumpkin. Without adding salt or oil, spread them evenly on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 350F for 10 to 15 minutes.
How Much Pumpkin You Can Feed Your Dog
Pumpkin is a natural laxative for dogs. But just how much should you feed them to get their system running smoothly without going over the top?
Whether your dog is suffering from constipation or stomach upset, a dollop or two of plain canned pumpkin can work wonders (just be prepared to scoop some poop!)
As a general rule of thumb, you can feed your dog one teaspoon of canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin for every 10 lbs of body weight per day. So, if you have a 50 lb bulldog, that means they’ll need five teaspoons.
You can give up to four teaspoons of canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin for every 10 lbs of body weight per day, as long as your dog reacts well to it. This also depends on why you are using pumpkin – for example, if you’re using pumpkin to help with weight management, your furry friend will need less than if you’re using pumpkin to help with constipation.
For pumpkin seeds, be sure to serve them in moderation, as they are very high in fat. Start slow, with one ground pumpkin seed or every 10 lbs of body weight per day.
Be sure to consult with your vet before changing or adjusting your dog’s diet.
Bonus: Dog Feeding Chart: How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
What Are the Uses for Canned Pumpkin?
Dogs eat pumpkin pie for a variety of purposes. It’s a very versatile ingredient and easy to incorporate into your dog’s diet.
Its high fiber content and high water content make it great for treating digestive issues and constipation. So, if you’re looking to curb your furry friend’s out-of-control pooping habits, then pumpkin might be your hero!
Pumpkin can be used for:
- Dog diarrhea. Pumpkin contains prebiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria. It also contains soluble fiber that helps the body absorb water. This will help firm up your dog’s doo! However, it’s important to keep in mind that pumpkin may not help the root cause of your dog’s diarrhea. It’s best to visit your vet if you’re worried about their health.
- Weight management. Pumpkin is low in calories, and small amounts of pumpkin are unlikely to contribute to weight gain. It’s a great food to feed your dog if you’re helping them shed a few extra pounds. It’s also a great snack alternative to store-bought treats that are often high in calories and preservatives.
- Overall health. Pumpkin has many health benefits that can help the overall well-being of your canine companion. The fiber and probiotics help support healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for digestive health. It’s rich in minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that support the regular functions of the body.
The Bottom Line
How much pumpkin should I feed my dog? When it comes to home remedies, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right! Whether you feed your furry friend roasted pumpkin seeds or fresh pumpkin puree, this seemingly simple ingredient can help your dog in so many ways.
Keep Reading: How To Firm Up Your Dog’s Poop
—
Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!
Trackbacks/Pingbacks