Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Can dogs eat pumpkin? Simply put, yes, dogs can indeed eat pumpkin. In fact, pumpkin is not just safe for dogs; it can also provide significant health benefits. Pumpkin is packed with essential nutrients that can be beneficial to your pup. However, like other foods, pumpkin should be fed in moderation to remain healthy, rather than overtaking your dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Not only is the answer yes to “can dogs eat pumpkin,” it happens to be incredibly beneficial in more than one area of your dog’s health and wellness. Feeding your dog pumpkin can offer several health benefits. Here is a list of the potential health benefits of pumpkin:

Feed Your Dog Pumpkin for Digestion

Pumpkin is often celebrated for its ability to help support proper digestion and bowel health in dogs, thanks to its high fiber content. Dietary fiber can absorb water, adding bulk and moisture to the stool, which can support normal bowel function. Conversely, the soluble fiber in pumpkin can help absorb excess water in your dog’s digestive tract, thereby firming up the stool.

By nourishing natural gut bacteria and maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora, pumpkin can support overall digestive health. However, it’s essential to introduce fresh pumpkin, pumpkin treats, or plain canned pumpkin into your dog’s diet gradually to avoid sudden changes that could further upset their stomach. And you should never feed your dog pumpkin pie filling. We’ll discuss why momentarily.

Supports Weight Management

Pumpkin can be an effective tool for weight management in dogs due to its low calories and high fiber content. High fiber foods can help a dog feel fuller faster and for a longer time, reducing the urge to overeat. When your dog feels satiated, it can help limit their caloric intake and support weight loss.

Furthermore, the low calorie count of fresh or canned pumpkin means it can serve as a sizable portion of food without adding excessive calories to your dog’s diet. So, supplementing your dog’s meal with a bit of fresh pumpkin can provide them with the feeling of a full meal while keeping the caloric intake low.

Feed Pumpkin to Promote Eye Health

Pumpkin can contribute positively to your dog’s eye health due to its high content of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eye function and plays a vital role in the overall health of the eye. It helps maintain ocular integrity and structure, maintains and supports normal visual function, and promotes long-term ocular health.

Vitamin A deficiency in dogs can lead to night blindness and other eye problems. It’s important to note, though, that too much vitamin A can be harmful, so don’t overload your dog with pumpkin to try to improve their eyesight.

Pumpkin for Dogs to Promote Immune Health

Pumpkin can be a beneficial addition to your dog’s diet for enhancing the immune response. It’s rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays an essential role in enhancing the immune system. Antioxidants help to protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals, and this protection can help maintain physical and mental well-being.

Vitamin C also helps the body produce collagen, an important protein for skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Additionally, pumpkin contains other beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins A and E, and minerals like iron and potassium, all of which support the immune system.

Pumpkin Good for Dogs: Maintains Muscular Health

Pumpkin is a nutritious treat that provides an excellent source of potassium. Potassium plays a key role in supporting normal muscle and nervous systems. Potassium aids in muscle contraction and nerve transmission, ensuring that your dog’s muscles function correctly. It also supports normal brain and nerve function.

This can be especially important for active dogs or those recovering from injuries, as proper muscle function can support mobility and overall health. Additionally, potassium supports heart health, as the heart is a muscle that relies on this nutrient for regular rhythm and function.

Pumpkin Supports Skin and Coat Health

Pumpkin can serve as a beneficial supplement for improving skin and coat health in dogs, primarily due to its rich content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Essential fatty acids, particularly Omega-6, nourish the skin and coat from the inside out, contributing to a shiny and healthy appearance.

Furthermore, the antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, in pumpkin can reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress, thereby supporting normal cell function. Vitamin A specifically plays a critical role in the repair and growth of body tissues, which include the skin. Additionally, the high water content of pumpkin aids in keeping your dog’s skin and coat hydrated and healthy.

Raw Plain Pumpkin Helps Keep Pets Hydrated

Pumpkin can contribute to your dog’s hydration due to its high water content, which is approximately 90%. Adequate hydration is vital for dogs, as it supports all bodily functions.. When consumed, the water content in pumpkin can supplement your dog’s daily water intake, which can be particularly beneficial in hot weather or for dogs that don’t drink enough water.

Additionally, the moisture content in pumpkin can help promote proper urine mineral balance,  which can be exacerbated by dehydration. However, while pumpkin can provide supplemental hydration, it’s important to ensure that your dog always has access to clean, fresh water.

How Much Pumpkin to Feed to Dogs

When it comes to feeding your dog pumpkin, plain cooked pumpkin is the best option. This can be either homemade or canned pumpkin puree. However, be sure to avoid canned pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin spice flavorings, as they contain sugars and spices that can be harmful and make your dog sick.

A tablespoon or two, depending on your dog’s size, can be mixed into their regular food. Always start with smaller amounts and gradually increase as tolerated. Remember that even though cooked plain or raw pumpkin is beneficial, it should not replace a balanced, complete dog diet.

Feeding Your Dogs Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds can also be a nutritious treat for your dogs, but they need to be prepared properly. Raw or roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds can provide benefits, including:

• May help discomfort associated with normal daily exercise and activity
• Contains ingredients to support a healthy urinary tract
• Promotes the body’s innate resistance to pathogens

Pumpkin seeds should be ground or finely chopped to ensure easy digestion, as whole seeds could potentially cause blockages, especially in smaller dogs. Avoid salted or flavored pumpkin seeds, as too much sodium or certain seasonings can be harmful to dogs. As with any new food addition, introduce pumpkin seeds gradually and in moderation. A good guideline is a few seeds per day for small dogs and up to a teaspoon for larger dogs, mixed into their food.

Making Frozen Pumpkin Treats as a Tasty Treat

Making frozen pumpkin treats for your dog is a fun and easy way to offer them a cool snack during the warmer months, while also providing the health benefits of pumpkin. Start by mixing a cup of pureed pumpkin or pumpkin pulp (not pumpkin pie mix) with a half cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt. The probiotics in the yogurt can help promote a healthy gut, making it a great supplement to the fiber-rich pumpkin.

Once thoroughly mixed, spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray or silicone mold of your choice. The size of the mold should correspond to your dog’s size. Smaller dogs need smaller treats. Freeze the mixture for several hours, or until firm. Pop out a frozen pumpkin treat and add it to your dog’s food when they need a refreshing, healthy snack.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie?

Just as dogs shouldn’t eat pumpkin pie filling, they also shouldn’t eat pumpkin pie. Not only could this cause your dog diarrhea, it could be detrimental to your dog depending on what spices and preservatives are in the filling. This is especially true if your dog eats too much pumpkin pie filling.

Feeding Pumpkin Dog Treats

Earth Buddy offers Pumpkin Hemp Hearts. Each Pumpkin Hemp Heart has 4mg of full spectrum CBD oil containing a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes that have been extracted using supercritical Co2. In addition to containing full spectrum CBD oil and pumpkin, this product contains:

• Turmeric with black pepper: Helps maintain a normal inflammatory response
• Organic apple cider vinegar: Helps maintain proper gut pH
• Organic coconut oil: Rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin and coat

Earth Buddy also offers their new Beef & Pumpkin Dog Calming Chews. Each soft chew contains 10mg of CBD oil to promote calming & relaxation. These are also the best calming chews for dogs dealing with any digestive sensitivity due to the following:

• Grain Free soft chews without sugary binders typically added in functional chews
• Limited Ingredients with Beef as the first ingredient
• Easily digestible with pumpkin as an excellent fiber source for dogs

Why It’s Necessary to Feed in Moderation

As a dog owner, it’s important to remember that while certain human foods can offer additional nutritional benefits to your dog, these should always be introduced and consumed in moderation. This principle holds true for pumpkin as well, even if it’s fresh or plain canned pumpkin.

Pumpkin is packed with vitamins and fiber, but too much can lead to unintended health complications. The high fiber content, while good for digestion in small amounts, can lead to a stomach upset if overconsumed. Similarly, while pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for a dog’s vision, too much can be toxic for dogs.

To feed your dog pumpkin in moderation, consider the following tips:

• Start small: Begin by adding just a spoonful of canned pumpkin to your dog’s regular food. Observe your pet’s reactions and adjust the amount as needed. Some dogs might show signs of discomfort if the amount is too much for their system to handle.
• Portion size matters: A general rule of thumb is to add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin for small dogs and up to 2 tablespoons for larger breeds. Remember that these are just guidelines on how to feed pumpkin to your dog, and individual dog’s needs may vary.
• Consider body condition: If your dog is overweight, the high fiber content in pumpkin can be beneficial for weight loss as it promotes a sense of fullness. In such cases, you may want to slightly increase the pumpkin proportion while simultaneously reducing their regular food portion. On the contrary, for dogs with a healthy weight or those who are underweight, adding too much pumpkin may cause them to lose weight or cause your dog diarrhea, so monitor closely and adjust accordingly.
• Don’t forget balance: Pumpkin should never replace your dog’s balanced, nutritionally complete dog food. Think of pumpkin as a supplement to their diet, not a main course.
• Consult your vet: Each dog is unique in their dietary needs and tolerances. If you’re unsure about the right amount of pumpkin to add to your dog’s diet or if you notice any changes in their health after introducing pumpkin to your dog, reach out to your vet for guidance.

Feeding pumpkin in moderation can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. It’s a simple and healthy way to give them some extra nutrients while also adding a bit of variety to their meals. Just remember, moderation and balance are key to ensuring that your dog gets the most out of this nutritious treat.

For further reading, we recommend:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35684166/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227620303136
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356287046_Pumpkin_-_health_benefits
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/medicinal-and-biological-potential-of-pumpkin-an-updated-review/614835C9F2CABAAAFD5E7925A72E7F9F