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Pumpkin for Dogs: Is It Really Good for Them?

Elizabeth Muenzen November 17, 2022

dog lying on ground

Pumpkin and fall go hand in hand, making it one of the most iconic autumn flavors around the world. As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best nutrition for our furry friends to keep them healthy and happy. One food that has gained popularity in recent years is pumpkin.

Pumpkin is often touted as a superfood for its numerous health benefits, but is it safe and beneficial for dogs?

Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs?

In most cases, pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat and it can even be a healthy addition to their diet. Here are some of the benefits of pumpkin for dogs:

Pumpkin has a healthy blend of soluble and insoluble fiber that can help alleviate diarrhea in dogs.
Pumpkin is chock-full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein that support eye health.
Pumpkin has lots of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A, all of which can help fight off illness and keep your dog’s immune system healthy.
The fiber in pumpkin helps keep your dog full for longer and can help them maintain a healthy weight.
Pumpkin can act as a prebiotic that supports the healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut.

How to Incorporate Pumpkin Into Your Dog's Diet

If you are going to feed your dog pumpkin, make sure you only buy plain canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling (which has additives and sweeteners that are harmful to dogs).

You can roast or steam your own pumpkin to serve to your dog. Avoid giving your dog raw pumpkin, pumpkin skin, and the stem, as they are all hard for them to digest.

Even pumpkin seeds have some health benefits for dogs, full of fiber, magnesium, Vitamin K, and antioxidants.

The seeds should be cleaned, peeled, and roasted without any spices. You can also buy pre-peeled pumpkin seeds from the grocery store.

Once you’ve cleared it with your vet, here are a few ways to include some pumpkin in your dog’s diet:

Top your dog’s meal with pumpkin (about 1 tablespoon of pumpkin per 20 pounds; so two tablespoons for a 40-pound dog).
Give your dog some peeled pumpkin seeds as a treat once or twice a week.
Make your own pumpkin dog treats with canned pumpkin, flour, and eggs.

Overall, pumpkin is safe and healthy for dogs to consume. Remember to always clear any dietary changes with your vet first. When your dog's diet changes, it's great to have a dog door already installed into your door, wall, or slider so that your dog can go to the bathroom whenever they need, preventing accidents.

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DOG PERSON🐶

Pets: My dog Benji is mixed Yorkie, Poodle, Chihuahua, and MaltiPom (YorkiPooChiMaltiPom?), yet he mysteriously bears no resemblance to any of these breeds.
Fun stuff: I love to cook!