Can Dogs Have Pumpkin?

Fresh pumpkin is generally a healthy treat for humans, but is pumpkin good for dogs? Although it's a healthy treat, you should be careful with how much and what type of pumpkin you serve your dog. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of pumpkin and how to avoid overfeeding your dog.

 

 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Pumpkin is a safe and healthy treat for dogs. It adds a nice tasty variety to your dog's diet they will surely love, plus it has a ton of health benefits. However, you should only give your dog this treat in moderation. If you happen to go overboard with pumpkin, it could be toxic for your furry friend.

 

 

Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A in a dog's body. When a dog has too much Vitamin A, it becomes incredibly toxic. However, there are still tons of good things in pumpkin your dog can benefit from. For example, pumpkins can help dog with dog diarrhea since they are highly digestible and good in high fiber.

 

 

What Kind of Pumpkin Is Good for Dogs?

Your dog can eat pumpkins in a variety of ways. However, it's best to not feed your dog any pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin that has added sweeteners and spices. The fewer additives and ingredients in canned pumpkin, the better it will be for your dog's health. Once opened, canned pumpkins can be stored in the fridge for three or four days.

 

You can also feed your dog homemade cooked pumpkin. There are tons of recipes online that will guide you to baking a pumpkin and scooping out the insides for a tasty treat. Raw pumpkin seeds are also safe for dogs. Whenever making homemade pumpkin treats for your dog, avoid adding salt, oil, or sugar. Although raw pumpkin might not be as flavorful for you, dogs will still appreciate the flavor.

 

 

 

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?

Typically, owners will give one teaspoon of canned, cooked, or pureed pumpkin per ten pounds of body weight per day. This is a great standard to follow if you want to follow more precise measurements. It's also best not to exceed that in one day, so space it out when you give your dog this yummy treat.

 

 

What Does Pumpkin Do for Dogs?

There are so many wonderful benefits of feeding your dog pumpkin. It's packed with vitamins and nutrients your dog's body requires for optimal functioning. The vitamins and nutrients found in pumpkin include:

 

• Iron: Iron increases your dog's hemoglobin count and promotes better oxygen flow at a cellular level.
• Lutein: This is great for your dog's eyes, coat, and skin.
• Calcium: Calcium is essential for keeping your dog's teeth and bones healthy and strong.
• Vitamin A: This vitamin helps keep your dog's immune system and keeps its vision working properly.
• Vitamin C: This helps your dog's collagen synthesis and enzymatic reactions in the body.
• Alpha-carotene and Vitamin E: These antioxidants help enzymatic activity and prevent cell damage from free radicals.

 

Pumpkin is also low in calories and high in fiber, which helps a dog feel fuller. This can be an excellent nutrient-rich treat for dogs that tend to overeat.

 

 

How Can I Give Pumpkin to My Dog?

Pumpkin is a versatile and nutritious treat that can be incorporated into your dog's diet in numerous ways, making it an excellent choice for pet owners looking to add variety to their dog's meals:

 

Dog Treats

Store-bought treats are great for owners who want a safe and easy method of introducing their dogs to the wonderful flavor of pumpkin. At Holistapet, we take pride in being the number one vet recommended brand for pets. Our Pumpkin Spice + Cinnamon dog treats make an excellent nutritious choice.

 

 

Aside from all the benefits of pumpkin, they are formulated with turmeric root and Boswellia. They are also packed with other key superfoods like hemp seed powder and full-spectrum CBD oil. Our treats work wonders for helping dogs increase strength in their joints and reduce any discomfort from swelling in their body.

 

Related Product: #1 Veterinarian Approved CBD Dog Treats

 

Canned Pumpkin

There's a difference between canned pumpkin for dogs and canned pumpkin pie mix. The latter contains sugar and spices that may be harmful to your dog's health. However, raw canned pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, iron, and beta carotene. It's low in calories and keeps dogs feeling full longer.

 

Pumpkin Seeds

You may be thinking, "Really? Are pumpkin seeds good for dogs?" Yes! Just make sure you clean the pumpkin seeds first. If your dog doesn't like them raw, try drying and roasting the pumpkin seeds. You can also crush or grind them and mix them into your dog's food.

 

 

A vast number of dog owners have also used pumpkin seeds as a natural remedy for parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. The amino acid cucurbitacin in pumpkin seeds acts as a natural deworming agent. Make sure you only feed them a few seeds in one sitting.

 

 

Final Thoughts

As you can probably tell by now, pumpkin is an incredible natural source of nutrients and vitamins for dogs. Not only do they promote good health in dogs, but they have also been used as natural home remedies to several conditions. Caring for dogs is an owner's responsibility, so provide canines with healthy options like pumpkin to enrich their lives!