Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs? How Much Pumpkin Can Dogs Have?

Pumpkin has made its place in various other food items like lattes and pies, and not to forget, it is always associated with all things spooky. But can dogs have pumpkin? Is pumpkin good for dogs?  

Yes, they can have pumpkins, and it has a lot of benefits for dogs as well. However, you have to ensure that you prepare it in an appropriate way, and it can be used as a healthy treat for your furry friend. 

There are various foods that are not safe for dogs, like avocado. Avocado toxicity can harm a dog severely. But pumpkin does not make that list.  

It contains nutrients that enhance the nutritional value of your dog’s meal. Let’s delve into the details and discover everything about this vegetable and how you can safely give it to your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Pumpkin is safe for dogs, but you have to make sure you are serving them the right kind and in the right way. It is packed with nutrients and has various health benefits for them. 

It is rich in fiber, a prebiotic powerhouse, and a lot of vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it supports digestion and their overall well-being.  

You can feed them pumpkin in different forms, but it is always recommended to consult a vet before you introduce anything new into their diet. 

What Kind Of Pumpkins Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can have pumpkin in various forms. You can give them plain, canned, or cooked pumpkin. However, ensure there are no added ingredients in it. It is a healthy option for them due to its rich nutrient content. Here are the different kinds of pumpkins a dog can have. 

1. Canned Pumpkin 

Pumpkin is not available all year round. It is seasonal and can be quite difficult to find off-season. However, there are options like canned pumpkin, which is available all year long and contains the same kind of nutrients as a fresh pumpkin. 

Canned pumpkin is also rich in fibre, which makes it an amazing option for the gut, reduces any gastrointestinal issues, and helps with an upset stomach. 

2. Cooked & Raw Pumpkins

Some of the sources will tell you that when you cook pumpkin, it loses some of its properties. But it is always recommended that you give them cooked pumpkin to avoid any upset stomachs and food poisoning.  

Raw pumpkin and the seeds often contain bacteria that can upset their stomach. So, it is beneficial to roast it before you feed it to your dog.  

3. Pumpkin Puree 

Well, this is something that you cannot serve your dog. Pumpkin pie is a delectable treat for us humans, but it is not good for your fur baby. It contains nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs. Nutmeg contains myristicin. 

When given in excess, it can cause hallucinations, seizures, high blood pressure, disorientation, and other dangerous problems. Moreover, it contains a lot of sugar, a lot of fat from the cream, and is extremely high in calories.  

4. Pumpkin Seeds 

Pumpkin flesh is known for having all the benefits, but pumpkin seeds are also beneficial. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help with urinary incontinence.  

However, whole pumpkin seeds can turn out to be a choking hazard, so blend the seeds into a powder. That way, it will be safe for them to consume.  

5. Pumpkin Pie 

You can prepare pumpkin puree from scratch or buy canned puree. The canned one is simple and regular pumpkin and does not contain any other flavors or added ingredients. 

This means that it contains all the important vitamins and minerals and maintains the taste. It is quite a healthy treat for your dog. 

Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs? What Are The Health Benefits? 

If you serve them pumpkin plain and simple without any added seasonings and preservatives, it can benefit a dog in different ways. Here are some of the biggest benefits. 

Pumpkin does not have a high amount of calories, and it is also low in sodium, which makes it a healthy treat option for dogs of all breeds and sizes. 

It also contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which helps with both dog diarrhea and constipation. It is also like a prebiotic as it adds healthy gut bacteria. 

Pumpkin is also rich in vitamins and antioxidents. It contains beta-carotene, which dogs convert into vitamin A. This helps improve their eyesight and takes care of their coat and skin quality. Vitamins E and C support the immune system. 

Moreover, pumpkin is rich in fibre, making people feel fuller for a long time and helping maintain a healthy body weight. 

It helps with regular bowel movements and bulks the stool, which in turn compresses their anal glands. 

How To Use Pumpkin For Specific Problems?

Pumpkin contains a lot of nutrients that can help solve some specific problems. Here are those mentioned. 

1. Pumpkin For Diarrhea & Constipation 

Pumpkin often helps with diarrhea. However, you need to understand the reason behind their diarrhea. Moreover, this is usually a symptom of other infections and diseases.  

It is rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre and helps the intestines work better. This means that it can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Just a tablespoon can do the magic. But, if things does not work out, you need to take them to a vet immediately.  

2. Pumpkin For Skin & Coat Issues 

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins and minerals and helps improve the skin and coat. If they have dull skin and coat, you can use it, and their coat quality might improve. It has moisturizing properties and maintains a healthy skin barrier. 

Moreover, it prevents flaky skin and dandruff. This is an amazing option if your dog has sensitive skin or suffers from allergies.  

Safe Serving Guidelines & Portion Table 

Is pumpkin good for dogs? Yes, it is, but since it is used as a treat, it should make up only 10% of their diet, while the other 90% should be a balanced diet.  

However, the right amount of food depends on their health condition. In general, they should have one teaspoon of pumpkin per 10 pounds of their body weight. Here is a guideline on how much pumpkin you should feed your dog, depending on their body weight. 

Dog size	Serving size	Frequency
Extra small/toy breeds (2 to 10 pounds)	½ to 1 teaspoon	Once a day
Small breeds (11 to 20 pounds)	1 to 2 teaspoons	Once a day
Medium breeds (21 to 50 pounds)	2 to 5 teaspoons	Once a day
Large breeds (51 to 90 pounds)	1+½ to 3 tablespoons	Once a day
Extra-large breeds (more than 91 pounds)	3 tablespoons	Once a day

How To Prepare Pumpkin For Your Dog?

If you are planning to serve your dog some pumpkin, you need to know how to prepare it properly. Here is how you can do it. 

Clean it properly: If you are preparing fresh pumpkin for them, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Wash it with water to remove the pesticide residue and dirt. 

Remove the skin and seeds: You need to remove the outer skin, leaves, and stems, which can be difficult for them to digest. So, give them just the cooked pulp. 

Cook it: You can bake, steam, or boil the pumpkin. Do not give them raw pumpkin as it can upset their stomach. 

Keep things plain and simple: Do not add any seasonings to it, like oil, butter, salt, sugar, and spices. Canned pumpkins are good for them, but ensure it is 100% pure pumpkin and not the pie filling. 

Pumpkin Snack Ideas 

Here are some of the safe snack ideas that you can give your dogs. 

You can spread it on a lick mat. 

Grind the seeds and spread them over their food for some extra antioxidants. 

You can get some commercial food as well, which contains pumpkin, chicken, and peas. 

Warnings To Consider 

In general, this is a healthy snack for dogs, but there are some risks as well, and you need to watch out for those. 

Pumpkin contains vitamin A, and too much of it can be toxic for them. This can cause nutritional imbalance and hamper the absorption of nutrients. Look for signs of vitamin A toxicity like lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. 

Even though pumpkin is not toxic to them, raw pumpkin is not easy to digest and can cause intestinal damage. So, it is recommended to remove the skin, stems, and leaves. Peel it before you give it to them. 

Pumpkin is rich in fibre, and too much of it can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. So, you should always stick to the guidelines and give them this treat in limited quantity. 

Expert Tips & Best Practices

Here are a few tips from the experts that will help you when you are feeding them pumpkins. 

Always measure the amount properly. Even a small change can cause a huge change and make them sick. 

Also, when you are introducing it to your dog for the very first time, you need to monitor them for over 24 to 48 hours to ensure they are not having an allergic reaction.  

Do not share the pumpkin you have prepared for your family and friends. You need to prepare it separately for them without any added seasonings. 

Moreover, if you have prepared it in excess, you will have to store it ideally so that your dog can have it later.  

Use it as a part of their diet, as a regular treat. But do not use it as a replacement for their balanced diet.  

When Should You Take Them To A Vet?

Is pumpkin good for dogs? It is, but in limited quantity. Too much pumpkin can harm them. If you notice any of these signs in your dogs after you have given them pumpkin, then you need to take them to a vet immediately. Here are those signs: 

• Lethargy 
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Vomiting 
• Bloating 

If there is a mild issue with their digestion, it will clear up on its own, but you will have to monitor them properly. If the symptoms don’t go away within a day or get even severe, then you will have to take them to a vet immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is pumpkin good for dogs? Well, you have an idea about it now. But while discussing the topic, here are some of the common questions people generally ask.