While raw, cooked, or canned pumpkin is very low in calories, pumpkin seeds pack about 75 calories into a single tablespoon. Canned natural pumpkin is a great source of fiber and helps with digestive regularity. The stem is coarse and can be rough on the digestive tract. Treatment of Diarrhea : Pumpkin contains soluble fiber and this can absorb excess water in the digestive tract, reducing or relieving diarrhea. (Reposted from 2014) Your dog or cat may be curious about the pumpkins sitting on your front porch. The simple answer is â yes â dogs can eat pumpkin. Hereâs what you need to know to get started. This makes the pumpkin an excellent diet option for dogs that need to lose a bit of excess weight. Halloween is now in the past, and your pumpkin may be beautifully carved, but it might also be collecting bacteria.While itâs best they donât eat that pumpkin, canned organic pumpkin (unsweetened â not pie filling), pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin have many benefits for dogs ⦠Canned and roasted pumpkin, however, are fine as long as there arenât added ingredients or spices, Dr. Bowens says. âEven more, it contains added sugar, making it up to 281 calories per cup, which can add on the pounds quickly in small animals. The Dodo Ever wonder if you can feed your dog or cat pumpkin? Too much fiber at once can cause gas, bloating, an upset tummy and diarrhea, according to Dr. Dougherty. Pumpkin For Dogs â The Ultimate Pet Superfood. Dogs can safely eat pumpkin with no problems, provided that it … Yes, but pet parents should ensure that the pumpkin seeds are unsalted, roasted, and shelled. Don’t feed the soft gooey pulp material in the center. Fiber: 3 grams What about pumpkin for a constipated dog? It provides tons of health benefits and can help your dog feel better when they have an upset stomach or irregular bowel movements. Of course, like all good things, too much can be bad. Niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and thiamin, While there's a lot of research available on the health benefits of pumpkin for humans, there isn't that many studies of pumpkin for dogs. She suggests starting off with a small amount of pumpkin (about 25 percent of the total recommended daily amount) for about two to three days, increasing it little by little every two to three days until your pup is happily gobbling down the total recommended daily amount of pumpkin with no side effects. Most dogs will probably like cooked pumpkin better, and theyâll probably digest cooked pumpkin more completely. With that out of the way, we know that fresh pumpkin for dogs is good and canned pumpkin for dogs is a great alternative. It slows down a dog’s digestion and stops diarrhea by absorbing water. As a matter of fact, pumpkin is a superfood for both dogs and cats â which means there are a ton of benefits! It’s important that you feed your dog fresh, cooked, or canned pumpkin, not the remains of the moldy pumpkin still on your front porch two weeks after Halloween. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. However, you have to take into consideration that there are a few different preparation requirements that you have to follow through with. In fact, the seeds are the most nutritious part of the pumpkin, as they're rich in proteins and fatty acid as well as minerals like magnesium. Yes! Protein: 2 grams, Vitamin K First, make sure that the pumpkin seeds are unsalted. It’s critical that dogs be fed only raw, cooked, or natural and organic canned pumpkin. It also works to eliminate the growth of harmful bacteria by lowering the pH levels in the gut and providing the nutrients that good bacteria needs. So can dogs eat pumpkin? Not only is pumpkin for dogs good, but it's one of the natural dog treats that veterinarians often encourage pet owners to add to their dogs diet. When you walk your dog, you always pick up his waste. If you want to give your dog pumpkin puree, check the ingredients list to make sure thereâs no sugar or pointless additives. The answer is yes – with all of the above considered, it's clear that feeding dogs pumpkin is a good idea. Canned pumpkin for dogs in particular has become a popular snack. So pet parents should understand the safest and best ways to incorporate this new food into their petâs diet. Canned pumpkin, however, is another story. It has been long and widely acknowledged that pumpkin has definite benefits for dogs, especially those who are having temporary trouble executing successful bowel movements. Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Pumpkin is also rich in vitamin A, and too much can be toxic in dogs. You do not have to worry about giving your dog a piece of pumpkin while cooking it. What You Need to Know Before Getting Cozy. Dogs should never eat the shell of a pumpkin … Not only will they love the taste of pumpkin but it may also ease stomach issues. While feeding dogs pumpkin of these varieties is great for them, always avoid giving your dog any of the following foods as they can all cause significant digestive tract issues: Additionally, never feed your dog pumpkin’s leaves or stem as they are covered in small, sharp hairs which if ingested will irritate the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Is pumpkin bad for dogs in any way? For dogs who are having a little diarrhea or softer than normal stools, you can even add a small scoop of canned pumpkin on their food once a day to help firm their stool back up. Pumpkin for dogs is not only safe, itâs nutritious, too! What Type of Pumpkin Can Dogs Eat? Whether raw, canned, pureed, baked, broiled or steamed, both regular and organic pumpkin is not only safe for dogs but it’s a common ingredient found in specialized commercial dog food blends. Pumpkin for dogs can also help alleviate diarrhea because of the soluble fiber in its flesh. You can also give your dog pumpkin in the form of treats or supplements. For both humans and canines, pumpkin seeds can help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease, lower blood sugar levels and improve bladder health. Yes, Please! If eaten, âthe stem of fresh pumpkins can splinter and cause abrasions to the GI tract,â says Dr. Dougherty. Furthermore, since there's a strong correlation between how foods affect both humans and dogs, we're going to take a look at some human clinical trials to answer the question can dogs eat pumpkin and reap some of the benefits from its nutrition. Dogs can eat pumpkin, but not all in all forms. Potassium Pumpkin seeds are rich in essential antioxidants and fatty acids. Pumpkin can be fed raw or cooked. âCanned pumpkin pie mix has a lot of added spices, which can cause toxicities,â says Dr. Dougherty. Dogs can eat pumpkin, but not all in all forms. First, make sure that the pumpkin seeds are unsalted. And you should always avoid canned pumpkin pie mix. Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds, how much? Pumpkin seeds can also be fed to dogs without a concern for toxicity. There are many other benefits of beta-carotene from pumpkin which we discussed above too. â[Pumpkin] should equal no more than 10 percent of your dogâs diet,â says Dr. Dougherty. Yes, they can! The answer is yes – with all of the above considered, it's clear that feeding dogs pumpkin is a good idea. Pumpkin is ideal as an ingredient for dog biscuits and small lightly steamed pumpkin cubes are a healthy snack in between. Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds, but there are a few things that you should know! Pumpkin is a spectacular source of fiber for dogs. Canned and roasted pumpkin, however, are fine as long as there aren’t added ingredients or spices, Dr. Bowens says. So, although your dog could eat a whole, raw pumpkin, it’s not recommended. Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? ), and which is best left out of their food dish.. Dog food companies commonly use pumpkin as one of their many ingredients. You can feed your dog raw or cooked pumpkin. Let's take a look at these six benefits. For example, one study found that supplementing overweight dog's diet with pumpkin helps them lose weight faster due to better digestion (Mitsuhashi et al. Dogs, 1 tablespoon/meal for large dog; 1–2 teaspoons for small to medium dogs. Keep reeding to find out if your dog can eat the insides of a pumpkin and pumpkin seeds⦠Health benefits of pumpkin the superfood Pumpkin can help your dog get over diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dehydration, urinary tract infection, upset belly and itâs even good for helping to lose a few extra pounds. Besides being very palatable to dogs, they are also packed with health benefits, are high in fiber, and can promote digestive and urinary health for dogs as well as offer a host of other health benefits. Pumpkin can be fed raw or cooked. Dr. Jess describes the risks and the benefits of feeding pumpkin to your dog, as well as which types of pumpkin dogs can eat (if any! Because pumpkin is high in fiber, your dogâs tummy may get a little upset if they eat too much at once. Most of us love pumpkin in any form, but can dogs eat pumpkin as well, and is pumpkin for dogs completely safe? Canned pumpkin, however, is another story. However, pumpkin pie is not good for dogs . Can dogs eat raw pumpkin? When choosing a method of incorporating pumpkin into a dogâs diet, make sure itâs in a natural form. Pumpkin is a very nutritious food for dogs and cats. But, yes, and just like sunflower seeds, you have to give it to them also without the peel. Learn about Popeye Disease in fish, what causes it, how to treat it and how to prevent it. To clarify, when we say “pumpkin,” we mean canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin that has been steamed and mashed — not the pumpkin pie mix or the actual raw gourd. The non-pumpkin ingredients in pumpkin pie can be toxic to your pup and make him extremely sick. Folate For both humans and canines, pumpkin seeds can help fight cancer, reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease, lower blood sugar levels ⦠Considering this, we can affirm not only that dogs can eat pumpkin, but also that its moderate consumption is beneficial for your dogâs overall health. The pumpkin meat and pumpkin seeds offer a plethora of exciting health benefits for dogs. The pumpkin meat and pumpkin seeds offer a plethora of exciting health benefits for dogs. While raw, cooked, or canned pumpkin is very low in calories, pumpkin seeds pack about 75 calories into a single tablespoon. Pumpkin for dogs makes a good and healthy snack, it adds nutritional value to their diet, can help alleviate some health concerns, and has virtually no side effects. Take a look at our recipes and watch the videos for full cooking explanations: Pumpkins are actually incredibly nutritious with a relatively few calories and a huge amount of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. Read on to get the scoop on pumpkin for dogsâincluding the benefits, the best ways to introduce this new food into your dogâs diet, and how to make sure you donât feed them too much. Pumpkin is full of vitamins, minerals and fiberâall good things for your fur baby. In conclusion, can dogs eat pumpkin and is pumpkin good for dogs to consume on a regular basis? Pumpkin's high fiber content also means you'll want to proceed with caution, as too much pumpkin can cause stomach distress in many dogs. Before giving your dog this treat, make sure you clean the pumpkin seeds. Plain, canned pumpkin is the best option when it comes to adding pumpkin to your dogâs diet. It’s also a useful addition to many types of foods, not just pie. Because of its high levels of fiber, feeding dogs pumpkin can help older canines who are suffering from constipation. Keep reeding to find out if your dog can eat the insides of a pumpkin and pumpkin seeds… Health benefits of pumpkin the superfood Pumpkin can help your dog get over diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, dehydration, urinary tract infection, upset belly and it’s even good for helping to lose a few extra pounds. While the nutrition of pumpkin labels it a vegetable, technically it's a fruit because it contains pumpkin seeds. Keep in mind, however, as with anything new food that you introduce to your dog’s diet, pumpkin can cause gastrointestinal upset if it is not gradually added to your dog's daily diet. Plus, pumpkin is low in sodium and exceptionally high in the antioxidant beta-carotene, The oils in pumpkin seeds support urinary health in dogs. READ THIS: 10 Scientific Reasons Homemade Dog Food is Better Than Commercial Foods. Pumpkin can also help digestion in dogs suffering from constipation or diarrhea. A few that exist are actually related to pumpkin seeds for dogs rather than the pumpkin itself. This can potentially aid in weight loss due to decreasing the physiological need to eat more food; , but as with all dietary plans, consult your veterinarian first about your dog's specific needs. Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? This pumpkin can be a good source of fiber for dogs and low on calories. For example, itâs best to avoid raw pumpkin, pumpkin skin and the stem, as theyâre hard for your pup to digest. And be sure to never feed your dog pumpkin pie. There are a lot of dog-related websites out there, so information about our canine friends is abundant. So, while it's true that people eat pumpkin seeds for nutritional benefits, dogs have different nutritional needs. For small dogs, that max amount might mean ½ teaspoon per day, while large dogs can safely eat 1-4 tablespoons daily. While we’re at it, pumpkin pie, soup, isn’t the best option, either. In fact, both the pulp and the seeds are safe for dogs to consume. When shopping for canned pumpkin for your pup, be sure to get the plain pumpkin.. Canned pumpkin blends, such as pumpkin pie filling with nutmeg and cinnamon, spiced mocha chai pumpkin, or any of the other human canned pumpkin varieties that contain cinnamon, nutmeg, or any other spices can … Canned and roasted pumpkin, however, are fine as long as there arenât added ingredients or spices, Dr. Bowens says. Increased fiber levels create more solid stool which in turn encourages your dog’s colon wall to contract the muscles that move the waste out of the dog’s digestive tract. If you notice your dog isnât eating, is vomiting, is lethargic or has other signs of discomfort, call your vet. But if you get the thumbs up to feed your pup pumpkin, we think theyâll love every bite! Pumpkin is a nutritious orange plant that is part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes fruits and vegetables such as squash, cucumber, cantaloupe, and other plants that multiply on creeping vines. Pumpkin is also rich in vitamin A, and too much can be toxic in dogs. The fiber in pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic, meaning it stimulates the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Is pumpkin bad for dogs? To clarify, when we say âpumpkin,â we mean canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin that has been steamed and mashed â not the pumpkin pie mix or the actual raw gourd. However, fresh pumpkin is also healthy and can be used. When considering canned pumpkin for dogs, make sure to read the nutrition label to make sure your dog is getting pure pumpkin without any added ingredients. âIt discourages the overgrowth of âbadâ bacteria that can cause issues in the GI tract,â says Sarah Dougherty, DVM, associate veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and a veterinarian with the Digital Health division of Kinship. In this way, it is more digestible for the four-legged friend. Additionally, it's best that the pumpkin seeds are roasted and de-shelled. Adding a little pumpkin to your dogâs diet can even provide them with a little extra fiber. You can use both fresh pumpkin for dogs and any type of natural and organic canned pumpkin for dogs to avoid any additives. By: Ashley DavidsonPublished: October 16, 2020. What are pumpkin seeds? (Recipes for roasting pumpkin below.) Not really. However, dog food experts have arguments regarding the safety of serving certain pumpkin products to dogs. Can dogs eat pumpkin then if it offers nutrition and there are no dangers of feeding dogs pumpkin? One of the best benefits of feeding your dog pumpkin is that it can help your pup have a healthy gut. In fact, pumpkin for dogs can be extremely beneficial due to its many nutrients, and feeding dogs pumpkin has no side effects. Start with a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree or a few pieces of baked or … Pumpkin seeds are also safe for dogs to eat and provide a great nutritional value as they contain protein, iron, fiber, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium and more. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: December 17, 2011, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 13, 2011, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: April 19, 2010, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: October 11, 2017, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 1, 2011. The key is to start slowly. Some canned pumpkin puree has up to 600 milligrams of added sodium per cup, which can be harmful to pets with heart and kidney disease.â. In fact, pumpkin is an extremely healthy treat for dogs, and it can also be used as a nutritional supplement. If it is given to the dog raw, it should be crushed or pureed. In most cases, yes, pumpkin can be a healthy part of a dog’s balanced diet. 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