Dogs can eat pumpkins and pumpkin seeds as they are superfoods containing essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help with their digestive health.
Pumpkins contain an abundance of betacarotene, which converts to Vitamin A in dogs' bodies. Too much pumpkin may cause Vitamin A toxicity. Parts such as pumpkin pulp and stems should not be fed to dogs.
Pumpkin is a reliable source of essential vitamins and minerals for us humans. It’s a sweet and earthy vegetable jam-packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and fiber, making it an ideal addition to human diets. With all of that pumpkin in our dishes, I’m sure many of you have been tempted to give your dogs a nibble!
So what happens if a dog eats pumpkin? Do dogs experience the same health benefits that we do? Read on to know the answers.
Absolutely! Not only is pumpkin safe for your dogs, but it’s also one of the best superfoods for them.
However, everything in excessive quantities can be a bad thing. You might be asking, how much pumpkin can I give my dog? Add pumpkin to your dog’s diet slowly. Begin with a few teaspoons so that your dog can adjust to the new food. Just remember to not feed pumpkin pulp and stems as this can irritate their stomach.
If you’re using it to treat your dog’s diarrhea or some form of constipation, 1 to 4 tablespoons a day is the norm. Small dogs can usually handle about 1 tablespoon, whereas large breed dogs can safely handle 4 tablespoons a day.
However, you must consult with your vet before determining the serving size that is appropriate for your dog. This is likely to vary depending on the breed, age, and other health conditions your dog may have.
Pumpkins contain diverse antioxidants, nutritious minerals, and essential vitamins such as Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Potassium, and Vitamins A, C, K, and E!
Altogether, the compounds in pumpkins can be great for a dog’s overall wellbeing. Health benefits range from improved eyesight, healthy skin and fur, stronger bones and joints, to improved immunity from diseases.
Pumpkin greatly contributes to a dog’s digestive health. It is rich in fiber and can help regulate its digestive system. It can regularize bowel movements and add bulk to stool. It is also rich in prebiotics and helps increase good bacteria within your dog’s digestive tract.
Pumpkin helps with the production of fatty acids that help bolster a dog’s energy throughout the day.
The benefits of feeding your dog pumpkin are endless. If you were asking yourself, “Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?”, the answer is yes! Pumpkin seeds have the amino acid cucurbitacin, which is a natural eliminator of parasites and a de-wormer.
Pumpkins are also known to be extremely filling for dogs, a wonderful, naturally sweet, low-calorie energy source that makes your dog feel full! This is why it is an excellent aid for dogs on a weight loss or maintenance program.
Is pumpkin toxic for dogs? As with all things, pumpkin intake should be regulated as it can be harmful to our canines. Pumpkins are rich in Vitamin A, too much of which is toxic to a dog’s body.
Too much fiber is also harmful to dogs as they may struggle with bowel movements and experience pain. Furthermore, high fiber intake may also lead to nutrient deficiencies as it may decrease nutrient absorption.
Whether it’s raw, cooked, or canned, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes are safe for dogs. We recommend that dog owners cut them into manageable, bite-sized pieces or even puree them to not be a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat pumpkins every day? Sure, they can! But in moderate amounts of 1 to 4 tablespoons.
Can pumpkin make a dog sick? Yes, pumpkins can make a dog sick as it contains loads of Vitamin A. An excess can lead to toxicity.
Flavored or spiced pumpkins from cans or ready-made products from the supermarket may contain too much salt, spices, and other additives that can be abrasive and harmful to a dog’s stomach. Cinnamon, excessive sugar and fillers can cause your dog to vomit and can poison a dog’s liver in the long run.
The ingestion of nutmeg can even lead to increased blood pressure which can be deadly for older dogs as it has myristicin. As much as possible, feed your dogs just plain pumpkin without the stem or the pulp. Feed them fresh, cooked, or canned pumpkin to avoid complications. You can also mix pumpkin with your dog’s regular food and add a few more treats to spice it up!
Yes, feeding your dogs pumpkin when your dog has diarrhea or constipation can help make the stool firmer and can even ease the pain. Experts recommend between 1 and 4 tablespoons depending on the dog’s weight and size. Remember, too much fiber can make anybody constipated. Give your dog plenty of water so they can hydrate!
Is pumpkin skin edible? Yes, it is completely edible. However, this does not mean it is safe for dogs to consume. Pumpkin skin can be tough to chew and digest due to its hard nature, and so, it can be a choking hazard. Some skin varieties may also cause blockages in the digestive tract as they are too tough to process, leading to indigestion and stomach irritation. So can dogs eat pumpkin skin? Although it is edible, it is suggested that you do not feed it to your dogs.
The answer is no. Pumpkin pies usually have a plethora of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar in them, which can be extremely toxic to your dog. It is even more dangerous if you feed them canned pumpkin pie and sugar-free products as they may likely contain xylitol, a substance that can cause liver failure among dogs.
Pumpkin seeds are healthy snacks for dogs. Mix them with regular food if your dog finds the seeds to be bitter. Evidence has also shown that pumpkin seeds are natural remedies for worms and parasites as they contain cucurbitacin. While they can be eaten raw, it’s recommended that seeds be peeled, roasted, or ground for easier digestion.
Also Read: Human Foods that Dog Can Eat
Pumpkin is all about the high nutritional value it can give your precious companions. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it’s a very healthy supplement to your dog’s diet in limited quantities!
I hope you’ve learned what pumpkin can do to improve your pet’s health. Till next time!
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
