Some dogs adore it, some don’t, but dogs can eat pumpkin!
The inclusion of pumpkin in your dog’s diet is a superfood and a very nutritious one. Pumpkin is low in sodium and rich in beta-carotene, calcium, carotenoids, potassium, vitamin C, and some B-complex vitamins. In addition to its high fiber content it is also an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and healthful oils (PUFAs).
Pumpkin can be a portion of excellent dog food. Its seeds are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium and a diverse array of antioxidant phytonutrients that are essential for bone formation.
Dogs can eat what kind of pumpkin?
Many dog owners use canned pumpkin as a homemade fiber enhancer, but it is mostly water and doesn’t have enough fiber to be helpful. The vet also advises you to avoid giving your dog canned pumpkin pie filling, which is heavy in calories and sugar and is not the same as canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin with added salt is also not beneficial for your pooch.
If you want to feed your dog pumpkin every day, talk to your doctor about a complete diet plan. They may advise trying a different dog food initially, depending on your dog’s nutritional requirements. Pumpkin seeds and cooked or raw pumpkins are safe for dogs to consume.
Take little care while serving raw pumpkin to your pet dog:
Dogs can eat raw pumpkins, but there is no reason why dogs should consume them just because they can. Pumpkin flesh is typically okay for your dog in canned form. A few vets say pumpkin is safe to eat in moderation, but raw pumpkin is not.
Aside from the fact that raw pumpkin is low in calories and typically healthy for dogs to eat, it may be challenging for them to process. Adding pumpkin or other fiber-rich foods may reduce your pet’s ability to absorb protein and other nutrients, putting them at risk for deficiencies. Fillings like pumpkin pie filling are loaded with sugar and spices like cloves. Certain canned pumpkin brands with salt might contain approximately 600 mg of sodium per cup for dogs with heart or renal illness.
It may cause a number of issues if consumed in large quantities, such as:
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Discomfort
- Intestinal obstruction
It is also possible that the mold or germs in a pumpkin that your dog eats while on someone’s porch or in a field may make him extremely sick.
How much pumpkin is enough for a dog?
Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure how much pumpkin to feed your dog. Generally, dogs should eat one to four teaspoons of pumpkin every meal. To prevent overdosing on fiber, start with tiny amounts.
Creative ways to serve pumpkin to your dog:
Your pup often turns its nose up at pumpkin, and you need to find some creative ways to provide the benefits of this superfood to your dog. Here are some exciting ways to make pumpkin a part of your puppy’s healthy diet plan:
- Combine pumpkin, warm water, and plain non-fat yogurt for added probiotics. Then sprinkle it with cinnamon and feed it to your dog.
- Mix pumpkin puree with unsweetened peanut butter. Then stuff it inside their toy and watch the tails wag.
- Mix 1 cup plain yogurt with 1 cup pumpkin puree, then freeze in ice cube trays or a mold for 24 hours. Serve your dog these pumpkin ice bars, and he will surely adore them.
Benefits of pumpkin for your dog’s health:
Let’s explore few benefits of pumpkin for dogs:
· Pumpkin for urinary health:
Pumpkin seeds and flesh may help dogs with urine incontinence because of the oils present in pumpkin flesh and seeds. They are high in vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, iron and may help prevent cancer in your pet.
· Pumpkin for digestive health:
Pumpkin fiber feeds healthy gut flora, improving intestinal health. Its high water and fiber content might help relieve constipation and keep digestion flowing. For both diarrhea and constipation, pumpkin flesh is rich in soluble fiber. It absorbs excess moisture and adds volume to your dog’s feces. Even if your dog doesn’t have diarrhea or constipation, adding pumpkin to his food may improve their digestive health.
· Pumpkin to avoid oxidative damage:
Pumpkin is high in carotenoid antioxidants. These carotenoids are easily absorbed and combat oxidative damage in your dog’s cells. They are among the best long-acting antioxidants available.
· Pumpkin as filler:
Pumpkin is an excellent way to bulk out your dog’s diet without adding a lot of calories. The added fiber in the pumpkin can help your dog feel filled longer even if you feed less.
· Pumpkin for weight loss:
Pumpkin is a favorite of dogs. If you want to slim down your dog, consider replacing a part of their diet with canned pumpkin. Their tummies will appreciate you for the extra taste.