We use pumpkin all year round. There are many benefits to including this low fat, low calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable in the entire pack’s diet.
Contains Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin A
promotes eye health and prevents the development of night blindness and other degenerative eye conditions. Since Vitamin A is fat-soluble, feeding your dog pumpkin with a little healthy oil will make the nutrients more effective. Mix your pup’s pumpkin on top of his regular food, or mix in some flax or coconut oil. The oil will also help nourish their skin and coat.
Vitamin C
essential for immune health. When combined with vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin E and other antioxidants in pumpkin, it might help prevent certain cancers from developing.
Potassium
necessary for the proper functioning of enzymes, muscles, and nerves. It is also necessary to maintain a proper fluid balance throughout the body.
Antioxidant (must reiterate the importance of this)
Derived from the carotenoid family, pumpkin, absorbed into the cells fight free radicals, or “oxidants” in your pet’s system. Oxidants occur naturally in our immune systems. Too many oxidants can contribute to cancers and other illnesses. By including natural, fresh sources of antioxidants, such as those found in pumpkin, you can boost your pet’s immune system.
Moisturizes
Another benefit of Vitamin A as well as zinc, is that they can help improve your pet’s skin and coat. The high water content in pumpkin flesh also contributes to supple skin and a luxurious coat.
Hydrates
Many dogs who consume a kibble the only diet suffer from mild, but chronic dehydration. Dry dog food has low moisture content . Pumpkin contains a high moisture content; by adding pumpkin to meals, you add more water to your dog’s diet.
Weight Loss Aid
The High Fibre content helps fill you up (great for helping mom and pup with weight loss goals). Pumpkins have a high moisture and fibre content, which makes them a powerful tool for your pet’s weight loss. Replacing a little of your dog’s regular food with canned pumpkin (a few teaspoons for a small dog up to half a cup with a large dog) can help your dog lose some excess weight. The fibre and water in the pumpkin will keep them full, so they don’t miss the extra calories.
Medicinal Purposes
Digestive Issues and Regularity
For upset stomachs, pumpkin will aid to tighten stool in the case of diarrhea, or loose stool if your dog is suffering from constipation.
Pumpkin Seeds Prevent Urinary Incontinence
As well as the pumpkin flesh, give your pet a taste of the seeds! Pumpkin seeds contain Omega 3 fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties, which can assist with dislodging kidney stones. Pumpkin seed powder is used to prevent urinary incontinence (the reduced ability to hold in urine).
Tastes Great!
Like many people, dogs enjoy the rich, creamy consistency of pumpkin.
IMPORTANT!!!
Be aware of what you’re buying when you get canned pumpkin. Some spices are not good for dogs. I only use 100% pure pumpkin.
Always check the ingredients label if you’re not sure.
HOW TO SERVE PUMPKIN TO DOGS
Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, you may wish to consult your veterinarian for advice.
Portion Size: Ask your vet for guidance on appropriate portions. Depending on the size of your dog, and their current health issues, the recommended serving could be one tablespoon once a day, all the way up to 2-4 ounces at each meal.
Homemade Dog Food: Pumpkin is an excellent addition to homemade dog food. It can also be used in conjunction with rice to help with upset stomachs (see above).
Consider mixing pumpkin into your dog’s regular diet. Since you’re adding food, you may wish to reduce the amount of kibble or wet food you’re feeding them. Discuss options with your vet. I don’t recommend mixing pumpkin with a raw diet – consult your vet.
How Much Pumpkin:
Unless your pet suffers from diabetes, 1 tsp of canned (or cooked and pureed) pumpkin per 10lbs of body weight per day is a good standard to go by. If unsure, please consult a veterinarian. For puppies and toy or underweight dogs, only feed pumpkin in very small amounts as a treat.
Happy Fall,
Michelle & The Paw Pack says
Happy Thanksgiving! I always forget that Canadian Thanksgiving is earlier than when we celebrate in the US. I think I’d like that more, it gets a bit overwhelming sometimes having Thanksgiving then Christmas so close together. All these pumpkin posts I’m seeing are making me crave pumpkin pie, lol. I do give pumpkin to my pets pretty often – my dogs and my tortoises all really enjoy it.
Michelle & The Paw Pack recently posted…How I Feed My Dogs Honest Kitchen Foods – #ChewyInfluencer
Sadie says
My sister is in the US and I know how crazy, busy she is during the holidays.
JoeHx says
Who knew pumpkin could be so healthy!
JoeHx recently posted…The 10 Best Dog Costumes for Halloween 2018
Sadie says
Well, I guess it might not be so healthy in a cheesecake or muffins lol
Ruby and Kristin says
I love pumpkin and so does Ruby! I do add a teaspoon of pumpkin to her food from time to time. She also loves pumpkin cookies. I didn’t know that pumpkin seeds are good source of Omega 3’s!
Ruby and Kristin recently posted…Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month Extravaganza
Sadie says
I’m glad I was able to share that info. with you.
Ruth Epstein says
We swear by pumpkin and Layla gets it daily in her home cooked food. I buy it from the pet store. I am going to try putting it in her dog treats the next time I make them also. It is really healthy for them. Great post
Ruth Epstein recently posted…Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Sadie says
Layla is such a lucky girl.
Kamira says
Wow I didn’t realize that pumpkin had this many benefits for pets. Thanks for sharing this helpful information. And pumpkin tastes yummy. I love this time of year.
Kamira recently posted…5 Ways to tell your cat you love them!
Sadie says
Pumpkin is delicious!
Dash Kitten Crew says
We can’t get our cats to eat pumpkin, although we have friends who do and their cats love it!
I wish Harvey did I need to read him your post out loud!!!
Sadie says
MOL!
Jana Rade says
Pumpkin is a great treat as well as it can be used to help some tummy troubles. Jasmine was sensitive to it, though. Strange, huh? Her system didn’t get along with anything orange, including carrots.
Jana Rade recently posted…Top Veterinary Articles of the Week: Hematuria, Xylitol, and more …
Sadie says
Very interesting!
Talent Hounds says
Happy Thanksgiving. Kilo the Pug and I love pumpkin and eat it regularly. It is great that it has so many benefits and tastes so good (plus fills us up).
Sadie says
All that healthy fibre!
Debbie Bailey says
We use pumpkin whenever we have belly issues in our pack. It’s great for digestive issues and I love that it’s all natural. There are so many health benefits from pumpkin.
Debbie Bailey recently posted…10 MUST DO Dog-Friendly Family Activities in Gulf County, FL!
Sadie says
Yes. Good stuff!
Dorothy "FiveSibesMom" says
Happy Thanksgiving!!! My FiveSibes have been on pumpkin for years, so good in so many ways. Have to say, I love the stuff, too! Have a wonderful holiday!
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Sadie says
My Gran’s pumpkin pies were THE BEST!
Lorenza says
Thanks for sharing the benefits of pumpkin. I’ll have to try adding it more to my dogs’ food.
Lorenza recently posted…Best Brush for Heavy Shedding Dog – Fluffy’s reviews
Sadie says
Mine definitely enjoy it.
Sara @ BestPetReviews says
Wow! I didn’t know all the benefits of pumpkin for dogs! I wish we would have known this earlier because my dog as she got older developed caterax in her eyes. We have a new puppy now so I will be feeding her pumpkin.
Sara @ BestPetReviews recently posted…Best Japanese Dog Names for Male and Female Dogs
Sadie says
Awww. Congrats on the new puppy! Check back for new recipes, soon.