Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Halloween is just right around the corner and the pumpkin season is open, too. It’s time to talk about pumpkins.

The question is coming:

Can dogs eat pumpkins?

So many people love pumpkins, but as a fun fact, I hate them: Sorry, Pumpkin Lovers!

But that doesn’t stop me from preparing pumpkin for my dog.

I think you already understood the answer to the question but let’s say it clearly.

Dogs can eat pumpkins.

Why, how, and how much? You can find out if you keep reading.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: Is It Toxic For Dogs?

Dogs can eat pumpkin, both the pulp and the seeds. Recently, I found actually how beneficial pumpkin is for humans and dogs and thought to share it with you guys too.

Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene. Let’s tell you the benefits of beta-carotene first. When it’s in the body it transforms into vitamin A, which we know is needed for good vision, healthy skin, and a strong immune system.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals – which can lead to chronic illnesses.

Pumpkins may get toxic but in massive amounts and taken every day for months. Then the dog’s body will be too full of vitamin A and start working against the immune system.

But again huge amounts, like kilograms of pumpkin.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: Nutrients

Source: USDA

Pumpkin is a nutritional super food for dogs. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, and minerals such as iron and potassium.

Due to its high soluble fiber content, pumpkin is very good for your dog’s digestive system.

Pumpkin’s Health Benefits

Cooked canned pumpkin is recommended for dogs suffering from diarrhea or constipation. A few teaspoons (or tablespoons depending on how large your dog is) can be a cure.

If your dog needs to lose weight (like 1-2 kilograms) you can give baked pumpkin or canned pumpkin as the pumpkin is low in calories.

Cooked and smashed pumpkin without salt can help to settle down the upset stomach, to prevent the build-up of hairballs, and improve digestion.

If your dog doesn’t drink enough water, pumpkin is again going to help. Pumpkin is a great source of hydration because they are over 80% water.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: How Much Pumpkin I Can Give To My Dog?

If your dog has diarrhea or constipation, you can use pumpkin to treat them. You can add 1 to 4 tablespoons to dogs’ food.

But the dosage depends on how big your dog is. For small puppies and dogs, you can start with 1/2 teaspoon, and with large dogs, you can directly start with 1 teaspoon.

And slowly you can increase it in the next few days.

But here I talk only about normal diarrhea. If your dog has bloody or consistent diarrhea, then instead of giving them pumpkin, call their vet as soon as possible.

Then you can use the pumpkin as a supplement to get your dogs’ diarrhea under control.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: How To Feed My Dog With Pumpkin?

You should remember that dogs can’t eat pumpkin pie for more than 1-2 bites.

But they can eat canned pumpkin and if you want you can make them pumpkin puree but without sugar or anything else. Pumpkin has its own sweet taste that dogs love.

You can give roasted pumpkin seeds to your pooch too.

Freshly baked pumpkin is the favorite of my dog.

Canned pumpkin is more nutritious than baked one because baked pumpkin contains more water.

Or you can add the pumpkin to some dog-friendly recipes, as we have shared a few of them in the next paragraph.

Can dogs Eat Pumpkin: Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Recipes

1. Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

Servings: 25

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour;
• 2 large eggs;
• ½ cup canned pumpkin;
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter;
• ½ teaspoon salt;
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon;
• 1 teaspoon water, or more if necessary (Optional);

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 175°C.
2. Mix flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl, and stir with a spatula until combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a work surface and work it with your hands until it starts to come together.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of water at a time (only if needed) to help make the dough workable, but don’t add too much as it should be dry and stiff.
5. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until dog treats are golden brown and crunchy, about 40 minutes.
7. Let it cool before serving it to your dog.

2. Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of whole wheat flour + extra for dusting counter;
• 2 eggs;
• 1 cup pumpkin puree;
• 1 banana, mashed;

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F/ 175°C.
2. Mix eggs, banana, and pumpkin puree together.
3. Add flour and mix until all the flour is incorporated.
4. Lightly dust the counter and a rolling pin with flour, then roll out dough to approximately 1/8″ and cut out treats.
5. Lay on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Cool it completely before giving it to your pup!

3. Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin: 9 Fun Facts For Pumpkin

1. The word “pumpkin” showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella. A French explorer in 1584 first called them “gros melons,” translated into English as “pompions”.
2. Pumpkins are related to cucumbers, melons, and luffas (the source of loofah scrubbing sponges used in bathrooms and kitchens).
3. Uncut pumpkins can be held for up to three months in a dry dark cool place. The longer you keep them the sweet and nuttier the flavor becomes.
4. Plant Halloween pumpkin seeds the first week of June. To ensure they’re ready to harvest in plenty of time for Halloween.
5. Pumpkins are 80 – 90 % water. The high water content of pumpkins means they’re good for you while also being low in calories.
6. The world record weight for the largest pumpkin is 2,624 pounds.
7. The female flower only opens for a day for pollination.
8. Over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin are produced each year in the United States.
9. The most giant pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 3,699 pounds.

FAQs

Can dogs eat pumpkin every day?

Yes, dogs can eat a little pumpkin every day. It helps dogs to feel full sooner(for dogs that need those weights) and gives them the needed daily fiber.

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

If they are cleaned, peeled, and roasted or toasted, without any salt or other ingredients, pumpkin seeds are a crunchy fall treat for your dog. Rich in fiber and a healthy dose of protein, pumpkin seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch and are delicious to boot.

Pumpkin seeds contain oils that are great for your dog’s urinary tract and may help with canine incontinence. 

Can dogs eat pumpkin leaves?

Never allow your dog to eat a pumpkin’s leaves, they are covered in tiny, sharp hairs which can cause irritation to your dog’s mouth and intestinal tract. 

Can dogs eat pumpkin seed oil?

Yes, dogs can have pumpkin seed oil sometimes. It has a good amount of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids and supports kidney and bladder health.

Can dogs eat pumpkin skin?

Pumpkin skin isn’t safe for dogs and should be avoided because dogs can’t digest it.