Fresh or canned pumpkin is a delicious and nutritious vegetable enjoyed by many households. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin pie at Halloween or prefer a wintery pumpkin soup, a pumpkin is a regular addition to many of our shopping baskets. But can dogs eat pumpkin, or is pumpkin toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
The great news is, not only can dogs eat pumpkin… But this versatile snack comes with many health benefits to dogs!
Many dogs enjoy the flavor of pumpkin. If served to your dog correctly and safely, this orange vegetable can be a healthy treat that is both refreshing and tasty.
What are the health benefits of pumpkin?
Many dogs love pumpkins, which is a good thing since they are rich in nutritional benefits. Pumpkins are an affordable low-calorie treat, making them a great choice either as a snack or a reward during training.
The main benefit of pumpkin is the high level of soluble fiber. This can be very beneficial to dogs with loose stools or diarrhea. It soaks up excess water in the digestive tract.
In fact, many veterinarians will advise feeding a small amount of pumpkin to dogs with gastrointestinal problems. It is thought to have a probiotic effect, stimulating the activity of beneficial digestive bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Pumpkin is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and iron.
What should I be aware of when offering pumpkin to my dog?
Dogs can eat pumpkin either raw or cooked. You should peel raw pumpkin, remove the seeds, and dice the flesh into bite-size pieces to prevent the risk of choking.
If your dog prefers cooked pumpkin, the best methods to use are steaming or baking. Cooked pumpkin can be mashed into a soft puree as a treat for your dog. Never add salt, pepper, oil, or flavorings to pumpkin cooked for dogs.
Never feed canned pumpkin pie filling to dogs, as this often contains ingredients such as xylitol and spices that are toxic to dogs.
And, as with all vegetables, pumpkins should only be fed to dogs in small quantities. Large amounts of pumpkin can overload the digestive system and cause bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
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