There are many benefits when it comes to feeding pumpkin to your dog. Not only is it delicious, it is a healthy treat and a great way to help with both mild constipation and mild diarrhoea due to its high fibre content. In addition to promoting good bowel movements, this will help bulk up your dog’s bowels which helps them express their anal glands naturally.
Feeding our dogs vitamins A, C, E and K are essential for maintaining good health, as well as protecting them against heart diseases or cancer. Mixing a small portion of pumpkin into their meals is a good way to ensure that they are getting enough nutrients. Do note that what might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on their age, health history, health condition and diet. Whenever in doubt, speak to your vet for advice.
With so many nutrients packed into one ingredient, pumpkin has a ton of different benefits for dogs.
1. Pumpkin is nutrient-rich
Low in calories but filled with tons of essential vitamins and minerals, pumpkins contains lots of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure, improve muscle health and assists in metabolism. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and folate.
2. Pumpkin benefits eyes.
High concentrations of Vitamin A found in pumpkins, helps promotes eye health and the development of night blindness and other eye degeneration. Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, mixing some pumpkin in a little healthy oil such as flax oil will make a healthy, satisfying treat.
3. Pumpkin boosts immune health
Vitamin C are present in pumpkins which are essential for immunity. When combined with other vitamins and antioxidants found in pumpkins, it could potentially help prevent certain cancers from developing.
4. Pumpkin moisturizes skin & coat
A number of nutrients including vitamin A and zinc, improves your pet’s skin and coat, and these can be found in pumpkins. Its high water content also contributes to making your pet’s coat shine, while reducing the amount of fur shed.
5. Pumpkin encourages digestive regularity
Adding a little pumpkin to your dog’s diet helps soothes and regulates their digestive system, providing relief from both constipation and diarrhoea. It can also help with acid reflux in dogs! Pumpkin supplies the necessary source of fibre for your dog, providing lots of benefits.
6. Pumpkin hydrates and aids in weight loss
High moisture content of pumpkin adds water to your dog’s diet easily and naturally. With its water and fibre content, pumpkins can effectively aid in weight loss as it keeps our dogs full while being low in calories.
While feeding pumpkin to your dogs has numerous benefits, overfeeding could lead to a nutritional deficiency. Generally, you could go by weight to determine the amount of pumpkin to feed your dog. Small dogs can have a teaspoon or so per day, whereas big dogs can handle a tablespoon or two. Remember to start out with just a little bit and work your way up to larger amounts to be sure that your dog doesn’t have any sensitivity or negative reactions. If your dog has any existing health conditions, it is advisable to consult your vet before feeding pumpkin to your dog.
Your dog can enjoy pumpkin in a variety of ways. It could be in the form of treats, pumpkin supplements, or you could also grab a fresh pumpkin and cook it for your dog, without adding any other ingredients. We wouldn’t recommend feeding raw pumpkins as they are hard to digest and could potentially become a choking hazard.
Looking for a convenient way to include pumpkin into your dog’s diet? Check out our Pumpkin Pour Over. A great way to add into your dog’s diet without the hassle of prepping it on your own!
Any views or opinions communicated on this page belong to the author and do not represent the views or opinions of any other organizations. This article is meant for us to share our own views and opinions in general. Kindly consult a professional if you would like to seek professional advice.
Adopted from sources
– Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin? By PetMD Editorial, PetMD.
(https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pumpkin)
– Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs? By Ali Doyle, Pumpkin Care.
(https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/is-pumpkin-good-for-dogs/)
– 10 Health Benefits Of Pumpkin For Dogs Becomes Helpful In Diet. By Amy Dyck, Homes Alive Pets.
(https://blog.homesalive.ca/dog-blog/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-dogs)
