Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
The superfood is delicious, and it’s a natural remedy for some common pup ailments.
October means it’s time to pull out the jack-o’-lantern carving knife, stock up on pumpkin spice, and pull out those old pie recipes — in other words, it’s pumpkin season. If you’re a dog parent, you’re probably wondering if all that pumpkin is safe to have around your pup…or even to pass them a bite of as a treat. The short answer: Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin — both the pulp and the seeds — but only when prepared properly and served plain (sorry, no pumpkin pie for pups). Here’s how to give pumpkin to your dog safely.
Nutrition facts: Pumpkin for dogs
Are pumpkins good for dogs?
Yes, Pumpkin is good for dogs. Pumpkin is a superfoodopens in a new tab and super healthy addition to your dog’s diet. The pulp is low in calories, and it has some super beneficial qualities: its blend of soluble and insoluble fiber makes it an effective remedy for diarrheaopens in a new tab and constipationopens in a new tab. Pumpkin is low in sodium and exceptionally high in beta-carotene, carotenoids, potassium, and vitamin C; it also has some calcium and B-complex vitamins.
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opens in a new tabCan dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin. You can mix it into your dog’s meals, use it as a topper, add it to baked treats (it can be used as a fat substitute), or stuff it into a Kong-type food toyopens in a new tab. Steam and mash fresh pumpkin, or take the easy way out and used canned pumpkin (organic, if possible). When buying canned, read the label carefully to be sure you’re getting 100 percent pumpkin, not pumpkin-pie filling which has salts, sugars, mace, and nutmeg — which can be toxic to dogsopens in a new tab.
Are pumpkins completely safe for dogs?
Pumpkin seeds contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytonutrients and are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium (which is important for bone formation). They’re also a good source of healthy oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). When ground up and added to oatmeal and honey, the seeds are a traditional remedy for tapeworm.
Pumpkin seeds need to be ground up before feeding them to your dog. To do so, put seeds and the stringy pulp that sticks to them in a strainer and rinse, picking off as much of the “string” as you can. Dry, then put them on a sheet pan in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes. After they cool, grind the seeds in a food processor, coffee grinder, or blender. Store in a glass jar. As with any new food, start slowly when introducing them to your dog’s meals.
Other veggies that are good for your dog
Sweet potatoes: These root vegetables are loaded with nutrients and low-fat, making them the perfect snackopens in a new tab for your pup.
Butternut squash: Not only is butternut squash safe for dogs to eatopens in a new tab, they’re also healthy.
Broccoli: Broccoli can be a nutritious and easyopens in a new tab snack for dogs to eat.
Other veggies that aren’t good for your dog
Potatoes: The high level of carbohydrates in potatoes make them not so goodopens in a new tab for your dog.
Pecans: Pecans are highly toxicopens in a new tab for dogs and should not be given to them in any circumstance.
Avocado: The high levels of fatopens in a new tab in avocados mean they should not be a snack for your pup.
The bottom line: Can dogs eat human foods?
Certain human foods, like pumpkin, are safe for dogs to eat, though only in moderation. Like all treats, pumpkin should be supplementary to a complete and balanced dog food diet.
FAQs (People also ask):
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can safely eat pumpkin in moderation.
Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?
As long as it’s 100 percent pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, canned pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat.
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Pumpkin seeds need to be ground up before feeding them to your dog.
