• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Dog Food Genius

What Can Dogs Eat?

  • Can Dogs Eat…
  • Dog Food
  • Breed Info
  • Health
  • Grooming
  • Names

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Published January 18, 2022 by DFG Staff

We all love treats made with pumpkin, especially during the fall months so you may be wondering whether pumpkin is good, bad, or just OK for dogs. There are many human foods that are perfectly safe for dogs to eat and provide them with plenty of health benefits. Pumpkins are one of those foods. In fact, pumpkin is an extremely healthy treat for dogs, and it can also be used as a nutritional supplement.

Whether raw, canned, pureed, baked, broiled or steamed, both regular and organic pumpkin is not only safe for dogs but it’s a common ingredient found in specialized commercial dog food blends. Below, we’ll discuss how much pumpkin you can give a dog and what pumpkin actually does for them, helping to alleviate symptoms from upset stomach to diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin

Contents

  • 1 Health Benefits of Pumpkin For Dogs
    • 1.1 Eye Health
    • 1.2 Immune System
    • 1.3 Healthy Skin and Coat
    • 1.4 Urinary Health
    • 1.5 Healthy Digestion
    • 1.6 Parasite Control
    • 1.7 Weight Loss
  • 2 Giving Your Dog Pumpkin
  • 3 Yes, Dogs Can Have Pumpkin

Health Benefits of Pumpkin For Dogs

Pumpkin is packed with nutrients. Cooked pumpkin is high in vitamin A and is also rich in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure. It also contains vitamin C, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and folate. Here are some of the many health benefits of pumpkin for dogs.

Eye Health

The vitamin A in pumpkin is essential for healthy eyes. It can help to prevent a variety of degenerative conditions in the eyes, including night blindness.

Immune System

Dogs need vitamin C for a healthy immune system, and they can get it by eating pumpkin, along with vitamins A and E, as well as many antioxidants that help to prevent various diseases, including certain types of cancer.

Pumpkin For Dogs

Healthy Skin and Coat

Pumpkin contains many nutrients that can help to improve the health of your dog’s skin and coats, including vitamin A and zinc. These nutrients help to keep the coat soft and shiny, and moisturize the skin.

Urinary Health

Pumpkin seeds can help to prevent urinary incontinence in dogs. The seeds also contain antioxidants, and they are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that assist in dislodging kidney stones.

Healthy Digestion

Adding pumpkin to your dog’s diets will help to increase their fiber intake, which will in turn keep their digestive systems healthy, making it easier for them to pass stool and curing constipation and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pumpkin

Parasite Control

Pumpkin is rich in cucurbitacin, an amino acid that is toxic to many dog parasites and can help to expel worms. Add ground pumpkin seed to your dog’s diets to supplement their regular treatments.

Weight Loss

Pumpkins have a lot of moisture and fiber, which are both necessary for weight loss. Replace some of their regular food with a few teaspoons of canned pumpkin (up to one half cup for larger dogs) to help them lose weight.

Giving Your Dog Pumpkin

There are many ways that dogs can enjoy pumpkin. You can find plenty of different canned dog foods and treats that contain pumpkin, and there are also a number of pumpkin supplements available. Fresh, cooked pumpkin is a great choice, and you can also give them canned pumpkin.

Is Pumpkin Good For Dogs

However, do not give them pumpkin pie filling, as it has sweeteners and spices that are not healthy for dogs, and choose ones specifically formulated for dogs. To start off, you should give your small dogs about a half a tablespoon of pureed pumpkin and larger dogs 1-2 tablespoons.

In addition, dogs can eat pumpkin seeds raw, but they tend to like them better if they are roasted. Like most foods, you should keep it unseasoned if you’re using a homemade recipe as many seasonings can actually be harmful for your pup.

Can Dogs Have Pumpkin

Yes, Dogs Can Have Pumpkin

While pumpkin is very healthy for dogs, it is best to introduce it to their diets slowly, as you would with any other new food. It is also a good idea to discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian before doing it, and ask for advice about other healthy foods that you can give to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cake

Can Dogs Eat Cake?

Whether you’re celebrating you or your dog's birthday, or just having a party, you might be wondering whether you can ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Radishes

Can Dogs Eat Radishes?

While many vegetables are actually good for dogs to eat, you may have wondered whether dogs can eat radishes? And what ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese

Can Dogs Eat Cream Cheese?

Pet experts often debate about whether cream cheese is bad for dogs. After all, most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Olives

Can Dogs Eat Olives?

Olives! You either love them or you hate them — there is no in between, and it's the same for dogs. Most dogs won’t go ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Drink Beer

Can Dogs Drink Beer?

While most pets should not have alcohol, some owners may wonder whether dogs can drink alcohol. Although your canine ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Rib Bones?

There has been a lot of disagreement over whether dogs can eat rib bones. I know that I’ve definitely given my dog some ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Cheetos

Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?

Have you ever been sitting on your couch, enjoying a bag of Cheetos, and wonder whether dogs can eat Cheetos or hot ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Drink Tea

Can Dogs Drink Tea?

Tea originated in southwest China as a medicinal drink and its history spans thousands of years across multiple ... [Learn More]

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Choosing the best dog food for Pitbulls requires owners to understand this unique breed. From their nutritional needs to ... [Learn More]

Can Dogs Eat Almonds

Can Dogs Eat Almonds?

If you are sitting around, munching on almonds and other nuts, your dog is likely sitting very close by, begging for ... [Learn More]

Primary Sidebar

Popular

Things You Need For A New Puppy

Puppy Supplies: Things You Need For A New Puppy

Best Dog Food For Yorkies

Best Dog Food For Yorkies

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Best Dog Food For Sensitive Stomach

Best Dog Food For Boxers

Best Dog Food For Boxers

Best Dog Food For Chihuahua

9 Best Dog Foods For Chihuahuas

Best Dog Food Brands

Best Dog Food

Search

Recent

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers

Can Dogs Eat Bell Peppers?

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Can Dogs Eat Papaya

Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

Smart Dogs

20 Smartest Dog Breeds

30 Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat

50 Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Beautiful Dogs

10 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds

Can Dogs Eat Sausage

Can Dogs Eat Sausage?

Can Dogs Eat Eggs

Can Dogs Eat Eggs?

Can Dogs Eat Figs

Can Dogs Eat Figs?

Can Dogs Eat Ginger

Can Dogs Eat Ginger?

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms

Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?

Dogs Can Eat Watermelon

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Copyright © 2022 Dog Food Genius | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Information |