What does pumpkin do for dogs

How much pumpkin can I give my dog?

How long does pumpkin take to work for dogs?

If you start feeding your dog pumpkin in small doses, you might notice improvements to their digestion in a matter of days. Other changes, like benefits to a dogs vision, may be harder to recognize, but that doesnt mean the pumpkin isnt working. Be patient and only feed your dog pumpkin if your vet says to do so.

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Yes. Pumpkin seeds are a great snack for your pup when roasted. They contain lots of healthy oils and omega-3s. You might not want to give small dogs pumpkin seeds whole because theyre a choking hazard. Grind them over your dogs food instead. Never feed your dog raw pumpkin seeds.

Do dogs like pumpkin?

Yes! According to most dog owners, pups love their food even more with a bit of pumpkin sprinkled over it.

Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea?

Every dog suffers from diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. And every dog owner knows how messy, smelly, and uncomfortable it isfor the dog and for humans.

Here is the scoop on the health benefits of feeding pumpkin to dogs with diarrhea, so that you can help get your dog back on track.

What Causes Dog Diarrhea?

Before you reach for that can of pumpkin, you first need to figure out the cause of your dogs diarrhea.

Diarrhea is one of those symptoms that pops up for all kinds of diseases and infections, from parasites to parvo. Your dogs diarrhea could be a sign of serious, even fatal illness, or it could be something as simple as a mild upset stomach.

Just like us, dogs can get diarrhea from stress or a change in their diets. These mild cases of diarrhea normally resolve on their own, and you can help by adding a dietary supplement like pumpkin or feeding a mild diet designed for upset, canine tummies, such as a homemade bland diet made of three parts white rice to one part protein, such as boiled skinless or boneless chicken, or a prescription bland diet.

If your dog is suffering from consistent diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, you should take them to see your veterinarian. Puppy diarrhea is especially concerning and should always be treated as a potential emergency, just in case it is a serious illness. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog and suggested a treatment plan for the cause, however, pumpkin can be a helpful supplement to get your dogs diarrhea under control.

Find more over-the-counter dog diarrhea treatments.

Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea?

Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. Plain, canned pumpkin is available year-round and can be a great addition to your canine first aid kit.

Pumpkin can ease digestion in several ways. The soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dogs stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower the pH level of the large intestines.

Fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are different from probiotics. They stimulate the growth or activity of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Fiber does this by lowering the pH level and providing the necessary nutrients these bacteria need.

These traits can all help with some cases of dog diarrhea. Depending on the cause of your dogs diarrhea, veterinarians might recommend feeding either a highly digestible diet or a diet full of prebiotics (fiber). In some cases, they may also recommend adding probiotics, which are supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria. Pumpkin acts as a prebiotic booster for these probiotics.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Feed My Dog?

Plain, canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog. Both fresh and canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber, but canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin. This is because fresh pumpkin has higher water content than canned pumpkin. However, canned pumpkin with added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives can irritate your dogs stomach further, counteracting the beneficial effects of the pumpkin.

If you cant get canned pumpkin, a good alternative is pumpkin powder, made specifically for pets. Note that you should NEVER use canned pumpkin pie mix, as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?

To help abate your dogs diarrhea, add 1-to-4 tablespoons of pumpkin or pumpkin powder to your dogs meal. It is a good idea to start out with smaller quantities to avoid adding too much fiber to your dogs diet, and if you have any questions about exactly how much pumpkin to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian.

Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Constipation?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, pumpkin can also help with constipation in dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin per meal to the diet of a dog suffering from constipation can help ease mild constipation. It is important to make sure that dogs are well hydrated any time you increase the fiber content of their food, as dehydration can make constipation worse.

It is also imperative to find out why your dog is constipated. Consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog doesnt have an enlarged prostate, foreign material or bones in the colon, or another issue that could be an emergency if it isnt dealt with properly.

Pumpkin is a useful and affordable way to help battle your dogs diarrhea. If your dog is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, a tablespoon of pumpkin can ease their distress. Talk to your veterinarian if pumpkin does not help resolve your dogs diarrhea and see if there are other supplements or medications you can try instead.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially people foods. What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on their age, health history, health condition, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Pumpkin is an especially healthy treat for dogs to eat. In fact, vets will often recommend adding a little pumpkin into your dogs diet to help things flow properly if your pup has some mild constipation or diarrhea. But there are some specifics to keep in mind when feeding pumpkin to your dog in a healthy, safe way.

Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?

Feeding pumpkin to your dog is a great way to help with both mild constipation and mild diarrhea because of its high fiber content. However, if your dog is suffering from severe constipation or diarrhea, you should take them to your veterinarian right away. These could be signs of a more serious underlying health issue.

In addition to promoting good bowel movements, a high-fiber diet will bulk up your dogs bowels, which helps them express their anal glands naturally. This can help them avoid anal gland issues in the future.

In addition to fiber, pumpkin is filled with other great nutrients, like:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Potassium
• Iron

What type of pumpkins can dogs eat?

There are numerous types of pumpkinssome are specifically used for baking, while others are best for carving because of their size, shape, and color. But both categories of pumpkin are full of fiber and healthy nutrients that your pup can benefit from.

While dogs can eat raw pumpkin, it might be harder to digest and can become a choking hazard. The rind is also a choking hazard and may cause an intestinal blockage.

You can feed cooked or canned pumpkin to your dogif its 100% pumpkin with no added ingredients. Make sure you dont accidentally grab the canned pumpkin pie filling. That contains sugar, which isnt healthy for your pup, and usually nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs. The filling may even contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Can a Dog Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are safe and nutritious for your dog to eatwith or without the shells. This includes pepitasa type of pumpkin seed found in certain types of pumpkin. The seeds contain zinc, magnesium, and copper.

Be careful to watch your pup as they eat the seeds, in case they become a choking hazardespecially in small dogs.

The safest way to feed pumpkin seeds to your pup is by roasting them in your oven, then grinding them up. This way, you can sprinkle them over your dogs usual food without worrying about any possible choking.

Is Pumpkin Good for Dog Diarrhea and Anal Glands?

Yes, the fiber in pumpkin is great for your dogs digestive health. It helps with mild diarrhea, supports weight management, and helps support healthy anal glands.

However, if your dog is suffering from anal gland problems or severe diarrhea, see your veterinarian right away instead of trying to give them pumpkin.

Is Pumpkin Good for Constipated Dogs?

Yes, the fiber in pumpkin is also great for helping dogs with mild constipation have regular bowel movements. The fiber helps bulk up their stools, which make them pass more easily. But remembermoderation is key. Too much pumpkin can cause diarrhea.

If your dog is having severe constipation, contact your veterinarian right away.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie?

Pumpkin pie is not a healthy or safe treat for your dog. Not only does it contain way too much sugar and salt for your pup, but it may also contain nutmeg and xylitol, which are both toxic to dogs.

If your dog accidentally eats some pumpkin pie, contact your veterinarian.

How Much Pumpkin Can Dogs Eat?

Even though pumpkin is a very nutritious treat, in general, treats should only make up 10% of your dogs daily diet, and the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.

For general guidelines on the safe amounts of pumpkin to feed your dog, check out the list below.

• Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 2-3 teaspoons of pumpkin (Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus)
• Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin (Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds)
• Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 2-3 tablespoons of pumpkin (Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies)
• Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = 4-5 tablespoons of pumpkin (Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds)
• Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = cup of pumpkin (Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees)

What if My Dog Eats Too Much Pumpkin?

Although pumpkin is healthy for your dog, too much can cause some diarrhea.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Pumpkin

Pumpkin is one of the many safe human foods your dog can eat. Here are a few simple ways to feed pumpkin to your dog.

By the spoonful

The easiest way to feed pumpkin to your dog is straight from the spoon. They will love the taste and lick it right up.

Pumpkin food topper

Put that spoonful right on top of your dogs food or mix it in to use it as a food topper.

Pumpkin seed food topper

Roast some pumpkin seeds in your oven. Then grind them up into a powder and sprinkle them over your dogs food.

Stuffed in a KONG

Stuff pumpkin into your dogs KONG toy by itself, or mix it with other dog-safe fruits like banana and peanut butter. Freeze it overnight for a tasty treat.

Frozen pumpkin popsicles

Use the same mixture above of pumpkin, banana, and peanut butteror just pumpkin aloneand put it into a popsicle tray or ice cube tray. Freeze it overnight and watch your dog go crazy licking it up!

Pumpkin spice latte

You could go all out and mix up a dog-safe pumpkin spice latte thats made with canned pumpkin, yogurt, and chicken broth.

Featured Image: iStockPhoto.com/GoDogPhoto

How much pumpkin should I give my dog for constipation?

If your dog is constipated, you want to help them find relief. You may have heard about pumpkin as a home remedy for canine constipation, and wonder if it will help your dog. Youll also need to know how much pumpkin to give your dog to treat constipation.

How much pumpkin should I give my dog for constipation?

Theres some conflicting information on how much to give your dog, so there may be an element of trial and error involved in getting the dose right.

The good news is too much pumpkin will not cause your dog any serious problems, but it can cause minor issues with diarrhea or stomach irritation. Before we look at how much pumpkin to give your dog, its important to know why they are constipated in the first place.

Signs of Constipation

Your dogs bowel movements will vary slightly from those of other dogs, but should maintain a regular pattern. Some dogs go up to 4 times a day, while others normally go once a day.

If your dog hasnt gone within 48-72 hours, they are constipated. However, if your dog typically goes several times a day and only goes once in 24 hours, they may be constipated as well.

In addition to frequency, look at the consistency. Does their poop appear hard? Is it a smaller amount than normal? These are also potential indications your dog is backed up.

Lastly, watch their behavior when pooping. Do they attempt to poop, but cant make it happen? Does it take them longer than usual? Do they whine or show other signs of pain when pooping? These issues are usually caused by constipation.

Causes of Dog Constipation

Pumpkin can definitely help ease dog constipation. However, its also important to resolve the cause of your poochs constipation if possible.

Swallowing Non-Digestable Objects

Dogs sometimes eat things that their body cant digest. Some dogs have pica, which causes them to crave and eat non-food objects. Other dogs just swallow the wrong things in the course of their regular meals.

Bones, hair, and grass are common culprits of dog constipation. Dogs love bones, but they have difficulty digesting them. Most dogs wont intentionally eat hair. However, they can swallow it during grooming. It can also make its way into their food. They will occasionally eat grass to settle their stomach, but this is also very difficult for them to digest.

When the stomach contents are not fully digested, it is harder for it to go through the intestinal tract and find its way out.

Poor Diet

A diet thats too low in fiber can cause constipation. Fiber helps pull water into the waste. This keeps it soft, and allows it to work its way through the intestine without straining. When your dog doesnt eat enough fiber, the poop can become dry and hard. This makes pooping difficult and can cause a blockage in severe cases.

Lack of Exercise

Exercise stimulates the digestive tract. You may know that taking your dog for a walk can encourage them to poop. This is because when the body is active, the digestive system is also working. It causes the intestines to activate, and begin pushing waste through the digestive system.

If your dog doesnt get enough activity, they can suffer from slow intestinal motility. This essentially means that the intestines are sluggish, and not moving things along at the correct rate.

Anal or Prostate Problems

An enlarged prostate can cause constipation in dogs, just as it can in humans. Swollen or full anal glands can also cause issues. Dogs have an anal gland on each side of their poop shoot. When they poop, these glands release fluid, which coats the poop. This carries important information about the dog, which other dogs can smell.

When the glands become blocked, they dont release their fluid. They swell, making it hard for the poop to pass through. Anal glands can be expressed by your vet. You can also do it yourself, if you are brave enough.

Digestive Disorders

Digestive disorders can also cause constipation. This includes a lack of good bacteria, known as probiotics, as well as diseases like IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Other causes

Other causes of constipation are not directly related to the digestive system. These include kidney disease, hernias, and trauma to the pelvic area.

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?

The recommendation for constipation is usually one tablespoon for every 10 pounds. If you have a 5 pound dog, you would give them half a tablespoon. A 20 pound dog would need 2 tablespoons.

Most experts recommend starting slow and increasing the dosage if necessary. You can give your dog pumpkin once or twice a day. Its usually given at meal times, and it can even be mixed in with your dogs regular food.

However, if you mix it with food, dont overfill the bowl. To control the dosage, your dog will need to eat all the pumpkin. If theres an amount of food left over, they wont eat all the pumpkin either.

If you choose to use pumpkin as a food topper, this is less of an issue. Just put the pumpkin on top of their regular food, and let them chow down.

How fast does pumpkin work for dog constipation?

Pumpkin typically works for constipation in 10 hours. Once its made its way through your dogs digestive system, it should start having an effect. If you havent seen results within 10-12 hours, you can give another dose of pumpkin with their next meal. If it hasnt got things moving after 24 hours, youll need to contact your vet. There could be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

How much pumpkin can I give my dog?

How much pumpkin you should give your dog will depend on the reason you are giving them pumpkin, as well as their size.

For Constipation

To treat constipation, give your pooch 1 tablespoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to 2 times a day. You can try giving them a higher dose. However, too much pumpkin can cause the opposite problem, and give your dog diarrhea.

For Diarrhea

Surprisingly, pumpkin is also recommended for treating diarrhea. However, the amount you should give your dog is smaller. The fiber in the pumpkin seems to help firm up loose stools, in smaller amounts.

If you have a large dog, you can give them one tablespoon of pumpkin for diarrhea. Small and medium dogs should have one to two teaspons. Give the pumpkin with their regular meal, once to twice a day.

Larger amounts of pumpkin can make the diarrhea worse, because the excess fiber will pull more water into the poop, causing it to be looser.

What type of pumpkin to give my dog?

When giving your dog pumpkin, its essential to give them the correct type. The wrong type can be harmful for them. The danger doesnt come from the pumpkin itself, but from ingredients added to the pumpkin, particularly with pie filling.

Canned Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is often recommended because of its convenience. You dont have to prepare it yourself. Instead, you just open the can, and add a bit to your dogs bowl.

Canned pumpkin is also high in fiber and nutrients. The process of preparing the pumpkin essentially concentrates it, which is why your dog only needs a small amount of pumpkin in their diet.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

When shopping for canned pumpkin, it can be easy to pick up pumpkin pie filling instead. Pumpkin pie filling often has added spices that can be harmful to your dog. It also has added fat and sugar. These arent toxic, but they arent healthy either.

The biggest concern with pumpkin pie filling is that it can contain nutmeg. Nutmeg is a spice commonly used in baking, particularly in fall and winter dishes.

It tastes great to us, but it can make your pooch very sick. In rare cases, it has even led to death.

Reading the Label

If you choose to give your dog canned pumpkin, its essential to read the label. Look for canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie filling. It should contain pumpkin, preferably with no added ingredients.

Cooked Pumpkin

If you want to make pumpkin from scratch, its fairly easy to do. Just remove the seeds and bake it until it becomes soft. You can also roast the seeds at 350 degrees for one hour. You can use them whole as treats, or grind them and add them to your dogs food.

Pumpkin Puree

If you want to use the pumpkin as a dog food topper, you can make your own pumpkin puree. This is similar to canned pumpkin from the store. Just bake the pumpkin until its soft. Then use a food processor, blender, or a fork to mash it up into a puree.

Other Options

Pumpkin isnt the only way to get your dogs system moving again. You can also use other foods in addition to, or in place of, pumpkin.

Fiber

Fiber is the key ingredient in pumpkin that gets your poochs poop chute unclogged. Squash, particularly butternut squash, can be served in place of pumpkin. Just cook it and serve, or puree it to use as a topper.

Bran cereal and brown rice are also good options. Feed a small amount of these as a snack or with your dogs meal.

Lastly, you can choose a fiber powder. Metamucil and other fiber powders that are mixed with water can be added to your dogs diet.

However, it is important not to go overboard on fiber. Its best to choose one food to increase fiber intake, or alternate between a few foods.

Canned Dog Food

Canned dog food has a much higher moisture content than dry food, obviously. This extra moisture can help soften your dogs stools, making them easier to pass. Its also thought to be easier to digest. Both these factors can help your dogs constipation. This can be combined with added fiber.

It might be difficult to get your dog to drink extra water. However, it may help their constipation by adding more water to their system. You can also add in foods with a high water content. Watermelon and cucumbers are great for your dog and can improve hydration.

Cantoo much pumpkin cause constipation in dogs?

No, too much pumpkin isnt likely to cause constipation in dogs. However, it can cause some other negative health effects. In most cases, the problem is too much fiber. If you are feeding your dog other fiber-rich foods, like squash, flaxseed, brown rice, carrots, and leafy greens, youll need to be cautious when giving pumpkin. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.

Nutrition Deficiencies

Despite the health benefits of fiber, too much fiber can cause nutritional deficiencies. The excess fiber reduces the absorption of protein and other nutrients which are vital to your dogs health.

Calories

Pumpkin is also high in carbohydrates and calories. Its important to be sure that your dog isnt eating more calories than they need each day. Dogs, like humans, need to balance the calories they burn with the calories they take in to maintain a healthy weight.

Sodium

Some types of canned pumpkin contain sodium. Sodium is necessary for your dogs health in small amounts, but too much can be unhealthy. If your dog has heart or kidney disease, too much sodium can worsen their condition.

Does pumpkin cause diarrhea in dogs?

Most experts believe that too much pumpkin can give your dog diarrhea. However, its not as cut and dry as it seems.

The Argument Against Pumpkin for Diarrhea

The basis for saying that pumpkin isnt a good way to treat diarrhea begins with the fact that it helps ease constipation. It does this by drawing water into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

Diarrhea is caused by the body pushing food through the intestines too fast. The intestines dont have the chance to absorb the water and nutrients from the food, so it comes out in a moist or liquid state.

Pumpkin May Help Alleviate Diarrhea

Other experts contend that the fiber contained in pumpkin can ease diarrhea. Fiber is believed to soak up the excess water in the stool, which can make them firmer. Firming things up may also slow its movement through the intestines, allowing it to firm up more.

Consensus and Common Sense

It is agreed by all that too much pumpkin or fiber is problematic, and can lead to diarrhea. If your dog is constipated, use the correct dosage of pumpkin. If your dog has diarrhea, use a small amount of pumpkin.

If your dog goes from being constipated to having diarrhea, too much pumpkin may be too blame. Try lowering the dose by half, and see if things improve.

Is pumpkin good for dogs?

Pumpkin has a surprising number of health benefits for dogs. Its considered a superfood, which means its packed with vitamins and minerals that your dog needs.

Digestive Regulation

Pumpkin does more than just help diarrhea and constipation. It also improves the regulation and health of your poochs digestive system. It contains probiotics that help feed good bacteria in the digestive tract, and inhibit the bad bacteria that can cause tummy troubles.

Parasite Treatment

Pumpkin seeds have a unique compound calledcucurbitin. Cucurbitin paralyzes intestinal parasites, or worms, in your dogs digestive tract. Your dog can then pass them safely.

To use as a parasite treatment, give your dog 1/4 teaspoon of crushed or whole seeds for each 10 pounds of body weight. Give this to your dog twice a day until you see no more worms in their poop.

Pumpkin seeds are gentler on the system than veterinary dewormers, and they can save you a vet bill. However, if your pooch has underlying health conditions, is a young puppy, or doesnt improve within a few days of treatment, its best to consult your vet.

Vitamins and Minerals

Pumpkin is high incarotenoids.These are what give the pumpkin its signature orange color. They are also found in other orange foods, including carrots. They are beneficial for eyesight and immune health.Vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium also provide health benefits for your pooch.