Food, tasty chews, tiny adventures, and toys are many ways to show your dog how much it is loved. Feeding your dog pumpkin is another way to boost its health.

Regardless of how you spend time with your furry friend, you want to provide the best possible nutrition to ensure a happy and long life.

Research supports pumpkins as an excellent nutritional source. This article presents the benefits of pumpkins in a dog’s diet and provides some tips and suggestions on how to incorporate them. 

Why Pumpkin Is OK for Dogs to Eat

Many people think pumpkins are vegetables, but they are actually fruits. Pumpkins are plentiful and easy to come by.

Pumpkins are used for more than special lattes and Thanksgiving pies. They are tasty and packed with nutrients that benefit humans and dogs.

It is a fascinating food that benefits a dog’s diet. The United Department of Agriculture published information from the Food Central database that states a cup of pumpkin is rich in minerals and vitamins, including Magnesium, Folate, Phosphorus, Iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C.

Pumpkin is also a low-calorie nutrition source, which benefits dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. It is rich in potassium, which supports muscle health, aids metabolism, and regulates blood pressure. 

Ways to Incorporate Pumpkin into a Dog’s Diet

Some commercial dog food brands boast pumpkin in the ingredient list. Dog owners must be discriminatory in the selection of dog food. Many brands claiming to be healthy contain artificial chemical flavors, colors, etc. They cause more harm than good.

Look for dog food free from animal by-products. Choose food containing healthy ingredients and quality whole foods such as fish, red meats, vegetables, and quinoa. 

If you enjoy making healthy treats at home, pups enjoy gluten-free peanut butter pumpkin biscuits and sweet potato pumpkin bites. There are other nutritious dog treat recipes you can make. 

Those less inclined to cook should seek convenient, portable, healthy pumpkin-based dog treats. These are a simple way to provide your dog with snacks wherever you go. 

Pumpkin for dogs helps with digestive issues. It feeds good bacteria to improve digestive health.

Be sure to ask your vet before giving your dog a new supplement. When you have the go-ahead, ensure the pumpkin is intended for dogs. Even if a dog begs for a taste of your pumpkin chai latte, pie, or muffin, it is unsuitable for your pet. 

Choose canned pumpkins that are not meant as pie filling. The spices are not suitable for a dog’s digestive tract. Pumpkin puree or pulp is another option.

Benefits of Pumpkins for Dogs

There are many benefits to feeding a dog snacks, treats, and dog food containing pumpkin. The top benefits listed by our experts at Very Important Paws include:

• Immune system protection.
• Parasite development control.
• Digestive tract regularity promotion.
• Urinary incontinence prevention.
• Eye health support.

Packed with Essential Minerals and Vitamins

Pumpkin is recognized for its antioxidant properties. It is a powerhouse for the immune system. Pumpkin contains various antioxidants, including Vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in health. Pumpkin prevents certain types of cancer that develop in dogs. 

The orange color comes from carotenoids. They are potent antioxidants that act as anti-inflammatory agents and help aging. Choosing food sources, including pumpkin, boosts the immune system and may increase lifespan.

A Natural Dewormer

Discovering a tapeworm or other parasite is upsetting. You do not want to see your dog suffer. Pumpkin repels parasites. The seeds contain cucurbitacin, an amino acid that helps eliminate parasites from a dog’s digestive tract. Grind pumpkin seeds, add canned pumpkin to a dog’s diet, or feed them dog food containing pumpkin. The amino acids in pumpkins are toxic to many parasites.

Crushed or whole seeds can be fed to your dog. Check with your vet for an adequate amount based on the dog’s size and breed. The seeds should be natural and not contain added coatings or salt.

Your vet should address any parasite infestation for a professional diagnosis and treatment. Consuming pumpkins does not kill parasites if a dog is infested. Only a veterinarian can treat the condition.

Packed with Fiber

Because pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber, it is excellent for regulating ‘normal’ bowel movements and promoting gut health in dogs. Incorporating pureed pumpkins into foods can keep your dog ‘regular’ and prevent diarrhea and constipation.

Helps with Urinary Incontinence

Another benefit includes the health of a dog’s urinary tract. Pumpkin boosts health and may prevent urinary incontinence. The omega-3 antioxidant pumpkin supports a pet’s urinary tract. Fatty acids boost anti-inflammatory properties, which may help dislodge kidney stones.

Essential for Eye Health

Eye health is as essential for dogs as it is for humans. Pumpkin’s Vitamin A is a crucial nutrient for vision. Protect your dog against night blindness and eye degeneration by feeding treats, kibble, and other foods with pumpkin on the list of ingredients. 

Skin and Coat Health

Besides the top five benefits listed above, research shows pumpkin is an excellent hydration source for dogs. It is also fantastic for keeping a dog’s coat and skin supple and smooth. Pumpkins can also aid in weight loss. 

Adding a tablespoon of pumpkin to your dog’s food helps fill them up, helps them lose weight, and adds variety, minerals, and vitamins. Dogs love the taste of pumpkin. 

Dog Boarding West Palm Beach Recommends Pumpkin

The staff members at Very Important Paws recommend pumpkin as a valuable dietary ingredient. The dog-friendly West Palm Beach facility offers:

• Dog training West Palm Beach.
• Dog grooming West Palm Beach.
• A West Palm Beach dog hotel.
• Dog Daycare West Palm Beach.

If you are an animal lover, your furry friends will enjoy spending time at this pet paradise. From pet boarding or daycare, you will discover Very Important Paws caters to your dog’s needs, from dog toys to healthy treats.

Don’t be surprised to find pumpkin-based treats for your furry friend to raise spirits a little extra during the holiday season.

FAQs

Is it OK for dogs to consume pumpkin seeds?

Pumpkin seeds are very beneficial. They contain high omega-3 fatty acids that help with urinary incontinence. To avoid a choking hazard, turn them into a powder in a blender.

Is it OK for dogs to eat canned pumpkin?

Canned pumpkin is available year-round and requires less preparation than fresh pumpkin. It does not compromise on the benefits or taste. Like pumpkin flesh, canned pumpkin is high in fiber, which makes it excellent for the digestive tract and eliminates stomach upsets.

Is it OK for dogs to eat raw and cooked pumpkin?

Some sources say cooking removes some of the nutrients. Roasting before eating is safer than raw pumpkins because raw pumpkins and seeds may contain harmful bacteria.

Is it OK for dogs to eat pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie should not be fed to dogs. It contains nutmeg, which is toxic to them. High doses can cause seizures, high blood pressure, disorientation, and hallucinations, among other dangerous issues. There is also a high fat content from cream and a lot of added sugar. The pastry is high in calories.

Contact Very Important Paws today in Palm Beach for all your dog boarding, hotel, daycare, grooming, and training needs.