Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin, and it’s healthy for them, too! Pumpkin contains vitamins and minerals that are good for healthy skin and fur and support the immune system.
Is pumpkin good for dogs?
Pumpkin is a healthy food for your dog to eat. It is a natural source of soluble fiber, which aids in your dog’s intestinal health. Packed with nutrients that help keep your pup healthy, pumpkin has Vitamin A, which helps with eye health and Vitamin C which supports the immune system, in addition to calcium for bone health and lutein for the skin and coat.
How to feed your dog pumpkin
Pumpkin can be fed to your dog in a variety of ways, including using it as a topper with your dog’s usual food, added to homemade treats or stuffed in a favorite toy.
What kind of pumpkin to feed your dog:
- Dog food made with pumpkin made especially for dog’s nutritional needs as a topper to their bowl.
- Homemade treats made with pumpkin.
- Canned pumpkin, but be sure it’s plain with no added salts, sugar or nutmeg (which is toxic to dogs). NEVER use canned pumpkin pie.
- Fresh pumpkin that has been cooked or steamed and mashed or pureed.
- Pumpkin seeds, raw or cooked with no salt, spices or oil.
How much pumpkin to feed your dog:
If using a pumpkin meal topper made for dogs, consult the package instructions. If using canned or fresh pumpkin, you should be careful about feeding your dog too much. Consult with your veterinarian on the right amount of pumpkin for your dog’s size and health.
What other vegetables are good for dogs?
Since dogs are omnivores, they eat both meat and plants. Although there are some vegetables that are dangerous for dogs to eat, such as garlic, onions and any other plant in the onion family, there are some that are healthy for dogs to eat as well.
- Carrots are a crunchy snack that are good for your dog’s teeth.
- Leafy greens are a superfood for both humans and dogs, rich in vitamins, minerals and a good source of fiber. Be sure to stick to greens that humans eat.
- Cucumbers are a healthy, low-calorie treat for pups!
Be sure to always talk to your veterinarian before feeding new foods to ensure your dog is eating a nutritionally complete diet.
Not only can dogs eat pumpkin, it’s a fun, seasonal way to incorporate vitamins and nutrients into their diet! Feed your pup some pumpkin this fall and show them what the pumpkin-flavored craze is all about!
