Is pumpkin high in fiber for dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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10 Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs: Facts & Tips

Pumpkin is a fall staple thats prominent in our lives from October through December. Halloween gives us bright Jack-o-lanterns, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are the perfect times to enjoy a pumpkin-spiced latte. But is pumpkin good for dogs?

Pumpkin is a superfood, and while your dog definitely shouldnt be lapping down a pumpkin chai latte, fresh or canned pumpkin has many health benefits for our canine friends. This article will look at ten health benefits pumpkin can provide dogs.

The 10 Greatest Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

1. Pumpkin Is an Excellent Source of Vitamins

The mature winter squash we all know has a vast range of healthful vitamins and minerals available to your dog. Vitamins such as vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, calcium, and magnesium are found in high concentrations in pumpkin, which all help the body perform essential functions.

For example, 8.6 ounces of cooked pumpkin (about one cup) contains:

706 mg of vitamin A
5 mg of vitamin C
564 mg of potassium
5 mg of phosphorus

Because pumpkin is cheap and easy to source, its a great way to add a vitamin boost to your dogs meals. Its also tasty, so it should go down very well!

2. It Can Help With Digestion

Pumpkin is packed full of highly soluble fiber. This means it helps absorb any excess moisture in the intestines to bind feces and move things along in the digestive tract. Not only does pumpkin bulk the stool, but when your dog digests this fiber, it will actually ferment it in their stomachs.

In addition, fatty acids produced by this process will provide essential energy for your dogs cells, and pumpkin also lowers the level of acidity in your dogs intestines. All these factors together promote healthy and comfortable digestion!

3. Its Good for Their Eyes

Pumpkins orange color benefits a dogs eyes. Beta-carotene, the substance responsible for giving orange vegetables their color, is the precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A keeps the eyes cornea clear and helps form rhodopsin. For a dog to see in low-light conditions, rhodopsin is needed, so pumpkin can genuinely help them see in the dark.

4. It Can Help Treat Diarrhea

Because of the pumpkins high fiber content, it can effectively reduce diarrhea. The fiber in pumpkin is soluble¹, meaning that it dissolves in water and forms a gel. This fiber will draw excess moisture into itself from your dogs stool, firming it up and slowing its transit along the digestive system. This, in turn, can calm diarrhea and help your dog get back to normal.

5. It Contains Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers found in many foods, such as pumpkins. Prebiotics help feed the healthy bacteria that naturally live in the gut, including those in your dogs stomach. These bacteria affect many body systems and processes, including the immune system and metabolism.

Pumpkin provides these probiotics, which can also improve digestion and help to relieve constipation and diarrhea. Canned pumpkin contains more fiber and probiotics than fresh pumpkin, so plain canned pumpkin is better for your dog than fresh.

6. Its Full of Antioxidants

Pumpkin contains many antioxidants, including beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and alpha-carotene (plant pigments). Antioxidants fight oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which the body produces as a part of the metabolic and aging process.

This has many benefits for a dog, as fighting free radicals with antioxidants can halt the oxidative process, which has been linked to cancer and heart disease in humans. Free radicals can also cause cell damage, and fighting them with natural antioxidants such as pumpkin can boost your dogs health and keep them fit for longer.

7. It Can Boost Immune Health and Function

The immune system needs some essential vitamins and minerals to function correctly. Folate, vitamins E and C, and iron are all found in pumpkin, giving the immune system an incredible boost. Pumpkin is an excellent source of immune-boosting components for dogs; even beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body.

8. It Can Improve Coat and Skin Health

Pumpkin is not just a great source of vitamins A and E but is also high in niacin, omega fatty acids, and zinc. Omega 3 and omega 6 are particularly beneficial to the dogs skin and coat health, as they moisturize both, help to prevent dandruff, and promote a healthy skin barrier.

Pumpkin flesh has a good amount of omega 3, but the seeds pack a punch when it comes to the skin and coat-boosting oils. Dont give your dog whole pumpkin seeds because they can become a choking hazard in smaller dogs. Instead, baking the seeds and grinding them into a powder is an excellent way of incorporating them into your dogs diet. This can even be sprinkled over canned pumpkin for an extra boost!

9. It Can Help Dogs Get Enough Moisture

Pumpkin has an incredibly high moisture content, with fresh pumpkin being the most hydrating. Fresh pumpkin is 94% water, and a refreshing treat can help your dog stay hydrated (particularly in warmer weather). Canned pumpkin contains less water since its extracted during the canning process. Always have fresh water available for your dog; they wont be able to stay completely hydrated from food.

10. It Can Make Them Happy!

Pumpkin is a healthy treat that most dogs absolutely love, and its low in calories as well as delicious. If your vet thinks your dog needs to lose weight, pumpkin is a good treat replacement and filling due to all of the fiber. It can be a brilliant way to provide vitamins and boost your pups health, all while making their tail wag.

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?

The amount of pumpkin to give your dog depends on their size. Smaller dogs can have a few teaspoonfuls as a serving, and extra-large dogs can have as much as a quarter cup. The following are the recommended serving sizes of pumpkin for dogs:

Extra small dogs (from 2 lbs to 20 lbs): 23 teaspoons
Small dogs (from 21 lbs to 30 lbs.): 12 tablespoons
Medium dogs (from 31 lbs to 50 lbs): 23 tablespoons
Large dogs (from 51 lbs to 90 lbs): 45 tablespoons
Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs): 1/4 cup

Can Pumpkin Be Harmful for Dogs?

Too much of a good thing is never great; the same goes for pumpkin. While pumpkin is a superfood for dogs (and people), giving your dog too much may cause some side effects.

Dogs can end up with diarrhea if they eat too much, which isnt good if youre trying pumpkin to treat an upset stomach. There is a lot of fiber in pumpkin, which can cause nutrient and protein deficiencies. High amounts of fiber can stop the absorption of nutrients and protein from other foods, so keep the amount of pumpkin your dog eats to the recommended amount to prevent any side effects from occurring.

Is Canned Pumpkin Safe?

Be sure to read the ingredients list of any canned pumpkin you give your dog since some brands contain toxic ingredients. Sweet pumpkin pie filling may contain xylitol, which is highly dangerous to dogs, and even small amounts can cause liver damage, seizures, and death in a very short period. Plain canned pumpkin is the only kind you should give your pup, which is just the flesh of a regular pumpkin.

Conclusion

Pumpkin has more health benefits for dogs than you might have thought. This humble fruit is culturally iconic, but its uses extend well beyond our beloved pumpkin pie. Plain canned pumpkin is the best treat for your pup since it contains probiotics, fiber, and many vitamins and minerals. It will give them a boost and help keep them stay healthy, but avoid brands with extra sugar and chemical additives.

Featured Image Credit: Michelle D. Milliman, Shutterstock

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!