A beloved symbol of autumn, they are more than the sum of its parts.
Seven Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
By Amy Tokic
Pumpkin is a nutritious and versatile food that’s often overlooked as a potential treat or supplement for dogs. Not only is it easy to find and prepare, but it’s also delicious and contains a variety of beneficial nutrients for both humans and animals alike. In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about pumpkin and explore the many ways it can be incorporated into your dog’s diet to promote their health and well-being.
Improves digestive health: Pumpkin is a great source of dietary fiber, which can aid in promoting good digestive health and regulating bowel movements in dogs. By adding pureed pumpkin to your dog’s diet, you can help prevent both constipation and diarrhea, keeping your furry friend healthy and regular.
Boosts your dog’s immune system: Pumpkin is a great source of antioxidants, including vitamins C, A, and E, which are important for a dog’s immune system. Studies show that these antioxidants can help prevent certain types of cancer in dogs. Incorporating pumpkin into a dog’s diet can help improve their overall health and possibly increase their lifespan.
Repels parasites: Parasites can cause distress to pets and their owners. Fortunately, pumpkin is known to repel parasites. The amino acid found in pumpkin is toxic to many dog parasites, making it an effective natural remedy. You can grind up pumpkin seeds or canned pumpkin into your dog’s food or opt for dog kibble that contains pumpkin. However, if you suspect your dog has a parasitic infestation, it is important to bring them to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Promotes healthy vision: Pumpkin is a nutrient-rich food that is excellent for promoting healthy vision in dogs. It is packed with Vitamin A, which is essential for good eyesight and can help protect against eye degeneration and night blindness. Including pumpkin in your dog’s diet through kibble, treats, or other foods can help support their overall eye health.
Boosts urinary tract health: Pumpkins offer a range of benefits for your dog’s urinary tract health. They are rich in omega-3 and antioxidants, which can help prevent urinary incontinence and support overall urinary tract health. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of fatty acids in pumpkins may help dislodge kidney stones.
Helps with dehydration: Did you know that pumpkin is mostly water? By adding a little bit of pumpkin to your pet’s meal, you can help combat dehydration caused by eating dry pet food. Additionally, the extra moisture from the pumpkin can improve your pet’s digestion by increasing the gastric juices that are essential to their gastrointestinal health.
Promotes weight loss: Pumpkin, which contains 3 grams of fiber per cup, can be a valuable addition to a weight loss program for dogs. The fiber promotes feelings of fullness, which can help to reduce overall calorie intake.
One of the best sources of pet-safe food for dogs is plain pumpkin, either fresh or canned. Make sure to choose pumpkin that is cooked and has no added spices or other ingredients. Don’t use pumpkin meant for pie filling, as this often contains spices that can be harmful to pets.
Pet expert Amy Tokic is a lifelong passionate animal lover and proud parent to Oscar, a Shih Tzu/ Chihuahua cross and Zed, a Japanese chin. She’s the former editor for PetGuide.com Tokic continues to write about her adventures in dogdom research review products and health related issues she could share with other companion animal enthusiasts.
