The Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Pumpkin can be a useful and nutritious addition to a dog’s normal food when given in sensible amounts. It provides fibre, moisture and nutrients including beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A.

Plain cooked pumpkin may sometimes help dogs experiencing mild constipation or loose stools. However, it is not a cure for every digestive problem and persistent or severe symptoms require veterinary attention.

Pumpkin and Digestion

Pumpkin contains soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre can absorb water and add bulk to loose stools, while also helping some dogs that have mild constipation. Its moisture content may provide an additional benefit.

The effect will vary between dogs. Too much pumpkin can cause wind, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation, so it is best to introduce it gradually and begin with a small amount.

Diarrhoea and constipation can have many causes. Pumpkin should not be used to delay veterinary treatment if a dog is unwell, vomiting, in pain, passing blood, repeatedly straining, refusing food or becoming dehydrated.

Does Pumpkin Stop Coprophagia?

Coprophagia is the habit of eating faeces. It is sometimes claimed that pumpkin makes stools taste unpleasant and therefore stops the behaviour, but there is no reliable evidence that pumpkin cures coprophagia.

Some dogs may stop temporarily, while others will continue regardless of what is added to their food. Management generally involves removing stools promptly, supervising the dog, teaching a reliable “leave” command and discussing any sudden or persistent behaviour with a veterinary surgeon.

How Much Can Be Given?

There is no exact amount suitable for every dog. The correct quantity depends on the dog’s size, usual diet, health and reason for giving it. Start with a small amount and monitor the dog’s response.

A little more may be suitable for some dogs, but pumpkin should remain a small addition rather than replacing a significant proportion of a complete and balanced diet. Ask your veterinary surgeon for advice if your dog has a medical condition or requires a specially controlled diet.

Preparing Fresh Pumpkin

After Halloween, an uncarved pumpkin can be prepared for your dog rather than thrown away. Do not use a pumpkin that has started to rot or one that has contained a candle, wax, decorations or chemicals.

Remove the stalk, skin, stringy centre and seeds. Cut the pumpkin flesh into pieces and cook it without salt, sugar, butter, oil or seasoning.

You can prepare it by:

• Steaming until soft.
• Boiling and draining it thoroughly.
• Baking or roasting it without oil.
• Microwaving it in a suitable covered container.

Once cooked, mash or blend the flesh into a smooth purée. Allow it to cool completely before giving it to your dog.

Small portions can be frozen in an ice-cube tray and transferred to a labelled freezer container. Defrost only the amount required and do not refreeze it after thawing.

Using Tinned Pumpkin

Plain tinned pumpkin purée can be used if fresh pumpkin is unavailable. Check the ingredients carefully and choose a product containing 100% pumpkin.

Pumpkin and Weight Control

Plain pumpkin is relatively low in calories and its fibre may help some dogs feel fuller. A small amount can sometimes be used to replace part of a dog’s usual food or treats when managing weight.

However, simply adding pumpkin without reducing calories elsewhere will not cause weight loss. Replacing too much complete dog food can also unbalance the diet. A proper weight-management plan should take account of the dog’s total daily calories, treats, activity and health.

Urinary Health

Pumpkin contains moisture, and good hydration is important for normal urinary function. However, there is not enough evidence to claim that pumpkin or pumpkin oil can treat urinary disease.

A dog that is straining to urinate, passing blood, urinating unusually often or unable to pass urine requires prompt veterinary attention. Pumpkin must not be used instead of diagnosis and treatment.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Plain, shelled pumpkin seeds are not generally toxic to dogs and may be given occasionally in very small quantities. Whole seeds can be difficult to digest and may present a choking risk, particularly for small dogs.

Avoid salted, seasoned, sweetened or heavily oiled seeds. Seeds are also higher in fat and calories than pumpkin flesh, so they may not be suitable for overweight dogs or dogs with a history of pancreatitis or digestive problems.

Butternut Squash

Plain cooked butternut squash can be offered in much the same way as pumpkin. Remove the skin, seeds and stringy centre, and cook it without butter, oil, salt or seasoning.

Introduce it gradually and offer only a modest amount. Like pumpkin, it should be treated as an addition to the diet rather than a replacement for a complete and balanced food.

When to Contact Your Vet

Seek veterinary advice if your dog:

• Has severe, repeated or persistent diarrhoea.
• Has not passed a stool or is repeatedly straining.
• Has blood or black material in its stools.
• Is vomiting or unable to keep water down.
• Appears lethargic, weak, painful or dehydrated.
• Has eaten a large quantity of pumpkin skin, stalk or seeds.
• Has eaten pumpkin containing xylitol or another unsafe ingredient.
• Has an existing illness or is receiving a veterinary diet.