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Pumpkin Spice is Nice, but can Dogs eat Pumpkins?

can dogs eat pumpkins

It’s that time of year when everyone’s crazy over everything pumpkin! Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies. Pumpkin’s tasty and good for humans but is it okay for our furry friends? Can dogs eat pumpkins?

According to Fetch by WebMD, it is okay for dogs. It has nutrients and fiber, is great for soothing a dog’s stomach and, is considered a superfood!

Nutritional

Pumpkin is full of great nutrients and is full of Vitamins A, E, and C as well as potassium and iron. It is great for digestive health and can be used for both diarrhea and constipation issues in your dog, and also helps with regularity. You can use it as a supplement to their normal dog food. If they are having stomach issues you can add 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs and up to 2 tablespoons for a larger dog. Make sure to provide pumpkin with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. And never use canned pumpkin pie, it contains salts, spices, and sugar, and/or xylitol which is toxic to dogs. Gluten-free and grain-free are available if you purchase pre-made dog foods. It is great for all breeds and sizes. It’s also great for their fur, providing a healthy, shiny coat. Which by the way, will look even better with regular grooming.

Sources

There are organic canned dog foods made especially for your dog available here, and here and Purina makes a grain-free option. There are Pumpkin soft chews and supplement powders available for dogs as well. You might decide to make your own pumpkin treats for your dog. There are many recipes online that are nutritional and easy to make. Pumpkins can be roasted in the oven or steamed in an Instant Pot, then pureed and frozen. Freezing in ice cube trays is a great way to store them for future use.

If your dog has any special dietary restrictions be sure you consult with your veterinarian before adding anything to his diet. Enjoy the Fall season and all the wonderful colors and cool breezes. A wonderful time of year to be outside with your pet, taking brisk walks, and visits to the Pumpkin Patch.

can dogs eat pumpkins