Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

1 Overview

What are the benefits of pumpkin for dogs?

Dogs can eat pumpkin, and in moderation it’s very beneficial. What are the benefits?

First, pumpkin aids weight loss via fiber and fullness. It also fights constipation by bulking stool and stimulating contractions. And its soluble fiber slows digestion and absorbs water to ease diarrhea.

Pumpkin seeds: fatty acids and antioxidants help skin. Flesh and seeds both aid urinary health, so incontinent dogs benefit most.

Pumpkin is 90% water – a great topper for kibble-fed dogs – and has potassium, vitamin C, A, carotene, zinc, iron: all great for dogs.

Is pumpkin really that magical?

It is, but beyond the 10% rule for frequency and amount, a first-timer may have side effects.

Why? As said, lots of fiber helps constipation but, in a healthy dog, too much at once can cause diarrhea on first try.

Again the fiber – bloating and cramps from too much too fast. Introduce gradually, low to high.

How to prepare

Cook the flesh before feeding; seeds can be ground (uncooked) and given a few at a time, not more.

Can pumpkin seeds really deworm?

They can – seeds contain cucurbitin, a compound that paralyzes and expels roundworms. But dosing is tricky; abroad it’s 1 tbsp seed powder per 10 lb, twice daily. Since it’s that fussy, why not use a proper broad-spectrum dewormer (covers roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) – easier, safer, more effective.