You might be wondering if pumpkin is safe for dogs, or can pass as a dog treat. 

First, make sure your dog doesn’t eat pumpkins or gourds thinking they’re balls or toys. The hard outer pumpkin shell isn’t particularly tasty or digestible, but you know what they say about some dogs eating anything they can chew! Furthermore, the outer pumpkin skin may have prickly hairs and include the stem, which is not edible.

On the other hand, the fleshy fruit inside is a better bet. Pumpkin can be a healthy snack. It aids digestion and is high in antioxidants. When you feed it to your dog under your veterinarian’s supervision, pumpkin is safe for them to eat and can be a good source of fibre, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, E, and C.

In fact, some dog parents use pumpkins to help relieve diarrhea or constipation, but always consult with your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s tummy troubles. The fibre in pumpkins helps bulk up their stool by absorbing water and acts as a prebiotic, triggering the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Choosing between Canned and Fresh Pumpkin

While your dog can eat canned and fresh pumpkins, many dog owners use the former as a homemade fibre booster. However, it is approximately 80 percent water and most likely does not contain enough fibre to provide much therapeutic benefit. 

Furthermore, if you feed your dog canned pumpkin, avoid giving them canned pumpkin pie filling, which can be high in calories and sugar, which is not the same as canned pumpkin. Avoid giving them canned pumpkins with added sodium as well.

Dried pumpkin powder is also available for you to purchase. However, consult with your veterinarian before introducing anything new into your dog’s diet.

If you want to consider adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet daily, talk to your veterinarian. Depending on your dog’s health and nutritional requirements, they may advise you to try a different dog food before pushing through with your idea.

Incorporating Pumpkin into Your Dog’s Diet

If you’ve talked to your vet and received permission to add pumpkin to your pup’s diet, there are plenty of ways to start incorporating it. You can use it on top of or mix it with their food, stuff it in a Kong-type toy, or bake it into homemade dog biscuits and other treats. 

Ask your veterinarian how much pumpkin is safe to give your dog based on their weight. Cut the fleshy fruit into chunks and steam or boil it before mashing it like a potato. 

Dogs can have a roasted pumpkin seed or two as a treat, but only if they are roasted without salt or other spices. Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds are prebiotic nutritional powerhouses, but you should always ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog the fruit.

Conclusion 

It’s best to infuse healthy choices and baked dog treats with various flavour combinations into your beloved pet’s diet. We recommend choosing products made from all-natural ingredients and containing no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. They are ideal for small snacks or bite-sized rewards when training your pooch!

If you are looking for healthy dog treats in Perth, Australia, check out Frankie Loves Barkery. We are a business founded in 2017 that provides baked treats, dehydrated treats, and accessories for dogs. Shop today!