Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Can dogs eat pumpkin? The answer is yes, with a couple of cautionary notes.

Pumpkin is a staple food in people’s homes towards the end of the year, particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas — but it also makes a tasty and healthy snack and ingredient for your dog?

This seasonal gourd is considered a superfood, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, potassium, and more. Pumpkin is also rich in fiber and prebiotics to support healthy digestion, and — added bonus — most dogs love the flavor and creamy texture.

We asked Dr. Nathan Fastinger, a PhD Animal Nutritionist, and the Director of Nutrition at 5-star-rated Jinx, to answer our questions about whether dogs can eat pumpkin, share more about the many health benefits of pumpkin for dogs, as well as his tips for incorporating this nutrient-packed superfood into your dog’s diet.

Pumpkin is part of a complete and balanced diet

“At Jinx, we talk a lot about the importance of feeding your dog a complete and balanced diet,” says Dr. Fastinger. “This is because, unlike humans, dogs tend to eat the same diet day-in and day-out.

“If your dog doesn’t get the essential nutrients they need from their daily meals, they can become subject to several dietary deficiencies, including protein, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E. This can lead to a weakened immune system and other health issues over time.”

Many complete and balanced pet foods ignore the critical aspect of adding healthy fiber and prebiotic ingredients. Fiber and prebiotics are an important part of maintaining a healthy gut. You can add fiber and extra vitamins by giving your dog pumpkin as a treat, mixing it with their normal food, or feeding them dog food that includes pumpkin as an ingredient.

“We actually use pumpkin in almost all of our recipes at Jinx, including our kibble superfood blend, because we love the many benefits it offers your dog,” says Dr. Fastinger.

What are the benefits of pumpkin for dogs?

“Most dogs enjoy the taste of pumpkin, and adding it to your pet’s diet can help support their overall health and well-being,” says Dr. Fastinger.

Some of the many health benefits of pumpkin for dogs include:

• Supports eye health: Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene, which is essential for eye health.
• Boosts immunity: Pumpkin is high in both vitamins A and C. These antioxidants support a healthy immune system and help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.
• Aids in digestion: As a fiber-rich vegetable, pumpkin helps prevent constipation and diarrhea. It’s also a prebiotic that supports the “good bacteria” in your dog’s gut.
• Low in calories: The veg is low in calories and packed with soluble fiber, which can help your dog feel full for longer. It also makes an excellent treat for dogs who may need to lose a little weight. Studies have also shown that dogs fed a vegan diet packed with vegetables can improve a dog’s overall health.
• Hydrating: Comprising 94% water, pumpkin is packed with moisture, helping to keep your dog hydrated.

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How to incorporate pumpkin into your dog’s diet

“Pumpkin is a safe and healthy treat for dogs, but there are still a few things you should keep in mind before feeding your pet pumpkin,” says Dr. Fastinger.

“For one, it’s important to give your dog plain, cooked pumpkin, without any seasonings or other additives. Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar, spices, and other ingredients that could be harmful.”

Dr. Fastinger suggests cutting cooked pumpkin into bite-sized pieces, mashing it, or pureeing it for your dog, to avoid a choking hazard.

“Canned pumpkin is fine as long as it’s plain,” he says. “In fact, the canned version is actually more concentrated with fiber and nutrients than fresh pumpkin, since it contains less water.”

Ready to incorporate pumpkin into your dog’s diet? Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• Use it as a meal topper: Mix one or two tablespoons of plain, cooked or canned pumpkin with your dog’s food.
• Puree and freeze it: Pour pureed pumpkin into an ice cube tray, then freeze it for a cool, refreshing snack.
• Make pumpkin-seed powder: Pumpkin seeds are packed with vitamins and protein, but can present a choking hazard for some dogs. You can still take advantage of the health benefits of pumpkin seeds by grinding plain seeds into a powder, then sprinkling it over your dog’s food.
• Opt for dog food and treats that contain pumpkin: Jinx uses pumpkin in most of its recipes, including kibble, wet food, meal toppers, and treats.

Finally, Dr. Fastinger reminds us that whenever you introduce a new food to your dog, it’s important to start small. “Because pumpkin is so fiber-rich, a little goes a long way. It’s best to feed your dog pumpkin in small amounts, and do so in moderation to avoid an upset stomach.”