Pumpkin For Dogs: Why You Should Have It At Home
13.01.2021.
It would be fantastic if there was a natural remedy for dog diarrhea and constipation, but that sounds like a fairytale, doesn’t it? Well, pumpkin is an excellent remedy for both of those things. Not only that, pumpkin is full of beneficial nutrients and provides our dogs with all sorts of benefits.
Pumpkin is something all dog owners should have at home. It will be an excellent ally for different health issues your dog might experience, both minor and major. Luckily, most dog owners share this common knowledge about pumpkins for dogs, and here is what you need to know about its health benefits.
Nutrient-packed
If you give your dog pumpkin, it would be wise to know which nutrients are in it and how they will affect your dog. We looked, and we found out they are packed with useful and healthy nutrients. It barely has any calories, so there is no risk it will affect your dog’s body weight. They are packed with:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Fiber
Fiber in pumpkin
Fiber might be the most important nutrient pumpkins have that will benefit your dog. It is usually given to dogs when they have some form of gastrointestinal distress, and it’s usually diarrhea.
Pumpkin for dog diarrhea
Pumpkin is packed with fiber, which helps your dog’s stool harden and take shape. It is one of the best natural diarrhea remedies you can ask for. Talk to your vet, and they will tell you all about it.
Fiber acts as a prebiotic, which is the opposite of a probiotic. It stimulates the growth of useful intestine bacteria and blocks the development of harmful bacteria. It will absorb water and add some bulk to the stool, which will effectively stop your dog’s diarrhea problems.
Pumpkin for dog constipation
Even the doctors don’t know why, but pumpkin helps cure mild cases of dog constipation. Adding a bit to your dog’s daily meal will help pass their stool. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that your dog should be adequately hydrated. Dehydration can make constipation even worse.
If you ever wondered if dogs can eat pumpkin, here is the answer; not only is it safe, but it is also encouraged! Dogs love it! Not only is it beneficial, but it also tastes great as well. If you are unsure about giving it to your dog, ask your vet for advice, and share your worries with them.
What type of pumpkin should you give to your dog?
This is an essential thing to know because you don’t want to give your dog something unsafe or cause them harm. Two types should be given to dogs - fresh and canned.
Fresh pumpkin
Like with most other fruits and vegetables, the safest choice is to give it fresh. That is the best way to ensure nothing was added to the pumpkin, and your dog won’t end up hurt because you weren’t sure about which ingredients were added.
Fresh pumpkin has a higher water percentage, so it is a better choice for dogs suffering from constipation. It will ease their stool passing and make sure your dog receives plenty of crucial hydration.
Canned pumpkin
When it comes to canned pumpkin, the first thing you should make sure of is that nothing was added. Ingredients like salt and other spices can make your dog sick. Hot spices can even cause bleeding and even more gastrointestinal distress than your dog already feels.
Canned pumpkin is an excellent choice for dogs that have diarrhea. It contains less water and has a higher fiber percentage than fresh. It is slightly dehydrated and will have significant health benefits for your dog when given the right amount. Just remember - no spices.
Pumpkin puree for dogs
One fun way to serve your dog pumpkin is by making a puree. It is not complicated to make. Just follow these easy steps, and pretty soon, your dog will have a delicious puree as a healthy addition to their daily meal.
- Preheat the oven to 350 F
- Clear the seeds
- Cut the pumpkin into 4 pieces
- Bake it for 45 minutes until it is fork-tender
- Remove the skin
- Blend in a blender
You shouldn’t feed your dog all the pumpkin puree at once. Instead, you can freeze it and have it ready for when you need it again.
How much pumpkin should you give to your dog?
Getting the right dosage is vital when introducing something new into your dog’s diet. Pumpkin might be beneficial, but overfeeding will cause more problems than it solves. Here is what you need to know about how much pumpkin you should feed your dog.
The safe amount depends on the size of your dog. Small dogs shouldn’t eat more than ½ teaspoon a day. You should work slowly to that amount and start by giving them smaller amounts for two or three days. Medium-sized dogs can get up to two teaspoons a day, and large dogs can eat up to four teaspoons a day. This amount shouldn’t have any side-effects and should be pretty safe for your dog to eat.
This, of course, is general advice, and you should talk to your vet for details and your dog’s specific situation, preferences, or even allergies.
In short
Pumpkins can be extremely beneficial for different gastrointestinal problems. It helps your dog with diarrhea and constipation. It is only safe for them to eat fresh or canned, and you should make sure that the amount they eat is safe for them. Before you introduce anything new to your dog’s diet, ask your vet for advice.
World Dog Finder team
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