With Halloween approaching and pumpkin carving in full swing, many dog owners are wondering, ‘Can dogs eat pumpkin?’
It’s a common question that rolls around every Autumn, and the experts at Green Pantry have all the answers, with some of our natural dry dog food recipes containing this highly nutritious vegetable, along with other 100% natural ingredients.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes! Dogs can safely eat pumpkin, whether it’s raw, cooked, canned, or included in one of our delicious dog food recipes. It’s often highly recommended by vets because of its incredible health benefits, one of the main ones being that it can help to improve your dog’s digestion.
Make sure that when it comes to feeding your dog pumpkin, it’s in its purest form or blended with other natural ingredients. Never feed your dog pumpkin pie, and if you are feeding them canned pumpkin, make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree with no additives or sweeteners.
You might also want to get rid of any rinds, seeds, or leaves, as these can be a choking hazard. However, plain, roasted, or ground pumpkin seeds are safe and also quite nutritious.
What are the nutritional benefits of pumpkin for dogs?
At Green Pantry, we use pumpkin in our recipes. That’s because its fibre content means that it helps to regulate bowel movements and keeps your dog’s stools in tip-top condition!
Here are some more of its great health benefits:
- It’s naturally high in antioxidants, supporting healthy skin and shiny coats
- It’s rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, as well as potassium, which can support eye health, immunity, and healthy growth
- It supports your dog’s gut health – As mentioned above, it contains soluble and insoluble fibre, making it a good option to support both diarrhoea and constipation in dogs
- Because of its fibre content, it can keep your dog feeling full for longer, particularly helpful for helping your dog lose weight
Green Pantry recipes that contain pumpkin
Chicken with Pumpkin and Apple, supporting Skin and Coat
Best suited for: Dogs of all ages, particularly those who suffer from dull, dry, or itchy skin.
Shop all of our healthy skin & coat recipes!
Get in touch with a member of our team for more dietary advice around what you can or can’t feed your dog – or give us a call on 01553 811 320
Can dogs eat other forms of pumpkin? Your FAQs, answered
Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Yes, dogs can also eat pumpkin seeds. However, they must be plain, unseasoned, and properly prepared. Pumpkin seeds, in moderation, can be highly beneficial for dogs because they contain healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants that support their health. However, be careful, as they can be a choking hazard. We’d recommend grinding them down so they are easier to eat.
Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?
Yes, your dog can eat the flesh of raw pumpkin, but bear in mind that the rind can be tough and difficult for dogs to digest. We would recommend that you cook your pumpkin and mash it so that it is soft, easy to eat, and reduces the risk of choking or irritating your dog’s mouth and teeth.
Can dogs eat pumpkin puree?
Dogs can eat pumpkin puree, yes. However, you must ensure that it is 100% plain pumpkin and doesn’t contain sugar, salt, oils, or spices, as these can irritate your dog’s stomach. Make sure you’re not feeding your dog pumpkin pie filling, as it contains dangerous spices and artificial sweeteners that are not suitable for dogs. Always check the ingredient list if you’re unsure.
