Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin And Do They Like It?

Yes! Dogs can eat pumpkin. Many dog treat recipes include pumpkin but you do need to keep a few things in mind.

Is pumpkin pie filling the same thing as pumpkin?

Dogs cannot eat seasoned pumpkin pie filling. If you are going to buy canned pumpkin for your pup make sure it’s either made for dogs or is plain. Many of the seasonings in pumpkin pie filling are toxic to dogs and should not be consumed.

Can my dog have pumpkin seeds?

Your dog can have pumpkin seeds but they can pose a choking hazard. Pumpkin seeds can serve as a natural dewormer as they contain cucurbitin. Cucurbitin paralyzes parasites which helps remove them from your dogs digestive track. Always consult your veterinarian before administering a natural dewormer. Pumpkin seeds can help mild cases but more severe cases may be require a stronger dewormer that only can be prescribed.

Are there any other benefits to pumpkin?

Pumpkin is high in fiber which makes it a staple in my panty for when my dog is constipated or has diarrhea. Fiber helps to push things out and firm them up. Pumpkin is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Zinc
Magnesium

Are the highest vitamins and minerals pumpkin

Does my dog even like pumpkin?

We can’t ask our canine companions if they like pumpkin directly but if we could they would probably say yes! Dogs seem to enjoy pumpkin as they enjoy many treats made with it. They also will happily eat up pumpkin put over their foods or stuffed into a toy. Of course, your dog may not like pumpkin. That’s okay! There’s loads of other foods out there that provide many of the same benefits that pumpkin does.

When you give your dog pumpkin, start with a few teaspoons. Larger dogs may need a few tablespoons before you notice any benefits – especially true when using pumpkin for it’s soluble fiber.

What can I do with pumpkin?

We’ve mentioned treats and that is by far the most common way dogs consume pumpkin. Here are some of our favorites

You can also put pumpkin on top of your dogs food, mix it in with their wet food, or add goats milk to it. Pumpkin can also be stuffed into toys like KONG to make a tantalizing treat.

Does your dog like pumpkin? What is your dogs favorite way to eat pumpkin? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.