Can dog's eat... Pumpkin?

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin in moderation, provided it is properly prepared. This autumnal vegetable can be a healthy snack for dogs, but there are a few things you need to know first. We’ll cover the best ways of offering pumpkin to your dog, how much you can safely give and whether there are any health benefits.

Before handing it over, make sure that it has the skin removed and that the flesh is properly cooked. Chopping it into bite-sized pieces will also reduce the risk of choking, an issue that is more likely to occur in puppies, small dogs and brachycephalic breeds.

Let’s look at a few more pumpkin specifics in detail:

#Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?

Dogs can have pumpkin seeds occasionally. They are best served shelled, roasted and unseasoned, as raw ones can be difficult for dogs to process properly. Consider grinding cooked seeds into little pieces and sprinkling them on your dog’s food, as this will make them even easier to digest. Pumpkin seeds are more nutrient-dense than pumpkin flesh, but you mustn’t overdo it. Too many seeds will add extra calories to your dog’s diet, leading to weight gain over time. Read about if pumpkin seeds are good for dogs.

##Can dogs eat raw pumpkin?

Raw pumpkin is not recommended for dogs because it is tougher for them to digest than cooked pumpkin. This means raw pumpkin is more likely to cause digestive upset, like vomiting and diarrhoea. Uncooked pieces of pumpkin can also be quite hard to chew, which increases the risk of accidental choking.

Pumpkin rind is very tough and should never be given to pets. Plus, the stalk and leaves from a pumpkin plant can be prickly and would cause irritation if eaten.

For this reason, keep curious pets away from decorative carved pumpkins or pumpkins growing in your garden. Never give your dog offcuts of carved pumpkin unless they have been prepared and cooked first.

##Can dogs eat cooked pumpkin?

Cooked pumpkin is best for dogs as it is soft, making it easier to chew and digest. You will still need to go steady, though, as too much of any fruit or vegetable could cause stomach upset.

Cooked pumpkin must be offered plain and unseasoned. Never offer your dog pumpkin that has been cooked or served with other ingredients. Certain ingredients, like onion and garlic, can b toxic to dogs. Creamy sauces or soups could cause digestive upset and add additional calories, so they should be avoided too.

It’s best to offer your dog bite sized pieces of pumpkin flesh which have been boiled or steamed. Roasted pumpkin is also ok if you haven’t used too much oil. Just make sure to allow the pumpkin to cool to room temperature before feeding it to your pet.

##Can dogs eat canned pumpkin?

100% canned pumpkin, with no other ingredients, should be safe for dogs to eat. It should only be offered in moderation, though.

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#Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?

No, don’t feed your dog pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie filling contains high levels of sugar as well as potentially harmful ingredients like nutmeg and cloves. Some pies might contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, an ingredient which is toxic to dogs. Pumpkin pie is also very high in calories and fat (thanks to all that pastry!), which will definitely undo any of the potential health benefits of the pumpkin.

Processed snacks or drinks containing pumpkin flavourings should also be avoided as they are likely to be of little nutritional benefit to your dog.

#Health benefits of pumpkin for dogs

Pumpkin contains nutrients which are proven to boost human health. Some of these may also be helpful for dogs too:

Fibre – helps to maintain healthy digestion and makes dogs feel fuller for longer, which could help with weight management.

Vitamins A, C and E – help to maintain a strong immune system and healthy eyesight. However, many animals, including dogs, don’t require vitamin C from food sources as they can manufacture their own!

Antioxidants – pumpkins are rich in antioxidants, which help counteract inflammation and protect against disease

Low calorie – pumpkin flesh is low in calories, which can help pets on a weight reduction program.

Just remember that your dog’s good quality complete diet should already contain all the nutrients that they need. Most vets would advise sticking to this as much as possible. But it’s always nice to know that pumpkins are a healthy snack choice if you do want to give your pet something different alongside their dinner.

#How much pumpkin can dogs eat?

Extras, including fruit and vegetables like pumpkin, should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Too much could cause an upset stomach and lead to dietary imbalances if fed over a period of time. Moderation is key.

If your dog is new to pumpkin, then it is worth just offering a small amount to begin with, to check their response and whether they experience any adverse effects. You can then gradually increase the amount. Pumpkin shouldn’t be an everyday food, though; just offer it to your pet every now and then.

#Conclusion – Can dogs eat pumpkin?

Let's summarise all you need to know about dogs and pumpkins here:

• Cooked pumpkin flesh is safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
• Don’t give your dog pumpkin which has been seasoned or cooked with other ingredients.
• Avoid giving your dog raw pumpkin, pumpkin pie or processed pumpkin snacks.
• Small amounts of pumpkin seeds can also be eaten safely, if they are shelled, roasted and unseasoned.