Pumpkin is an indispensable ingredient in our favorite dishes – from pies and lattes to soups and stews – but did you know this hearty gourd could also provide valuable nutrition for your pet’s diet?
Canned pumpkin can help provide relief from both diarrhea and constipation in dogs when fed correctly; if either condition arises in your pet it’s essential that they seek veterinary advice prior to making any decisions about its consumption.
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High in soluble fibre
As many dogs on kibble diets can become dehydrated, adding pureed pumpkin can be highly beneficial in maintaining adequate hydration levels. Pumpkin is full of soluble fibre which helps your dog lose extra water from their digestive tract, potentially relieving diarrhea or constipation symptoms.
Before adding pumpkin, please consult with a veterinarian to make sure it’s safe for your dog. They may offer different solutions depending on what the issue is.
Home bakers can create tasty pumpkin treats using healthy ingredients like bananas, gluten-free flour and eggs (omitting spices such as nutmeg which is toxic to dogs). Or they could simply use canned pumpkin to top wet or dry kibble or stuff into Kong toys – be sure to opt for organic pumpkin, as well as vegetables without added sugars and salts.
Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Pumpkin is an effective and wholesome superfood to help address digestive issues in dogs, whether that means diarrhea, constipation or simply needing extra hydration – pumpkin has your bases covered!
Remember to introduce pumpkin in moderation and carefully observe their response. If they experience diarrhea that lasts over 24 hours or contains blood, this could be an indicator of more serious problems and you should contact your vet as soon as possible.
For dogs experiencing diarrhea, adding 1 teaspoon of plain canned pumpkin flesh only (not its rind or seeds) into their food could help. Be sure to provide ample water as this will keep your pup hydrated and keep him feeling well!
Great for dogs who suffer from loose stools
Pumpkin can help regulate normal bowel movements as its high fibre content helps to combat constipation in dogs and alleviate loose stools or diarrhea in pets, though if your pet experiences diarrhea you should consult their veterinarian immediately.
Canned pumpkin can be an effective remedy for dogs with diarrhea, as it contains high amounts of soluble fibre and prebiotics which promote healthy bacteria in their digestive tract. Furthermore, pumpkin contains high concentrations of potassium which may help balance out digestive chemistry to ease diarrhea symptoms. However, please remember this will not solve underlying issues such as parasites, parvovirus infection, fungal infections or bacterial overgrowth so it’s always advisable to seek guidance from a veterinarian for guidance before trying anything on its own.
Great for dogs with dental issues
Pumpkin can be an easy solution to help ease constipation or diarrhea in dogs. Its soluble fibre helps ensure their digestive tract runs smoothly while also helping reduce inflammation.
Pumpkin provides a significant source of Vitamin C, an important nutrient which boosts immunity, prevents gout and inflammation conditions and enhances iron absorption.
Addition of plain canned pumpkin to your pet’s food can help; however, be wary not to overfeed. No single food item should exceed 10% of their daily calorie consumption. Be sure only to feed plain canned pumpkin without sugar or spices added; health food stores offer pureed varieties or boil and puree fresh ones yourself for best results.
Great for dogs who like a hydrating treat
Though many pet parents give their dogs treats, it’s important to remember that food should only make up 10% of a dog’s overall diet. Pumpkin is an excellent low-cal, high-fiber treat without impacting nutrition in any way.
Pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium magnesium and zinc–making it easy to incorporate it into a nutritious and balanced diet.
When making pumpkin for your dog, be sure to remove all seeds (and save them as tasty treats!), cook until soft enough for scooping, cube or puree it and serve a homemade, nutritious treat – remember a teaspoon is enough for small dogs while one tablespoon will suffice for larger dogs!
