Pumpkins, are they good for dogs?

Now that the spooky season is upon us, most dog owners are wondering whether pumpkins  are good to share with dogs. 

This Blog aims to provide all the information you need as well as a tasty pumpkin dog treat recipe. 

As dog owners, we always want what’s best for them, and finding healthy, natural foods to add to their diet is a top priority. 

One surprisingly powerful superfood is pumpkin. 

This fantastic vegetable is not only a staple of autumn recipes but can also offer numerous benefits for dogs. 

Supports Digestive Health

Pumpkin is full of fibre, so can aid digestive issues in dogs. 

It’s soluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, which helps regulate bowel movements, making it easier for your dog to go. 

The fibre also absorbs excess water, which firms up the stool, helping to ease loose or runny tummies. 

Pumpkin acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are types of fibre that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy digestive tract.

Promotes Weight Management

Pumpkin is low in calories but high in fibre, which means dogs will feel fuller after eating. 

By adding pumpkin to your dog’s meals, you can reduce their calorie intake while keeping them satisfied, making it easier to manage weight without them feeling deprived.

Supports Urinary Health

Another lesser-known benefit of pumpkin is its ability to support urinary health. 

The antioxidants and high-water content found in pumpkin can help flush out the kidneys and bladder, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

The potassium content in pumpkin also supports bladder function, helping to prevent the formation of urinary stones.

Packed with Essential Nutrients

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food that offers a variety of vitamins and minerals beneficial to your dog’s overall health. 

These include: 

• Vitamin A – Essential for vision, skin health, and immune function.
• Vitamin C – An antioxidant that helps repair tissues and promotes immune health.
• Vitamin E – Supports skin health and acts as an antioxidant.
• Iron and Potassium – Help with red blood cell function and maintain proper muscle function.

These nutrients contribute to better skin, stronger immunity, and improved energy levels, making pumpkin a true superfood for your pup.

Natural Dewormer

Pumpkin seeds aren’t just tasty; they also have medicinal benefits. 

They contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which has been shown to help expel intestinal parasites, like tapeworms, from dog’s digestive system. 

The seeds can be ground and added to your dog’s meals, or you can roast them with some salt, pepper and honey as a tasty snack alternative. 

Promotes Skin and Coat Health

The vitamin A and zinc found in pumpkin can help alleviate dry and itchy skin. 

These nutrients work together to keep your dog’s skin moisturized and their fur soft and shiny. 

Pumpkin’s water content also helps with hydration, which is essential for healthy skin.

Aids in Hydration

Pumpkin’s high-water content adds an extra layer of hydration to your dog’s diet, meaning that those dogs who don’t drink enough water will benefit from this. 

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Pumpkin is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.

 Dogs living with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions may benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of the vitamins and minerals in pumpkin, which can help improve joint health and mobility over time.

How to Safely Feed Pumpkin to Your Dog

Plain canned pumpkin is the easiest option and just as nutritious as fresh pumpkin. Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, with no added sugar, salt, or spices.

Cooked fresh pumpkin is also a great choice. Simply bake or steam the pumpkin and mash it before adding it to your dog’s food. Be sure to remove the skin and seeds.

Pumpkin seeds can be roasted and ground up, then sprinkled on your dog’s food, or given whole as a tasty treat alternative. 

As with every new food, offer small amounts to begin with and go from there. 

Pumpkin is generally safe for most dogs, however every dog is different, so just monitor how your dog reacts. 

Here at The Dog Witch, we are on a mission to help dog carers create happy, healthy and relaxed puppers, so we often share natural and holistic tips on caring for dogs. 

We would love to have you as part of our gang at The Dog Witch Social where you can connect with other likeminded dog carers

Below you will find a recipe for tasty dog friendly pumpkin treats, that you can enjoy with your dog this Halloween.

See you on the next Blog

Lisa and Zak xxxx

Team – The Dog Witch 

The Dog Witch Dog Pumpkin Cookies 

You will need:

• 170g pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin is easier to use, you can find it here)
• 120g Dog-friendly Peanut Butter 
• 1 egg yolk
• 250g All Purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder 
• Halloween cookie cutters 
• Rolling pin 
• Greaseproof paper 

Method: 

Set your oven to 180 degrees or gas mark 4 

Combine the pumpkin peanut butter and egg in one bowl with a whisk 

Combine the flour and baking powder in another bowl

Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mix, until fully combined and looks like a dough 

Flour the worktop and knead the dough, then roll out with the rolling pin

Use the cookie cutters to cut out your shapes

Add the cookie shapes to a baking tray covered with greaseproof paper 

Bake in the oven for 2-25 minutes 

• Allow the cookies to cool before feeding to your dog
• These will keep in an airtight container for around 2 weeks