Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Halloween is just around the corner and pumpkins are finding their way into our homes as decorations, delicious pies, and spooky lanterns. Perhaps you are planning to celebrate Halloween and carve out a lantern from a pumpkin to decorate your home. Did you know that pumpkin flesh can make a healthy, delicious and gut-friendly treat for your four-legged friend? You can use the flesh to make a tasty, healthy puree and add to your dog’s meals providing a great boost to your dog’s nutrition. In this blog you will learn about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs, a recipe for pumpkin puree and how to make a spooky pumpkin lantern.

Halloween has its roots in the Celtic culture, which celebrated 31st October as the transition to a new year – Samhain. The Celts believed that the night between the old and the new year was haunted by the dead who wanted to destroy the crops. Therefore, the druids (priests) made huge bonfires to sacrifice some of the crops as well as animals to appease the Celtic gods. During the ceremony, the Celts dressed up in skins and animal heads to ward off ghosts.

Pumpkin Health Benefits for Dogs

Pumpkin is not only safe for dogs but also boasts a variety of health benefits. Here are a few reasons to include pumpkin in your dog’s diet from time to time:

• Nutritious: Pumpkin is a powerhouse of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, E, iron and potassium which are beneficial for your dog’s overall health, supporting their immune system, vision, and muscle health (potassium is important for muscles, nerves and kidneys to function normally, and for the pH balance)
• Gut health: The high fibre content in pumpkin assists in regulating your dog’s digestive system. If your pup struggles with mild constipation or diarrhoea, a little bit of pumpkin might provide relief due to its soluble fibre that helps absorb water and normalise bowel function.

• Calorie-controlled treat: Offering a tasty treat that’s low in calories and fat, pumpkin is a fantastic option for overweight dogs. It keeps them satiated without contributing to unhealthy weight gain. Also a great snack for senior dogs.
• Hydration: Pumpkins consist of about 90% water, providing an additional source of hydration for your pet, which is especially beneficial during the summer months.
• Variety and flavour: In addition to the many health benefits, adding some fresh dog-friendly veggies and fruit to their diet introduces variety and flavour to their meals. 

Pumpkin Safety for Dogs

• Opt for pure, unseasoned pumpkin: Ensure that the pumpkin is free from any added sugars, salt or spices.
• Steer clear of canned pie filling: Always choose plain, pureed pumpkin and not pie fillings which contain harmful ingredients for dogs. The best is to make your own homemade puree (recipe below).

Pumpkin Puree Recipe for Dogs

Pumpkin flesh and seeds can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when prepared correctly. They are high in tasty nutrients as well as being a fantastic remedy for digestive upset. Always introduce new foods gradually and observe your dog for any changes or adverse reactions. If you’re ever in doubt, consulting with your veterinarian is the best course of action to ensure safe and healthy dietary additions to your pet’s meals.

Pumpkin puree is an excellent way of feeding your dog pumpkin. It can be added to their meal as a tasty topper, smeared on a lick mat for enrichment or filled in a Kong for mental stimulation. Top tip: our dogs suffer from separation anxiety, so whenever we have to leave the house for a longer period we fill and freeze a Kong with pumpkin puree or yoghurt ahead of time. Giving our dogs this activity while we are away greatly reduces their stress and anxiety as the licking and problem-solving soothe them and release happy hormones. 

Ingredients

• 400g pumpkin flesh (carving leftovers or from a whole pumpkin)
• 50 ml water (preferably filtered)
• 1 pinch turmeric 
• 1 pinch pepper

Chop the pumpkin leftovers (remove the skin) into cubes/ pieces. In a pot, add the water and pumpkin and place the lid on the pot. Over medium heat, steam the pumpkin until it is soft and easy to mash with a fork. For an added health benefit, you can include a pinch of pepper and turmeric to the puree. Turmeric contains curcumin, a phytonutrient with an anti-inflammatory effect – pepper aids absorption of curcumin. A pinch is enough as larger amounts cause the blood to thin. 

Before adding turmeric to your dog’s diet, ask your vet. Turmeric can interact with some medications, including anti-inflammatory and diabetes drugs. Turmeric is also contraindicated for dogs with bile tract obstruction or gallstones.

• Use a sharp serrated knife to cut off the bottom of the pumpkin.
• Using a large metal spoon, scoop out the seeds, fibres and some of the flesh.
• With a marker pen, draw a simple outline of a face on the pumpkin (triangle for eyes and nose and a jaggedy grin).

• Use a fork to poke small holes along the outlines, and use a small serrated knife to cut out the eyes, nose and mouth. Always cut away from you in case the knife slips.
• Place a tea light inside the pumpkin. Voila – Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin flesh and seeds can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet when prepared correctly. They are high in tasty nutrients as well as being a fantastic remedy for digestive upset. Always introduce new foods gradually and observe your dog for any changes or adverse reactions. If you’re ever in doubt, consulting with your veterinarian is the best course of action to ensure safe and healthy dietary additions to your pet’s meals.