Dogs can eat pumpkin, both the pulp and the seeds and as always fresh is best! So with Hallowe’en looming, don’t throw away the gubbins after carving your pumpkin.
Pumpkin pulp is low in calories and its blend of soluble and insoluble fibre makes it an effective remedy for both diarrhoea or constipation. It has been suggested that mixed with oats, pumpkin is effective at controlling intestinal hygiene, so a natural dewormer! The pulp is low in sodium and high in antioxidants, betacarotene, carotenoids, potassium and Vitamin C. It also contains trace amounts of calcium and B vitamins.
Pumpkin seeds contain a wide variety of antioxidant phytonutrients and are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium and calcium which are important minerals for bone formation. They are a good source of healthy oils and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). You can dry or roast them then grind them down in a food processor or blender before feeding. Don’t give your dog the whole seeds as they do pose a choking hazard.
Pumpkin pulp is best fed cooked and mashed or steamed, mixed in with your dogs regular food. Raw pumpkin is high in fibre and can be difficult for your dog to digest, so we would always recommending cooking it first. As with any new food, start slowly when introducing pumpkin to your dog’s meal plan. The recommended daily feeding amount of cooked pumpkin pulp is between 1- 4 tablespoons, however, this does vary according to your dogs own needs.
