Halloween is over and pumpkins are vanishing from shelves and homes, but dog owners might want to hold onto that jack-o'-lantern. In sensible portions, pumpkin can be a handy, healthy addition to meals and may help support digestion, according to pet health brand Pooch and Mutt.
The seasonal staple is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that could stop itching. Pooch and Mutt says pumpkin is packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog's skin and coat, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as the stand-outs. These nourishing fats help reinforce the skin's natural barrier, easing issues like dandruff and dry, flaky patches, which can make pumpkin a useful choice for dogs with sensitive skin or allergy-related irritation.
Vitamins and minerals in pumpkin
Pumpkin is also packed with vitamin A (beta-carotene), which is important for eye health, and rich in potassium, which supports your dog's metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.
Pooch and Mutt adds: "The orange colour of pumpkins comes from carotenoids which are powerful antioxidants that act as an anti-inflammatory and help to slow the ageing process, antioxidants are also found in pumpkin seeds."
The brand also says pumpkin can help keep your dog hydrated, make their poops manageable and stools firmer, help settle an upset stomach, help fill a dog up or help them lose weight as it is packed with fibre, help maintain a healthy gut flora, help with urinary incontinence, and act as a natural de-wormer.
Seeds, raw pumpkin and portion sizes
Pumpkin seeds have benefits too, as they are high in omega-3 fatty acids and may help with issues such as urinary incontinence. But they should not be offered whole, as they can be a choking hazard. Instead, grind them in a blender into a fine powder and sprinkle it over their food.
On raw pumpkin, Pooch and Mutt advises: "Some sources suggest that cooking pumpkin removes some of the goodness - however it's always a safer option to cook to avoid food poisoning or stomach upset. Raw Pumpkin and its seeds may contain harmful bacteria, so roasting before feeding is highly recommended."
You can give your dog pumpkin daily, as long as you factor it into their overall calorie intake and always provide fresh drinking water. The pet experts suggest around 4 to 6 tablespoons a day, but the right amount will depend on your dog's size, and it is best to check with your vet and decide based on their weight.
How to prepare pumpkin for dogs
No special method is required to make pumpkin safe for dogs. Pooch and Mutt recommends: "Simply cut out the flesh, chop into chunks, then bake, steam, boil or grill the pumpkin. Don't use any oils, herbs or seasonings - it needs to be just plain for your dog. Then you can either feed in chunks, or puree and mix into their regular food."
For snack ideas, grind the pumpkin seeds into a fine powder and sprinkle them over your dog's food for an added antioxidant boost, or try smearing pumpkin on a lick mat to keep them occupied and provide an extra source of vitamins and minerals.
