Can you give your dog too much pumpkin

We asked veterinary experts for some insight on the actual benefits of using canned pumpkin in our pets’ meals.

How is Pumpkin Beneficial to Pets?

Canned pumpkin is simply pumpkin in a pureed form. Pumpkin is high in fiber, low in fat and cholesterol and loaded with beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc and vitamins A and C.

All those nutrients sound impressive; do they do anything for our pets?

“The amount of other nutrients in canned pumpkin compared to what is in prepared pet foods is probably too small to make any difference in most cases,” says Dr. Tony Buffington, who has a Ph.D. in animal nutrition, was a resident clinical nutritionist at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

While there’s no scientific evidence it’s beneficial for a pet’s skin, eyes, coat or immune system, the fiber in canned pumpkin has proven to benefit dogs’ and cats’ digestive tracts. Just in case your dog has an upset stomach from eating, say, rich holiday food accidentally left within his reach.

"Veterinarians have long known the benefits of adding a little canned pumpkin to a pet's diet regularly," says Dr. Carol McConnell, retired chief veterinary medical officer for Nationwide pet insurance.

Buffington agrees. “Canned pumpkin sometimes is recommended by veterinarians for its soluble fiber content,” he says. “Canned pumpkin is 90% water, so it is quite nutrient dilute. It adds mostly water and a little soluble fiber to pet foods.”

"It's particularly good for preventing hairballs,” adds McConnell, “and it's also good for pets whose stools are either too loose or too hard.”

The fiber in pumpkin can act as a binding solution through a pet’s digestive tract, absorbing excess water and therefore helping pets with diarrhea.

How Much Canned Pumpkin Should Pets Eat?

The amount of canned pumpkin that you add to your pet’s meal will vary based on the species (dog or cat) and your pet’s size. A Chihuahua, for instance, may only need a couple of teaspoons with each meal, whereas a Great Dane may benefit from half a cup of canned pumpkin.

It's important to point out that grocery stores often sell canned pumpkin on the same shelf as canned pumpkin pie mix. The cans often look the same. Make sure you are buying pureed pumpkin and not pumpkin mixed with spices to be used as pie filling. 

Before adding canned pumpkin to your pet’s meals, reach out to your veterinarian as a precaution. Too much canned pumpkin can lead to lose bowel movements and create an entirely different issue. It's also wise to make sure your pet isn't suffering from a more serious gastrointestinal issue such as pancreatitis, which can be life threatening.

“As with any remedy,” says McConnell, “I recommend consulting with your pet's veterinarian on the amount and the frequency and following up if you don't see a problem resolve."

Interested in trying a healthy, homemade pumpkin treat for your dog? Check out this easy peanut butter pumpkin cookie recipe.

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Every dog suffers from diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. And every dog owner knows how messy, smelly, and uncomfortable it is—for the dog and for humans.

Here is the scoop on the health benefits of feeding pumpkin to dogs with diarrhea, so that you can help get your dog back on track.

What Causes Dog Diarrhea?

Before you reach for that can of pumpkin, you first need to figure out the cause of your dog’s diarrhea.

Diarrhea is one of those symptoms that pops up for all kinds of diseases and infections, from parasites to parvo. Your dog’s diarrhea could be a sign of serious, even fatal illness, or it could be something as simple as a mild upset stomach.

Just like us, dogs can get diarrhea from stress or a change in their diets. These mild cases of diarrhea normally resolve on their own, and you can help by adding a dietary supplement like pumpkin or feeding a mild diet designed for upset, canine tummies, such as a homemade bland diet made of three parts white rice to one part protein, such as boiled skinless or boneless chicken, or a prescription bland diet.

If your dog is suffering from consistent diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, you should take them to see your veterinarian. Puppy diarrhea is especially concerning and should always be treated as a potential emergency, just in case it is a serious illness. Once your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog and suggested a treatment plan for the cause, however, pumpkin can be a helpful supplement to get your dog’s diarrhea under control.

Find more over-the-counter dog diarrhea treatments.

Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. Plain, canned pumpkin is available year-round and can be a great addition to your canine first aid kit.

Pumpkin can ease digestion in several ways. The soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower the pH level of the large intestines.

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Fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are different from probiotics. They stimulate the growth or activity of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Fiber does this by lowering the pH level and providing the necessary nutrients these bacteria need.

These traits can all help with some cases of dog diarrhea. Depending on the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, veterinarians might recommend feeding either a highly digestible diet or a diet full of prebiotics (fiber). In some cases, they may also recommend adding probiotics, which are supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria. Pumpkin acts as a prebiotic booster for these probiotics.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Feed My Dog?

Plain, canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog. Both fresh and canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber, but canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin. This is because fresh pumpkin has higher water content than canned pumpkin. However, canned pumpkin with added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives can irritate your dog’s stomach further, counteracting the beneficial effects of the pumpkin.

If you can’t get canned pumpkin, a good alternative is pumpkin powder, made specifically for pets. Note that you should NEVER use canned pumpkin pie mix, as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?

To help abate your dog’s diarrhea, add 1-to-4 tablespoons of pumpkin or pumpkin powder to your dog’s meal. It is a good idea to start out with smaller quantities to avoid adding too much fiber to your dog’s diet, and if you have any questions about exactly how much pumpkin to feed your dog, consult your veterinarian.

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Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Constipation?

On the opposite end of the spectrum, pumpkin can also help with constipation in dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that adding 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin per meal to the diet of a dog suffering from constipation can help ease mild constipation. It is important to make sure that dogs are well hydrated any time you increase the fiber content of their food, as dehydration can make constipation worse.

It is also imperative to find out why your dog is constipated. Consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog doesn’t have an enlarged prostate, foreign material or bones in the colon, or another issue that could be an emergency if it isn’t dealt with properly.

Pumpkin is a useful and affordable way to help battle your dog’s diarrhea. If your dog is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, a tablespoon of pumpkin can ease their distress. Talk to your veterinarian if pumpkin does not help resolve your dog’s diarrhea and see if there are other supplements or medications you can try instead.

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