Pumpkin or "squash" are terms commonly used to describe various species of large, hard-shelled berries. The varieties belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family (Cucurbita), originating from the American continent, are especially popular in human consumption. The pumpkin is used in the preparation of sweet and savory recipes, and even its seeds have become very popular thanks to their high content in vitamins and minerals, being able to reach be considered as a natural supplement.
Considering the nutritional value and properties of pumpkin, many guardians wonder if they can offer this food to their furry friends to complement their nutrition and what they should consider before doing so. Thinking about it, in this article on our site we will talk about the possible benefits of pumpkin for dogs, the necessary doses and precautions for its incorporation into dog food.
Nutritional value of pumpkin
Before talking about the benefits of pumpkin for dogs, it is essential to know the nutritional value of said food. As there are many species and types of pumpkins, we will take as a reference the Cucurbita pepo type Pumpkin, one of the most popular varieties.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture database [1], 100 grams of this raw pumpkin has the following nutritional composition:
- Water: 92g
- Energy: 26kcal
- Total fat: 0.1g
- Carbs: 6.5g
- Sugars: 2.76g
- Fibers: 0.5g
- Vitamin A: 8513Ul
- Vitamin C: 9mg
- Vitamin B1: 0.05mg
- Vitamin B2: 0.11mg
- Vitamin B3 (pp): 0.6mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.06mg
- Vitamin E: 1.06mg
- Vitamin K: 1.1µg
- Folate: 16µg
- Calcium: 21mg
- Iron: 0.8mg
- Magnesium: 12mg
- Phosphorus: 44mg
- Potassium: 330mg
- Sodium 1mg
- Zinc: 0.32mg.
Is pumpkin good for dogs?
As we have seen in its nutritional composition, pumpkin is a food rich in vitamins and minerals, so it helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent the most common diseases in dogs. And because of its low content of carbohydrates, fats and sugars, it can be consumed even by obese dogs and dogs diagnosed with canine diabetes.
The significant contribution of fibers offered by the pumpkin also helps in the digestive process, stimulating intestinal transit and avoiding constipation or empacho in dogs In addition, it is worth noting its high water content that helps keep the dog well hydrated, avoiding the development of signs of dehydration that occur especially frequently during the summer. Now, precisely due to its high fiber content, the Animal Poison Control Center indicates that pumpkin is not toxic to dogs, but that in large quantities it can cause stomach discomfort such as diarrhea or vomiting. Therefore, it is important to control the amount of this food, since, otherwise, the benefits could be counterproductive.
Considering these data, we can say not only that dogs can eat pumpkin, but also that its moderate consumption is beneficial for your body and consequently for your he alth. However, it is important to keep in mind that pumpkin can be added as a supplement to a dog's diet, but should never be the basis of his nutrition.
A dog's diet needs to meet the nutritional requirements that its body requires at each stage of its life. And although they have adapted to an omnivorous diet throughout the domestication process and are able to digest many foods that other wild canids cannot, dogs need to consume a significant dose of proteins and fats
Therefore, although there are many good vegetables and fruits for dogs, as is the case with pumpkin, it is not appropriate to base canine nutrition solely on the consumption of this type of food, since this could lead to nutritional deficiencies that weaken the animal's immune system, making it more vulnerable to numerous diseases. In case of establishing a homemade diet, fruits and vegetables should occupy 10% of the total daily intake.
Properties of pumpkin for dogs
Now that we know that dogs can eat pumpkin, let's quickly review the beneficial properties of this food for your he alth:
- A "friend" of good digestion: Without a doubt, the most outstanding property of pumpkin for dogs is its regulating effect of the digestive process. Due to its high fiber content, it is one of the best natural remedies against constipation in dogs. Pumpkin for dogs with diarrhea is also usually very beneficial, because mixed with rice and lean chicken meat, for example, it helps combat dehydration and stimulates the dog's appetite. Even so, it is important to moderate the amount of pumpkin, to prevent its consumption from being counterproductive, intensifying diarrhea.
- Depurative effect: due to its high content of water and natural antioxidants, pumpkin offers a powerful diuretic and depurative action to the canine organism, collaborating with the elimination of toxins and the regulation of renal activity [ 2], preventing urinary tract infections and kidney failure in dogs.
- A necessary food in pregnancy: Harvard Medical School highlights that the beta-carotene (vitamin A) contained in pumpkin, in carrots and other reddish-orange foods are essential nutrients during pregnancy and lactation. [3] In addition, they point out the positive effects of consuming pumpkin and other vegetable sources of iron for fertilityTherefore, pumpkin is a particularly beneficial food to supplement the diet of a pregnant dog.
- Rich in folic acid: pumpkin is rich in B complex vitamins, among which is folic acid (vitamin B9). This nutrient participates in the formation of cells and in the synthesis of hemoglobin, making it essential in the prevention and treatment of anemia in dogs. Folic acid is also an essential nutrient in the diet of pregnant dogs and puppies, since it actively participates in the formation of all the cells and tissues of their body, preventing malformations and stimulating the physical and cognitive development of the offspring.
- Natural antioxidant against cellular aging: pumpkin is rich in natural antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lycopene. These components fight free radicals, preventing cell aging and the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which mark the beginning of the processes that lead to arteriosclerosis and numerous degenerative and cardiovascular diseases. For this reason, pumpkin is one of the foods with cardioprotective action, which also helps prevent cancer in dogs, among other serious he alth problems.
- An ally of eye he alth: the high content of beta-caronet, added to the natural antioxidants, make pumpkin an optimal ally of good eye he alth, helping to combat the degenerative damage inherent in the aging process. Thus, this food can be incorporated into the diet of elderly dogs to prevent the loss of sharpness of their senses and the progressive deterioration of their brain functions, which usually leads to the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
- Helps regulate blood pressure and sugar levels: Several studies have shown the effectiveness of moderate and regular consumption of pumpkin for regulation of high blood pressure and hyperglycemia. [4] In addition, pumpkin has few calories and usually generates a very good feeling of satiety, so it is highly recommended for diets that aim at weight loss. For this reason, it can be incorporated into the diet of dogs diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes and/or overweight to encourage the management of a he althy weight and the control of glucose and cholesterol levels, always with the prior guidance of a veterinarian..
- Properties of pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds are one of the best natural remedies for deworming dogs. In addition, they are rich in minerals such as magnesium, which acts as a cardiovascular and prostate protector, and zinc, which helps strengthen the autoimmune system and positively impacts mood, helping to prevent and treat symptoms of depression and excessive tiredness. In addition, some studies have been verifying the anticancer effect of pumpkin seed extract, thanks to its effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of tumor cells. [5]
- Properties of the pumpkin flower: Another interesting fact about the pumpkin is the medicinal properties of its flower. In addition to not containing sodium, saturated fats and carbohydrates, the pumpkin flower is rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), C and B complex, also showing excellent contributions of essential minerals, such as calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and magnesium. Its composition makes it an excellent supplement to strengthen the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells, and taking care of eye he alth. [6] However, its most outstanding property is the stimulation of enzyme production regenerative that, added to its natural antioxidants, which helps in the prevention of abnormal multiplication of cancer cells.
How to prepare pumpkin for dogs?
One of the most frequent questions from owners is how to offer pumpkin to their dogs to take advantage of all its beneficial properties. The cooked pumpkin is the best option for dogs, since this raw vegetable is very difficult for dogs to digest, and can cause some digestive disorders, such as the formation of excessive gas. Of course, it should always be given without shell and without seeds, which can be harmful to these animals.
The simplest and he althiest way to prepare pumpkin for your best friend is to make a pumpkin puree for dogs, whose preparation only requires cook the vegetable in water (without s alt) and mash it with a fork. You can also add a teaspoon of turmeric to make your puree even more nutritious, since this root is an excellent natural supplement, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, digestive, anticancer, antioxidant and antiglycemic properties.
In addition, you can add pumpkin to countless homemade sweet and savory recipes to complement your best friend's diet, both in puree form as grated. On our site, we have several ideas for homemade pumpkin recipes, such as some delicious DIY dog cakes.
It is also worth remembering that pumpkin can be used in the preparation of a bland diet for constipated dogs, as well as in the preparation of homemade diets for dogs with diarrhea.
Pumpkin Dose for Dogs
As we have seen, regular and moderate consumption of pumpkin can be very beneficial for our best friends, as long as we respect a safe dose for your body. Although pumpkin is not one of the prohibited or harmful foods for dogs, it is important to offer the ideal amount according to the size and weight of the dog to avoid negative effects, such as diarrhea due to excessive fiber intake.
In general, it is advisable to respect a daily dose of 1 tablespoon of pumpkin for every 10 kilos of the can. However, it is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before incorporating a new food or supplement into your dog's nutrition. The professional will be able to guide you on the most appropriate dose and form of administration to obtain a positive impact on the he alth of your furry friend, without the risk of adverse effects.
