Add The Health Benefits Of Pumpkin to Your Dog's Diet

I've been adding healthy pumpkin to my dogs' diets for quite some time.  In the Fall, when I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I make pumpkin mush from Halloween pumpkins for Icy and Phoebe.  Through most of the year however, I buy canned pumpkin at the pet store or grocery store for them



Add the health benefits of pumpkin to your dog's diet.  #pethealth #dogs Give pumpkin to dogs
My dog with a pumpkin!  Pumpkin is beneficial to both dogs and cats

The canned pumpkin you find at the grocery store usually contains sodium and sugar, even the organic brands, often up to 10 grams of it!  My dogs love pumpkin and I want the health benefits associated with pumpkin, but I don't like adding extra salt or sugar to my dogs' diets if I can help it.


Pumpkin in good for dogs! Health Benefits of Pumpkin to your Dog's Diet. Many pets love the taste of pumpkin, and it's healthy for them!
My dogs love pumpkin!  I love the health benefits it provides for them.

I've never had any luck finding pure canned pumpkin with no added salt or sugar at the grocery store, so I was thrilled when I found canned pure pumpkin at PetSmart!  It's made by Authority, which is PetSmart's own brand of pet food, so I trust it for my dogs

Add the Health Benefits of Pumpkin to your Dog's Diet. PURE canned pumpkin for dog at PetSmart
Dog Pumpkin in a can


When I first spotted it on the shelf at PetSmart, I turned over the can expecting to see sugar and salt in the ingredients list like the brands I've seen at the grocery store.  To my delight, there is just ONE ingredient listed - PUMPKIN!!  Finally, I found pure, unadulterated pumpkin in a can!  I don't know how I missed this in all my weekly trips to PetSmart!?  Later on I found cans of pure pumpkin at Target as well, by Market Pantry which is Target's food brand.  We like that brand of pure pumpkin too.

Add  The Health Benefits Of Pumpkin to Your Dog's Diet. PetSmart Authority's canned pumpkinfor dogs

I started giving Phoebe pumpkin because she was often constipated.  She would strain while defecating and scoot on the rug afterwards.  I was looking for a natural source of extra fiber for her rather than other types of stool softeners for pets.  Pumpkin was the perfect choice because it's high in fiber, it's healthy, and she loves the taste.  It helps her tremendously.  Icy loves pumpkin too, although she doesn't need the extra fiber like Phoebe does.  Pumpkin provides these added health benefits for both of them:

** Low in fat and cholesterol

** Helps calm an upset stomach and provide an immune system boost

** Contains beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C

** Made up largely of water so it’s a great way to provide extra moisture as well as fiber.  


ACCORDING TO PETMD:

** The oils in both the flesh and seeds of pumpkin can help support urinary health in dogs (and cats too according to PET360).

** A great source of fiber, pumpkin can help with digestive regularity.  If your dog is either constipated OR has diarrhea adding pumpkin to their food can be beneficial.  I add 1 to 2 tablespoons to Icy and Phoebe’s food, but consult your Veterinarian about amount and frequency of adding pumpkin to your pet’s diet.

** Canned pumpkin is low in calories, so if your dog needs to lose weight replacing some of their food with pumpkin may help your pooch slim down.  I've read that it’s recommended not to replace more than 10% of your pets diet with pumpkin.  Don’t give your dog too much pumpkin, too much could have negative effects!


** The fiber contained in pumpkin can also help move furballs along a cat’s digestive tract and into the litter box.   Small amounts of canned pumpkin, about a teaspoon a day, given to cats can help prevent furballs from forming as well.

** The antioxidants and essential fatty acids contained in pumpkin seeds help moisturize your pet's skin and fur from the inside out.

The health benefits of adding pumpkin to your pet's diet
A tablespoon of canned pumpkin added to my dog's food daily keeps their digestion regular

I like to either mix pumpkin directly in with my dogs regular food or give it to them stuffed in a Kong toy.  Sometimes I mix the pumpkin with banana, stuff it into a Kong, and freeze it as a special treat on a hot day.  Icy and Phoebe love that! 

IMPORTANT:
Raw pumpkin is not healthy, it should be canned or cooked.  ALWAYS consult your Vet before adding any new food to your pet’s diet, even foods labeled as "natural" or "organic".

Authority canned pumpkin is made in the USA.  No foreign Jack - O' - Lanterns in this can!


Add The Health Benefits Of Pumpkin to Your Dog's Diet. PetSmart canned pumpkin for dog is pure pumpkin and made in the USA


NOTE: I was not compensated by anyone in any way for writing this post, I am sharing my own experience and opinions.  I am not a Veterinarian or Vet Tech, nor do I play one online! I am sharing what I have learned on my own and what my own experience has been in adding pumpkin to my dogs' diets.

Interested in more  pet health articles? 
Check out some of my other Pet Health and Wellness blog posts.
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What do you think about feeding pets canned or cooked pumpkin?  Leave us a comment and share your thoughts.  We LOVE hearing from you!


54 comments:

Three Chatty Cats said...

Thanks for sharing this! I occasionally give my pets pumpkin and I will definitely look for this brand now.

Lapdog Creations said...

We always have pumpkin on hand! Had to give some to Penny today actually.

Carleenp said...

We give pumpkin fairly often. The dogs love it frozen in summer!

Tenacious Little Terrier said...

Mr. N gets pumpkin when he has an upset stomach. I have to mix it with something though to get him to eat it.

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

I have just started adding pumpkin to my own diet (I use it and beets for a substitute for tomatoes sometimes). May have to explore it for the pups too!

M. K. Clinton said...

I will share this with my brother, he was asking about pumpkin for dogs the other day! #PerfectTiming

Dachshund Nola said...

My guys love pumpkin!

Unknown said...

Pumpkin is so good for people and dogs. I will have to check labels-I never noticed canned pumpkin had added salt and sugar. I thought it was just the pumpkin pie filling.

The Island Cats said...

Pumpkin is really good for us kitties, too! Keeps our "trains" running on time. ;)

Unknown said...

This is great! I didn't know they even had this, but definitely need it. My dogs love pumpkin!

Two French Bulldogs said...

We eat punkins
Lily & Edward

Chelle said...

I give my pack pumpkin once in awhile. Luckily my local grocery store does carry canned pumpkin that is 100% pure pumpkin without any additives.

Sweet Purrfections said...

We've eaten a different brand of pure pumpkin for pets, but this sounds good.

Ruby said...

I don't likes the Libby's can pumpkin Ma tries to feed me, cause I had to eat it alot as a wee pup because of colitis. So I don't likes it anymore. It also says it only has pumpkin in it and nothing else, butts maybe this tastes different. I'll have Ma gets some for me, cause tummy troubles can pop up anytime, and this is a good thing to have on hand! Thanks!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥

LaylasWoof said...

I use the Fruitables pumpkin in Laylas food all the time, its awesome as its one less thing to cook BOL

Unknown said...

Oh we are BIG fans of adding pumpkin to our dogs meals and I think it does wonders for them - especially our senior dog. Great resources too.

jank1961 said...

I love the crew to have pumpkin and they love it too. I didn't know that about canned pumpkin from the grocery store. I usually cook one in the fall too, and I'll freeze some of it as well. But then, of course, I have to remember to take it out of the freezer, which I usually don't!
Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

MattieDog said...

Love it! We always add a little pumpkin to our pup's dinner - having it in a can would make it easy peasy!

Bryn Nowell said...

I'm so glad to hear of an available option at PetSmart, now! We always keep a can or two in stock in the event either pup has loose stool. Perhaps we'll had a dollop more regularly!

Fur Everywhere said...

Pumpkin has a lot of health benefits for dogs and cats. I need to start giving it to Carmine and Lita again. They seem to enjoy it. :) I haven't seen this canned pumpkin in the PetSmart, so I'll have to sneak over to the dog section to see if they're keeping it there.

Sadie said...

We love pumpkin too! So many things you can do with it and I love knowing all the nutritional benefits of it.

FiveSibesMom said...

Thanks for the great review. Nice to know this is available from PetSmart! Pumpkin has been a staple in my Huskies' diet for years, and has helped my furangel Gibson lose weight after his Epi-meds caused him to pack on 16 lbs! So many great health benefits. All my pups get it daily and it helps keep them "regular!"

Talent Hounds said...

Good to know as we love pumpkin and often add to Kilo's kibble for dinner with water. I cook it but much easier if readily available. I found one type in the supermarket earlier this year but then was gone next time I looked.

The Army of Four said...

Oh, how we both love pumpkin! When Mom isn't being a slacker, she makes treats for us with pumpkin & peanut butter in them. Yum!!!
Cammie!
PS: We saw a comment you left on FiveSibes' blog and thought we'd come say ha-roo!

Jasmine | About Pet Rats said...

Wow! I had no idea you could buy canned pumpkin (without any other ingredients) in a pet store. So glad you posted this. Love that you include all the different uses and benefits of canned pumpkin. Great post!

Unknown said...

Yesssssss!! We love pumpkin at our house!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so happy I found it! Thanks for stopping by kitties!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It's such a great help, especially for constipation & an upset tummy.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Yes, it makes a great healthy frozen treat!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Really? I'm surprised he doesn't like it, so many dogs & cats love the taste of pumpkin.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

That's a great idea, pumpkin & beets. What a healthy combo. Try it for the dogs (always ask your Vet if it's ok to try a new food), I bet they'll love it.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

So glad this is timely for you! Pumpkin is so healthy, I think it's under rated. I've been giving it to the dogs for awhile now & it really helps w/ upset tummies & constipation.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

So do my girls!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Yes, most of the canned pumpkin on grocery shelves contain salt & sugar. I'm so glad Authority makes a pure canned pumpkin w/ nothing added to it.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

LOL! Yes, it surely will keep the trains running on time!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I always used the canned pumpkin from the grocery store but I always hated the added sugar & salt. This product is such an improvement, totally pure pumpkin.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

We Love punkins, they're so good for ya!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh wow, you're so lucky to have a store that carries totally pure pumpkin. I've never been able to find it until I found the Authority canned pumpkin at PetSmart. Enjoy! It's so healthy for them.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I had a hard time finding pure canned pumpkin with no salt or sugar added, that is the best way to serve it.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Tummy troubles are no fun! I'm sorry you had to stuff so much pumpkin in you as a baby, maybe mix some of this with something you love?

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I've not tried that one. Is it pure pumpkin with nothing added? One less thing to cook is nice!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Same here, it's so healthy & they love it! I add a tablespoon or two to their food daily.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I didn't know either! I cooked up our Halloween pumpkin this Fall, I am amazed at how much pumpkin moosh you get out of one small pumpkin! Next Fall I'm going to freeze a bunch of it for sure.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It's so easy from the can! I was delighted to find pure canned pumpkin w/ no additives at PetSmart. They only had a couple of cans on the shelf so I bought them all!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Me too! I was so happy to find it. it's great for both constipation AND diarrhea - weird isn't it, that a product could be helpful for both!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It sure does have great healthy benefits, and helps w/ upset tummies, constipation, & diarrhea. It was hidden in the Authority dog food section, I had never seen it before.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I love that it's SO healthy for them and that they go wild for it! I love mixing it in their food or freezing it as a treat in several different ways.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I'm so glad it was helpful for Angel Gibson, that sweet boy. I was really happy to see this on the shelf, it's a great find!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It's so nice to have found a pure canned pumpkin with no additives. It's much easier than cutting & cooking those big clunky pieces of pumpkin!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Oh Yummy, pumpkin & PB together!! What a great MOM! So glad you stopped by to say Ha-Roo, we'll swing by your blog too!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

I had no idea either! I just happened to spy it on the shelf next to the Authority pet food at PetSmart. I'm so glad I found it, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Same here! I give it to Phoebe 'cause she's often constipated but I have to give it to Icy too or she gets jealous! It's super healthy for both of them, so I'm happy!

LaylasWoof said...

Cathy its pumpkin mixed with fruits, veggies and ginger - its awesome

Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm said...

I love reading and seeing posts on health benefits of pumpkin. Such a great power fruit! Yum.

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