Health Benefits of Pumpkins for Dogs!

I live in the pumpkin capital of the country, Half Moon Bay, CA. and have always lived here with dogs. So I was surprised that it wasn’t until last month that I started reading about all of the health benefits of pumpkins for dogs. First I read on our Facebook page for Through a Dog’s Ear that pumpkin can help their digestive system (assuming they don’t eat a 1,535 lb. pumpkin in one sitting.) I checked the ingredients in Sanchez’s Great Life kibble and discovered that pumpkin is the fourth ingredient listed, even before squash, carrots, and papaya. Then I read a blog about the health benefits of pumpkins for dogs by Edie Jarolim, the author of Am I Boring My Dog? (a book I’d highly recommend for it’s educational value on all things dog combined with humor that will leave you in stitches). Her blog included fabulous advice from Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible about the health benefits of feeding pumpkin to dogs. Laci and Jed are co-founders of VetLive.com, a 24/7 service that affordably provides pet owners the inside info they need to effectively navigate the consumer side of the vet industry.

While Halloween is over, pumpkins are still plentiful and it’s not too late to stock up on canned pumpkins (without added sugar) for your pooches. While you should consult your veterinarian if any of these issues are persistent, read on for some tips from Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible that I learned when reading Edie’s interview with them.

Next: 4 surprising health benefits, plus dog treat recipe

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Cheryl B.

8:55PM PDT on Aug 8, 2011

thanks for the info

send a green star

Ioana B.

3:24AM PDT on Mar 22, 2011

thanks

Bangon K.

8:10PM PST on Feb 16, 2011

Gigi need pumpkin

Terry P.

6:24AM PST on Jan 31, 2011

This is great information!

Susan A.

2:45AM PST on Jan 1, 2011

Sending this to my sister and brother-in-law as their dogs could really use help with some of the things this article address. Who'da thunk it? But it makes sense that something so good would be good for us and our pets as well. Thanks for great article!

Sara T.

10:25AM PST on Dec 27, 2010

Pumpkin is also good for us humans, but where to get it. I was trying to buy a pumpkin for Christmas and there were none to be found. Tin stuff is ok if you can get it without sugar, but the fresh ones can make so many meals, soups, caramel pumpkin, pie etc but pure pumpkin is the best for the pets. Why don't they sell it out side of Halloween? Can use squash instead, but more costly, for us try spaghetti squash instead of pasta it is yummy.

Kath R.

9:17AM PST on Dec 27, 2010

Using pumpkin for regulating bowel movements also works for cats.

RavenNyx N.

2:48AM PST on Dec 21, 2010

how can use the same thing to treat both diarrhea and constipation

Fran B.

7:40PM PST on Dec 20, 2010

Thank you for this article. I have been searching for a way to incorporate more natural ingredients into my dog's diet and this sounds great!

renee n.

11:51AM PST on Dec 9, 2010

cool