Top Three Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs and Cats

Your dog or cat may be curious about the pumpkins sitting on your front porch. It’s already Halloween, and your pumpkin may be beautifully carved, but might also be collecting bacteria. While it’s best they don’t eat that pumpkin, canned natural pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie filling), pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin have many benefits for dogs and cats. There is good reason that pumpkin is often a top ingredient in higher quality kibble. It can help with the following pet ailments:

1) Digestive Health: Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for our furry friends, as well as for us. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. I have Labs, so anything is edible, and I’m sure they would eat it right out of the can if I allowed, but most cats are usually a little more finicky. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs.

2) Urinary Health: According to Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible, co-founders of VetLive.com, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkins’ flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.

3) Weight Loss: I’ve written about the dangers and commonality of pet obesity. Dogs seem to naturally love pumpkin. If you are looking to take a few pounds off of your pooch or kitty, try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.

As co-creator of Through a Dog’s Ear, I am offering my Care2 readers a free download from our latest release, Music to Calm your Canine Companion, Vol. 3. Simply click here and enter your email address and a link to the free download will be delivered to your inbox for you and your canine household to enjoy.

Read more: Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, Pets, Laci and Jed Schaible, pet obesity, VetLive

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Chinmayee J.

9:03PM PST on Feb 13, 2012

I think my dog would love this!! Thanks for sharing :)

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Sarah M.

9:08AM PST on Nov 16, 2011

thanks

TQ M.

11:56AM PST on Nov 14, 2011

We gave pumpkin to our dogs and when I had rabbits, them as well.

Carol L.

10:00AM PST on Nov 11, 2011

Very interesting article for dog and cat lovers!

Rebecca O.

8:52AM PST on Nov 10, 2011

This is great for both my animals.

Sheila D.

4:24PM PST on Nov 6, 2011

Thanks for the information. However, if you have Labs, they must be unique if they don't act hungry all the time, not matter how much or how little food they actually eat. I will pass this information on to my neighbors, who are always struggling with their dog's weight.

Martina F.

1:05PM PST on Nov 6, 2011

The dogs love pumpkin, the cats won't touch it which is unfortunate as one of the cats has IBD and just won't touch anything but canned food (just don't try to hide anything in it...:()

Mary Beth M.

1:09PM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

I have been giving it to the dogs, now I will try the cats. Not sure how they will react to it.

Chris J.

5:49AM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

just roasted my fresh pumpkin... i know my pitbull will love this. Thanks!!!

Susan D.

1:23AM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

We have fed our three older cats a half to whole teaspoon of plain pumpkin once a day in their food for several years. It seems to improve their digestive function, especially for one fellow who had suffered with IBD for years. I believe that, at least for some cats, it does work on several levels. Since it's a natural product, it's worth a try for cats who display frequent signs of digestive upsets.