No matter how hard you try, your dog is likely to get diarrhea at least once a year. In this case, you’ve probably heard how pumpkin can do miracles for your dog’s digestive system in general. Yet, does pumpkin work for dog diarrhea?
Pumpkin is a superfood that can definitely help with your pup’s diarrhea. That’s because it contains plenty of vitamins and fiber that support a healthy gut. So, if your little friend is suffering from mild diarrhea, he’ll definitely benefit from a bit of pumpkin.
In this article, we’ve gathered all the essential information on using pumpkin for dog diarrhea, including:
- How pumpkin helps with dog diarrhea
- How to sneak pumpkin into your dog’s diet
- Pumpkin treat recipes
- Other benefits of pumpkin for dogs
Let’s dive in!
Is Pumpkin Good for a Dog With Diarrhea?
Pumpkin is the ideal at-home remedy for mild dog diarrhea. However, you should always take notice of what’s causing your dog’s problems because pumpkin only works for certain types of diarrhea.
For example, if the cause of your dog’s diarrhea is him eating some grass, being stressed, or just having a change in diet, pumpkin would work greatly.
On the other hand, if your dog’s diarrhea is due to a parasite or an infection, feeding him pumpkin wouldn’t help as well as you’d like. So, you should always consult your vet to understand what your pup is suffering from.
Puppy diarrhea is especially concerning. Your pup might easily become dehydrated. That’s why you should avoid any home remedies if your dog is younger than a year, and immediately consult a vet
How Does Pumpkin Help with Dog Diarrhea?
Pumpkin has many benefits that can be very effective in treating canine digestive problems.
Rich in Fiber
The difference between a healthy and an unhealthy gut is fiber. Thankfully, pumpkin is a great source of fiber.
The reason fiber works so well in remedying dog diarrhea is that it helps your pup’s stool bulk up. It absorbs all the extra water from the intestines, making your doggy’s poos more solid and regular.
Antioxidant Properties
Pumpkin also contains plenty of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta carotene.
These work to destroy harmful free radicals in your pup’s body, so they lead to a healthier immune system, healthier joints, and improved eyesight.
Prebiotic
Cementing its title as a superfood, pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are specific fibers that encourage the growth of good bacteria in your dog’s stomach. This good bacteria can help fight infections and eliminate other harmful bacteria.
That said, you shouldn’t fully depend on pumpkin to treat stomach infections. Still, it can always help your furry friend in overcoming his illness.
Pumpkin Side Effects
While pumpkin can be one of the healthiest treats you can give your dog, it should only remain a treat that your dog eats every once in a while.
The reason is that too much of anything can have a negative effect, and the same goes for pumpkin. It has some side effects including:
Nutrition Deficiencies
Even though pumpkin contains plenty of nutrients, those are far from enough to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Dogs need to have an exceptionally diverse diet to meet all their nutritional needs. If you give your dog too much pumpkin, he might get full and refuse to eat anything else.
Additionally, the fiber present in pumpkin might decrease the absorption of all the nutrients present in your pup’s food. So, it’s best to monitor and limit your dog’s fiber intake.
Diarrhea
You read that right!
Sure, pumpkin can be a perfect treatment for your pup’s diarrhea. However, if it’s given in large quantities, it might actually lead to diarrhea.
The culprit is the copious amount of fiber. Too much fiber can prevent the absorption of water from the intestine, leading to unpleasant, runny stool.
Unhealthy Additives
You should pay attention to the source of your pumpkin. Ideally, you’ll want to feed your dog fresh pumpkin. In many cases, canned pumpkin will be just fine, too.
Yet, canned pumpkin contains plenty of sodium and preservatives, which can cause health problems when consumed in large amounts.
Moreover, if the canned pumpkin isn’t intended for canines, it might contain xylitol, a compound that’s toxic for dogs.
Parasites
Dogs are incredibly tough and can be just fine eating food that might put us humans in the hospital. However, this doesn’t mean that you should give your dog just any pumpkin, especially if your pup is already suffering from diarrhea.
A lot of dog owners give their pets leftover food. When it comes to pumpkin, though, you should take extra precautions to ensure that it isn’t spoiled or rotten. Needless to say, stay far away from the carved pumpkin that’s been sitting on your porch since Halloween!
What Form of Pumpkin Can I Add to My Dog’s Diet?
The first thing you’ll need to consider is the choice of pumpkin. The best type for your pup would be fresh pumpkin. Yet, if this isn’t available, canned pumpkin would work just as well
In fact, canned pumpkin can be a better option for a dog suffering from diarrhea. That’s because it contains far more fiber than fresh pumpkin, and less water. So, it’s likely to treat your dog’s diarrhea much quicker.
Another choice would be pumpkin powder. This is specific for dogs, which means that there’s no risk of any harmful preservatives or additives.
Moreover, pumpkin powder may contain vitamins and minerals. If your pet needs extra support, he might benefit from this product.
How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog?
The amount of pumpkin you should give your pup depends on his size. Typically, you should add one to four tablespoons of pumpkin to your puppy’s kibble. However, it’s best to start with a smaller amount to avoid upsetting your small friend’s stomach.
Additionally, if it’s the first time introducing your dog to pumpkin, starting small can be helpful. This way, you ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from any strong allergic reaction.
How Can I Sneak Pumpkin Into My Dog’s Food?
The great thing about dogs is that they’ll almost eat anything. Still, your furry friend might be a picky eater, so you’ll need to sneak the extra pumpkin into his diet without him noticing.
For starters, you can simply use pumpkin powder. It’s pretty tasteless and can be added to any type of dog food.
You can also make popsicles for your pup out of pumpkins! This way, you help your friend beat the summer heat while giving him a nutritious snack.
Last but definitely not least, pumpkin is an essential ingredient in most dog treats. If you follow the correct steps, you can make pumpkin treats, cookies, and even cakes for your pup.
Tasty Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipes
Pumpkin dog treats are a delicious way to show your pup how much you love him. In addition, they’re pretty easy to make.
So, after researching and testing multiple recipes, here are the ones we think your dog will love most:
Pumpkin Dog Cookies
The great thing about this recipe is that it includes ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. So, it won’t take you much effort to surprise your pup with these treats.
Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Pumpkin Puree
- Peanut Butter
- Water
- Cinnamon (optional)
Steps
- Mix the peanut butter and pumpkin puree in a bowl
- Add water as needed so the peanut butter and pumpkin, then mix well
- If you want extra flavor in your pup’s cookies, add a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Slowly add the flour and mix everything until a dough forms
- If the dough is too dry and crumbly, you can add a little bit of water to help moisten it
- Spread the dough on your counter, then cut the cookies out with your favorite shaped-cutter
- Place the cookies in a baking tray, then bake them either in the oven or in the microwave for ten minutes
Now, you can watch as your dog enjoys this tasty treat!
Pumpkin Cake
If baking is too much of a hassle for you, you can go for this no-bake pumpkin cake that’s just as delicious!
Ingredients
- Dog kibble of your liking
- Pumpkin puree
- Peanut butter
- Apple sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Sprinkles
Steps
- In a food processor, mix the kibble, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter until sticky crumbs form
- Press half of the mixture down in a mini-cake pan so it resembles a cake
- Spread a layer of apple sauce on the cake, then add the other half of the mixture
- Mix together the powdered sugar and water to make a frosting
- Decorate the dog cake with the frosting and sprinkles
- Let your puppy enjoy his cake!
Other Tips for Treating Dog Diarrhea
Sometimes, your dog’s diarrhea might not go away by just using pumpkin. Alternatively, your vet might deem the diarrhea too mild for medication.
That’s when you can try other home remedies to help your small friend feel better and improve his gut health.
Bland Diet
If your dog has diarrhea, he most likely ingested something that upset his stomach. That’s why keeping his diet as bland as possible will help his tummy rest a little while eliminating all the harmful toxins.
The best bland food options for your pup would be skinless chicken, steamed vegetables, or pet-safe baby food.
Hydration
A dog suffering from diarrhea is definitely losing a lot of fluids from his body. Naturally, you’ll need to keep your pet hydrated.
Dehydration can exacerbate the dog’s fatigue. Since most dogs don’t drink much water, to begin with, you have to take extra care of your dog’s water intake.
Dog Supplements
You should also ensure that your dog gets all the nutrients he needs.
You can do this by giving him dog supplement powders, fish oil, or digestive enzymes.
Other Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin is an excellent and tasty treat that can help your dog’s diarrhea. Yet, what makes it a true superfood for canines is a lot of other benefits that include:
Helps with Constipation
Now that you understand how pumpkin works in your pup’s gut, you can easily imagine how it can help with dog constipation!
The fiber present in pumpkin can trap large amounts of water. Naturally, if your dog is constipated, this is a surefire way to help relieve him.
Contains Plenty of Vitamins and Minerals
Pumpkin contains plenty of essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy dog growth. These include:
Vitamin A
The vitamin A present in pumpkin is crucial if you want your dog’s coat to look shiny and healthy.
Additionally, supplementing your pup’s diet with vitamin A will give him healthy vision, muscles, and nerves.
Vitamin D
Pumpkin also contains plenty of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin.
This vitamin helps the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Naturally, this can improve your dog’s bones, teeth, immune system, and eyesight.
Iron
Iron is extremely important for all living organisms. After all, it’s what helps our red blood cells function normally, and dogs aren’t exempt from this mineral’s benefits.
While iron is most often found in red meat, it’s also present in pumpkins!
Its Seeds Are Also Beneficial
Pumpkin seeds are an extra reason why you should opt for fresh pumpkin because they’re great for deworming. That’s because they contain a substance called cucurbitacin that has anthelmintic properties.
Nevertheless, if your pup is suffering from intestinal parasites, it’s best to contact your vet for stronger medication. After all, the seeds can only do so much.
Conclusion
Does Pumpkin work for dog diarrhea?
Pumpkin is a superfood that you can add to your dog’s diet regardless of his condition. That being said, it’s the perfect natural remedy for dog diarrhea.
Since pumpkin contains plenty of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s a great way to improve your pet’s gut health. However, if your dog suffers from severe diarrhea, it’s best to consult your vet before attempting any home remedies.
The great thing about pumpkin is that it’s a tasty treat that your dog will surely love. After all, it’s an essential ingredient in dog cakes and cookies. So, while treating your pup from his diarrhea, you’ll also be giving him a delicious snack!