Discover the Health Benefits of Canned Pumpkin for Dogs
Two common canine ailments are diarrhea and constipation. Did you know that canned pumpkin can offer a solution to both?
Diarrhea is more a symptom rather than a disease and is typically a sign that something is wrong with your dog’s digestive system. A lot of things can cause diarrhea in your dog; it may have eaten something that disagrees with its body, it may have food allergies, bacterial or viral infection or a worm infestation. It may even be due to a change in its diet.
In normal cases, diarrhea has a surprisingly simple solution: canned pumpkins. Canned pumpkin is actually pumpkin in a puree form. Pumpkins are very rich in fiber and even adding two teaspoons of canned pumpkin in you dog’s food helps the digestion process. Canned pumpkin has a large quantity of dietary fiber and it will also absorb the excess water present in the stool. This makes your dog’s stool more firm and results can be seen within a few hours. Give your small dog one and a half to two teaspoons of canned pumpkin. For a larger dog give two tablespoons instead.
Another benefit of canned pumpkin is in treating dogs for constipation. It softens your dog’s stool and can cure an upset stomach very quickly. This makes canned pumpkins one of the best natural remedies to your dog’s stomach problems.
Canned pumpkin also makes a great addition to dog treats. Just add some canned pumpkin to your favorite dog treat recipes to give Fido a healthy treat.
Canned pumpkin is low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium and is also a very good source of dietary fiber. Some vets even recommend canned pumpkin for weight loss in dogs. Simply substitute one-third of your dog’s regular food with an equivalent amount of canned pumpkin. Because it is high in fiber, canned pumpkin will make your dog fuller than it would if you just reduced their caloric intake.
You can find canned pumpkin in the baking section of most grocery stores.
Hi everyone. Glad I came across this site because my 3 month old puppy has soft stool/liquidity for over 2 weeks now. Took him to the vet and poop test came back negative…nothing wrong with him. Been giving him Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream which he loves but no change in his stool. So I switched to Taste of the Wild Pacific puppy formula. No change but he loves it too. Was wondering if it might be his de-wormer…not sure. So I will try the pumpkin and hope it will make a difference. Keep you posted.
I have an 8 yr old Shit Zsu and started giving her pumpkin yesterday and she licks it right off the spoon. She loves it.
My dogs love pumpkin with their food. I make it with organic chicken & raw veggies. Put it it my Vitamix along with some probiotic and ginger
My dogs are senior but you would never know the way they get around. I know it’s the food. Giving dogs cooked food affects them as it does us. You need raw food to keep enzymes in the gut.
I have tried the pumpkin in past and it works great! The only problem is that I don’t seem to have it when I need it. I decided to try to make some pumpkin popsicles. I mixed a small amount of water with canned pumpkin and put it in mini muffin tins and then in the freezer. It worked and the dogs love them!
I have a 3 1/2 mo old puppy and I have had the same problem. Loose stools. I fed her the food the breeder used for three weeks,no improvement so the vet gave me antibiotics but that didn’t help. So, I switched food over the course of a week….a much higher quality food which she is eating less of…but no improvement. This morning I tried the pumpkin. She loved it! I am so hopeful this will work for her. She otherwise seems happy and energetic. Fingers crossed!!
I have a 3yr old hound/lab mix who is currently taking potassium bromide. She is getting very whiney before feeding times. My vet recommended 2 tablespoons of pure pumpkin to make her feel more full. Not sure if this will help it unfortunately we can’t use any form of anti anxiety medicine with the anti seizure meds. Anyone have any info to share? Great site!
Fantastic information.I have a bullterrier with all the above issues.I am rushing out to find canned pumpkin. Will keep you posted!
Someone told me that it also helps their coat to be silky. I have a golden retriever with very dry skin, so I hope it works!
I have a 10 year old husky-lab mix. She recently had horrible horrible bloody diarrhea. She’s never had digestive issues so severe before. I had to wait a couple days before taking her to the vet, but i read online that I could try pumpkin. I went to the grocery store and, after a LONG LONG search, found it in the baking isle. 100% canned pumpkin. Was happy to see the label said “Ingredient: Pumpkin”… I gave her 2 tablespoons of pumpkin with her dinner, and by the next morning, her stool was solid again. Took her to the vet and they put her metro, which got rid of the blood in her stool, but had to keep giving her pumpkin (which she will eat right off the spoon) once she was off bland diet because she went right back to having diarrhea (with a food she has been on for a very long time)… I love the idea of freezing it and giving it to her that way! Thanks for that suggestion!!
My Pug was scooting on the carpet so I read about the different things it might be, decided to try the pumpkin because I had noticed a smell (thinking clogged anal glands) and in 2 day after I started giving it to her she is like a new dog! I heard about the pumpkin cure from my son who said his vet told him. It’s great and she loves it. Here’s a tip to those of you who cant find it in your grocery store. I looked over and over in the isle with canned vegetables and fruits and no pumpkin. It is in the baking isle with your flour, sugar etc.
No do not use pumpkin pie mix it has too many things that might make it worse. They usually sell canned pumpkin in the health food stores or in grocery stores in the making or canned fruit aisle
Couldn’t find canned pumpkin but I found pumpkin pie filling will this work for my yorkie’s constipation ?
[...] noticed mama was cooking with pumpkin this past weekend. Did you know pumpkin is good for dog’s digestion? (Are you wondering how I know this? Well, it’s because I’m the world’s smartest [...]
Pumpkin works! I bought a pumpkin-cut it up in pieces-put it through the juicer and then combined the finely shredded fiber with the juice-although I wonder if you could give your dog just the juice as a liquid? and then add fiber to food? I’n sure they would love licking up the juice. Anyway, our 3.5 month old puppy shows immediate results after eating pumpkin treats (tablespoon of shredded pumpkin). If he had loose poop, then by the second time, it will already by firmed up! I am so happy for this natural solution and prevention!
Yes I was looking for some canned pumpkin yesterday and did not feel like going to the health food store. I was pleasantly surprised to find in in my local supermarket in the baking section. But you are right to point out, NOT pumpkin pie filling which of course it was right next to in the store. Thanks for posting. I love the idea of filling ice cube trays with it.
I’d seen this suggestion before and as someone mentioned, pumpkin is not always easy to find—and make sure that it’s just pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling. I fill ice cube trays with it, then when they’re frozen I keep them in a bag in the freezer for when ever it’s needed. It’s like a miracle cure!
Good luck with the pups. Sometimes it is just the stress of a new home or new food or just nerves. Hopefully with pumpkin and your love and care, they will improve in no time! Thanks for reading and checking in!
Thanks for the suggestions.
We rescued a Boston Terrier 5 days ago and she’s had watery diarrhea for the past 2 days. We took her to the vet the day we got her for vaccinations and a check up and have been feeding her Earthborn Holistic dog food.
I pray that the pumpkin helps her, as well as my 2 Chihuahuas that have anal gland issues every few months
I just gave all 3 of them their first doses and they loved it!
Our 1 1/2 yr old Jack Russell eats grass a lot and then shortly after, spits up the grass with clear liquid. Also will spit up the clear liquid after eating her regular food. She actually eats well and poops are ok. What do you think about adding some pumpkin? Thank you!
Yes…pumpkin can be fed forever. It is an all natural ingredient. Good luck with your pup!
Mu 6 month old lab/Shepard has had poop problems off/on since we have had him. After treating roundworms,tapeworms and giardiasis he finally tested negative for all but he still has loose stools. It firms right up with the pumpkin. My question is can I keep him on it forever? He is happy, active and full of energy. I would appreciate any help! Thank you
I found a pumpkin product. DogGestive Daily. On the net in pouches, very easy, and great if traveling.
doggestive.com
Our dogs love it and itreally works well.
You can buy canned pumpkin and give your pups 1 tsp to 3 tbs per day (depending on size of dog) and it has been reported by many to remove tear stains. Just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie mix.
Pumpkin is awesome i give it to my 2 boxers as a treat! All of the peeps who have dogs with digestive issues, smelly issues, anal gland issues, allergy issues, if you are feeding kibble please take a little bit of time to research raw food, it doesnt have to be expensive, time consuming and it is not dangerous, dont let your vet scare you, the health bdnefits of a RAW diet are absolutely undeniable once you have tried it. My two boxers are rescues and both came to me with dandruff, scabby skin, red ears, chewing on their feet, swolllen anal glands and constantly runny stools, i put them on raw food and within 1 month they looked like completly different dogs. Please do your best friend a huge favor and give it a try!
I was told that puréed Pumpkin is good for my dogs tear stains is that true?
Here is a great pumpkin recipe for treats.
-one 15 oz can mashed pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
-3/4 cup cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive). You can mix this dry, no need to cook it first.
-1/2 cup dry powdered milk
directions: preheat oven to 300 F
Mix all ingredients together. Drop small spoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet & bake for 20 minutes.
These make great training rewards or small treats. You can use a cookie press & squeeze out rosettes about the size of a dime for a bite size cookie.
Keep frozen until ready to use. They will thaw in a short time.
Our dogs love these.
I have an Airedale that has had trouble with diarrhea since day one…..all the Vet did was test her for parasites & give her antibiotics to no avail.
I’ve tried cottage cheese & cold rice with her kibble and it helped but now just a few spoons of pumpkin with her food & she’s good to go!
I am trying the pumpkin theory today. I have a chichuahua, and when I woke this morning her anal area appeared red and swollen. I immediately called the vet, but they are booked until Monday. Still trying to find someone to look at her today, but the vet tech did recommend canned pumpkin. I’m hoping this will bring my Coco some relief prior to Monday. Also, I like the yogurt and pumpkin ice tray mix. I’m going to try that out.
that is pretty funny. I did think pooh pooh…Hope Sophie is better soon
LOL! Not THINK poohpooh, THICK poohpooh. Next time I’ll proofread b4 I click on “submit” OOPS!
My 10 pound peekapoo has had dry and think poopoo for three days now. I am running out now to get canned pumpkin. Grand idea, Emmy, the frozen treats. Thank you all for your input as this really sounds like a fantastic remedy! I can only hope that it is nothing more serious with my Sophie.
absolutely…most dogs just love pumpkin…enjoy!
Is it ok just to give dog pumpkin mixed in his food when he doesn’t have any stomach issues kind of just a treat ?
Generally start with with 1 Tablespoon for a dog that size increasing to 2 if it is not working. there is nothing harmful in pumpkin and dogs generally like it. Some people freeze it is ice cube containers and throw it in to their food, others just mix it is with food. I have Labradors who will eat anything so they eat it right off a spoon.
how much pumpkin do you give? my dog is 6olbs and also 16 yrs old.
Pumpkin may help for this for your pup.
My lab is having problems with his grain free food getting compacted. He is allergic to grain so we can’t switch foods, will pumpkin help this?
For anyone with dogs that have anal gland or gas issues, I highly recommend mixing half pumkin with half PLAIN yogurt then putting it in ice trays. For people with small dogs its a convenient, easy grab at feeding time. 2 cubes a day keeps the gas away. It not only works wonders on notoriously gassy breeds like bostons and bulldogs, my dog digs it out of the kibble like it’s a cracker jack prize!
I have an older dachshund who has always had digestive problems. As she has gotten older, she seems to really strain when she’s pooping. If I give her even a teaspoon of canned pumpkin each day, she shows immediate improvement. She doesn’t like pumpkin, so I give it to her with a medication syringe (holds 1 teaspoon) and it’s over before she even knows it!
Jim, this not exactly the best place to be so blunt with your words, but I have to admit, I stopped and laughed out loud for about two minutes after reading your comment. Thanks for the hoot!
About pumpkin, I have two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, one Chocolate Labrador, a German Shepherd and just got a Dachshund puppy three weeks ago, I just gave the one Pem, the Lab and the Dachshund pup canned pumpkin this morning. I buy it and have it on hand at all times, it will also help if your dog gets into something and gorges on it, I add a tablespoon or two of cottage cheese to equal amounts of the canned pumpkin to help when this happens.
The puppy had an upset stomach, so she had her first tsp. of canned pumpkin, she is 100% turned around within an hour of eating it. Works wonders!
Emmy, what a great idea! I usually open a can then put it in a storage container but this is a way better idea. Thanks for sharing.
I ordered canned pureed pumpkin on amazon. I made 1/2 tablespoon mounds on a cookie sheet and froze them. Then I stored them in a freezer bag to keep them longer. My dogs eat them at the end of each of their meals. I think the pumpkin has really helped firm up their poop.
Rescued a 4month old puppy. He had watery stools for 2 weeks. I tried 2 tsps of pumpkin in each meal and after 2days stool was firm enough to pick up.Great reccommendation to add pumpkin
My lab will start to smell bad a week after a bath, vet said glands in butt are not draining completely. He does the carpet scuts all the time. Give him pumpkin – dam it works – he doesn’t smell like ass all the time and he loves it. No dragging butt on carpet.
Thanks for the feedback. That’s great news! When my pups are extra hungry (they are labs so always hungry) I also throw some frozen green beans into their kibble. Frances
We’ve been feeding our Boston Terrier about a table spoon of canned pumpkin in the evening. We feed her morning and evening but sometimes in the eveing she acts like she’s still starving and licks her bowl and pouts. The pumpkin treat works. She loves it and feels like she’s had something special.
First time here, looking for a solution to my dog eating her poop. So im going to try the pumpkin and see how it works. Thank you for all the information this is a wonderful site.
We just got a puppy and we are mixing in the pumpkin with her “Taste of the Wild” dog food and she LOVES it! She licks the bowl when she’s finished.
[...] The flesh can act as a laxative that helps with an upset stomach or constipation. I also found that canned pumpkin can help with your dog’s diarrhea and constipation, as its fiber will aid in digestion and absorb excess water in his stool. (For more information, check out the Raising Healthy Dogs website.) [...]
It is difficult to find canned pumpkin in a alot of grocery stores in the months of february through september. Some kind of pumpkin disease that causeda price hike, caused stores to decide not to carry it except during pumpkin pie season. You can still find canned pumpkin in organic form (which is probably better for the dog anyways) at Health Foods Unlimited stores, year round. It’s pricy, but worth it for that pesky diarrhea.