Can dogs eat pumpkin? | The Sun
PUMPKIN makes for some delicious dishes for humans – but can the same be said for our furry friends?
Here is everything you need to know about whether dogs can munch on the orange Halloween totems.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Dogs can eat pumpkin. In fact, it's encouraged they do.
The orange stuff is a superfood for man's best friend, according to Pets WebMd.
It has all the micronutrients and fibre that make it a nutrition-busting meal for our four-legged pals.
It also is a natural stomach soother and has been proven to remove excess water in a dog's digestive tract.
Pet owners typically give their dogs pumpkin when their animal has diarrhoea.
The food – which is technically a fruit – is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium.
They are also jammed with prebiotics – which help important bacteria in the digestive tract.
Plain canned pumpkin can be the most convenient and healthiest choice for your dog, according to the American Kennel Club.
But dogs can also eat pumpkin seeds as well as the vegetable cooked or raw.
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How much pumpkin can dogs have?
If your dog has diarrhoea, add between one and four teaspoons of pumpkin or pumpkin powder to their meal, the Kennel Club says.
It's always best to start with smaller quantities to avoid adding too much fibre to your dog's diet.
If ever in doubt, consult your vet.
Also, pumpkin is starchy and high in calories, so watch out how much you dish out unless you want your hound to pile on the pounds.
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Which pets cannot have pumpkin?
Like anything in life, moderation is key.
Too much pumpkin could lead to constipation and weight gain in your dog.
The hearty veg is also good for cats, though, and can be a remedy for constipation, according to PetMd.
Dr Angelo Maggiolo, medical director of County Animal Clinic in Yonkers, New York, often recommends pumpkin as an easy fix for mild cases of constipation in cats.
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He said: "It will get the colon moving a little better in cats predisposed to constipation."
Pumpkin is also safe for guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils.
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