7 Benefits of Feeding Pumpkin to Cats and Dogs

Now that October’s finally here, pumpkin season is officially upon us. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin spice lattes and whipped-cream peaked pies, or you think pumpkin-on-everything is the most overrated flavor of the season, the benefits for your pet are anything but basic.
For cats and dogs, pumpkins are a superfood that’s packed with seriously delicious health benefits. Here are seven great reasons to pick up an extra can of pumpkin puree or take a trip to your nearest pumpkin patch.

7 Benefits of Pumpkin for Pets

1. Makes your pet’s poop less smelly.
Your vet may recommend giving your pet pumpkin puree to help clear acute bouts of constipation or diarrhea. Pumpkin contains both soluble (water dissolvable) and insoluble (does not break down in digestive tract) fibers that add moisture and bulk to stools, helping to form hydrated yet firm poops that pass smoothly. Well-formed stools and healthy digestion are associated with less stink when you scoop your pet’s poop.

2. Supports vision health.
Just like carrots, pumpkins get their orange color from beta-carotene, a compound that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A supports your pet’s vision health, as well as their skin and immune system.

3. Comes with free pumpkin seeds.
If you’re getting your pumpkin straight from the gourd, don’t throw away the seeds! They can be ground up and added to your pet’s food or used as a treat ingredient. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. Whole pumpkin seeds can be a choking hazard and the hull can be difficult to digest, though, so make sure they’re finely ground before feeding to your pet.

4. Soothes an upset stomach.
Pumpkin contains pectin, a soluble (water dissolvable) fiber that can form a gel in the digestive tract that can act as a barrier to an irritated stomach lining. Pectin is also an effective prebiotic. It feeds beneficial bacteria in the intestines that support healthy digestion and immunity.

5. Clears the anal glands.
Cats and dogs have anal glands that naturally empty when they have a bowel movement. The glands can leak, become impacted, or even become infected in pets that have trouble emptying them completely. The insoluble fiber in pumpkin adds bulk to stool to help squeeze those glands on the way out. Gross, but true!

6. Helps keep pets hydrated.
Pumpkin puree is over 90% water. It’s great for helping your pet stay hydrated on dry, chilly days in the fall and winter. Dehydration is actually pretty common in cooler weather because pets may not feel thirsty enough to drink. Mixing some juicy pumpkin puree into their food is an easy way to add a little more moisture to their diet.

7. Can aid weight loss.
Pumpkin puree has almost no fat, making it a great treat or meal topper for pets that need to lose weight or are prone to weight gain. Plus, the fiber and moisture content can help your pet feel satiated on a reduced-calorie diet.

How To Add Pumpkin To Your Pet’s Diet

Pumpkin is safe for pets but may be hard for them to digest in its uncooked form. Pumpkin should be cooked then pureed so its fibers are broken down and easier for your cat or dog to digest. Plus, puree is easy to mix into foods or bake into treats.
You can use canned pumpkin puree to save time, too. Just make sure you only give your pet 100% pumpkin puree with no added sugars or spices.
A little bit of pumpkin goes a long way, and too much can overwhelm your pet’s digestive system, giving the opposite of the desired effects. Small dogs and cats can have about a teaspoon per day but should start on just a half teaspoon if they’ve never had it before, or if they’re not feeling well. For large dogs, you can give around two to four tablespoons per meal. If your pet likes it, you can let them lick the puree right off a spoon. Or, you can mix it into any food.
Pumpkin may be in season in the fall, but you can also give it year-round. Canned pumpkin puree is available in the baking section of most grocery stores. You can also freeze your homemade purees with ice cube trays to make perfect portions that you can pop right into your pet’s bowl.