Why Pumpkin Works
Fiber. Pumpkin's soluble fiber can help firm up loose stools and also help keep things moving when they're backed up. It works in both directions.
Low calorie. A good add-on for dogs watching their waistline. It adds bulk without a lot of calories.
Real nutrients. Vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants come along for the ride.
Dogs love it. Picky eaters included. It's an easy way to make a bowl more exciting.
The Right Pumpkin (and the Wrong Ones)
Not all pumpkin is created equal. Here's the short version:
Yes: plain canned pumpkin. The label should say 100% pumpkin and nothing else.
Yes: cooked fresh pumpkin. Roasted or steamed, no seasoning.
No: pumpkin pie filling. It looks the same on the shelf but is loaded with sugar and spices. Nutmeg in particular isn't something your dog needs.
No: raw pumpkin, stems, or skin. Hard to digest and easy to choke on.
No: the jack-o'-lantern. A week on the porch means mold. Compost it, don't feed it.
Seeds, in moderation. Plain, roasted, and ground up are fine as a small topper. No salt, no butter.
How Much Pumpkin?
Less than you think. Pumpkin is a supplement, not a meal.
Start small. A spoonful mixed into food, scaled to your dog's size. A Chihuahua and a Great Dane need very different spoons.
More isn't better. Too much fiber can cause the exact stomach issues you're trying to fix.
Freeze the leftovers. An open can doesn't last long in the fridge. Spoon it into an ice cube tray and you've got portions ready to go, plus a cold summer treat later.
Call your vet if digestive trouble lasts more than a day or two, or if your dog seems off. Pumpkin helps with minor stuff. It doesn't replace a checkup.
Pumpkin at Slobberbones
If you'd rather let someone else handle the can opener, our bakery has you covered.
Our seasonal treats are baked fresh in-store with real pumpkin, whole wheat flour, and ingredients you'd recognize from your own kitchen. No fillers. Nothing you'd have to Google. Just a fall treat that tastes like the season and doesn't come with a stomach ache.
And if your dog's birthday falls in pumpkin season, a pumpkin custom cake is a very good idea.
Stop by Slobberbones and grab a bag of seasonal pumpkin treats while they're in the case. Your dog has been patient all fall. It's their turn.
