What happens if a dog eats pumpkin?

As autumn approaches, its round or elongated figure begins to conquer all greengrocers, with its idea of ​​vastness. We all eat from here.

Pumpkin has the scent of care, of health, of the hospital, yes. But it also smells healthy because we know it’s healthy. And because every day it has become more fashionable.

Pumpkin puree. Pumpkin gnocchi. risotto pumpkin. Stuffed Pumpkin. Pumpkin soup. Pumpkin cream. Pumpkin biscuits.

And like any pumpkin, also worthy of any stew, or roast or mid-winter stew accompanying lentils or chickpeas.

We love pumpkin. But can our dog eat pumpkin? Will he enjoy slices or squares as a reward for good behavior? So good for us, what will it be for them?

What happens if a dog eats pumpkin?

If a dog eats the pumpkin that we humans eat, he enjoys it just like we do. And above all by our side.

The specialized website Zoo Plus tells us that pumpkin is a “vitamin bomb” capable of doing this benefit much to our pet. And he defines it as a “winter vegetable rich in dietary fiber, which contains essential vitamins, such as A, C and Eas well as the minerals magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.

And it clarifies a lot about the type of pumpkin we can give to our four-legged friend. “Edible pumpkins, such as butternut, butternut, patisson, butternut and spaghetti squash, are not only a treat for us, but also for dogs. You can eat them preferably inside mashed, roasted, steamed or baked”.

And a recommendation not to forget: we should buy pumpkins for our dog at the supermarket or in organic shops.

Why? Because dogs can’t eat just any pumpkin. For example: Pumpkins grown in your own garden should always be rejected. Even to the wild varieties that grow in the field, because they usually contain a bitter and dangerous substance such as cucurbitacins. This harms both people and pets.

Finally, regarding precautions, dogs also cannot eat decorative pumpkins like those of Halloween. They are very cute for decorating gardens, but nothing will stop your pup walking among those greens from simply not taking a bite of the amazing pumpkins. If he does, take him urgently to veterinarian. They are toxic.

Nutritional value of pumpkin

The excellent Animal Expert site We are presented with a nutritional table prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture based on one of the most popular pumpkins, Cucurbita pepo. pumpkin type. And it gives the following, every 100 grams of this vegetable:

• Water: 92g
• Energy: 26kcal
• Total Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
• Sugars: 2.76 g
• Fibers: 0.5 g
• Vitamin A: 8513Ul
• Vitamin C: 9 mg
• Vitamin B1: 0.05 mg
• Vitamin B2: 0.11 mg
• Vitamin B3 (pp): 0.6 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.06 mg
• Vitamin E: 1.06 mg
• Vitamin K: 1.1 µg
• Folate: 16μg
• Calcium: 21 mg
• Iron: 0.8 mg
• Magnesium: 12 mg
• Phosphorus: 44 mg
• Potassium: 330 mg
• Sodium 1 mg
• Zinc: 0.32 mg.

AS, rich in vitamins and minerals which help prevent various diseases, pumpkin is also low in carbohydrates, fats and sugars, which allows it to be consumed by obese or diabetic dogs.

How much pumpkin can our dog eat

As we usually repeat in other very delicious vegetables that can be added to the fresh diet of dogs (carrots, boiled sweet potatoes, green leaves, tomatoes), the pumpkin into an ideal product to be used 2 or 3 times (maximum) per week, and then alternating it with other nutrients such as brown rice, boiled potatoes, different green leaves and eggs and animal meat as proteins.

And the amount of pumpkin that we can give to our pet must not exceed one spoonful of this vegetable for every 10 kilos of weight of our pet. furry friend.

Pumpkin: health benefits for dogs

The Veterpet Clinics specialized site On his website he shows us some good benefits of pumpkin in dog health:

1. Helps strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, to prevent some of the most common pathologies in dogs such as anemia.
2. Promotes intestinal transit. It contains very good fibers that help regulate the digestion process and avoid constipation and diarrhea.
3. It is a natural pesticide. Pumpkin seeds (which are also very good for dogs) contain cucubitacin, an amino acid that is an excellent pesticide.
4. Regulates sugar levels. It also promotes blood pressure. And in this way it prevents cardiac diseases.
5. Helps keep the animal hydrated and eliminate toxins. It has a high content of water and antioxidants, which help eliminate toxins and promote the proper functioning of the kidneys.
6. It’s good for your eyes and skin. The antioxidant action of pumpkin has positive effects on the skin of dogs, as well as helping to combat age-related degenerative damage to the eyes of dogs.