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Pet Talk: Pumpkin Puree for Your Pooch

 

Q: I heard from a friend that pumpkin is good to give a dog that has diarrhea. Would a little pumpkin pie be something I could give my dog for this?

 

A: No to pumpkin pie, but yes to canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is simply pumpkin in a pureed form. When purchasing it at the grocery store it is very important to read the label carefully. Pie filling canned pumpkin has added ingredients such as sugar, fat and various seasonings that are not good for a pet. The ingredients on the can you want to purchase for your dog will read just “pumpkin.”

Pumpkin is a gourd like squash that is high in vitamin A, potassium and fiber. But fiber for loose stools? Despite fiber’s reputation to help ease constipation, the easily digestible fiber in plain pumpkin can also help treat diarrhea in canines. That’s because the soluble fiber in pumpkin acts like a sponge that absorbs excess water in the bowel. Diarrhea has multiple causes and added dietary fiber can benefit some of them.

The amount of canned pumpkin that you add to your pet’s meal will depend on your dog’s size, from a teaspoon for a small canine, such as a Chihuahua, to a couple of tablespoons for a larger breed like a Great Dane. Most dogs love the taste and it may ease stomach issues.

Before adding it to your canine’s food, talk with your veterinarian as a precaution. They will be able to advise you if your dog’s situation calls for using pumpkin and if so the amount and frequency and to follow up if you don’t see the problem resolved.

 

Sally Salopek is the owner and operator of Attend-A-Pet pet sitting services in northern Door County. She has also worked professionally with animals in health care, pet grooming, training, wildlife rehab and rescue. Send your pet-related questions to her at [email protected].

 

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