Pumpkin Season With My Dog!

For the next few weeks it is going to be pumpkin season!  Thanksgiving is just around the corner and pumpkins are all around us.

As a dog lover you may want to know if you can give your dog pumpkin?

With so much information out there you may be confused if pumpkin is good for your dog.  Keep reading and we will let you know what we have found out about pumpkins an pumpkin spice.

We have found out that pumpkin spice can be very dangerous for your dog. One of the main ingredients in pumpkin spice are nutmeg which is extremely dangerous to dogs. In fact nutmeg is toxic to dogs.  Some of the worst side effects are tremors, seizures, convulsions, or even death.

You should not feed your dog any treats that contain “Pumpkin Spice” or even “Pumpkin Pie.” Even cinnamon is risky for dogs. Be careful of pre-made pumpkin spice mix and canned pumpkin pie mixture. It doesn’t take a ton of nutmeg to be hazardous.

Plain canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog. Either fresh or canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber. Canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin.  Fresh pumpkin has higher water content than canned pumpkin.

However, make sure to read the label on the canned pumpkin you buy to make sure it does not contain added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives that can irritate your dog’s stomach further.  You can’t get canned pumpkin, a good alternative is pumpkin powder made specifically for pets. Note that you should NEVER use canned pumpkin pie, as it may contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.

If you have doubts about the amount of pumpkin to add to your dog's diet, always consult your veterinarian.