The Risk and Benefits of Pumpkins for Frenchies 

Pumpkins for Frenchies is a hot topic for discussion.

Beyond its use on Halloween, pumpkins are incredibly beneficial to the human body.

They contain healthy nutrients for proper growth and development.

But are they beneficial to Frenchies too? 

What are their risks and benefits?

Let’s dive in to learn more.

Can Frenchies eat Pumpkin? 

Yes, Frenchies can safely eat pumpkin.

Pumpkin contains essential nutrients and fiber for healthy growth and smooth digestion.

It is also an excellent remedy for diarrhea and constipation in dogs

Is pumpkin safe for puppies? 

Yes, pumpkin is safe for puppies.

Puppies are prone to frequent tummy troubles, and pumpkin comes in handy. 

It encourages regular bowel movement and lowers the risks of stomach upsets.

How do you give a puppy pumpkin? 

  • Bake pumpkin until it is soft
  • Cut into bite-size pieces or mash it
  • Give your puppy a tablespoon at room temperature

10 Benefits of Pumpkins for Frenchies? 

Pumpkin is nutrient-rich

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin  E for heart health.

Iron is responsible for the production of hemoglobin 

Pumpkin benefits eyes

Carotenoids in pumpkins lower the risks of night blindness and other eye degeneration problems.

Pumpkins boost immune health.

Vitamin C boosts immunity, while antioxidants in pumpkin destroy free radicals that cause cancer.

Pumpkins moisturize skin & coat.

It has vitamin A and zinc responsible for a smooth skin

Pumpkin seeds prevent urinary incontinence

Pumpkin seeds have omega 3 fatty acids, which aid in dislodging kidney stones and preventing urinary incontinence.

Pumpkins encourage digestive regularity.

Fiber adds bulk to stool ensuring regular bowel movement

Pumpkin can help naturally control parasites

Cucurbitacin in pumpkin is toxic to dog worms

Pumpkins aid in weight loss

The high water and fiber content aid in weight loss by having a filling effect on dogs

Pumpkin hydrates

It has lots of water which hydrates the body

Pumpkin tastes great

Plain pumpkin is tasty, but you can add honey to improve the taste

Pumpkins for Frenchies Digestive Health?

Let’s dive in 

Pumpkin for diarrhea in dogs

Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which is a natural treatment for diarrhea.

It adds bulk to stool, making it firm and less watery

Pumpkin for constipation in dogs

Pumpkin acts as a natural laxative for relieving constipation.

It has dietary fiber and high water content that ensures a smooth and fast digestion process.

How fast does pumpkin work for dog diarrhea

To increase effectiveness,  feed your dog with bland foods like rice in addition to the pumpkin.

This combination firms stool and stop diarrhea within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the severity.

Pumpkin for dog diarrhea dosage

Add one to four tablespoons of pumpkin to your dog’s food.

For puppies, one tablespoon is enough for a day.

Start with small portions and gradually increase them

Harmful Effects of Giving Pumpkins to Dogs

Nutrient deficiencies

Although fiber promotes gut health, large amounts can hinder the absorption of other essential nutrients like proteins and vitamins. 

This leads to unbalanced levels of  the required nutrients

High-calorie content

Pumpkin is rich in calories, and regular consumption can lead to obesity and other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.

High sodium content

Some canned pumpkin contains salt, which leads to sodium build-up, which is harmful to dogs with kidney problems.

Harmful additives

Pumpkin pie fillings have ingredients like fats, sugar, and spices which are toxic. 

What kind of pumpkin can Frenchies eat? 

Fresh pumpkin: Frenchies can safely eat fresh pumpkin with no flavorings

Powdered pumpkin: Powdered pumpkin is the perfect solution for diarrhea

Add one to four tablespoons to kibble.

Pure canned pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin has no additives hence safe for your dog.

Raw pumpkin: Raw pumpkin is safe for dogs but remember to remove the stem as it is brittle and can cause wounds 

Introduce raw pumpkin gradually as it contains lots of roughage which can be hard to digest

Pumpkin pie filling: Pumpkin pie filling is not the best choice as it contains additives like sugar, fats, and spices

How to Prepare Pumpkins For Frenchies 

Canned pumpkin: 

  • Clean the canned pumpkin
  • Roast in the oven for one hour at 350 degrees
  • Let it cool for ten minutes
  • Add to kibble

Freshly baked pumpkin:

  • Clean the pumpkin
  • Remove the seeds
  • Bake in the oven until soft
  • Serve at room temperature

Crunchy roasted pumpkin seeds:

  • Remove seeds from the pumpkin
  • Clean the seeds
  • Bake for one hour at 350 degrees
  • Wait for ten minutes to cool
  • Feed directly or add to kibble

Cool pumpkin purée:

  • Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds
  • Slice into chunks
  • Simmer the chunks in boiling water for 25 minutes or until soft
  • Drain excess water and mash it into a smooth paste
  • Serve warm or store in the fridge for future use

How do I serve pumpkin to my Frenchies? 

Looking for ways to serve pumpkin? The following are some :

  • Grind seeds and add to kibble
  • Mash pumpkin and serve directly
  • Roast the pumpkin and add to kibble
  • Add peanut butter to the pumpkin
  • Dehydrate the pumpkin
  • Make pumpkin oat treat
  • Add applesauce to make applesauce pumpkin treat

Pumpkin dog treats 

  1. Pumpkin oat treat

They contain oats, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Oats are gluten-free, so you do not have to worry about allergic reactions. The eggs add to the protein content for the repair of tissues. 

  1. Dehydrated pumpkin dog treat

This is a dried pumpkin. Dehydrating removes water, making it crunchy and great for dental health since dogs have to chew  longer

  1. Salmon pumpkin dog treats

It combines salmon and pumpkin and is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which protect against infections.

Dog vitamins and supplements containing pumpkin 

PetHonesty Probiotics for Dogs 

These dog supplements have a natural duck flavor that is suitable for dogs. The soft chews have nutritional values for dogs. 

benefits

  • It has pumpkin as the primary ingredient; these chews contain fiber, which helps with diarrhea and constipation, reducing vet visits.
  • Its made from more probiotics and enzymes. The chews boost dogs’ immunity levels, saving you from constant heart-wrenching sights of your dog wringing in pain due to infections. It also saves you money as it lowers vet visits.

Pros

  • It boosts immunity
  • Ensures regular bowel movement
  • Aids in the breakdown of fats and proteins

Cons

  • Regular intake inhibits the absorption of other nutrients.

Native Pet Probiotic for Dogs

The supplements are in powder form with beef flavor. 

benefits

  • It contains bone broth which has gelatin for strong bones and joints
  • Its made from all-natural ingredients. This powder is safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs; hence no worries about adverse side effects
  • It is in powder form, and unlike chews, heating does not compromise its effectiveness; all the necessary nutrients remain intact, and your dog gets the full health benefits

Pros

  • Promotes gut health by boosting digestion
  • It has natural ingredients safe for your dog

Cons

  • Not safe for dogs allergic to beef

Read our article on Dog-Friendly Snacks That Your Frenchie will Love Anytime

Can I give my Frenchie pumpkin everyday? 

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin every day but in small portions as too much causes diarrhea.

Puppies can take one teaspoonful per day, while adults can have one to four teaspoonfuls daily.

Can pumpkins cause problems in dogs? 

Yes, consuming pumpkins in large amounts can cause a deficiency of essential nutrients.

This results from high fiber levels in pumpkin, which inhibit the absorption of other nutrients beneficial to the body.

Can too much pumpkin hurt a dog? 

Yes, too much pumpkin can hurt a dog due to high fiber, which causes digestive distress and leads to deficiency of other  essential vitamins and minerals

The deficiency of iron causes anemia.

Will pumpkin firm up dog stool? 

Yes, pumpkin firms up dog stool as it has fiber which adds bulk to stool as it moves along the digestive system.

Firm stool  lowers the risks of frequent diarrhea

Does pumpkin give dogs gas? 

No, pumpkin cannot give dogs gas as it improves digestion.

The fiber in the pumpkin ensures that food is digested properly, thus lowering the risks of stomach upsets like bloating and gas.

How many pumpkins do you give my Frenchie? 

The amounts to give your Frenchie depend on their age.

Puppies can have one teaspoonful of pumpkin, while adults can have a maximum of two to four teaspoonfuls daily.

How long does it take for pumpkins to make a dog poop? 

Digestion in dogs usually takes eight hours.

It takes ten hours for a constipated dog to pass stool after eating pumpkins. This is the period where the pumpkin softens the stool.

Does pumpkin help dogs with an upset stomach? 

Yes, pumpkin helps dogs with diarrhea and constipation.

It acts as a laxative for constipation by increasing bowel movements and firming stool, thus reducing the risks of dog diarrhea.

Can I boil pumpkin for dogs? 

Yes, you can boil pumpkin for dogs.

Boiling softens the pumpkin making  it easily chewable, thus improving the digestion process

Boiled pumpkin also has fewer calories hence great for weight loss

Is raw or cooked pumpkin better for dogs?

Cooked pumpkin is better for dogs as it is easier to chew and digest

Raw pumpkin contains roughage which can be hard to digest, thus causing stomach problems for dogs.

Is pumpkin a natural dewormer? 

Yes, pumpkin is a natural dewormer.

Pumpkin seeds are natural agents against tapeworms and other dog parasites.

The seeds contain cucubartin, which stops and removes worms in the digestive tract.

Does pumpkin help constipation? 

Yes, the pumpkin helps with constipation as it contains a lot of water.

The high fiber in the pumpkin ensures regular bowel movement, thus lowering the risk of constipation or hard stool.

How do you get rid of parasites from pumpkin seeds?

To get rid of parasites from pumpkin seeds, boil water at high heat.

Pour the water onto the pumpkin seeds.

The high temperature kills parasites from the pumpkin seeds.

Why do vets recommend pumpkins for dogs? 

Vets recommend pumpkins for dogs since pumpkins have fiber which helps with both constipation and diarrhea.

Pumpkin is also rich in vitamin A which gives dogs a bright coat 

Can dogs have all types of pumpkins? 30 words

No, dogs cannot have all kinds of pumpkin

Pumpkin pie filling and mocha chai pumpkin are harmful to dogs as they contain spices like nutmeg, which have high toxicity levels. 

Is sweet potato or pumpkin better for dogs?

Both sweet potato and pumpkin have the same nutritional benefits.

They both contain very little fat.

However, pumpkin has fewer calories than sweet potato hence great for dogs with obesity.

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds? 

Yes, dogs can safely eat pumpkin seeds as they contain amino acids called cucurbitacin, which is responsible for paralysis and eliminating worms.

Zinc in the  pumpkin seeds boosts immunity

Wrapping Up

Dogs can safely eat pumpkin

Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.

It is rich in fiber which lowers the risk of diarrhea and constipation.

On the negative side, pumpkin inhibits the absorption of other healthy nutrients due to its high fiber level.

The benefits, however, outweigh the risks making pumpkin an excellent choice for Frenchies.

Spread the Love!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top