Can dogs eat Raw Pumpkin?

[byebye12]

Is it ok for my German Shepherd pup to eat raw pumpkin? I was scooping some out tonight to make pumpkin seeds and she was going nuts from the smell. I gave her a little taste and she loved it! Is it ok?

[DobieMommy]

Pumpkin is supposed to be helpful with dogs experiencing both constipation and diarrhea although like all things I wouldn't recommend it in large amounts.

I've gotten canned pumpkin (make sure it's not pie filling and just regular pureed pumpkin with no additional seasoning) from the store and she's had no problems.  I've served it along with her regular food and I've also used it alone as a treat.  

When we took walks in the winter time when we got back I'd make her a warm treat by heating up a few tablespoons of pumpkin in the microwave and adding a splash of pet-specific milk (looking at the ingredients I think it's just lactose free milk but more expensive, oh well).  She had nice firm bowel movements and no problems.

She also loves her sweet potato as well.  

[glowryb]

Whatever you do, do not allow your dog to eat onions or grapes.  They are toxic to dogs....harms their kidneys and can shut their kidneys down.

[ilee0921]

What all herbal product did you use when they had Parvo? I do animal rescue and have saved several at home,but I am very tired of hearing the vet say "they will never make it,you need to put them down" If I can get ahead of the parvo before it gets so bad maybe it would help save more.Thanks

[moe14359]

Not sure where the information of small breeds can't handle fruits and vegetables comes from other than opinion. It's silly. My King Charles Spaniels has been eating fresh organic baby carrots, tomatoes, beans, apples, pears no core or seeds, clementines, blueberries and cooked fresh pumpkin since I got him at 8 weeks. So has my friends 3 King Charles. Also he eats a high end brand of human grade dog food that only contains pure meat and vegetables.  All of this which is OK' d by the VET and encouraged instead of empty calorie filler filled dog treats and foods. Fruit and Vegetables provide much needed fiber for their (small breed) anal glands and pumpkin works miracles for gas bubble and inflamed intestines. You can also get a high fiber food from your vet to relieve the gas and constipation.You should supplement pumpkin or the high fiber food with rice to sooth their stomach. If the gas and bloat are bad enough my VET inserted a tube in the dogs rectum to relieve it when he ingested some marinara sauce that contained garlic and onions which are highly toxic to dogs, especially small ones (grapes and raisins are to). Always ask your VET everything about your own dog. Although what I have written here is from VET advice and pertains to my dog and what was happening at that moment call your own doctor. There is way to much opinion and presumption, not sound medical advice going on here.

[crackerjack4u2]

Hello Nicole,
Personally, I wouldn't recommend giving your 4 month old pup any fruits or vegetables at all.  The smaller breed dogs do not seem to tolerate anything like that, like the larger breeds do.    Fruits and Vegetables are hard for them to digest even if cooked and causes major Bloating, Gas, and also causes them to get Diarrhea frequently. Which not only causes the poor little dog to be miserable, it often causes a lot of unnecessary Vet bills at times as well.  

I also recommend only giving her a diet of dog food only.  Proteins such as steak, hamburger, etc can very easily cause her to have pancreatitis because she does not have the enzymes to digest them. Again this affects the toy/smaller breeds quicker than the larger breeds but all are at risk.  If she happens to get pancreatitis your new baby, will be one sick puppy, and you could possibly lose her.

So please be cautious of what you or others are feeding her off your plates, and consider not doing it at all, to ensure your puppy has a happy, healthy, and long life.  I Hope This Helps!  Good Luck and God Bless Brenda

[nicole_nicole]

my dog is a toy poodle, she is only 4 months old...i'm a first time owner, can i know what fruits and vegetables are suitable for her?! thanks =)