The Pumpkin Diet for Dogs

Incorporating canned pumpkin as a part of a healthy diet can aid in weight loss and maintenance, and healthy digestion in dogs. Modern cultures are finding an increase in the number of dogs that are suffering from obesity and lacking vitamins needed for well being. Elizabeth Pask says in for "Modern Dog Magazine" that "there are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog's meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost."

Benefits

Pumpkin is rich in many nutrients animals need. According to WebMD, "Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A and fiber, and low in calories." Beta-carotene and lutein can boost eye, skin and immune system health in dogs. Pumpkin also contains potassium and iron, both of which add to healthy blood and circulation. The dietary fiber in canned pumpkin can help to keep your dog's intestinal tract in good working order.

Using Pumpkin

Obesity in animals raises the risks of life-threatening conditions including heart attack, stroke, diabetes and chronic bone and joint pain. Pumpkin is a way to supplement dietary components that your dog's meals may be lacking and to help increase fiber. Replacing a third of your dog's normal food portion with the same amount of pureed pumpkin is the best way to introduce the new food to a dog.

When supplementing your dog's diet with pumpkin puree, it is important to use the plain canned variety and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugars and spices. Canned pumpkin has a texture very similar to that of canned dog food, so dogs easily accept it when blended in with their normal food.

Metabolism and Weight Loss

The more fiber your dog consumes, the more satisfied it will be, decreasing its chance of overeating. Metabolism is a body's ability to create energy from the food it takes in. Ways to increase metabolism are increasing activity levels and fueling the body with foods high in fiber and nutrients. Weight loss in a dog can begin to happen when diet is properly balanced, as long as it is also getting appropriate amounts of exercise. Pumpkin when added to a dog's diet will raise healthy energy levels.

Digestive Trouble

Dogs occasionally suffer from constipation or diarrhea. Regular stomach issues should be discussed with a veterinarian. If your dog's digestion troubles happen only once in a while, pumpkin may be an effective treatment. Due to pumpkin puree's high water and fiber content, it can act to hydrate the intestines in a dog suffering from constipation. Giving the pet 1 to 2 tsp. at the first sign of constipation should get him feeling better with in a few hours. The soluble fiber in canned pumpkin is also useful when dealing with diarrhea in dogs, because it helps absorb the excess water in the bowels while also gently hydrating to prevent dehydration.

Pumpkin Seeds and Worms

Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitin, an amino acid, that is effective in eliminating parasitic worms from the digestive system. According to Natural News.com, "In addition to expelling parasites, they are high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids." Offer your dog up up to 1/2 tsp. of freshly ground pumpkin seeds daily to remove worms.