If you’re a part of the 73% of Canadian households that have a pet, chances are you have had to deal with your furry friend not feeling their best. Specifically, their digestion. I’m sure most of us have been there at some point or another.

You’re on your morning walk with the dog and there is something that just isn’t right after you pull out that bag. The same thing goes for those cat owners; scooping out that litter box, and something is not the way it should be.

Sometimes you get the opposite problem. You take your dog out for their morning walk aaand nothing. You get a little concerned, but you’ve got to get to work. You take off for work knowing that they have not yet done their business. Once you get home from work you make sure to take them out first thing, but again, the same nothingness. You throw your hands in the air and all you can think is “for goodness’ sake! Just poop already!”

At this point you might be starting to worry. You’re thinking about taking your fur baby to the vet to get them looked at. Before you head down to the veterinarian, take a trip to your local grocery store. Most Canadian grocery stores have canned pumpkin for less than $10.

Pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber for dogs and cats with the added benefit of being chocked full of vitamin A. Not only can pumpkin help relieve constipation in your cat or dog, but it can also help soften hard stool and make them more regular.

How much pumpkin can I feed my pet?

  • Overconsumption of pumpkin can give your pet diarrhea, which would not help the situation
  • For dogs, the general rule is 1-4 tablespoons of pumpkin per meal (depending on the size of your dog)
  • For cats it ranges from ½-1 teaspoon per day (adjust the amounts by the size of your cat)

What kind of pumpkin do I use for my pet?

100% canned pumpkin. Do not get a flavoured pumpkin puree as it could exacerbate existing problems with your pet’s digestive process. Most grocery stores will carry E.D. Smith Pure Pumpkin in a can. This pumpkin has the advantage of being freezable. If in an airtight container, E.D Smith can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Pumpkin Picky Eaters

Many canines and felines will happily eat a pumpkin puree poured right onto their kibble. We are not oblivious to the fact that many pets can be picky eaters and refuse to eat pumpkin. If you’re in a predicament where your pet is having digestion issues and want to try pumpkin out, here are some ways that you can prepare the pumpkin to make it a little more appetizing.

How to disguise pumpkin for your pet

Yogurt and pumpkin combination
  • Mix with canned pumpkin with no/low sugar vanilla yogurt
  • Dogs: 1 scoop of yogurt to 1 scoop of pumpkin
  • Cats: 5 scoops of yogurt to 1 scoop of pumpkin
Wet food pumpkin combination
  • Mix appropriate amount pumpkin into a serving of wet food
  • Wet food helps conceal the colour, smell, and flavour of pumpkin
Freezing your mixture
  • Using a spare ice cube tray, freeze the pumpkin puree that was mixed together
  • Serve over kibble or in a bowl by itself
  • Stores for up to 3 months frozen (airtight container)

Conclusion

If your pet has some digestion discomfort or is suffering from constipation, pumpkin can be an excellent addition to their diet in the right quantities. Be sure to use unflavoured canned pumpkin to not make the issue work. For a final tip, you don’t need to purchase your pumpkin from the pet store at a large markup, the grocery store pumpkin will usually be cheaper and more accessible.

*Note that if your pet has not had a bowel movement in two days and pumpkin is not helping, they should be taken to the vet. To help share the cost of veterinary expenses, why not get a quote on pet insurance HERE.