Pumpkin for Dogs: Benefits, Safe Dosage & Fast Relief for Diarrhea

Pumpkin is one of the most effective whole-food remedies for digestive upset in both dogs and cats. Thanks to its high soluble fiber content, antioxidants, and nutrient density, pumpkin can help firm loose stools, ease constipation, support gut health, and even assist cats in passing hairballs.

Pureed organic pumpkin — unsweetened, unspiced, and ideally whole-food based — is a staple we recommend for many minor digestive issues. Pureed pumpkin for dogs is the fiber wonder for both diarrhea and constipation. For cat owners, pureed pumpkin is also recommended in aiding cats pass furballs through the backdoor and into the litter box.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and iron. Its high fiber content aids in digestion and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements.

Here is a list of pumpkin benefits for dogs and cats. Pumpkin is naturally rich in:

• Soluble fiber – regulates bowel movements and supports healthy stools
• Vitamin A, C & E – supports immune health and tissue repair
• Potassium – helps maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
• Antioxidants & beta-carotene – support gut lining and reduce inflammation

Because pumpkin contains mostly soluble fiber, it forms a gel-like substance in the gut, helping with both diarrhea and constipation — a unique benefit not found in many foods.

Does Pumpkin Help Dogs With Diarrhea? How It Works

Pumpkin is one of the best natural ways to stop mild dog diarrhea quickly. Its soluble fiber absorbs excess water in the intestines, helping firm up stools within 12–24 hours in many cases.

Other benefits include:

• Soothing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract
• Supporting beneficial gut bacteria
• The fiber in pumpkin helps absorb excess water in the intestines, which can firm up loose stools and promote more regular bowel movements.
• Additionally, pumpkin contains beneficial nutrients like beta-carotene, potassium, and antioxidants that support overall gut health.

Pumpkin helps cats with diarrhea as well.

Recommended Pumpkin Dosage for Dog Diarrhea

Because pumpkin is good for dogs with diarrhea, we often get asked, “How much pumpkin puree to give a dog?” General guideline: 1 tablespoon per 10 lb of body weight

• Small dogs: ~1 Tbsp
• Medium dogs: 2–4 Tbsp
• Large dogs: 4–6+ Tbsp

We normally recommend that you either skip one meal for your dog/ cat or alternatively, add the pumpkin to a tasty broth. Please make sure that the meat broth you cook for your pets does not have any onions in it.

Can Pumpkin Help Constipation in Dogs and Cats

The same soluble fiber that firms stools during diarrhea can also help soften and move stool during constipation by drawing water into the colon.

For cats, pumpkin is especially helpful to:

• Move hairballs through the GI tract
• Prevent straining
• Support regular litter box habits

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Dogs

Pumpkin seeds for dogs are often overlooked — but they may offer even stronger benefits than the flesh.

What Pumpkin Seeds Provide

Ground raw organic pumpkin seeds are rich in:

• Zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus
• Antioxidants
• Natural anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antioxidant support (may prevent cancer)
• Cucurbitin, an amino acid known to help expel intestinal parasites (including tapeworms)

While they support urinary health and skin, absorption is not as strong as other bioavailable whole-food sources — but they are still a useful functional food. So, yes pumpkin seeds are good for dogs. See below for how much pumpkin seeds you can feed your dog.

Pumpkin Seed For Dogs Dosage

• Ground raw organic pumpkin seeds: ¼ teaspoon per 10 lb body weight
• Whole seeds: Can be fed as crunchy treats if your dog tolerates them

Products like Honest Kitchen Perfect Form also include pumpkin seeds plus slippery elm — a great combination for dogs prone to digestive upset.

How to Store Pumpkin Safely

Once opened, pumpkin spoils quickly in the fridge. The best method is to:

1. Scoop pumpkin into ice cube trays
2. Freeze
3. Thaw one cube as needed

This ensures freshness and prevents waste — while giving you a ready supply for unexpected stomach issues.

If your dog gets into Thanksgiving leftovers or rich foods, Nature’s Logic Pumpkin Purée is a great canned pumpkin for dogs. If you are looking for pouch version of pumpkin puree for dogs or cats, we’d suggest Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up.

When Pumpkin Helps — and When It Doesn’t

Pumpkin for dogs is ideal for:
✔ Mild diarrhea
✔ Mild constipation
✔ Minor digestive upset
✔ Hairballs (cats)
✔ Stool-firming during diet transitions

Pumpkin is not enough for:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Parasites
• Pancreatitis
• GI infections
• Severe dehydration
• Bloody diarrhea

Can pumpkin cause diarrhea for dogs?

Yes. Pumpkin can cause diarrhea for dogs and cats if used normally and your dog or cat consumes large amounts of the fibrous part of they have too much pumpkin seeds. It can act as a laxative.

For our complete diarrhea guide, check out Dog Troubleshitting: Ultimate Dog Diarrhea Guide (for cats too). It explains when pumpkin for dogs may not be enough and you need to get to a vet.

Quick Serving Tips

For the best digestive support:

• Mix pumpkin for dogs or cats with bone broth (no onion)
• Add probiotics or fermented goat milk for enhanced gut health
• Provide fresh water to support hydration
• Rotate proteins to avoid food sensitivities

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