Fall is the perfect season for pumpkin, but can you share this seasonal favorite with your spaniel? In most cases, pumpkin for spaniel dogs is a safe and nutritious treat. But before you toss a scoop of this yummy food in your pup’s bowl or give them some as a reward, there are some important things to consider. This post will cover all the precautions you need to know when feeding pumpkin to spaniels so they can safely enjoy nature’s goodness.
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Is canned pumpkin good for dogs?
Well, the correct answer is Yes. Canned pumpkin has high water content. This keeps your dog hydrated and satiated. Plus, they are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, making canned pumpkin good for dogs.
Vitamin A helps with muscle and nerve function. Consuming vitamin A helps their fur to remain healthy and reduces shedding. Pumpkin contains Beta Carotene. It is a huge source of Vitamin A and gives the pumpkin its deep orange color. So, eating pumpkins can make your dog’s poop orange.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and keeps your dog’s immune system healthy.
Vitamin E is another antioxidant that keeps your dog’s eyes, skin, and immune system healthy. A deficiency in vitamin E can lead to reproductive, muscle, and eye issues in dogs.
Moreover, canned pumpkin contains several beneficial minerals like iron and potassium. They are also high in digestive fiber, keeping their digestive health healthy. It helps with your dog’s digestion and provides relief from constipation.
You should also check for prebiotics in canned pumpkins. Some brands add prebiotics, which is gut-friendly bacteria. These good bacteria kill the harmful bacteria in your dog’s gut and keep its digestive system healthy.
What quantity of pumpkins to serve your spaniel?
Just like any type of dog food, you should start slowly. A high amount of pumpkin can hurt the stomach of your furry friend. Start with one tablespoon of pumpkin daily, and gradually increase to four tablespoons.
It also depends on the size of the dog. 2-3 tablespoons are enough for medium-sized dogs like spaniels. However, the purpose of the diet also matters. You may give a decent amount of pumpkin if you are trying to treat constipation. However, if you use it for weight loss, you should serve a small amount.
You should also remember that there is no perfect dosage for canned pumpkins for dogs. Sometimes it might take some trial and error. That’s why it’s better to consult your veterinarian, as they can help you determine the correct dosage based on your dog’s health profile.
Precautions to take while serving Pumpkin your spaniel
Make sure your dog doesn’t have a poor stomach
Some dogs can quickly get diarrhea, and pumpkin is not exactly an ideal food for them. This is because it comes loaded with natural fiber. Fiber absorbs the water from the stomach and binds with other food. This softens the stool and makes it moves faster through the intestines. A high dose of pumpkin can make the poop go a bit faster, leading to diarrhea.
Opt for good quality pumpkin puree
There is a wide range of pumpkin items available in the market. However, you cannot always be sure of the type of preservatives, chemicals, additives, and allergens you may find in these foods. That’s why precaution is always better than cure.
Veterinarians recommend serving plain canned pumpkins to dogs. This is because they have less sugar and additives in them.
You can also try to give them fresh pumpkins. However, you cannot be too sure of the quality of the pumpkin. You have no idea how the pumpkin is grown. Whether it is organic, non-GMO, etc. Most importantly, we never know how long they are out. Sometimes mold can grow inside products, which are not easily detectable.
Serving a spoiled or moldy pumpkin will definitely make your dog sick. However, if you are giving pumpkin grown in your garden properly, discard the seeds and stem from the fruit.
Never give pumpkin pie mix
Don’t serve your dog pumpkin pie mix. Such products often come with additional ingredients considered highly toxic to dogs. This includes chemicals like xylitol and aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. Besides, most pie mixes also have food colorings and artificial flavoring agents. Make sure you read the label before buying any dog food.
Check for allergy symptoms
Some dogs are allergic to pumpkins. If you are giving pumpkins to your dog for the first time, make sure to provide them with a small amount. Then monitor them closely for a few hours for any allergic reaction. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, coughing, swelling around the face, hives breakout, or diarrhea.
It may contain a high amount of calorie
Some brands add a high quantity of sugars and flavoring agents to make the pumpkin delicious. Although sugar is not toxic for dogs, too much is undoubtedly bad for their stomach and teeth. Plus, if you are trying to get your dog to lose weight, then you should definitely avoid them. To ensure a safe dose, don’t exceed pumpkins more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Too much fiber can cause nutrition deficiency
As discussed earlier, fiber absorbs water and mixes it with food. As a result, they also absorb certain nutrients from the food that was supposed to be absorbed by your dog’s body. Too much pumpkin may decrease the amount of protein and nutrition intake from their food. This puts them at risk of certain deficiencies. You can try not giving anything else with pumpkin. You should talk with a certified veterinarian for a diet plan.
Conclusion
It is important to take precautions when it comes to feeding spaniel dogs pumpkin. Providing too much can cause constipation and a bloated stomach, not only affecting their digestion, but also leading to fatigue. Consequently, moderation is key when providing dogs with pumpkin; however, the nutritional benefits for spaniels should be taken into account when selecting healthy treats for your pup.
While the exact amounts of pumpkin needed for optimal digestion results are unknown at this time, you should gradually increase the serving size as your pet adapts to the pumpkin. Ultimately, introducing an occasional treat of pumpkins has numerous positive effects on your dog’s health with regards to digestion as well as overall wellbeing. As always, consult with your veterinarian prior to making any changes in diet or nutrition.
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