Pumpkin
Backed by Dr. Katie Woodley
BENEFITS
Pumpkin is a simple, powerful gut-supportive food for dogs. It’s rich in soluble fiber, which helps regulate stool, firming up diarrhea while also easing constipation. It acts as a gentle prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthier microbiome. Pumpkin also provides key nutrients such as beta-carotene and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the gut lining. Because it’s soothing and easy to digest, it’s especially helpful during GI flares or dietary transitions, making it a great foundational food for supporting overall digestive balance.
Serving Size
XS dogs
(< 10 lbs)
1 tsp
S dogs
(10 - 20 lbs)
1-2 tsp
M
(21 - 50 lbs)
1-2 tbsp
L dogs
(51 - 90 lbs)
2-5 tbsp
XL dogs
(> 90 lbs)
5-7 tbsp
FREQUENCY
Start with a smaller serving size and increase slowly over 2-3 days. Safe to feed daily.
HOW TO SERVE
- Purchase 100% pumpkin puree (with no added sugars or spices) when shopping for canned pumpkin at the store.
- Serve as a healthy treat or mix into your dog’s food as a meal topper.
IMPORTANT
Not every dog does well with pumpkin and may experience GI upset. If your dog’s stools are not responding, discontinue use.
arrow_rightReferences
Godglück A, Hankel J, Wilke V, Ullrich C, Visscher C. Investigation of the Digestibility, Fecal Characteristics, and Palatability of Oil Mil By-Products as a Plant-Based Protein Source in Canine Diets. Animals (Basel). 2025 Nov 13;15(22):3279. doi: 10.3390/ani15223279. PMID: 41301986; PMCID: PMC12649578.
Fritsch DA, Wernimont SM, Jackson MI, MacLeay JM, Gross KL. A prospective multicenter study of the efficacy of a fiber-supplemented dietary intervention in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea. BMC Vet Res. 2022 Jun 24;18(1):244. doi: 10.1186/s12917-022-03302-8. PMID: 35751062; PMCID: PMC9229818.