Pumpkin for Senior Pets: Benefits, Cautions & Myths
With the bright leaves dancing in the breeze and whiffs of pumpkin pie, fall truly is a beautiful and delicious time of year for the senses! Pumpkin is a popular, natural food, not only limited to pie delicacies for us, but it is also commonly given to our furry friends. It has been used to help aid in digestive & bowel issues, preventing fur balls in cats, firm stools (by adding fiber) for anal gland problems, and some even believe the antioxidants & vitamins (potassium, Vitamin A, iron and beta carotene) in it that can help keep senior pets youthful. Canned pumpkin can also be used as a treat or helpful way to administer medications. But what is the science behind pumpkin? Is it a key missing ingredient in our pet’s diet?
We connected with Dr. Julie Churchill, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at the University of Minnesota (GO GOPHERS!). She informed us on the benefits, myths, and cautions of using this popular pet diet additive.
It is always best to speak with veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. Some senior pets may be eating special diets to address health issues or may have health concerns, and it is important to be sure that they are eating a balanced diet. We always recommend consulting your veterinarian prior to adding canned pumpkin or making substitutions. If you need help connecting with a compassionate, knowledgeable veterinarian for your senior pet, click here to find a veterinarian in your area.
How to Incorporate Pumpkin in your Pet’s Diet:
Incorporate only canned pumpkin, NOT canned pumpkin pie mix or raw pumpkin into your pet’s diet. Raw pumpkin is not very digestible and pumpkin pie mix has unwanted additives, including sugar and spices.
Pumpkin seeds contain antioxidants and can be a tasty treat for your pet.
Canned pumpkin is low in calories: ~ 85 Calories / Cup— so if fed judiciously, it won’t add much to the waistline in healthy pets. It also could help with slow weight loss if substituted for a small portion of your pet’s daily kibble.
Incorporate small amounts into your pet’s diet. Similar to any other treat! As a general rule, it shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your pet’s total daily calorie intake. If your pet is eating too much, it could negatively impact nutritional balance.
Can help increase overall fluid intake: Canned pumpkin is dense in water and overall adds fluid to the diet.
It is NOT an effective source of fiber. An entire cup of canned pumpkin only has 7gms of fiber…so a tablespoon, a more usual dose given to a pet, contains a negligible amount of fiber.
Caution! Canned pumpkin should be avoided if you pet has Kidney disease or Heart disease:
Canned pumpkin is HIGH in Potassium and generous in Phosphorous; This combination is not good for a pet with renal (kidney) disease. Read the labels on the canned pumpkin: Canned pumpkin without salt contains ~ 12 milligrams of sodium per cup, but some canned pumpkin brands with salt contain nearly 600 milligrams of sodium per cup! The high amount of added sodium would negatively affect a dog or cat with heart or kidney disease.
Canned Pumpkin Myths:
In conclusion Dr. Julie considers the benefits of pumpkin to be more of a myth. She says “I consider it much more of a placebo- people use it to manage diarrhea or other GI conditions and add fiber… A tablespoon contains such a negligible amount of fiber. There are many more effective fiber sources.” Dr. Julie does not routinely add canned pumpkin to a pet’s diet unless a pet truly loves it as a treat or some people use it to administer medication.
It is always best to speak with veterinarian before incorporating canned pumpkin or making any substitutions to your senior pet’s diet.
To connect with a compassionate, knowledgeable veterinarian for your senior pet, click here to find a veterinarian in your area.
Special thanks to:
Julie A. Churchill DVM, PhD, DACVN
Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist TM
Associate Professor, Veterinary Nutrition
Associate Medical Director