Can Pumpkin Help With Dog Diarrhea?
Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. Plain, canned pumpkin is available year-round and can be a great addition to your canine first aid kit.
Pumpkin can ease digestion in several ways. The soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy to cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower the pH level of the large intestines.
Fiber also acts as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are different from probiotics. They stimulate the growth or activity of these beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Fiber does this by lowering the pH level and providing the necessary nutrients these bacteria need.
These traits can all help with some cases of dog diarrhea. Depending on the cause of your dog’s diarrhea, veterinarians might recommend feeding either a highly digestible diet or a diet full of prebiotics (fiber). In some cases, they may also recommend adding probiotics, which are supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria. Pumpkin acts as a prebiotic booster for these probiotics.
What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Feed My Dog?
Plain, canned pumpkin is the healthiest choice for your dog. Both fresh and canned pumpkin are good sources of nutrients and fiber, but canned pumpkin contains a higher concentration of fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin. This is because fresh pumpkin has higher water content than canned pumpkin. However, canned pumpkin with added salt, spices, sugar, or other additives can irritate your dog’s stomach further, counteracting the beneficial effects of the pumpkin.
If you can’t get canned pumpkin, a good alternative is pumpkin powder, made specifically for pets. Note that you should NEVER use canned pumpkin pie mix, as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs with colitis eat eggs?
Common allergens in dogs include wheat and beef. Therefore, you should try to steer clear of these ingredients in their food if your dog has a known intolerance, or seems to suffer regularly from colitis. Lean white meat, fish, and eggs are all easier for dogs to digest.