Pumpkin is a food that confuses many dog owners, because of the differing opinions on it. Some say pumpkin can help makes dog poop, others say it can help with diarrhea. The truth is actually somewhere in-between.
In this short guide I will explain how pumpkin can help dogs with constipation to make them poop but can also help stop diarrhea. Read on to find out how much you should feed them plus how fast pumpkin works for dog constipation.
Does pumpkin make dogs poop? Pumpkin can make dogs poop due to the fiber content which draws water into the stool, making it poop out easier. Fiber is a natural product that acts as a laxative to help with canine constipation.
Does pumpkin make dogs poop more?
Pumpkin should make dogs poop more, due to the fiber content. But how does it work exactly?
Fiber is good for digestion, and according to the Healthline.com website, it works like this:
“Even though your body can’t digest fiber, eating enough of it is thought to be very important for your gut health. This is partly because dietary fiber increases the size of your stools and makes them softer. Larger, softer stools help keep you regular, as they move more quickly through your bowels and are easier to pass.”
Whilst that quote above is intended to relate to the human digestive system, the same theory can be applied to dogs – meaning pumpkin whether it’s canned or in a puree form, can make dogs poop harder (e.g. more).
Can pumpkin cause diarrhea in dogs?
Whilst you might want your dog to poop more with pumpkin, it can actually lead to a diarrhea problem. In fact, on the MyOllie.com blog, they explain that:
“Fiber can sometimes exacerbate the issue. Gary Weitzman, DVM, President of the San Diego Humane Society and author of the book The Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness, says, I don’t recommend pumpkin for dogs with diarrhea. It won’t hurt your dog, but it’s probably not going to help.”
However, there is then conflicting information online that pumpkin can actually help dogs with diarrhea. For example, the Pet Health Network say:
“Fiber can act as a sponge that absorbs excess water within the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea has a myriad of causes and added dietary fiber can benefit some of them.”
But the majority opinion online seems to be that pumpkin can make a dog poop more if they have been suffering with constipation.
How much pumpkin should I give my dog for constipation?
Multiple online sources say that you should give your dog a tablespoon of pumpkin for every 10 pounds the dog weighs. So, for a 20-pound dog, that 2 tablespoons of pumpkin, cooked or in a puree format.
You can give a dog canned pumpkin to make them poop more but check the label and avoid anything with sugar or additive. You want pumpkin in the pure form if possible.
Disclaimer: The notes on this page are not intended to replace professional veterinary advice and is from my own online research. Always talk with your own vet before feeding pumpkin to your constipated dog.
How fast does pumpkin work for dog constipation?
Most dogs tend to digest food within 8 hours. That means if you do use pumpkin for your dog’s constipation, you should hopefully start to see it working in under 10 hours. The same goes for butternut squash.
If you dog still hasn’t passed a stool in 24 hours, that could indicate an issue that requires professional veterinarian advice.
Handy Hint: Did you know that some dogs are able to hold their poop for up to 8 hours if needed. Here’s all you need to know!
Related questions
Whilst researching how pumpkin can make dogs poop and the effects it has on constipation, I found some other topics you might also want to know. All answered below.
Does pumpkin make dog poop orange?
Pumpkin can make dog poop orange. It’s due to the beta carotene compound which not only gives the pumpkin its distinctive color, but also your dog’s poop!
Does pumpkin make dog poop taste bad?
This one is open to debate. Some online commentary says that pumpkin in dog poop will make it taste foul, others say it makes no difference.
If you are trying to discourage your dog from eating his own poop, pumpkin might not be the best choice.
Handy Hint: Some vets will often recommend human laxatives to help dogs with constipation instead of pumpkin. This can include Miralax and Dulcolax.
Conclusion
If you want your dog to poop more, then pumpkin might just be the thing. And if it’s a puppy you have, they are going to be pooping a lot in the day.
But, as with all things like this, please do ask your vet first to make sure it’s right for your particular pooch before you use it as the cure for canine constipation.
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Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/pumpkin-kabocha-squash-autumn-3806393/