Fall is the time of year we start thinking about your favorite pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin pie. But while you are enjoying your favorite fall pumpkin recipe, can your Chihuahua enjoy it too? Pumpkin has many health benefits for your Chihuahua and can treat and/or prevent many health issues.

Pumpkin is Rich in Healthy Nutrients

Did you know that one cup of cooked pumpkin although low in calories is rich with essential vitamins and minerals? It’s high in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and potassium. Vitamin A is great for your Chihuahua’s eyes and potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and improves muscle health, as well as assists in metabolism. All the healthy nutrients found in pumpkin include:

• Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamins A, C, E, B-6
• Riboflavin
• Potassium
• Copper
• Manganese
• Thiamin
• Folate
• Pantothenic Acid
• Niacin
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus

Pumpkin helps your Chihuahua’s current condition but also prevents many health issues that your Chihuahua might otherwise face in the future. And it tastes great! My Chihuahuas love it and I have made it a regular addition to my Chis’s diet.

Health Issues Pumpkin Can Treat And/Or Prevent

Diarrhea

Pumpkin for treating diarrhea is the most commonly known. Canned pumpkin is a super source of soluble fiber. The natural fiber slows down digestion by adding bulk to your Chihuahua’s stool.

Many Chi parents that I’ve talked to have been shocked at how quickly it works for diarrhea and loose stools.

If your Chihuahuas diarrhea continues after adding pumpkin to their daily food intake, take him to the veterinarian. Diarrhea can also be an indication of other ailments that need to be treated by your vet.

Constipation

Even though it may seem counterintuitive, pumpkin can also help treat your Chihuahua’s constipation. It is equally effective at easing constipation as it is diarrhea by increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your Chihuahua’s diet. Soluble fiber will help him to move his bowels comfortably.

When you use canned pumpkin puree it helps with other digestive issues. It is a gentle treatment unlike conventional drugs used to relieve constipation. And much, much less messy! Also, make sure your Chihuahua has plenty of fresh drinking water as dehydration can exacerbate his constipation.

Upset Tummy

As already mentioned, pumpkin can aid in all kinds of digestive issues, including an upset stomach. There are many reasons your Chihuahua may have an upset stomach. The most common reason is a sudden change in his food.

When switching your Chihuahuas food, whether it’s a change in brands or meats, always do it gradually. Gradually mix his new food in with his old food and add pumpkin to help ease and relieve the digestive tract.

If your Chihuahua’s upset stomach persists more than a day or two, take him to the veterinarian. A persistent upset stomach with diarrhea or constipation can be a symptom of many other issues such as allergies, ulcers, gastrointestinal blockage, and more.

Managing Weight And Promoting Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important for Chihuahuas and many Chihuahua owners struggle with maintaining their Chi’s ideal weight. Yes, an overweight Chihuahua is still just as adorable as his lighter weight peers, however, it puts great strain on his joints, and organs and reduce his quality of life tremendously.

Adding pumpkin to your Chihuahuas diet can help regulate his weight and because it is low in calories and high in nutrients, adding it can also help him to lose some excess weight.

Benefits of Pumpkins High Vitamin Content

Eye Health: As already mentioned, pumpkin is high in vitamin A. Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A in the liver. Beta carotene is wonderful for your Chihuahuas eye health.

Immune System: Pumpkin is high in vitamin C and vitamin C helps boost the immune system. Just like us, Chihuahuas are exposed to flues and other viruses, and adding it to his diet can help your Chihuahua ward off those viruses.

Prevent Certain Cancers

Vitamin C is an all-round immune booster but pumpkin also has other antioxidants. Antioxidants can prevent certain cancers from developing. Antioxidants help to destroy free radicals (oxidants) in your Chihuahuas system. Although oxidants are a natural part of his immune system, too many oxidants can contribute to certain cancers and damage the body. Pumpkin provides these antioxidants in your Chihuahuas system.

Slows The Ageing Process

Although we don’t want to even think about our Chihuahuas growing old and slowing down, we can’t stop time. The antioxidants that pumpkin provides can actually help to slow down the aging process and help them to age gracefully and live fuller lives in their senior years.

Soothes Dry Itchy Skin

Along with vitamin A, pumpkin contains zinc. These both improve your Chihuahuas skin and coat. The high water content in the pumpkin flesh contributes to more supple skin and a softer and shinier coat. Because of the added moisture, the skin will flake less and their coat will shed less.

The Added Benefits Of Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a very effective deworming agent. The seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties and promote heart health.

Pumpkin can help prevent and treat painful urinary tract infections. Does your senior Chihuahua have urinary incontinence? Pumpkins seeds — specifically pumpkin seed oil — can help with incontinence and or an overactive bladder. It can also prevent kidney stones from developing!

How Much Pumpkin Can I Give My Chihauahua?

The recommended amount of pumpkin to give your Chi is 1 tsp per 10 lbs of body weight a day. Mix it in with your Chihuahuas normal food. As with any new food, start adding pumpkin to their daily diet slowly. I’m pretty sure they will love the taste. Make it a little more (up to 1-2 tablespoons) for diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach. But don’t overload him with a brand new supplement if he already has any of these conditions.

For weight loss to start with substituting 1 tablespoon for 1/4 cup of regular food. Always watch closely for too much weight loss or if your Chihuahua seems to be always hungry.

Can You Give Your Chihuahua Too Much Pumpkin?

Although it would take a lot more than 1 teaspoon a day to cause problems, way too much vitamin A can be toxic. Too much fiber can also cause problems. It can cause your Chihuahua to become dehydrated and can inhibit the absorption of other nutrients. If you are concerned, talk to your veterinarian about it.

Caution

When selecting canned pumpkin make sure that it is plain pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling or canned pumpkin pie can contain xylitol which is very toxic to pets. Avoid pumpkin with added salt, spices, or sugar. These can have the exact opposite effect that you are hoping to achieve and can worsen any digestive issue. Keep it natural.

Can Chihuahuas Eat Pumpkin Seeds?

Yes, but, there are a few things to consider first. Be sure that they are unsalted. Natural is always best. Make sure they are shelled and roasted are best. Dogs are not always crazy about the slippery oval seeds. If you want your Chihuahua to have the benefit of pumpkin seeds but he won’t eat them, grind them in a coffee grinder and sprinkle them in with his food. He won’t know he doesn’t like them!

Pumpkin seeds can spoil and become toxic, so store them in a tight Ziplock bag and don’t let them sit for very long. They will last one-two months in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a week.