From Halloween doorstep décor to Thanksgiving pies, pumpkins are everywhere this time of year—making it the perfect season to tap into their surprising health benefits for your dog or cat.
Pumpkin is one of the safest, simplest whole foods you can add to your pet’s diet. Naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and hydration, pumpkin is a gentle digestive ally for both dogs and cats—from curious kittens to senior pups with sensitive stomachs.
Below, we break down why pumpkin works, how to safely add it to your pet’s meals, and what today’s veterinary research says about this fall-time superfood.
Why Pumpkin Is a Pet-Friendly Superfood
Pumpkin’s nutritional profile reads like a wellness checklist for pets. Here’s what makes it so effective:
Vitamin A & Beta-Carotene
Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A—supporting vision, neurological function, muscle health, and a vibrant skin and coat.
Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that strengthens your pet’s immune system and helps protect cells from everyday stress.
Vitamin E
An essential anti-inflammatory nutrient that supports mobility, eye health, and tissue repair—especially helpful for aging pets.
Essential Minerals
Pumpkin naturally provides calcium, potassium, iron, copper, and phosphorus, which support bone strength, healthy blood production, nerve function, and overall cellular health.
Fiber: The Digestive Hero
Pumpkin’s soluble fiber helps:
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Regulate stool consistency
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Ease constipation
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Firm loose stools
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Reduce hairballs in cats
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Feed beneficial gut bacteria
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Improve moisture retention in the digestive tract
This is why veterinarians commonly recommend pumpkin for pets with sensitive stomachs.
Hydration Support
Fresh or canned pumpkin contains a high percentage of water, which helps support kidney health, digestive function, and hydration — especially for cats, who often don’t drink enough on their own.
What Science Says About Pumpkin for Pets
Modern research supports what pet owners have seen for generations. Veterinary studies highlight pumpkin’s effectiveness in digestive and whole-body health:
“Diets containing pumpkin have been shown to significantly increase stool bulk and moisture retention, supporting healthy bowel movements in dogs.”
This helps explain why pumpkin works for both diarrhea and constipation.
“Pumpkin’s soluble fiber acts as a natural prebiotic, helping nourish beneficial intestinal bacteria and supporting overall gut health in companion animals.”
A healthy microbiome means stronger immunity, better digestion, and fewer GI upsets.
“Beta-carotene found in pumpkin contributes to antioxidant activity that protects cells from oxidative stress and supports immune function in dogs and cats.”
This is especially beneficial for senior pets or animals recovering from illness.
“High-moisture foods like pumpkin can improve hydration status in cats, which is essential for kidney function and urinary health.”
Moisture-rich foods help reduce stress on the kidneys and urinary tract.
These findings reinforce pumpkin’s role as a safe, nutrient-dense addition to most pets’ daily diets.
How to Add Pumpkin to Your Pet’s Diet
It couldn’t be easier to introduce pumpkin:
✔️ Mix Pure Pumpkin Into Their Meals
Choose plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin or fresh cooked pumpkin.
Start with:
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1 teaspoon for small pets
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1 tablespoon for medium/large pets
Blend well with wet or dry food for picky eaters.
✔️ Choose Pet Foods That Already Include Pumpkin
Many digestive-support formulas—including those we proudly craft at Sit Stay Forever—use pumpkin as a gentle, natural fiber source.
Choosing the Right Pumpkin
Here’s how to pick the safest pumpkin options for your pet:
Use 100% Pure Pumpkin
Avoid pumpkin pie filling — it contains sugar, spices, and additives that can be harmful to pets.
DIY Fresh Pumpkin Puree
Roast or steam organic pumpkin, remove the skin, and blend until smooth for a clean, homemade option.
Pumpkin Seeds
Plain roasted seeds can be a crunchy treat for people and pets and are often used as a natural deworming supplement.
General Feeding Rule
No more than 10–15% of daily calories should come from extras like pumpkin.
The remainder should come from a balanced, AAFCO-compliant diet.
The Bottom Line
Pumpkin is a fall-season favorite for a reason—and your pet can benefit from it long after the jack-o’-lanterns disappear. Whether you’re supporting digestive balance, boosting hydration, or simply sharing a wholesome seasonal treat, pumpkin is a safe and effective addition to your dog or cat’s wellness routine.
At Sit Stay Forever, we believe in whole-food nutrition, clean ingredients, and simple solutions that support the health of pets, people, and the planet. Pumpkin fits beautifully into that mission: gentle, natural, and backed by science.
Scientific References
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Panasevich MR et al. Journal of Animal Science & Biotechnology (2013).
Research on soluble fiber improving stool quality and moisture retention in dogs. -
Herstad KMV et al. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2017).
Study demonstrating the prebiotic effects of fermentable fibers in companion animals. -
Selim NA et al. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2015).
Findings on beta-carotene’s antioxidant and immune-support benefits in pets. -
Zoran DL & Buffington CAT. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2011).
Research on the hydration and urinary benefits of moisture-rich foods in cats. -
Chandler ML. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice (2019).
Comprehensive review on dietary fiber and gastrointestinal function in dogs and cats. -
Hall JA et al. Animals (MDPI) (2017).
Study on antioxidant nutrients (like Vitamin E and beta-carotene) in supporting cellular health.