How Much Pumpkin Should You Give Your Dog for Diarrhea?
If your dog has mild diarrhea, plain pumpkin can be a gentle and effective way to help regulate their digestion. Pumpkin is packed with fiber, vitamins (A, C, E), potassium, and iron—all of which support your dog's digestive and overall health. But how much should you actually give?
Why Pumpkin Helps Dogs with Diarrhea
Pumpkin's high fiber content absorbs excess water in the digestive tract and helps firm up loose stools. It also acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria in your dog's gut and supporting a healthy balance. Not only does this help with diarrhea, but it can also benefit dogs with mild constipation.
The Right Kind of Pumpkin
- Only use plain canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin.
- Avoid pumpkin pie filling or any products with added sugars, salt, spices (like nutmeg), xylitol, or other additives—they're harmful to dogs.
- Canned pumpkin is more concentrated in nutrients and fiber than fresh due to lower water content.
Recommended Pumpkin Amounts by Dog Size
- Extra-small dogs (2–10 lbs): 2 teaspoons once daily
- Small dogs (11–20 lbs): 3 teaspoons once daily
- Medium dogs (21–50 lbs): 2 tablespoons once daily
- Large dogs (51–90 lbs): 3 tablespoons once daily
- Extra-large dogs (91+ lbs): 4 tablespoons once daily
If you're dealing with a puppy or a particularly small dog (around 20–22 lbs), start with just 1–2 teaspoons per meal. Adjust gradually as needed—always watching for any digestive upset.
For a typical adult dog weighing about 60 lbs, 1–2 tablespoons per meal are usually safe for managing mild diarrhea. Begin with a smaller portion at first and increase only if necessary. Don't exceed the upper end of these ranges unless your veterinarian advises it.
How to Serve Pumpkin to Your Dog
- Mix the prepared pumpkin puree into your dog's regular food.
- Use it as a topper or stuff it into food toys like KONGs.
- You can combine it with other dog-safe foods such as plain yogurt or cooked chicken for variety.
Always introduce new foods slowly. Watch your dog for signs of intolerance or allergies—like vomiting, bloating, gas, or worsening diarrhea. If your dog refuses the pumpkin or develops any adverse reactions, stop giving it and talk to your vet.
Precautions and When to Call the Vet
- Moderation is key: Too much pumpkin can cause loose stools or gas.
- Treats like pumpkin should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories to avoid nutrient imbalance.
- If digestive issues last longer than 2–4 days or are accompanied by vomiting, blood in stool, lethargy, or dehydration—contact your veterinarian right away.
Pumpkin seeds are safe if roasted plain and ground before serving (to avoid choking hazards), but never feed rinds, stringy pulp, stems, or raw seeds.
The Bottom Line
Pumpkin is a nutritious addition that can help manage occasional mild diarrhea in most dogs when served correctly. Always use plain varieties without additives. Start with small amounts based on your dog's size and increase only if needed. If symptoms persist or worsen—or if you're unsure about the right amount—consult your veterinarian for guidance tailored to your pet's needs.
