Question About Pumpkin

[Debbie and Bentley]

When my 18 wk. old puppy has a bowel movement, he will go what I consider a normal amount, but he continues to walk around as if he still has more to come.  When I say he walks around, it is not just a few steps, but will walk a minimum of 5-6 steps without anymore poop. Anyway, I didn't know if giving pumpkin once a day is a good supplement to add to his food, and may help improve the feeling that he still has to go.  My vet doesn't even recommend giving pumpkin for diarrhea because it can cause constipation or diarrhea.  Thanks

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There's no harm in giving a reasonable amount of pumpkin on a regular basis. It's just fiber. It won't cause constipation any more than adding any type of high fiber vegetable would, and certainly if a dog has diarrhea, a couple of spoonfuls of pumpkin wouldn't cause constipation. It will barely even firm up the stool very much. 

How many times a day does your puppy poop?  

[Debbie and Bentley]

He goes about 3-4 times a day. It is usually more soft than firm, but not diarrhea.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Okay, so if he goes every day, several times a day, and the poop is soft, then there is absolutely no reason to be worried about constipation, or about pumpkin causing any problems.  

He may need a food with a higher fiber content. 

[Debbie and Bentley]

Karen, I feed him Blue Buffalo puppy food.  I know it is now off the recommended food list.  Could I give him some pumpkin with his food everyday?  Do you think that would be enough added fiber?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It can't hurt to try. I'd add a tablespoon or two to each meal.

I don't know which BB formula you're using, but if the pumpkin doesn't help, you might consider switching to a grain free formula. Sometimes higher protein and less fillers can result in firmer stools and less stool volume.

[Debbie and Bentley]

Thank you so much, Karen. I will try the pumpkin, and will consider switching over to the grain free.