If you have a dog chances are you have experienced the unfortunate event of doggy doo doo that isn't in the form it should be. 

Yea, I'm taking about you seeing the pile of it and being confused if it's barf or the D word. Diarrhea..

Hopefully you cleaned it up, or at least talked your significant other into cleaning it. And hopefully it was outside and not in your house. If it was inside you might as well just toss that new expensive rug in the dumpster...

What's done is done. But I am going to tell you our little secret to preventing that from happening again ( or if it does it isn't as, well, explosive ).

In order to best alleviate your dogs upset stomach it is best to understand what is going on in your dogs body. There are many reasons that could cause diarrhea for your dog - everything from a mildly upset stomach to a serious illness such as parvo. 

Stress or changes in diet can send the stomach into a whirlwind as well. If your dog has bloody and constant diarrhea it is best to seek advice from a vet.

For the more common, milder cases, using a dietary supplement like pumpkin is a great way to help settle the internal volcano.

Why Pumpkin?

Pumpkin is an amazing source of rich and powerful fiber that is loaded with important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, E, C, and potassium and iron. You can feed canned pumpkin, or an easy and effective to feed pumpkin powder.

Pumpkin can ease digestion in a few key ways.

The extremely soluble fiber content in pumpkin adds bulk to your dog's stool by absorbing water, and fiber fermentation produces beneficial fatty acids that supply energy cells, stimulate intestinal sodium and water absorption, and lower pH level of the large intestine.

The fiber in pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic, which is different than a probiotic. They stimulate the growth of healthy and beneficial bacteria in the intestines and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by lowering the pH level and providing these essential nutrients like mentioned above.

What Kind of Pumpkin is Best for My Dog?

There are a few different ways to carve your pumpkin.

If you have access to fresh pumpkin, that is a very healthy option. However, most of us don't so we turn to canned pumpkin, or a pumpkin powder designed for dogs such as BACK 40 Dog's Organic Pumpkin Power.

It is important to note that you should never give your dog canned pumpkin pie as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

How Much Pumpkin Do I Feed My Dog?

To help alleviate your dog's diarrhea, add 1 tablespoon per 20 lbs to your dogs meal. As a best practice it is a good idea to start with smaller than recommended quantities to ease your dog into any new food and allow their stomachs to get used to it.

If you are unsure on how much to feed your dog you can always give your Veterinarian a call.

Can Pumpkin Help with Dog Constipation?

But wait, we told you pumpkin was an amazing super food and the benefits don't stop there!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, pumpkin can also help with constipation in your dog. Adding just 1-4 tablespoons of pumpkin to your dogs meal can help ease any mild constipation that your dog may be experiencing. 

It is always best to be aware of what is causing any health issues your dog may be having and to make sure that it is not a sign of a larger and more dangerous issue.

Consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog doesn't have an enlarged prostate, foreign material or bones in the colon, or any issue that could lead to an emergency if the problem persists.

All in all, pumpkin is an effective, affordable, and easy way to supplement your dog and ease their distress. Plus they absolutely love the taste!

If your dog doesn't love Pumpkin Power, you get your money back. Pretty good offer huh? We thought so. Only because we believe so much in how much it helps and want you to see for yourself with your own dog!