Being a proud owner of a donkey, you probably already know how much they enjoy treats.
Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, herbs, or leaves, donkeys are easy to please and eager to eat whatever they’re given as a reward.
Now that autumn is not far behind, we’re in full swing into pumpkin season, where the beautiful orange squash is used in everything from pies and doughnuts to coffee and coffee beverages.
When there is so much to appreciate, you may have questions like can donkeys eat pumpkins? Is it safe to feed my donkeys some of my leftover pumpkin?
Well Yes! Pumpkins, including the peel, flesh, and seeds, are okay for donkeys to eat. Using pumpkins in moderation and as a treat is a way to go.
You should only feed your donkey pumpkin as a treat because pumpkin is almost 100 percent water and consequently low in calories.
What Are The Health Benefits of Pumpkin?
1. Low Calories and High Fiber: Pumpkins are low in calories and high in fiber, they are nutrient-dense food that’s easy to prepare. It has 26 calories, 1 gram of fiber, and 92 percent water.
2. Good Source of Vitamins: A pumpkin is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin E, riboflavin, and thiamin. It also contains folate and pantothenic acid.
3. Combined 6 Essential Minerals: In addition, they are rich in magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, and phosphorus, which are all necessary elements.
4. High Water Content
Pumpkin is a healthy treat for donkeys because of its high water and fiber content, as well as its high mineral value.
5. Calcium and phosphorus aid in bone growth and repair, magnesium aids in metabolism, and potassium aids in muscular contraction. Usually, donkeys get these minerals from a vitamin and mineral supplement, which they ingest.
Related: Here is an article I wrote on how to keep flies off donkeys
How Often Should I Feed Them Pumpkin?
Treats for donkeys should be given in moderation due to their particular metabolism.
Moderation is crucial when it comes to feeding your donkeys pumpkin.
Your donkeys’ specific health and age should also be taken into consideration before you feed them any threats of any kind
Before making any dietary modifications or giving your donkeys new goodies, you should always speak with your donkey’s veterinarian or nutritionist.
In the off-season, you can give your donkeys pure pumpkin puree if they seem to enjoy it.
Use only pure pumpkin puree, and never pumpkin pie filling, while making this recipe.
Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, has all your favorite fall spices as well as added sugar.
Can Donkey Eat Pumpkin Flesh
You bet they can, pumpkin flesh has a high level of Beta carotene.
Beta carotene develops into vitamin A, which in turn makes the donkey’s skin look healthy and radiant.
Aside from that, pumpkin flesh builds the immune system of your donkey, especially the blood level.
Can Donkeys Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Thousand times Yes! Not only is pumpkin seed rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, it also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as antioxidants.
It’s a win-win situation for the heart and the liver.
Because pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, they help lower total cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering total cholesterol levels.
Also check out this article I wrote on donkeys and feeding them watermelon
Can Donkey Eat Pumpkin Leave
Definitely! Essential vitamins such as A and C can be found in pumpkin leaves.
In addition to promoting healthy skin and hair for your donkey, vitamin C aids in wound healing and scar tissue formation, as well as keeping strong bones, teeth, and gums.
So your donkey will be able to munch sweetly on those pumpkin leaves.
How can I feed pumpkins to my donkeys?
Keep the pumpkin peel on so donkeys may safely eat it. The pumpkin should be cut into small pieces to eliminate choking hazards.
If you wish, you can leave the seeds in the pumpkin because they are harmless for donkeys.
Limit yourself to a tiny handful of pumpkin snacks every day.
Are there any precautions to note before feeding donkeys’ pumpkins?
Yes, there are dos and don’ts that you need to note so as not to harm your donkey.
Donkey Pumpkin Dos
- Keep the pumpkin peel on so donkeys may safely eat it.
- The pumpkin should be cut into small pieces to eliminate choking hazards.
- If you wish, you can leave the seeds in the pumpkin because they are harmless for donkeys.
- Each day, limit yourself to a tiny handful of pumpkin goodies.
- Consider each donkey’s particular nutritional requirements.
- Donkeys can eat banana squash, Boston marrow, butternut squash, Crookneck squash, and summer squash.
- Do not mix rewards because some fruits and vegetables, such as gourd or squash, are poisonous to donkeys.
Donkey Pumpkin Don’ts
- Because they may contain dangerous compounds, do not feed your donkey pumpkin seeds suited for sowing to your donkey!
- When it comes to raw pumpkins, if your donkey has dental concerns, it may be difficult for them to chew.
- Hand-feeding pumpkin sweets is not recommended because it encourages biting.
- It is best to avoid feeding your donkey any pumpkins that are squishy or saggy, as they may contain mold.
- Feeding leftover carved pumpkins should be done with caution, and be on the lookout for melted wax.
Can donkeys eat pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie which is a dessert pie with a spiced pumpkin based custard filling can be fed to donkeys and they will like it.
Pumpkin pie contains numerous minerals and vitamins and can be used as a treat for your donkeys.
As always you should ensure that you feed them in moderation and do not make that their main meal.
So go ahead and include your donkeys when next you are making pumpkin pie and they will definitely thank you for that
Conclusion
Because they may contain dangerous compounds, do not feed your donkey pumpkin seeds suited for sowing to your donkey!
When it comes to raw pumpkins, if your donkey has dental concerns, it may be difficult for them to chew.
Hand-feeding pumpkin sweets is not recommended because it encourages biting.
It is best to avoid feeding your donkey any pumpkins that are squishy or saggy, as they may contain mold.
Feeding leftover carved pumpkins should be done with caution, and be on the lookout for melted wax.
