This lamb & pumpkin recipe is vet-approved and designed to calm sensitive tummies. With gentle fiber and novel protein, it’s a simple way to steady digestion while keeping meals allergy-friendly.
Introduction
Ethan’s digestion often shifted with the seasons—sometimes soft stools, sometimes picky eating. Adding lamb with pumpkin gave us a simple, steady base. Lamb worked as a novel protein, and pumpkin’s fiber helped regulate stool. For more on lamb feeding, see our Lamb Dog Food Guide or our Sensitive Stomach Guide.
This recipe is part of our 7 Vet-Approved Lamb Dog Food Recipes for Sensitive Pups. Browse the collection for more options.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ground lamb (cooked, drained) | 1 lb (450–500 g) | Protein source, gentler for sensitive pups |
| Pumpkin (plain purée) | 1 cup | Fiber + beta-carotene; helps regulate stool |
| White rice (soft-cooked) | 1/2 cup | Bland carb, binds stool & balances digestion |
| Olive oil (measured) | 1 tsp | Healthy fats for skin & coat |
| Calcium supplement (vet-approved) | As directed | Essential for balancing homemade meals |
Optional Add-ons: Green beans for extra fiber, or a spoon of plain yogurt for probiotics. Add one change at a time and observe carefully.
How I Cooked It Step by Step
- Cook the lamb: Brown ground lamb over medium heat, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess fat to keep the recipe light while still protein-rich.
- Prepare rice: Cook white rice until very soft, even slightly mushy. Softer rice is easier on sensitive tummies and blends smoothly with pumpkin.
- Make pumpkin purée: Use plain canned pumpkin or steam fresh pumpkin and mash. Avoid pumpkin pie filling—it often contains sugar and spices unsafe for dogs.
- Mix together: In a large bowl, combine lamb, rice, and pumpkin. Stir in olive oil and add vet-approved calcium powder as directed for balance.
- Cool & serve: Let mixture reach room temperature before feeding. Portion by weight into containers for easy meal prep across the week.
Print what you want
- Skillet or pan
- Rice pot
- – Mixing bowl
- Airtight storage containers
- 1 lb ground lamb cooked, drained
- 1 cup plain pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup white rice soft-cooked
- 1 tsp olive oil measured
- Calcium supplement vet-approved, as directed
- Optional: Green beans chopped, plain yogurt (1 spoon for probiotics)
- Cook ground lamb in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
- Cook rice until very soft and easy to mash.
- Prepare pumpkin purée (canned plain or freshly steamed).
- Combine lamb, rice, pumpkin, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Add calcium supplement; cool to room temperature before serving.
Why These Ingredients Are So Good
Lamb is a novel protein, often tolerated better than chicken or beef. Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, regulating both diarrhea and mild constipation. Rice offers a bland carb to stabilize digestion. Curious about ingredient simplicity? See our Limited Ingredient Guide.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approx. per 100g)
| Nutrient | Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~13 g | Supports muscle and coat health |
| Fat | ~5 g | Balanced energy and fat-soluble vitamins |
| Carbs | ~15 g | Steady energy with gut-friendly fiber |
| Calories | ~150 kcal | Appropriate for daily feeding with correct portions |
Feeding Guidelines
- Daily portion: 2–3% of body weight, divided into 2 meals.
- Transition slowly over 7–10 days to avoid upset—see our transition guide.
- Puppies and senior dogs may need different ratios—consult your vet before long-term feeding.
Storage & Safety
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight containers.
- Freeze portions for up to 2 weeks; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Never use pumpkin pie mix or add sugar, salt, or spices.
My Dog’s Reaction
Ethan licked the bowl clean, tail wagging. Within three days, his stool firmed up and coat looked shinier. A week later, his energy was steady, and he seemed more comfortable after meals.
Vet’s Tip
Pumpkin can soothe digestion but shouldn’t replace a full diet long-term. Rotate proteins for balance and keep fiber consistent. For allergy questions, see our Lamb Hypoallergenic Guide.
Easy Variations
Swap rice for oatmeal if your pup tolerates grains better. Add green beans for extra bulk. Rotate lamb with turkey or duck for variety—always one change at a time.
FAQ
Is pumpkin safe for dogs daily?
Yes, in moderate amounts. Plain pumpkin purée provides fiber and vitamins. Stick to 1–4 tbsp depending on your dog’s size, and avoid flavored or sweetened products.
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes—just choose plain, unsalted canned pumpkin. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar, spices, and additives unsafe for dogs.
Does pumpkin help diarrhea or constipation?
Both. Fiber helps firm loose stools and soften mild constipation. Consistency improves when it’s fed steadily for 3–5 days alongside a bland diet.
Can senior dogs eat this recipe?
Yes, pumpkin’s fiber supports older dogs’ digestion. Just check with your vet about protein and fat levels to match your senior pup’s needs.
Which Dogs Can Eat This?
✅ Suitable: sensitive stomachs, mild diarrhea, constipation-prone pups.
❌ Not suitable: dogs allergic to lamb, or those requiring very low-fiber diets—ask your vet first.
Explore More: Lamb Articles & Guides
Wrapping It Up
This lamb & pumpkin recipe gave Ethan calmer digestion and more predictable energy. Keep your pup’s meals simple, track response, and rotate gently. Explore the full lamb recipe hub for more ideas.
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