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 Nov 7, 2022  Articles

Pumpkins For Pooches

We think about bright and beautiful pumpkins in fall (Lattes! Breads! Pies!) but with its superfood status, it’s a vegetable to eat-up year round. But is it safe for you to feed your dog? Yes, pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat and contains lots of beneficial nutrients that can help with everything from a shinier coat to better eyesight. However, too much of even a good thing isn’t good for your pup. Here’s what you need to know about feeding pumpkin to your dog and the best ways to dish it up!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FEEDING MY DOG PUMPKIN?

Pumpkins are a healthy treat, loaded with nutrients, fiber, and other good things for dogs.

  • Pumpkin pulp is naturally low in calories and sodium.
  • Pumpkin pulp is naturally high in antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein that support eye health and healthy skin and coat as well as potassium and Vitamins C and E. It’s particularly high in Vitamin A. Eating pumpkin pulp can support your dog’s immune system and potentially help fight off some diseases and infections.
  • Pumpkin can act as a prebiotic that feeds the friendly bacteria in your dog’s gut, which helps with everything from colon function to the immune system.
  • Pumpkin’s blend of soluble and insoluble fiber can be an effective remedy for diarrhea and constipation.
  • Pumpkin pulp’s fibers can help prevent anal gland irritation, which can mean fewer trips to the vet.
    If weight loss is an issue, as with human foods, pumpkin pulp makes an excellent fat substitute when making dog treats.
  • Adding a little pumpkin to your dog’s diet can also help your dog maintain a healthy weight because the fiber in pumpkin can help your dog feel fuller for longer.
  • Pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-fatty acids and in consultation with your vet might be used to treat parasites, dislodge kidney stones, and help control urinary incontinence.

HOW DO I INCORPORATE PUMPKIN INTO MY DOG’S DIET?

Pumpkin can be enjoyed by dogs in a variety of ways. There are many pumpkin dog treats, canned dog food and supplements that can easily be incorporated into your dog’s diet. As with any food, it’s important that you feed your dog the correct amounts of pumpkin. There is no real risk of overdosing on the natural nutrients found in pumpkin, however, eating too much could lead to nutritional deficiencies elsewhere, or even a potential calorie deficit. Many vets recommend feeding your pup anywhere from 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per 20 pounds of body weight, mixed in with their food at each meal. For puppies and very small or underweight dogs, only feed pumpkin in very small amounts as a treat.

Pumpkin seeds are high in fat and should be fed more sparingly. Avoid adding too much salt or oils to pumpkin seeds, as fatty, rich foods can cause a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis in dogs. It’s probably a better idea to roast those seeds for the two-legged family members to enjoy!

What about canned versus fresh pumpkin? There are ways to prepare fresh pumpkin for our DIYers or, if you don’t have a fresh pumpkin, canned will work too! Be careful not to feed your dog pumpkin pie filling or any canned pumpkin with added sweeteners or spices. You can also make your own pumpkin dog treats from canned pumpkin, but ensure that you include only safe ingredients for dogs in your recipes! Never forget to discuss your dog’s dietary changes with your vet to ensure pumpkin is part of their recommendation for a balanced diet.

READY TO GET YOUR PUMPKIN ON? TRY THIS RECIPE!

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon water, or more if necessary (Optional)

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Combine flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; stir with a spatula until combined.

  3. Transfer mixture to a work surface and work it with your hands until mixture starts to come together. Add 1 teaspoon water at a time (only if needed) to help make the dough workable, but don’t add too much as it should be dry and stiff.

  4. Roll the dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and transfer to a baking sheet.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until dog treats are golden brown and crunchy, about 40 minutes. Let cool before serving to your dog.

Not a baker but still want to participate in all the pumpkin fun? Just mix equal parts pumpkin puree with unsweetened plain yogurt and freeze for a scrumptious snack that doesn’t involve an oven! Either way, your dog will thank you for the treat and including them in all of this fall’s festivities!

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