Is Pumpkin a Safe Snack for Your Dog?

Fall is in full swing, which means pumpkins are in high demand. Pumpkin spice treats continue to grow in popularity. As we enjoy pumpkin loaves and coffee, we may want to share these delicious goodies with our furry friends. Luckily for them, pumpkin is perfectly safe to feed Fido!

Health Benefits of Pumpkins for Dogs

Pumpkin is excellent for your dog and helps with many issues. If your canine struggles with tummy trouble, the high fiber content in pumpkin should solve their discomfort. Healthy bowel movements have many benefits, like lessened stress and the expression of your dog’s anal glands. This will help prevent scooting and other health issues from evolving.

You’ll have a happy pup after a pumpkin treat because these gourds are packed with vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, potassium, and iron. Furthermore, the seeds are safe to eat and filled with zinc, magnesium, and copper.

Be careful not to overdo the pumpkin treats. While the health benefits of this orange snack are extraordinary, too much fiber in a dog’s diet can cause issues. Remember, most things are best in moderation.

Offering Pumpkin to your Pup

Most dogs will scarf down pumpkin puree or cooked pumpkin; luckily, these are the easiest types to enjoy and digest. If you want to give your pup some pumpkin picked straight from the patch, ensure it’s cooked beforehand. This will soften the texture, which prevents choking and blockages.

If this is a first-time treat for Fido, you may want to take things slow. Monitor your dog as you introduce a new food to their diet to ensure no allergies or other health issues are present after enjoying this tasty gourd.

Avoid flavoring your treats with chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, as these are toxic to dogs.

Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Recipies to Try

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Treats – It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder.
3. Add the pumpkin and peanut butter and blend until a sticky dough forms.
4. Remove from the processor and roll out on a lightly floured surface. (Use whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another flour that you have on hand.) Cut out cookies using a small cookie cutter of any shape or alternating squares with a knife.
5. Lay the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until dry and hard. Let them cool before giving them to your pup, and then store them in an airtight container. They should keep at least a week at room temperature, two weeks in the fridge, or you can freeze them.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Frozen Treats – Anchored Baking

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup non-fat PLAIN greek yogurt, room temperature
• 2 tbsp natural, unsalted peanut butter
• pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together. Spoon into paw molds or ice cube trays, making sure to entirely cover the bottom. Gently tap the tray on the counter to release air bubbles. Freeze for 1-2 hours.

Check out more yummy recipes here!

Now, you’re ready to split a yummy fall treat with your pup. Grab your coffee, snag a treat from the freezer, and enjoy the lovely weather as the seasons change!