.png)
At this time of year pumpkin's seem to be everywhere, with Halloween fast approaching. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours and are delicious, nutritious and full of health benefits for us but are they just as good for our dogs?
Can my dog eat pumpkin?
The short answer is yes! Pumpkin is just as good for our dogs as it is for us, and is often added to dog food and treats for its health benefits, why not check the label on some dog foods when you get a chance.
Can my dog eat Canned pumpkin?
Your dog can eat canned pumpkin as long as it is plain. Avoid any pumpkin blends or mixes such as pumpkin pie fillings as these can contain ingredients that can make your dog ill.
Can my dog eat pumpkin seeds?
Cooked pumpkin seeds are perfectly fine to give to your dog, and your pooch will probably enjoy the crunchy texture. Cooked pumpkin seeds are great as.....
Easy to Carry Snacks: Once the pumpkin seeds are roasted, you can carry them to the dog park or anywhere in a plastic container or sandwich bag to function as a quick snack. You can even use the seeds as a training tool to reinforce good behaviour. When your dog sits, lays down, or performs some other command then give the pup a seed or two as a reward.
Meal Toppers: Why not add pumpkin seeds to your dog’s food for a tasty treat? Your pooch will enjoy the texture and the added flavour.
Added Nutrition: When wondering what does pumpkin does for dogs? You’ll be happy to learn that cooked pumpkin seeds are a fantastic source of zinc, magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Benefits of feeding pumpkin to your dog
Pumpkin is a great source of fibre, iron, potassium, carotene and vitamin A. But it also has many other benefits for your pooch!
Pumpkin helps your dogs digestion - Pumpkin is rich in fibre, and can therefore help your dog poop easily and help cure constipation and diarrhoea. Did you know dogs can suffer with acid reflux like us? Well they do and pumpkin can help easy the symptoms.
Naturally helps control parasites - regularly adding pureed pumpkin and cooked pumpkin seeds to your pooches diet is a good preventative measure to help ensure your pooch is parasite free. Pumpkin has high amounts of an amino acid cucurbitacin, which is actually toxic to many common dog parasites.
Aids in weight loss - Pumpkins have a high moisture and fibre content, which makes them a great tool for your poochies weight loss. Replacing some of your dogs usual food with pumpkin puree can help leave them feeling fuller for longer meaning they will not miss the calories being removed.
Pumpkin seeds help reduce urinary incontinence - Pumpkin seeds and flesh contain antioxidants, and the seeds, in particular, contain a healthy dose of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help dislodge kidney stones. In addition, pureed pumpkin seed powder is known to prevent urinary incontinence, which is the reduced ability to hold in urine.
Help boost immune system - Vitamin C is integral for immune health all around. When combined with vitamin A (beta-carotene), E, and other antioxidants in pumpkin for dogs. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals, or “oxidants” in your pet’s system, like yours. While oxidants are a natural part of everyone’s immune system, too many oxidants can contribute to cancers and damage the body. Boost your pet’s immune system by including fresh sources of antioxidants, such as those found in pumpkin.
Benefits your dogs eyes - Vitamin A is essential for your dogs eye health, and pumpkin's are full of it. Since Vitamin A is fat-soluble, add pumpkin puree for dogs with a little healthy oil will make the nutrients pack more punch. Mix your pup’s pumpkin on top of their regular food, or mix in a little flax oil for a healthy, satisfying treat.
Moisturises skin & coat - several nutrients found in pumpkin improve your poochies skin & coat. The high water content also contributes to supple skin and beautiful coat. As well as making your dogs coat look great the added moisture means the skin flakes less and less hair is shed.
Helps hydrate - many dogs are fed a kibble only diet and owners may struggle to ensure that their pooch is drinking enough water. Because pumpkin has such a high moisture content, adding it to their food as a topper can help ensure they are well hydrated.
How do I feed my dog pumpkin?
There are many different ways that you can feed your pooch pumpkin. Pumpkin treats, canned pumpkin, pumpkin supplements, home made pumpkin treats, cooked pumpkin seeds, and even raw pumpkin. Just ensure that any treats or supplements are specifically for dogs and that any canned pumpkin is pumpkin only and not a mix meant for pies.
If you fancy giving home baking a go we have provided some yummy recipes below for you to give a try.
Pumpkin Recipes
Why not share with us your pumpkin dog treats bakes @dottidogdeli, #dottidogdeli.
